PM

Australian start-up business are increasingly finding success on the world stage. Striking it rich in overseas markets can lead to jobs and growth locally, but there's also the chance of the business being moved offshore. One start-up has found Australian designed technology is actually proving popular with overseas buyers.

The Federal Government says it will carefully consider recommendations from the small business ombudsman to introduce legislation to set a maximum payment time of 30 days for small businesses. The ombudsman has released a report saying many businesses are waiting much longer to be paid by larger organisations. The Small Business Minister, Michael McCormack says the government acknowledges the stress and cash flow problems it can cause for smaller contractors and suppliers, and it will carefully consider its response.

Late last year it was revealed a third of Australian workers are either not being paid superannuation or not getting their correct entitlement. Now further analysis has shown where those workers are located. And that suggests certain industries are more likely to abuse the superannuation system.

Solar power and battery storage are radically changing the way Australians consume energy. One and a half million solar powered homes now generate around half of their own electricity needs, after a dramatic increase in the take up of the technology in the past two years. The price of battery power technology is coming down and millions of Australians now own their own electricity generators. Queensland is leading the world in the use of solar technology. Energy companies are struggling to keep up with the changing market.

A rare concert is being held in Sydney tonight, featuring women Indigenous to Australia and China. The hope is that the concert will help to protect and promote the ancient cultures, by putting them on the world stage. Organisers say urbanisation, and pressures of modern life serve as threats to the ancient songs and languages.

The US President Donald Trump is revelling in the swearing in of his Supreme Court pick Neil Gorsuch. Democrats had opposed his nomination but the Republicans changed Senate rules to ensure he was approved. The court now has five conservative justices and four liberals.

Federal Liberal backbencher Ian Goodenough has urged the Government to consider letting younger people use their superannuation savings for a house deposit. But many argue against it including the Prime Minister who said two years ago that sort of scheme is a thoroughly bad idea.

Australia may be the first country in the world to all but abandon its use of medical chaperones for doctors accused of sexual misconduct. Chaperones can allow a doctor to keep practicing while complaints against them are investigated. But an independent review has found the system is outdated, paternalistic, and fails to meet community expectations.

China conducted the most executions last year according to an Amnesty International report on the death penalty around the world. Execution figures in China remain a state secret. But the Amnesty researchers arrived at their estimate by evaluating information from people sentenced to death and their families or representatives and other sources.

A US navy strike group is nearing the Korean peninsula, as North Korea prepares for a major parade this weekend and possibly a nuclear test. Analysts say the reclusive regime may carry out a sixth test this month, or more missile launches, in violation of UN resolutions. China is calling on both sides to exercise restraint.