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.

200 horses have been found dead in a Navajo region in northern Arizona.

Navajo Nation Vice President Jonathan Nez says these animals were searching for water to stay alive. In the process, they unfortunately burrowed themselves into the mud and couldn't escape because they were so weak.

Furthermore Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye state this tragic incident exemplifies the problem the Navajo Nation faces in an overpopulation of feral horses while horses dying at the Gray Mountain stock pond isn't new. It's a seasonal issue.

Australia’s fuel reserves will be reviewed by the Turnbull government to guarantee reliability stocks supplies.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described the review is going ensure “good housekeeping” however, Fair Media reports Australia has declining deserves of a 22-day supply of crude oil, 59 days of LPG, 20 days of petrol, 19 days of aviation fuel and 21 days of diesel.

The International Energy Agency expects countries to keep a 90-day supply but Australia has just under 50 days.

Redirection of funding for the NDIS in Victoria has seen money being taken away from mental health services.

Mental Health Victoria estimates that 11,000 people will now be left without support from specialist health workers.

The change comes in a saga of challenges between the NDIS and people with mental health problems, many of which do not qualify as recipients of the Scheme because their illness is not categorised as a lifelong disability.

Today for the first time ever Australia will take part in the European Film Awards’ Young Audience Award.

30 Brisbane children will meet at Griffith Film School in South Brisbane to collectively watch, discuss and vote alongside their European peers to select and announce a winner from three nominated films.

The Australian panel of the Young Audience Award is led by the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, the region’s highest accolade in film.