A German nationalist protest against Chancellor Angela’s Merkel’s government in central Berlin was met with counter-demonstrations and a heavy police presence on Sunday.

Police say over 5,000 people are reported to have attended the protest, which was organised by the anti-migration Alternative for Germany.

Counter-protests against this event and other far right groups reportedly attracted over 25,000 people in total.

The European Union has proposed a ban on single use plastic items, which is proposed to take effect in 2025.

Items such as straws, balloons, and plastic cutlery would be banned in an effort to reduce carbon emissions, help marine life and save over 6.5 billion euros.

Countries in the EU would be also expected to educate people about sustainability and effective disposal of plastic waste.

The Australian Greens party are pushing for a parliamentary inquiry into the allocation of funding for the Great Barrier Reef.

Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson is moving for a senate inquiry into how $444m was awarded to the non-for-profit Great Barrier Reef Foundation despite existing government reef agencies allegedly not being considered.

If supported by the Labor party, the investigation will also be looking to consider whether the foundation is capable of meeting the objectives of the government’s Reef 2050 plan.

Aboriginal communities in Tasmania have expressed concern about a planned installation for Tasmania’s leading arts festival Dark Mofo.

It has caused contention amongst Indigenous communities as they believe that the piece is insulting and obscures their history.

The installation involves an artist being confined in a steel container under a busy street for 72 hours to memorialise colonial and genocidal violence.

Heads of emergency services volunteer organisations are meeting in Brisbane this morning for their third Emergency Volunteer Advisory Forum.

State Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford is attending the meeting, which will see key agencies collaborating to help bring positive outcomes for emergency services volunteers.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the forum provides a crucial platform for volunteers to raise important issues with senior levels of government.

Queensland Health has released a measles alert in South Brisbane and Logan.

A child diagnosed with measles visited several public locations on Friday the 25th, including Springwood Shopping Mall and the Logan Emergency Department.

Health professionals advise people who are concerned about their immunity to contact their doctor.