A survivor of child sex abuse has called the National redress scheme out of touch with the needs of Forgotten Australians.

The survivor said while the program helps compensate victims, it was a band-aid approach which did little to help treat trauma.

The scheme will be rolled out in July and will offer compensation between $10,000 and $200,000 to survivors who can prove they were victims of child sexual abuse.   

Italy new interior leader, Matteo Salvini says all Italian ports are now closed to a rescue boat carrying 629 migrants from Libya.

Salvini is making good on his electoral promise to halt the flow of the 500,000 migrants who have reached Italy in the past five years.

The Maltese government is rejecting a request to take the boat saying it should be taken to italian ports according to international law.  

A three-day ceasefire has been announced between the Taliban and the Afghan government for the religious holiday of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.

This is the first ceasefire in nearly 17 years since the militant government was toppled by the US-led invasion in 2001.

The Taliban says they are instructed to stop their offensive operations against domestic opposition but insists offensives on foreign forces should continue.

US President Donald Trump and North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un have arrived in Singapore ahead of their historic summit.

The two leaders will meet tomorrow to discuss denuclearisation from the North in return for economic relief from US sanctions.

The on-again, off-again meeting would be the first meeting between a North Korean leader and serving US President in history.

Queensland councils are planning a $2.5 billion plan to build 5-8 power plants to generate household waste into electricity.

Local Government Association of Queensland chief executive Greg Hallam says it’s not burning but allowing natural bugs to decompose waste to produce gas which generates electricity.

Councils are wanting the power plants in place by 2028.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is committing $18.3 billion in health funding despite predictions the state budget will see debt level at $83 billion.

Funding will include money for upgrades to Logan, Caboolture and Ipswich hospitals.

Labor says the funding was necessary to ensure Queensland can continue to have the best doctors, nurses, midwives and medical transport services.

The Bureau of Meteorology autumn summary has revealed this past autumn has been the fourth warmest on record in Australia.

The reports also revealed below average rainfall for most of the country during autumn, with significant drought conditions for New South Wales, north-west Victoria and eastern South Australia.

The bureau is forecasting winter is likely to be drier than average in south-east Australia and parts of WA.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and his partner Vikki Campion travel have been subjected to a number of inquiries by an independent watchdog.

The Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA) began an ongoing inquiry into the couples travel expenses in February, Mr Joyce has been asked 79 questions by the IPEA.

The IPEA ensures federal politicians do not misuse their entitlements.

World leaders at a conference hosted by China criticised the US’ decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the pursuit of mutual benefit at Beijing-Moscow led summit.

The call for unity comes after the recently chaotic meeting of G7 nations.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.