European companies are threatening to stop using Brazilian agricultural products if the government expands property rights for squatters on public land. 

Environmental advocates are warning the expansion would encourage deforestation by rewarding land grabbers in the Amazon rainforest.

The bill was scheduled for a vote in Brazil's senate last week but has since been paused due to international criticisms. 

Minimum accessibility standards for new houses will be included in the public comment draft of the National Construction Code 2022. 

The standards would require a step-free entrance door, wider doorways and a toilet on ground level. 

Queensland Minister for Public Works Mick de Brenni says a minimum accessibility standard would ensure safe, secure and liveable housing, especially for seniors.

More than 3000 Myanmar nationals on temporary visas will be able to extend their stay in Australia, while unrest continues in their home country. 

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 700 and 60 civilians have been killed by security forces since the beginning of the military coup.

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke says providing a safe haven is consistent with Australia’s international obligations. 

Qantas has announced it plans to keep its heavy aircraft maintenance based at the Brisbane Airport. 

Qantas says the agreement with the Queensland government will deliver a range of benefits in return for the commitment on jobs and investments, including payroll tax waivers, tourism marketing funding and training support.

It also announced its head office will remain in Sydney and Jetstar’s head office will remain in Melbourne.

The state government has rejected Brisbane City Council’s proposal to buy the heritage listed Lamb House in Kangaroo Point. 

The Department of Environmental Science says the property was designed for private residence and there is no provision for the government to obtain heritage listed properties. 

The property sits on 3,000 square metres of land worth $6 million. 

A new report has shown women’s economic security is being undermined by government systems. 

A pre-Budget report from the Australian Council of Social Services said Australia’s current tax, income support and superannuation systems are entrenching gender inequality. 

ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie said the government budget should create a fairer future for women and should show the gender equity impacts of its decisions.

Zimbabwe is considering culling half of its elephant population, citing habitat destruction and dangerous human-elephant interactions. 

Zimbabwe Hunters and Guides Association Chair Rob Lurie says entire herds must be killed to prevent post-traumatic stress for surviving animals.

Environment Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu says the country will review scientific evidence and environmental acts before determining a decision.

The Federal Government is considering using the Howard Springs quarantine site for Australians returning from India once the travel ban ends. 

The Howard Springs facility, outside of Darwin, has been used to quarantine people returning to the Northern Territory from overseas. 

There are 9,000 Australians stranded in India that want to return home, with 900 of those considered vulnerable.