United Nations High Commissioner for human rights Michelle Bachelet is holding serious negotiations with China to gain unfettered access to the Xinjiang region to verify reports that Muslim Uyghurs are being held in forced labour camps. China said that it would welcome a visit by Ms. Bachelet but stated that the visit should not be used as a form of ‘political manipulation’ to pressure China.

Islamic State claims it has seized the Mozambican town of Palma after a days-long battle with government forces. The town is home to 75,000 people, as well as a multi-billion dollar gas project being built by French corporation Total. Mozambique’s northern region of Cabo Delgado, in which Palma is located, has been battling Islamist insurgency for several years, displaci

The first Moreton Bay Red Ride is set to happen on May first. Motorcyclists will ride from Caboolture to Redcliffe, through Samford and Woodford to take a stand against domestic and family violence. The event will also raise money for three children’s charities.

A cold-like illness similar to COVID-19 is sweeping through Ipswich childcare centres, workplaces and aged care homes. The number of children presenting with a respiratory condition called respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, has increased in public hospitals and emergency departments. Public health physician

Brisbane firm Hypersonix has signed a deal with Boeing to investigate the possible construction of a hydrogen-powered hypersonic vehicle to be launched into space. If the study is successful, it could pave the way for sustainable green-energy satellite launches into low earth orbit. Hypersonix has worked on hydrogen-powered space projects in the past, as the technology i

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has issued an urgent call for blood this easter as the stock of O-negative blood which is the universal blood type continues to drop. Lifeblood Executive Director of Donor Services Cath Stone says the O-negative type is particularly important over the easter period although other blood types need a boost too. 

Scott Morrison has announced a reshuffle in federal cabinet, with embattled Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Attorney-General Christian Porter demoted. Peter Dutton will take over Reynolds’ defence portfolio, while Michaelia Cash will take over Porter’s position as Attorney-General and Infrastructure Minister. Morrison’s new cabinet has a strong focus on female representation with Minister for Women

Shipping traffic in the Suez Canal is resuming today following the successful refloating of the EverGiven cargo ship last night. It is expected to take approximately 3 days to clear the more than 360 ships delayed when the EverGiven got stuck last Tuesday. The Suez Canal is the main shipping route between Europe and Asia, with approximately 10% of global shipping traffic