Queensland’s two most senior government leaders have questioned the staged national reopening plan, demanding research on the vulnerability of children and suggesting under-12s be included in calculations around easing restrictions.

During Question Time in Queensland Parliament on Wednesday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was repeatedly quizzed by the LNP Opposition on the staged national reopening plan.

Queenslander Joel Coughlan and teammate Ma Lin have a chance to win Paralympic Gold in the Men's team table tennis. 

After defeating Nigeria 2-0 in the men's teams semi-final on Wednesday, the stage is set for a gold medal showdown against powerhouse China this Friday.

Joel Coughlan who resides in Rockhampton will finally get his chance at glory in his debut campaign. 

In a major boost in  the fight against coronavirus in New South Wales, the state is on track to hit a new vaccine milestone.

The state is on the verge of reaching 70% of single dose vaccines from today, the first in the country to do so.

And by October 21, 70% of people in NSW are expected to have had both doses of the vaccine.

Unaccompanied children were among those who were evacuated from Afghanistan's capital on Australian rescue flights, the federal government has confirmed. 

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said on Wednesday that less than 10 minors are currently in Australia, all who are believed to be aged over 10 years old. 

She said, “We all witnessed the scenes in Afghanistan where people were passing their children through the gates”.

“There are some unaccompanied minors here in Australia at the moment who are being well cared for.”

An open letter signed by 80 of Australia's biggest businesses has called on state premiers to stick to the country's national reopening plan.

Doubt has arisen over the likelihood of lockdowns ending once the national vaccination rate reaches 80 per cent, despite all states and territories agreeing to a unified plan as part of the National Cabinet.

Under the Australian Constitution, the power to control state borders rests solely with state governments.

Wangan and Jagalingou Cultural Custodians have marked one week of continuous presence at ‘Waddananggu’ - their ongoing cultural ceremony at the edge of Adani’s Carmichael mine site.

Wangan and Jagalingou man Coedie McAvoy said, “We are holding this space, by practicing our culture. It’s exciting to be here on our own Country, protecting it from this destructive and manipulative company.”

According to the co-author of IPCC’s next report on the impacts of climate change,

“South-east Queensland is at risk from more extreme weather events as a result of climate change, and they’re starting to compound.”

It is believed the state will be subject to stronger tropical storms, bringing heavier flooding and coastal erosion. 

Bushfire seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer, and water conservation is increasingly a problem.

With regions such as Ipswich and Springfield, set to face rapid heatwaves and storms.

Some specialist mental health workers are closing their books to new patients due to overwhelming demand for support during the pandemic.

There has been a shortage of psychiatrists in Australia for many years, but increased demand due to the pandemic has exacerbated the issue.

The president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Vinay Lakra, admitted the system was struggling to cope.

Almost a third of the world’s tree species are at risk of extinction, while hundreds are on the brink of being wiped out, according to a new report.

The landmark study, published by Botanic Gardens Conservation International on Wednesday, said some 17,500 tree species are at risk of extinction, while 440 species have fewer than 50 specimens left in the wild.

The Botanic Gardens International Secretary-General Paul Smith said in a statement. “This report is a wake up call to everyone around the world that trees need help.”

Afghans who worked for British troops will be entitled to indefinite leave to stay and a right to apply for UK citizenship in the future, as hundreds of those eligible for evacuation remain in Afghanistan.

Dubbed ‘Operation Warm Welcome,’ the British government unveiled on Wednesday, Afghans arriving in the UK will receive the vital support needed to rebuild their lives.

Those who have already relocated to Britain under the Afghanistan Relocations and Assistance Policy will be able to swap their temporary leaves for permanent ones, a government statement said.