Queensland’s corruption watchdog is urging public servants not to access citizens' private data illegally.

Crime and Corruption Commission chair Alan MacSporran said doing so could have detrimental consequences for victims of crimes, including domestic violence.

Mr MacSporran said public servants who access private data do so for curiosity, to gain a benefit or because of stress and warns offenders will be dealt with within the watchdog's internal disciplinary system.

At least 19 people have died and 87 are missing following widespread and week-long protests in Colombia. 

Protests against changes to Colombia’s tax system and President Ivan Duque have allegedly been met with excessive force, with some police officers shooting at demonstrators. 

Mr Duque's government withdrew the tax plan on Sunday and his finance minister resigned the following day, but large demonstrations and roadblocks have continued. 

Nicola Sturgeon could be elected as First Minister for another 5 years as Scotland heads to the polls in a Parliamentary election today. 

Ms Sturgeon’s pro-independence Scottish National Party is expected to win the majority in the 129-seat parliament. 

Ms Sturgeon promises to hold a second referendum on Scottish independence in 2023, if the SNP wins.

The Federal Government's outbound travel ban will be challenged in federal court by LibertyWorks - a conservative non-profit group. 

The group launched legal action against Australia’s travel ban in December last year, arguing it is a breach of fundamental human rights. 

LibertyWorks representatives said inbound passengers could remain while outbound travelers could be made aware that leaving Australia does not guarantee a return.

Brisbane City Council introduces ‘family-friendly’ hours and video conferencing for its council and committee meetings. 

Councilors campaigned for the changes last year to better support participation and flexibility, particularly for those who need to care for children.

Cr Adrian Schrinner said the move supports councillors who have children to participate in the democratic process.

“It is really important that we support parents in our team with that flexibility,” he said.

Brisbane City Council is questioning whether $22 million is enough to fill Anastacia Palaszczuk’s pledge to fill Riverwalk gaps at Kangaroo Point.

The stretch between Captain Burke Park, underneath the Story Bridge, and Mowbray Park in East Brisbane is hampered by private land, pontoons and moorings which will make the project expensive and difficult. 

The Council estimates the project will instead cost $60 million, but has not committed to any funding of its own to the project.

The cyber attackers who allegedly hacked UnitingCare Queensland's patient records have taken responsibility. 

REvil/Sodin (named after the science fiction film resident evil) has claimed to of made over 100 million dollars from their collection of cyberattacks. 

UnitingCare Queensland's corporate affairs director Mathew Cumming there is currently no evidence to suggest the safety of patients has been compromised.

The United States will support calls to temporarily waive intellectual property rights on COVID-19 vaccines.

India and South Africa have been urging World Trade Organization members to support the waiver, saying it will address vaccine shortages in poor countries. 

US Trade Representative Katherine Tai says the US supports the waiver’s aim to increase access to vaccines.