Descendants of the South Sea Islanders forced or duped into a form of slavery on Australian plantations hope a historic apology from the mayor of Bundaberg will set a national precedent and provide the catalyst for atonement at the highest reaches of government.

The Crime and Corruption Commission has confirmed former Education Department deputy director-general Jeff Hunt was on paid leave during his 14 month suspension after being stood down for corruption.

Hunt was paid his salary of $334,000 during the ongoing investigation into the controversial hiring of a Brisbane school principal.

High numbers of wild lorikeets in South East QLD and Northern NSW have fallen victim to the seasonal Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome in recent summers. 

Affected birds are unable to fly and in severe cases unable to blink or swallow. 

China dispatched a veteran diplomat known for pushing back against Western criticism to serve as its next ambassador to the U.S., an appointment that suggests Beijing is bracing for a period of prolonged tension with Washington.

Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray risks running out of food within days if the critical aid routes are not reopened. 

The only access route into the region was cut off last week after an attack on a World Food Programme convoy.

One hundred and fifty trucks with food and supplies are held up in Semera allegedly “pending security clearances". 

Ben Pennings will be able to see the confidential information that underpins Adani’s allegations against him, as the Supreme Court has formalised orders agreed out of court by both Adani and Ben Pennings in relation to the decision handed down on June 25.

Brisbane is running out of land for new homes according to documents released during the Queensland state budget hearings.

Under current state government rules, all local government areas should have 4 years’ worth of approved lots.

However, Brisbane has less than three years and Noosa has less than 1 year.

Three new magistrates Mr Shane Elliott, Ms Stephanie Gallagher and Ms Megan Power have as of Thursday been appointed to courts in Brisbane, Charleville and Innisfail with one also to undertake the role of Brisbane Coroner.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has stated whether the Australian economy can avoid a second recession in as many years will depend on the success of the lengthy NSW lockdown.