Australian scientists developed a world-first laser designed to shoot space junk out of orbits.

The laser was developed over seven years by EOS Space Systems. CEO of EOS Space Systems, Dr. Ben Greene, said it is a breakthrough for space technology.

The laser will fire beams from the Mt. Stromlo Observatory in Canberra. One is visible to the human eye and pinpoints the debris. A second invisible laser then fires at the junk to move it out of orbit.

Ancient bone tools found in caves in Western Australia have been confirmed to be among some of the oldest ever found.

The bones have been dated to be more than 35,000 years old; the discovery confirms that bone tools have been used longer than previously thought. 

The tools are made primarily from kangaroo bones, and were believed to have been used for a multitude of tasks including, splitting resin and as spear points for hunting. Such archaeological finds are rare in Australia due to harsh climate conditions causing bones to decay quickly.

Melbourne workers have secured a new pay deal ensuring better pay and conditions after a six-week strike at a McCormick food factory.

McCormick makes dipping sauces for fast food chains including McDonalds, KFC, Hungry Jacks, and Nandos. The new agreement ensures a three percent pay rise each year for workers, and preserves previous conditions the company wanted to remove, including the 4 day week roster.

The Victorian secretary of the United Workers Union, Susie Allison, says the victory shows that when workers stand united to fight for respect, they can win.

Deloitte’s tourism and hotel market outlook report found the Gold Coast’s tourism sectors will not return to pre-pandemic levels before 2023, placing its recovery behind Brisbane’s. 

Queensland’s tourism industry lost half its 2019 income in 2020 with business owners struggling to survive.

Deloitte national tourism leader Adele Labine-Romain said the Gold Coast’s hotel sector's reliance on international visitors is the cause for the slower recovery. 

11,000 people have signed a petition calling for the decriminalisation of marijuana in Queensland.

The petition argues drug laws penalise consumers more than traffickers and target those seeking access to marijuana for medicinal purposes. It calls for an immediate moratorium on arrests for personal use of the drug.

Attorney General Shannon Fentiman says the laws are in place for a reason, but the government plans on examining whether alternative responses to low-harm offences are a possibility.

New plans were unveiled today for the revitalisation of Brisbane’s oldest theatre, the Princess Theatre.

The theatre was purchased by brothers Steve and Dave Sleswick, who currently own and run the Tivoli.

They plan to convert the theatre into a new live music venue, featuring a performance auditorium with a standing capacity of 900, and a seated theatre capacity of 500.

Construction began three days ago, with an official opening scheduled for late August this year.