The state government is launching “get ready Queensland week” this week in preparation for the Summer natural disaster season ahead.

The efforts aim to increase Queenslanders’ preparedness for the upcoming wet season through three household steps: understanding risks, making an emergency plan, and packing an emergency kit. 

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbot has come under fire from the Chinese embassy over comments on his recent visit to Taiwan.

In Taipei, Mr Abbot raised concerns about possible aggression from Beijing amid growing tensions between Taiwan and China. 

Less than a month after it was legalised, a second person has been killed while diving for Beche-de-Mer in the Solomon Islands.

Both deaths came from separate crocodile attacks while the men were diving for sea cucumbers, a culinary delicacy in high demand in China and South-East Asian nations.

Power is back up and running in Lebanon, following a blackout of the nation’s two biggest power stations on Saturday.

Fuel shortages were cited as the cause of the nationwide power outage, with the energy ministry now announcing it has secured 136 million dollars in credit to import fuel. 

A Queensland Police Officer will be subject to a “full review” of a fine issued to Councillor Jonathan Sri after Facebook posts revealed regular criticism of the councillor. 

Senior Constable Borg made numerous comments criticizing the councillor calling him a “dishonest grub”, while joking about having a bonfire party with Cr Sri’s election yard signs. 

After no new cases recorded on Friday, strong indicators have suggested that the state could open by November.

After eases in social distancing and mask usage, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has so far resisted to give a firm date but still projects vaccination rates are projected to reach 70-80 percent.

Sydney has ended its lockdown, with restrictions eased for those vaccinated. 

Lines of people to retail shops were witnessed before midnight as non critical retail stores are allowed to reopen with density limits for those fully vaccinated.

Taiwan has vowed not to “bow” to China.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen says the island will not “act rashly” after responding to remarks made by Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vow of “reunification”.