The World Today

Australia needs a national strategy on obesity to bring it into line with global best practice in dealing with the problem. That's the finding of a largescale study by more than 100 nutrition and policy experts. It says a tax on sugary drinks and unhealthy foods should be introduced immediately.

The Australian Medical Association says the nation is facing an 'ethical dilemna' by allowing foreign-trained doctors into Australia on skilled occupation visas. The doctors union also says this threatens to exacerbate a projected oversupply of locally trained doctors. Australia's National Rural Health Alliance is concerned that cutting the supply of foreign trained doctors could be problematic for regional areas

A new report on the finances of Australia's states and territories reveals a tale of how two different economies on separate sides of the nation are faring. The Centre for Independent Studies report gives NSW an A grade for how well it uses its revenue. Western Australia, with its growing budget deficits, gets a C minus and is ranked as the worst state. But economists are divided about the true picture, with one arguing the sale of public assets in NSW could impoverish the state down the track.

Victoria Police's Chief Commissioner says it's a myth that there's a proper testing regime good enough to detect the quality of drugs on-the-spot. But advocates say he's misinformed. They say there're using the same equipment as the Australian Border Force, and testing is the best way to save lives.

The month long Fringe Festival has just begun in Adelaide, but amid the fun and frivolity, performers are tackling some very serious issues on social change, based on personal experience. Caroline Winter caught up with the cast of 41 Seconds. Many have battled with mental health issues, and are hoping to start a conversation about a subject close to their hearts.

A Victorian Islamic community leader is launching Australia's first helpline for parents of Muslim teenagers. Trained Muslim counsellors will be on hand to support family members worried about their children. But the helpline's founder says the service needs extra funding to survive beyond 12 months.

Competitive skateboarders from across the globe are converging on Bathurst's Mount Panorama in NSW. Reaching speeds of up to 100 kilometres an hour, skaters don streamlined helmets and body suits in a bid to be the fastest down the mountain.

The Australian Medical Association says its annual report card shows the nation's public hospitals are posing a threat to patients because of inadequate funding. The report looks at governments' own data on waiting lists for elective surgery and on how long people wait in emergency departments. It found public hospitals failed 40 out of 48 key indicators set by governments.

The former Labor premier of Queensland, Anna Bligh, has been appointed chief executive of the Australian Bankers Association, the lobbying arm of the 'Big Four' banks. Ms Bligh's appointment comes as the Opposition Leader, Bill Shorten, continues to campaign for a royal commission into bad and unethical behaviour at banks. Mr Bligh spoke with the ABC's Peter Ryan.

Medibank Private is blaming a flow of disillusioned customers leaving private cover as a factor that helped crunch its bottom line. The insurer's half-year profit rose only 1.9 per cent to $232 million, as chief executive Craig Drummond acknowledged pain points in the business.