Tasmania has become the first state in Australian history to elect a majority of female MPs, with votes from the election in early March finalised this week.

Local politicians said this milestone was “overwhelmingly exciting” with 13 women and 12 men elected to Tasmania’s lower House of Assembly.

Michelle O'Byrne, the deputy leader of the opposition Labor party, said, "it demonstrates to young women that a political future and leadership roles are attainable".

Two rival Somali clans have signed a groundbreaking peace deal which aims to end the cycle of revenge killings.

There has been tension between many Somali clans due to rivalry and competition over resources such as grazing land for livestock and access to water.

MP Ahmed Bahir Mahmood says it has been recognised that the punishments are more severe than before and says the deal with the new strict measures would work.

The main rebel group in southern Syria says it is negotiating with a United Nations delegation about ceasefire, aid and the evacuation of urgent medical cases.

Reports estimate that approximately 50,000 people had left the southern pocket of eastern Ghouta in the past 72 hours and that thousands had left on Sunday.

Wael Alwan,the Istanbul-based spokesman for the rebel group Failaq al-Rahman, states the group is in serious negotiations to guarantee the safety and protection of civilians.

Health officials warn a confirmed case of measles has been identified in the Brisbane area.

Public Health physician Dr Bhakti Vasant said the infected person visited Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary last Sunday, Woolworths on Fifth Avenue in Marsden on Wednesday, and Logan Hospital on Thursday and Friday.

Health officials say anyone who develops measles-like symptoms in the next three weeks should stay at home and contact their doctor for advice.

A Brisbane business owner who is owed $1 million is furious at the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) for what he labels a lack of action and regulation.

Stefan Styles operates one of Queensland's largest shower screen and wardrobe companies, employing about 120 people. Mr Styles said the industry is still recovering from a difficult year, and says the QBCC is to blame.

A QBCC spokesperson said that over 300 licensees were suspended or cancelled in the last year for not meeting Minimum Financial Requirements (MFR).

At least 40,000 hectares have been burnt through in Victoria’s west. Authorities believe the fires were sparked by lightning strikes on Saturday night.

Emergency warnings or ‘watch and act’ alerts were in place for up to 40 towns as hot weather and strong winds fanned numerous blazes around Camperdown, Warrnambool and Hamilton.

Victoria's Emergency Management Commissioner, Craig Lapsley says no deaths, missing persons or major injuries have been recorded.

The Australian Capital Territory Greens will table legislation to improve access to medical abortions this week in Canberra.

The 2018 Health Amendment Bill will make medical abortion available to women across the ACT, improving access for Canberra women to exercise their reproductive rights if the bill is passed.

Greens spokesperson for Women Caroline Le Couteur said that “it is not acceptable that Canberra women are forced to travel interstate to access medical abortions.”

Female president of Mauritius, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, will resign this week over claims that she used a credit card that was provided to her by an NGO for personal expenses.

The president’s lawyer, Yousouf Mohammed said in an interview with a local news agency that Ms Gurib-Fakim has resigned for the “stability of the country” and that she would be leaving office on the 23rd of March.