A new United Nations report says at least 36 people, including 30 children, were killed in a helicopter raid by the Afghan government as they attended a religious ceremony.

The Afghan government said the April 2 attack was intended to hit members of a Taliban special forces group as well as a senior leadership group.

The UN could not confirm any allegations of the helicopters deliberately targeting civilians.

Red-hot lava is seeping through the streets from the Kilauea volcano, known to be the most active volcano in Hawaii.

In its latest update, twenty-six homes have already been destroyed says Hawaii’s Civil Defence Agency.

The residents were prepared with evacuation orders in place Monday for the hundreds of residents in the eastern part of Hawaii.

The New South Wales state government has referred the state’s consent laws to the law reform commission following a four corners investigation of a high profile sexual assault case last night.

A Sydney man was found not guilty of sexual assault despite that the jury and two judges finding that the victim did not consent.  

The complicated laws surrounding consent that impacted the outcome of this particular case has caused New South Wales Attorney General, Mark Speakman to refer these laws to the Law Reform Commission.

The federal government will announce their budget tonight and is warned not to be ‘mammoth’.

The government is set to unveil tax cuts worth $10.50 a week which may affect low and middle-income earners.

The ABC reports the budget will also include plans to increase funding for home care packages, reducing the backlog.

Companies that steal wages from employees may soon face higher penalties in Queensland.

On Monday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced a parliamentary inquiry which will listen to workers’ stories about wage theft around Queensland.

Ms Palaszczuk said the inquiry could result in larger fines for businesses that violate the rules.

Queensland Deputy Premier Jackie Trad has stated she hopes the federal government will allocate some funding for the Cross River Rail in the new budget to be announced tonight.

Cross River Rail is planned to be an over 10 kilometre rail line between Dutton Park and Bowen Hills but has taken a back seat since extra funding was allocated to the Brisbane Metro project.

Malaysia’s upcoming election this Wednesday could be a major turning point in the country in it’s 14th election since independence.

Prime Minister Najib Razak’s party, Barisan Nasional, has been in power since 1956 but is facing fierce opposition from a former party member.

Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad who retired in 2003 after being in charge for 22 years has returned and switched sides to the opposition to contest the current government.

North Stradbroke Island owners alleges several domestic dogs have damaged native wildlife since February.

Undisciplined domestic pets are claimed of killing 24 kangaroos according to the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation.

The Redland City Council reinforces the priority is to focus on the people who own domestic animals and educate and build awareness of their obligations and responsibilities in keeping both people and wildlife safe.