Aleisha Orr

For a long time, mothers of babies who died during birth or soon after were encouraged to forget them and move on. Many were never even told where their baby was buried.

Deception, psychological manipulation and 'love-bombing' are just some of the tactics of cults and fringe groups operating in Australia that an inquiry is likely to consider.

From wage rises to new parental leave entitlements and tougher road rules, a number of significant changes are set to kick in across Australia on 1 July.

This is what the low-pressure system off the east coast of Australia has in store for the weather this week.

Recent allegations of child sexual abuse have put the childcare sector under renewed scrutiny, with some calling for male workers to be banned. Others say it's a knee-jerk reaction and "fear-driven policies" won't result in better outcomes.

Despite "dark moments", Carolina Wilga, the German backpacker who survived 12 days lost in the Australian outback, says she feels part of the community and grateful for the "courage, helpfulness, and warmth".

Shincheonji is expected to be one of the groups in the spotlight as part of Victoria's inquiry into the recruitment tactics and methods of control used by cults and fringe groups.

Australian lawyers say they are monitoring over a dozen Australians who've fought for, or are still serving, with the Israel Defense Forces.

Defence Minister Richard Marles has insisted that Australia does not supply weapons to Israel and the export of component parts is "a separate issue".

With e-scooters becoming increasingly affordable and commonplace, regulators are playing catch-up to make these personal transport devices safe for use in Australia.