The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed it is helping the New South Wales corruption watchdog investigate allegations of the ‘cash-for-visa’ scam involving ex-MP Darryl Maguire. Secretary Mike Pezzullo told a senate committee Mr Maguire may have made representations to the Department of Home Affairs and federal politicians. This comes a week after it was revealed that New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian had a five-year relationship with Maguire.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has said she will introduce legislation to legalise voluntary assisted dying early next year if she is re-elected. She told a crowd on the campaign trail yesterday she believes “individuals and families should be empowered to consider all the options available in consultation with their medical professionals.”

Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young is urging anyone in the state’s south-east to get tested for COVID-19 if they feel unwell after fragments of the virus were found in sewage in the suburbs of Sandgate, Maroochydore and Wynnum. While it’s possible the fragments could be linked to old cases, Dr. Young said there could also be undetected cases in the community. Queensland recorded no new cases today, with just four active in the state.

Hundreds of anti-government protesters demonstrated in Bangkok on Sunday, defying a ban on protests against the Thai government and monarchy. Protesters have demanded the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha. They have also become critical of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, despite laws in place that can mean 15-year jail terms for those who insult the monarchy.

The Labour Party of New Zealand has claimed a parliamentary majority in its federal election - the first time a party is able to govern in its own right since electoral reforms in 1996. Re-elected Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is expected to meet with members of her party in deciding whether to keep governing with the Greens party. New Zealanders will also find out the results of a referendum to legalise cannabis and euthanasia in two weeks.

After one year of hearings at The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disabilities, lack of privacy, protection and remuneration are stopping people from sharing their stories. It has been found most people giving evidence to the commission are experts and carers, and not people living with disabilities. Witnesses are currently able to request confidentiality for the duration of the inquiry, but this does not extend to after the commission hands down its report in April 2022.