This week in Australia
Australia's week saw Treasurer Jim Chalmers announce higher-than-expected gas tax revenue, while political scrutiny focused on One Nation's expansion plans and the Tasmanian Premier's legal bill. Social concerns included young tradies targeted by get-rich-quick schemes and WA teens bypassing social media bans. Internationally, Australian media reported on Trump's response to Iran's peace proposal and an Australian surveillance aircraft's contribution to NATO operations.
About Australia
Australia, a vast continent known for its unique biodiversity, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant multicultural cities, plays a significant economic and cultural role in the Asia-Pacific region. Its democratic government upholds press freedom, yet the media landscape is characterized by concentrated ownership, primarily by News Corp and Nine Entertainment. This concentration often sparks debate about media diversity, even as the country maintains a strong tradition of investigative journalism.
Visiting Australia
Media landscape
Australia enjoys a free press, but its media environment is largely dominated by a few major players, notably News Corp Australia and Nine Entertainment, leading to concerns about diversity of voices. Despite this concentrated ownership, the country maintains a robust tradition of investigative journalism and public broadcasting through entities like the ABC and SBS.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of Australian news, consult both major national newspapers and the publicly funded broadcasters like ABC and SBS for diverse perspectives.
Sources we track 2
Ex-AFL umpire to stand trial over alleged Brownlow fraud
- A former AFL umpire, Michael Pell, will stand trial for allegedly leaking confidential Brownlow Medal vote information. - Pell and two associates are accused of using this information to win approxi…
Shark attack victim 'overjoyed' to be reunited with daughter
- A Sydney woman, Leah Stewart, has woken from an induced coma and is no longer in critical condition after a shark attack. - Stewart, 34, has undergone multiple surgeries for life-threatening injurie…
South Australia council elections delayed until 2027 amid review into March poll
- South Australia's council elections have been postponed until April 2027. - The delay follows serious concerns raised by the Electoral Commission about its ability to administer the November poll. -…
Hanson faces scrutiny as media landscape shifts around her
- Pauline Hanson's political influence is being scrutinized as her party, One Nation, experiences a surge in popularity. - Hanson recently faced a lack of media attention at a press conference regardi…
NT outlaw bikie gang president sentenced to 10 years in prison
- A former leader of the Mongols outlaw motorcycle gang's Northern Territory chapter, Martin Burnett, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. - Burnett, 66, pleaded guilty to extortion and supplying…
Cairns mayor admits misconduct for sharing confidential information
- Cairns Mayor Amy Eden admitted to misconduct for sharing confidential information with a journalist while she was a councillor. - The Queensland government's Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA)…
Australian fans plan to ditch work for midday World Cup clash
- Australian football fans are strategizing ways to watch the Socceroos' World Cup match against Paraguay, scheduled for a 12 PM AEST kickoff on a weekday. - Many are booking annual leave, planning ex…
Learner drivers should need medical certificates, SA coroner recommends after fatal crash
- A coroner recommended learner drivers obtain a medical certificate before getting a license after a fatal crash. - The recommendation follows an inquiry into a 2020 collision that killed three peopl…
Man jailed for killing unit manager during argument with sex worker
- A 36-year-old man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for killing a 75-year-old man during an argument over a sex worker in Hervey Bay, Australia. - The victim died from blunt-force head injuri…
Lifetime ban after bulldog euthanised following severe neglect
- A 67-year-old woman in Goondiwindi, Australia, received a lifetime ban from owning animals after her two dogs were found severely neglected. - One dog, an Australian bulldog named Rippa, was so maln…
Western Australia Coastal Town Braces for Economic Pain as Mine Closure Costs 100 Jobs
- Mineral Resources (MinRes) will close its Lucky Bay garnet mine near Kalbarri, Western Australia, from July 1, costing over 100 jobs. - The company cited increased diesel costs and the conflict in t…
Councils bar thirsty renewable energy zone from accessing town water
- Rural councils in Australia are refusing to supply town water to renewable energy projects. - They demand that new water infrastructure be built before providing water for the New England Renewable …
Matthew Guy Considers Legal Action Over MP's Assault Allegation
- Former Victorian Liberal leader Matthew Guy is considering legal action against MP Moira Deeming over an alleged assault. - Deeming claims Guy put her in a headlock at a community event on May 23, a…
Hannah Green eyes second major title at happy hunting ground
- Australian golfer Hannah Green returns to Hazeltine Country Club, the site of her maiden major victory seven years ago. - Currently ranked world No. 8 and enjoying a successful four-win season, Gree…
Brisbane Broncos warn of scam offering fake mascot auditions
- The Brisbane Broncos have warned fans about a scam offering fake mascot audition opportunities for money. - The NRL club stated that they never request payment for auditions or unsolicited opportuni…
NSW opposition leader channels Eminem in budget reply, promises tax cuts and metro line
- New South Wales Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane opened her budget reply speech by quoting Eminem, promising business tax cuts and a new metro line. - The Liberal and National government proposed cut…
Ghost nets transformed into art to highlight pollution's 'devastating' impact
- First Nations artists and rangers in Cape York Peninsula are transforming discarded 'ghost nets' into art. - These nets, illegally dumped fishing gear, cause severe marine pollution and harm wildlif…
Young Britons Turn to Cold Water Dips to Fight Loneliness and Boost Wellbeing
- Young people in the UK are embracing cold water swimming as a way to combat loneliness and improve mental wellbeing. - Community groups are organizing these dips, providing a social outlet and a cha…
Senior firefighter claims boss labelled her 'an overly emotional woman'
- A senior Northern Territory firefighter alleges Deputy Chief Fire Officer Stephen Hunter discriminated against her based on sex. - Jo-Anna Kenney claims Mr Hunter characterized her as an
Residents in Regional Victoria Hire Security Patrols Over Crime Fears
- A private security company has begun night patrols in Ballarat, Victoria, due to rising crime concerns among residents. - Official crime data shows an 11.7% increase in incidents in Ballarat over th…
Queensland government keeps Visy site deal details secret
- Queensland's government is keeping details of a land deal with Lendlease secret. - The deal involves redeveloping a 7.1-hectare Visy glass factory site in West End, Brisbane, into housing and green …
Queensland teen acquitted of planning terror attack against Liberal Party members
- A teenager in Queensland was acquitted of planning a terror attack against Liberal Party members and the public. - The prosecution alleged the teen, influenced by anti-technology and anti-capitalist…
Animal cruelty charges laid over Adelaide piggery after year-long investigation
- Five people have been charged with animal cruelty offenses related to an Adelaide Plains piggery. - The charges follow an RSPCA investigation prompted by covert footage released a year ago. - Fourte…
Buildings collapse in Caracas after powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela
- Powerful earthquakes, including a magnitude 7.5 tremor, struck west of Venezuela's capital, Caracas. - Buildings collapsed in Caracas, and scientists estimate "high casualties and extensive damage" …
Final 'ISIS Bride' Granted Permit to Return to Australia Under Strict Monitoring
- Australia has issued a permit for the final "ISIS bride" to return from Syria with her child. - Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated the permit was lawfully required once requested. - The woman w…
Olympian arrested at reflecting pool is Trump 'scapegoat', lawyer says
- Olympian David 'Davey' Hearn was arrested at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, with his lawyer calling him a 'scapegoat' for the Trump administration. - Hearn claims he only touched a piece of b…
'This did bring us closer': Stokes speaks about nightclub incident
- England cricket captain Ben Stokes focused on the upcoming deciding Test against New Zealand, declining to discuss his long-term future following a nightclub incident. Stokes stated his focus remain…
Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall confirm plans to form new party
- Independents Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall plan to form a new political party called Community Strong Australia. - The party aims to offer a "responsible alternative" to major parties, but has y…
Remote parents struggle as schools slash lesson plans
- Parents of children attending schools of the air on remote Australian cattle stations are struggling to support their education. - Schools are phasing out printable lesson materials, forcing parents…
South Australia wildlife carers unprepared for state's third H5 bird flu case
- A volunteer wildlife organization in South Australia is unexpectedly at the center of the state's third confirmed case of deadly H5 bird flu. - A rescued giant petrel tested positive for the avian i…
'ISIS bride' barred from Australia issued permit to return home
- Australia has issued a permit for an IS-linked citizen to return home after legal advice determined she could no longer be excluded. - The woman, previously barred by a temporary exclusion order, wi…
Festival site developers fight $15m council bill in court
- Festival site developers are challenging a $15.1 million infrastructure fee imposed by the Sunshine Coast Council in court. - The Comiskey Group argues the fee is "irrational" and excessive for the …
Who is going to qualify for the World Cup knockout rounds?
- The World Cup group phase is concluding, with 16 out of 48 teams advancing to the knockout rounds. - Teams are ranked by points, with the top two from each of the 12 groups progressing automatically…
Live: ASX set to edge higher ahead of jobs data, oil slides
- Australian markets are expected to open slightly higher, following a mixed performance on Wall Street. - Oil prices slid overnight, with Brent futures down 5.1% and WTI futures down 4.6%. - Investor…
Kangaroo Island declared feral pig-free after more than two centuries
- Kangaroo Island, South Australia, has successfully eradicated its feral pig population after more than two centuries. - The eradication follows devastating 2019-2020 bushfires, which created an oppo…
Australian Woman Linked to Islamic State Granted Permit to Return Home from Syria
- An Australian woman linked to the Islamic State, previously under an exclusion order, has been granted a permit to return to Australia. - The woman was in Syria and subject to a Temporary Exclusion …
France records hottest day on record as Europe swelters through brutal heatwave
- France recorded its hottest day ever on Wednesday, with temperatures exceeding previous records set just a day earlier, as a severe heatwave grips Europe. - The extreme heat, exacerbated by human-in…
Dog attack death 'could have been prevented,' family says
- A 17-year-old girl, Annalyse Blyton, died four days after a severe dog attack in Singleton, NSW, Australia. - Her family is advocating for changes to dog ownership laws, including licensing and a cr…
Former Liberal vice-president Teena McQueen dies after short illness
- Teena McQueen, former federal vice-president of Australia's Liberal Party, has died after a short illness. - McQueen, who served from 2017 to 2023, recently defected to the One Nation party. - Polit…
Knights player Kepaoa banned for six weeks for homophobic slur
- Newcastle Knights player Asu Kepaoa received a six-week ban for using a homophobic slur during a NSW Cup match. - Kepaoa pleaded guilty and issued an apology, with the club stating such language has…
France and Vanuatu vie for control of sacred 'god islands'
- France and Vanuatu are engaged in formal negotiations over the sovereignty of Matthew and Hunter Islands, located east of New Caledonia. - The islands hold significant cultural and spiritual importa…
Australia's multiculturalism debate: Taylor dodges, Hanson redefines
- Opposition Leader Angus Taylor avoided directly addressing a debate on multiculturalism versus monoculture, calling the terms
Live: Jam-packed day as last round of World Cup group clashes kicks off
- The final round of 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage matches kicks off with simultaneous games in Groups B, C, and A. - Qualification for the round of 32 depends on the top two teams from each of the …
NT Labor MLA Caught Speeding Multiple Times, Years After Fatal Crash Conviction
- Northern Territory Labor politician Manuel Brown had his license suspended for three months last year due to multiple speeding offenses. - Brown was previously convicted over a fatal crash in 2009, …
Australia's mammals at risk from deadly bird flu strain
- Australian native mammals and marsupials face a risk of contracting a deadly strain of bird flu. - Researchers are raising concerns about the potential impact on these species, which are not typical…
Has One Nation won the 'family feud' of Australian conservatives?
- Analysts argue that neoliberal policies created economic insecurity, fueling the rise of right-wing populist parties like One Nation in Australia. - The Liberal and National parties are criticized f…
What stolen party funds bought Nicola Sturgeon's husband
- Peter Murrell, former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP), was sentenced to over five years in prison for embezzling 400,000 pounds of party funds. - He used the money to fund a lux…
When do the Socceroos play Paraguay and what time is the game?
- The Australian national soccer team, the Socceroos, will play Paraguay in their final World Cup group stage match on Friday, June 26. - Australia needs a win or a draw to advance to the knockout sta…
Socceroos should make 'harsh' call for final group game, Schwarzer says
- Former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer advises the Australian team to make a 'harsh' decision regarding their captain for the upcoming World Cup match against Paraguay. - Schwarzer suggests that…
Matt Wright sued for negligence after airboat allegedly crashed into tree
- A couple is suing Australian celebrity Matt Wright for negligence after suffering injuries in an airboat crash in 2023. - Amelia-Kate and Gregory Potts allege the airboat lost control and collided w…
Women charged after allegedly trafficking cocaine, meth on Spirit of Tasmania
- Professor Amelia Licheva discussed the importance of literature reflecting contemporary issues in a podcast. - Licheva emphasized that literature should help readers connect with and recognize thems…
Coroner Finds 'Preventable' Baby Death Due to 'Significant Errors' in Risk Assessment
- A coroner found that the death of nine-month-old Kobi Shepherdson in a murder-suicide could have been prevented due to "significant errors." - Errors included a police risk assessment that did not r…
Australia's Opposition Leader Backs 'Version' of Multiculturalism, Citing Need for Shared Values
- Opposition Leader Angus Taylor expressed support for "a version" of multiculturalism, emphasizing the importance of migrants sharing core Australian values. - Taylor stated that migrants are not wel…
Killer Sentenced to 26 Years for Strangling Estranged Wife After Years of Abuse
- Jessie James Tumaliuan murdered his estranged wife, Czarina Gatbonton Tumaliuan, with a kitchen knife on March 27, 2025, after years of abuse and intervention order breaches. - The Victorian Supreme…
Scottish squash star's brave call to switch from blue to Green and Gold
- Scottish squash player Greg Lobban has switched his international allegiance to Australia. - The decision was driven by family reasons and a desire to compete in the Olympics. - Lobban is now the to…
DRC Ebola outbreak becomes second-worst on record, surpasses 1,000 cases
- The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 1,000 confirmed cases, making it the second-largest on record in the country. - As of June 21, there were 1,048 confirmed cases a…
Bird Flu Detection Prompts Papua New Guinea to Ban Australian Chicken and Egg Imports
- Papua New Guinea has suspended imports of Australian poultry and eggs due to the detection of the H5N1 bird flu virus in wild birds in Western Australia. - PNG is Australia's largest export market f…
Trump to join Infantino for World Cup final trophy presentation
- US President Donald Trump will join FIFA President Gianni Infantino to present the World Cup trophy after the final match. - France's manager, Didier Deschamps, will miss the team's final group stag…
Breaking: Underlying inflation hits highest level since 2024
- Headline inflation in May decreased to 4 percent annually, down from 4.2 percent in April. - However, the Reserve Bank's preferred measure, trimmed mean inflation, rose to 3.6 percent from 3.4 perce…
Bondi terror attack hero pleads not guilty to alleged assault on father
- Ahmed Al Ahmed, known for his heroism in a terror attack, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting and intimidating his father. - The 44-year-old faces domestic violence common assault and st…
Charles Darwin University to Repay $4 Million After Underpaying 800 Staff Over Six Years
- Charles Darwin University (CDU) must repay over $4 million to 823 employees for underpayment between 2016 and 2022. - The university self-reported the non-compliance in 2022 and entered an enforceab…
Karl Stefanovic's interview with Tommy Robinson taken offline
- An interview by Karl Stefanovic with Tommy Robinson has been removed from social media and podcast platforms. - The interview was hosted on Stefanovic's podcast after his departure from the Today sh…
Origin 'named and shamed' for failing to pass on lower electricity prices
- Queensland's treasurer has publicly criticized Origin Energy for increasing electricity prices despite a fall in benchmark wholesale prices. - The Australian Energy Regulator's new pricing structure…
England's hunt for attacking spark fruitless, as 'positivity' takes over
- England drew 0-0 with Ghana in Boston, failing to break down a defensively strong Black Stars side. - Despite dominating possession and having 19 shots, England managed only three on target, with th…
Tasmania on alert as invasive serpentine leafminer detected on farms
- Tasmania has confirmed its first detection of the invasive serpentine leafminer, a pest that significantly impacts horticultural and vegetable production. - The pest, known to affect over 200 plant …
Limits for 'silent killer' chemical exposure on hold despite advice
- Australian states and territories have delayed implementing stricter workplace exposure limits for nine hazardous chemicals. - These chemicals, including silica, benzene, and formaldehyde, pose risk…
IVF add-ons are common in Australia, but there's no proof most work
- Many IVF add-on treatments offered in Australia lack proof of effectiveness, experts warn. - Clinics are urged to reconsider offering these treatments, as they may imply benefits that aren't support…
'I love you': Sydney shark attack survivor's first words to family
- Sydney shark attack survivor Leah Stewart spoke her first words after being brought out of an induced coma. - She told her mother and partner "I love you" and asked about her daughter. - Stewart los…
Outgoing British PM holds secret meeting with likely successor
- Outgoing UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met with potential successor Andy Burnham in a secret London location. - The hour-long meeting focused on ensuring an orderly transition of power. - Nom…
ASX set for higher open despite Wall Street tech sell-off; inflation data awaited
- The Australian share market is predicted to open higher despite a significant sell-off in US tech stocks overnight. - May inflation data is due, expected to be influenced by falling petrol and diese…
Victim-survivor 'devastated' by Christian Brothers compensation shortfall
- Survivors of clergy abuse are 'devastated' by allegations that the Christian Brothers are attempting to avoid full compensation payments. - The Congregation of Christian Brothers Oceania Province pl…
Alarm over suspected illegal sales of imported peanuts
- Australian biosecurity authorities are investigating allegations that imported raw peanuts are being sold illegally, bypassing quarantine rules. - The illegal sales risk introducing exotic plant dis…
Labor defends Greens deal to pass budget measures
- Housing Minister Clare O'Neil defended a deal with the Greens to pass the government's capital gains tax and negative gearing measures. - The agreement stops self-managed super funds from borrowing …
How Perth girl got caught in crossfire of 'deliberate policy of lethal force'
- Nine-year-old Australian girl Hania Ahmed was fatally shot by police in Pakistan during a robbery incident. - The family was robbed at gunpoint, and a subsequent police response led to a shootout wh…
Paying more and getting less, or record relief? Key takeaways from Qld budget
- The Queensland budget offers no immediate cost-of-living relief measures, focusing instead on significant interest repayments and infrastructure projects. - The budget allocates substantial funds to…
Councillor vows to keep working despite suspension for misconduct
- Melton Councillor Ashleigh Vandenberg will continue her duties without pay despite a two-month suspension for misconduct. - An independent arbiter found Vandenberg breached the councillor code of co…
At least 40 drownings reported in France as Europe swelters
- Europe is experiencing an early-summer heatwave, with record-breaking temperatures causing widespread disruptions. - France reported 40 drownings in the past five days as citizens sought relief in w…
Why your power bill may rise despite lower default market offer
- Some electricity consumers face higher bills despite a lower default market offer. - Retailers attribute the increase to a rebalancing of supply and usage charges. - There are indications that some …
Animals 'disappearing' from the wild as more people seek exotic pets
- The exotic pet trade is booming globally, driven by demand for unique animals and fueled by social media trends. - Conservationists warn that protected and vulnerable species are disappearing from t…
Australians financially supporting family in Lebanon say they have no other option
- Australians with family in Lebanon are sending thousands of dollars to support them amid the ongoing conflict. - Many relatives have been displaced and are struggling to afford basic necessities lik…
New map to guide suicide prevention efforts, researchers say
- Researchers have developed the National Suicide Prevention Outcomes Map to track the effectiveness of suicide prevention services. - Policymakers and mental health experts will use the map to identi…
Two dead in car crash in Tasmania's south
- Two people died in a car crash on the East Derwent Highway at Old Beach in southern Tasmania. - The collision involved a Holden Barina hatchback and a Mitsubishi Triton utility vehicle. - This incid…
Senior Albanese minister clashes with Pocock over top-secret AI copyright claim
- Australian politician David Pocock is in conflict with a senior government minister over claims concerning AI and copyright. - Whistleblower allegations suggest the government may allow AI companies…
NT opposition leader defends office culture amid workplace misconduct claims
- Northern Territory Opposition Leader Selena Uibo is facing questions about workplace misconduct in her office. - Sources allege a senior staffer made culturally inappropriate comments to a junior st…
Video of alleged threats by nurse excluded from court case
- A judge ruled that a video of a former Sydney nurse allegedly threatening Israelis must be excluded from court proceedings. - The video was recorded during an online conversation on a cam chat app a…
'Shaman' lied about magic mushrooms before Adelaide fashion icon's death, inquest hears
- A 'shaman' healer allegedly lied to paramedics about a patient's use of magic mushrooms before her death. - An inquest is investigating the death of fashion icon Carol Foord, who received psilocybin…
Women's team snubbed as new owner confirmed for Central Coast Mariners
- A new owner has been confirmed for the Central Coast Mariners men's A-League team, but the women's team future is uncertain. - The new owner, Total Soccer Growth Holdings, only acquired the men's te…
Alessandro Circati chose Australia over Italy. His dad approves
- Alessandro Circati, 22, has captained Australia and played for Parma but his decision to represent the Socceroos initially surprised his Italian family. - His father, Gianfranco Circati, explained t…
Man fined for selling 19 tonnes of horse meat to greyhound trainers
- A man has been fined $12,000 for illegally selling approximately 19 tonnes of horse meat to greyhound trainers in New South Wales and Victoria. - The individual operated a knackery and pet food busi…
Students protest AI amid growing national concerns
- Students are protesting the construction of a new AI data center on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. - Concerns focus on the environmental and social impacts, including high energy and water consumpti…
Australian Senate Inquiry into NDIS Cuts Extended Amid Advocate Concerns
- An inquiry into proposed cuts to Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has been extended by eight weeks, a move welcomed by disability advocates. - The extension was part of a deal…
Dead birds to be tested for H5N1 bird flu after washing up on SA coast
- Two dead seabirds found on South Australia's coast are being tested for the H5N1 bird flu virus. - The discovery follows Australia's first confirmed cases of the virus in Western Australia earlier t…
Newly Discovered 'Ballista Spider' Uses Ingenious Web to Launch Prey in Australian Rainforest
- A newly discovered spider species in Far North Queensland, Australia, uses a unique hunting method involving a "ballista"-like web. - The spider targets aggressive green tree ants, luring them with …
Winners and Losers Emerge from NSW Budget
- The article analyzes the winners and losers of the New South Wales state budget. - It highlights specific sectors and groups that will benefit or be negatively impacted by the budget allocations. - …
The cancelled medical exams that sparked protests, a resit and tragedy
- India's national medical entrance exam was cancelled due to alleged question leaks. - Over 2 million students were forced to retake the highly competitive test. - The cancellations and subsequent pr…
A 'baby' Lila McGuire dreamt of a Logie nomination. Yesterday it came true
- Indigenous Australian actresses Lila McGuire and Eloise Hart received Logie Award nominations for their roles in the ABC drama "Goolagong." - The series, which depicts the life of tennis champion Ev…
Ransom note claims Nancy Guthrie is dead, US media reports
- A ransom note claims Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC host Savannah Guthrie, has died. - Authorities believe the 84-year-old was kidnapped from her Tucson home. - Blood was found near her doorstep, and …
Music mogul Clive Davis dies at 94, leaving behind powerful imprint on industry
- Music industry titan Clive Davis, known for launching and reviving numerous superstar careers, has died at the age of 94. - Davis was instrumental in the success of artists like Whitney Houston, Jan…
Melrose Park roadworks bite business as Crafers wombat crossing questioned
- Roadworks in Melrose Park have completely blocked a minor arterial route, causing significant delays. - The installation of a raised zebra crossing in Crafers is also leading to commuter delays and …
Potent sedative etomidate found in illegal vapes sold in Victoria, Australia
- Victorian health authorities have issued a warning about a potent sedative found in illegally sold vape products. - The substance, etomidate, can cause loss of consciousness and is life-threatening …