The most remote and pristine parts of the Amazon rainforest are now under threat from a new proposed law that would allow a network of roads to be built through Peruvian owned parts of the jungle.

The proposed law, which emphasises the developments of roads as a ‘priority’ and ‘in the national interest’, came just hours after Pope Francis’s visit to Peru, in which he expressed concern for the wellbeing of the Amazon rainforest and its indigenous peoples.

New research has revealed at least 445 LGBT+ Brazilians have died as victims of homophobia in 2017, following a 30 per cent increase of reported deaths from the previous year.

LGBT+ activist Luiz Mott, attributed such homophobic violence to the prominence of the countries ultra-conservative politicians and televised evangelical programming that often equates homosexuality with the devil.

At odds with its reputation for being an inclusive nation, Brazil is one of the world's most violent countries, with over 62,000 homicides reported in 2016.

Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Rimbink Pato, recently assured Australia that PNG will still have good relations with Australia despite growing relations with China.

This came after Australia’s International Development Minister, Concetta Fierravanti-Wells showed concern for the investment and aid by the Chinese, questioning the benefits of certain Chinese projects in the Pacific.

The average wait time for people calling Centrelink increased over the last financial year an average of 15 minutes and 44 seconds, with several lines averaging wait times of around 30 minutes.

Some individuals have even reported they waited over an hour before they got through to Centrelink, and that they were passed between quite a few staff before their matters were resolved.

Australian cafes are rationing avocados, with the fruit going for as much as $9 a piece in supermarkets.

According to Brisbane wholesaler, Peter Kedwell, supplies have fallen due to lighter than average avocado crops and unusually short seasons, with Australia’s love affair with avocados having may upset the market balance.

Avocados Australia chief executive John Tyas says the cost should come down soon, as some growers are picking now, rather than late February when the season was expected to start.

The multi-million dollar estate left by former Brisbane lord mayor Clem Jones will be used to help drive the campaign to legalise voluntary euthanasia in Queensland.

Clem Jones Trust chairman David Muir said after supporting the push for euthanasia laws in Victoria last year the trust will now push for Queensland to make the change.

Mr Muir said the current laws have left people with the choice of enduring intolerable suffering or breaking the law to end their life.

Seattle is home to the world’s first checkout-free store, Amazon Go, which has no cashiers, no lines, and no registers.

Using sensors and hundreds of ceiling cameras, items which customers pick up or return to shelves are tracked and updated on the customer’s app.

Food retailing and consumer behaviour expert Dr Gary Mortimer says he expects this technology to be available in Australian stores in five to ten years.

The United States is set to open its Jerusalem embassy by the end of 2019, two years before the previously announced date of 2021.

This move comes after the decision was made to repurpose the Jerusalem based American consular building, rather than construct a whole new structure for the embassy.

This follows the controversial statement made by United States President Donald Trump, who recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, angering many Palestinians and the broader diplomatic community.

Indigenous Labor frontbencher, Linda Burney has called on the government and the Greens to change their focus from the date of Australia Day to pressing indigenous issues.

Ms Burney hopes that they would focus on social justice outcomes around incarceration, health and education among the indigenous community.

There has been ongoing debate to change the date of Australia Day, as it serves as a reminder of the painful past of many indigenous people.