PM

A number of pubs and nightclubs in Queensland are resisting the state government's new laws requiring them to install ID scanners. New laws come into effect from tomorrow requiring venues that trade past midnight in 15 so-called 'Safe Night Out Precincts' to use special scanners to capture patrons' identities. It's aimed at tackling alcohol-fuelled violence and allows bars and police to be alerted if someone is on a banned list. But some bar owners complain the scanners are expensive and the program has been rushed.

Hong Kong will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the handover from British to Chinese rule tomorrow. As head of state, Chinese President Xi Jinping is on his first visit to the territory. But tensions are running high as many say China has failed to live up to the promise of allowing democracy and freedoms in Hong Kong and massive demonstrations are planned.

Australia's most senior Roman Catholic prelate, and one of Pope Francis' top advisers, Cardinal George Pell has been charged with historical sexual abuses. Pell has always maintained his innocence and strenuously denied any wrongdoing. A magistrate will decide next week whether to release the details and the nature of the charges.

Australia's most senior Catholic, Cardinal George Pell, has been charged with historical sex offences against an unspecified number of complainants. Cardinal Pell has announced he will return to Australia as soon as possible to clear his name.

Journalist and broadcaster David Marr says he never had any doubt Cardinal Pell would return to Australia to face court in the event he was charged with historical sex offences.

Cardinal Pell has a lifelong connection to the Victorian city of Ballarat, where he was first ordained. The city has a notorious association with clergy abuse, and paedophiles like Gerald Ridsdale and George Best. But on the ground, Catholics, civic leaders, and abuse survivors are calling for measure in the wake of the cardinal's charges.

For the second time this week, former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has outlined what policies the Government should introduce. He's now calling on the Coalition to consider investing in nuclear submarines. But the idea has been shut down by the Defence Minister and Labor.

The YMCA says it is taking extra steps to improve its approach to child protection in light of harrowing evidence at the child abuse royal commission. The organisation is investing more than $4 million into a purpose-built child safe building in regional New South Wales.

Coalition frontbencher Ken Wyatt is vowing to keep up what he's called the parochial fight for Western Australia to get a better share of the GST. That's despite the Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison saying he won't be looking at the issue from a parochial perspective because any changes need to benefit the country as a whole.

Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne has been temporarily banned from racing after pleading guilty to taking a banned substance. Payne has tested positive to the drug phentermine which is a known appetite suppressant. Today, she told racing stewards the drug had been prescribed by a doctor after a serious fall, but admitted full responsibility.