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Researchers have embarked on a national project to help protect Australia's $600 million commercial banana industry from exotic diseases. New varieties of the fruit will be trialled on farms across the country, to explore better pest and disease resilience.

One in four Australian vegetable farmers are leaving their crops to rot as they struggle to find seasonal workers. Others say they're unable to grow their businesses, fearing labour shortages down the track. The findings are published in a study out today from the University of Adelaide and the University of Sydney. Researchers say an overhaul of migrant worker visas is what's needed to shore up the industry's future.

The North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, is claiming he has a 'perfect weapon system' after yesterday's test of a medium-range ballistic missile, which he believes is ready to carry a 'nuclear warhead.' Rocket scientists from around the world say yesterday's missile outperformed previous launches from the rogue state, and could signal an improvement in its weapons capability. The launch has been condemned by international leaders, with the Japanese government warning that the missile signals a new level of threat from North Korea.

A society dominated by childless couples could become Australia's reality by the 2020s. One sociology expert says the trend is already happening, and future government policy will determine whether the traditional family model continues to exist.

Extra Australian troops could be sent into Afghanistan after the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull revealed today the US Defence Secretary personally asked him for a greater commitment. Mr Turnbull says the Government's 'open' to the idea, but others warn more requests may follow to combat a resurgent Taliban.

The nation's most experienced public servant - has given a blunt warning to the next generation of bureaucrats - 'don't be cowards' when advising Governments. Dennis Richardson's been Ambassador to the United States, head of the Foreign Affairs Department, ASIO boss and most recently Defence Department Secretary. He's retiring today after 48 years in the public service.

A senior analyst says the Afghan security forces could soon collapse if the US and its allies do not commit troops to hold back the Taliban. Kate Clark, from the Afghanistan Analysts Network, says the Taliban has been gaining territory since the bulk of foreign forces ended combat operations in 2014. She says the war in its current state is unwinnable by both sides, and thinks the only way the conflict could move towards an end is by either the Afghan Government lifting its game in the fight against the Taliban, or by Pakistan withdrawing its support for the Taliban.

At least one bank CEO is actually in support of the new bank levy. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank CEO, Mike Hirst, says it levels the playing field for some of the country's smaller operators. And importantly, analysts say hundreds of thousands of regional banking customers could also find themselves better off.

A new international partnership is set to give Australia access to large optical telescopes and the world's best observing facilities. Millions of dollars have been set aside in the federal budget will allow scientists to ramp up research and commercial capabilities in optical astronomy. Scientists say it's not only a boost to the sector, but hope it will inspire young minds to reach for the stars and embrace careers in science.

It sounds like the stuff of a Jules Verne novel - a voyage to the bottom of the sea. But in a first, a team of scientists is preparing to survey the darkest depths off the coast of Australia. Even though there are more square kilometres of deep sea in Australia than dry land, very little is known about what's down there.