Troops will be deployed to the Queensland border in a bid to block New South Wales' rampant COVID-19 outbreak from breaching the state line.

The military deployment, in the form of 100 soldiers based along the border, was requested by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. 

There will also be a recategorization of essential workers who are allowed into the state.

Almost 10,000 people have signed an open letter pleading with Scott Morrison to act on Afghanistan.

Published on Wednesday, signatories called on the federal government to increase Australia’s humanitarian intake by at least 20,000 people, prioritising vulnerable and persecuted Afghans. 

The petition included a plea to expedite the resettlement of interpreters and other personnel involved in Australia’s mission in Afghanistan.

Petition has also asked to grant protection to Afghan refugees in Australia on temporary visas.

Removal of quota for Australian-made kids' TV shows hits production companies and local jobs. 

When the pandemic hit, the federal government removed quotas that required broadcasters to use 55 per cent locally made content.

Aspects of the quota have now returned but there is no longer any quota for locally made kids' content.

Australian production companies warn they have had to let go of experienced staff and will struggle to rebuild for the future.

Afghan President Ghani has spoken for the first time from exile in the United Arab Emirates after fleeing the country following the Taliban’s entrance to Kabul.

President said he left Kabul to prevent bloodshed and denied reports he took large sums of money as he departed the presidential palace.

Ghani has been bitterly criticised by former ministers for leaving the country suddenly.

Ambassador Mohammad Zahir told a news conference that Ghani “stole $169m from the state finances”, and also called his flight a betrayal of the state and the nation.

The United Kingdom has announced they will take in 20’000 refugees scheme from Afghanistan in the next few years, on top of their pre-existing refugee plan, with UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, promising 5000 refugees will find a home in the UK this year.

It was noted that women and young girls would be the priority, along with interpreters and those who worked for the UK. 

Johnson spoke with US President Joe Biden on Tuesday evening and has committed to working closely with the US through the crisis.

Queensland construction workers will fight any laws making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory on building sites, after the state made proof of vaccination a condition of entry for NSW construction workers.

Only police, health workers and certain construction workers who have had at least one vaccine dose will be able to enter Queensland from NSW from 1am on Saturday.

the RAAF mission to rescue Australians stranded in Afghanistan is now underway after the plane was seen briefly on a flight radar leaving the Afghan Capital before going dark shortly after.

The ABC reported that Australians were told to head to Kabul’s airport late last night, however, officials noted the airport was in chaos with thousands attempting to board flights to leave Afghanistan.

The death toll from the major earthquake that struck Haiti has surged to 1,941, while the search for survivors has resumed after the passing of a tropical storm.

Haitians that were affected by the severe earthquake are clamouring for food, shelter and medical aid as hospitals struggle to tend to all those injured.

Thousands are injured as many still remain under the rubble of fallen down buildings and houses. Authorities are expecting the injury and death toll to increase in the coming days.