Research by former federal MP and Queensland University of Technology researcher Mary Crawford has again highlighted the issue of women in parliament, finding that despite their increase in numbers, female politicians have failed to drive the agenda of social change many expected they would. Senator Andrew Bartlett says this is due to the fact that ultimately their needs to be many more female politicians to create a great change in the social policies of the federal government – and says it is the responsibility of the political parties to increase the numbers of female candidates. Hanjal Ban current Conncillor for the Beaudesert Shire Council, talks about the challenges women face when running for Parliament. Senator Judith Troeth believes we should remember the significant impact female politicians have had on Australia.

Queensland's Deputy Premier Anna Bligh's charged with building dams, pipelines, and busways in the Sunshine State's infrastructure boom. But University of Queensland Epidemiologist Dr Adrian Barnett says some of the developments will give the government more "bang for their buck" than they are willing to admit - and is warning of dire health consequences. He says a series of busways to be built alongside primary schools will pose serious health risks - but they're ignored in a recent government study. Dr Barnett also cites research that pollution in Melbourne and Brisbane poses a bigger health danger than in "smoggy" cities like London and Santiago.

But be careful- over exposure to loud music over lengthy periods of time may leave you with ear damage in the long term. Ria Jack speaks to the experts about loud music and its links to hearing loss.

CityCare has been supporting people facing homelessness and hardship for a decade in inner city Brisbane. Despite their efforts, along with other support groups, CEO Tim Bean says the problem doesn't seem to be improving. Mr Bean says mental health challenges can contribute to a complex series of issues that keep people on the street for years. But a new homelessness backpack being developed by the group will be used as a vehicle to build relationships and help people back into housing.