Australian News

1. Politics and Expenses:

   • Sports Minister Anika Wells has initiated an audit of her expenses amidst scrutiny over taxpayer-funded travel, including trips to grand finals. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended her spending, stating it was within guidelines, while the Coalition has questioned the necessity of such expenses. 👉 theregister.com 👉 anothersite.com
   • The Prime Minister's office approved nearly $100,000 in flights for the communications minister, with specific scrutiny on flights to cricket and AFL games attended with family. 👉 domain.com
   • Anika Wells has referred her travel expenses to the parliamentary watchdog for an audit. 👉 abc.net.au

2. Bushfires and Emergencies:

   • A new bushfire threat has emerged in Tasmania, prompting immediate evacuation orders for residents in one area, while another community returns to assess fire damage. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Residents in the Capertee Valley in NSW have been told to evacuate immediately as a fire threatens rural properties. 👉 9news.com.au
   • The family of John Lohan, a firefighter killed by a falling tree while battling a blaze in NSW, has expressed profound shock. 👉 9news.com.au 👉 sbs.com.au
   • Arson investigators are examining the bushfire on the NSW Central Coast that destroyed 16 homes, with the firefighter killed in the blaze named as John Lohan. 👉 theguardian.com

3. Crime and Justice:

   • Rajwinder Singh, the former nurse convicted of murdering Toyah Cordingley, has been sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 25 years. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 9news.com.au 👉 sbs.com.au
   • A third teenager has been charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old boy in a park. 👉 9news.com.au
   • Police are investigating the deaths of two women discovered inside a home in Melbourne's northeast. 👉 9news.com.au 👉 7news.com.au
   • A paramedic and former Scouts volunteer has admitted to possessing child abuse material. 👉 abc.net.au
   • A man has been charged after allegedly threatening Crows footballer Izak Rankine on social media. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 9news.com.au
   • Police are seeking a person with burn injuries following a car fire in western NSW where CCTV footage shows someone leaving the scene as the vehicle burns. 👉 abc.net.au
   • A former nurse is facing trial for allegedly threatening violence towards Israeli patients. 👉 9news.com.au
   • The prosecution has told a jury that an accused person lied when denying involvement in an alleged murder. 👉 sbs.com.au
   • A council is defending its decision to clear a homeless camp in court, with arguments over human rights breaches. 👉 au.news.yahoo.com
   • A 14-year-old boy was killed in an e-bike crash in Melbourne. 👉 7news.com.au
   • A man has been jailed for life for the murder of Toyah Cordingley on an isolated beach. 👉 9news.com.au 👉 au.news.yahoo.com
   • A woman has been charged with murder after a man was shot dead near Brisbane. 👉 9news.com.au
   • A woman killed when a pole struck her car during a highway crash in Somerton. 👉 9news.com.au
   • A man has been jailed for life for the shocking beach killing of a young woman. 👉 au.news.yahoo.com
   • The NSW Police watchdog is investigating the death of Lindy Lucena, with five key questions to be addressed. 👉 abc.net.au
   • A man received a life sentence for the murder of Toyah Cordingley, with a 25-year non-parole period. 👉 abc.net.au

4. Interest Rates and Economy:

   • The Reserve Bank of Australia board has indicated an appetite for future interest rate hikes, despite holding rates steady in December. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 9news.com.au 👉 sbs.com.au
   • The RBA has warned that further interest rate hikes may be necessary, ruling out any cuts in the near future. 👉 theguardian.com
   • The RBA has decided to keep the cash rate on hold, providing some relief to cost-of-living pressures. 👉 7news.com.au
   • China's trade surplus has reached $US1 trillion, with a significant focus on European, Australian, and Southeast Asian markets. 👉 abc.net.au

5. Social Media and Technology:

   • Concerns about data and privacy breaches have been raised regarding age verification measures for social media platforms. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Australia's upcoming ban on social media for under-16s is impacting big tech companies and raising questions about video game accessibility. 👉 au.news.yahoo.com 👉 7news.com.au 👉 7news.com.au
   • Young Australians are switching to lesser-known apps as the deadline for the under-16 social media ban approaches. 👉 7news.com.au
   • Reddit will comply with Australia's new law restricting social media access for under-16s, despite calling the law "legally erroneous." 👉 theguardian.com
   • Ezra, a teen quadriplegic, argues that the social media ban will exacerbate his loneliness, as it has been a lifeline for connection. 👉 theguardian.com 👉 theguardian.com
   • Experts offer guidance on managing children's withdrawal symptoms as the social media ban for under-16s takes effect. 👉 7news.com.au
   • The social media ban for under-16s is now in effect, impacting platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram. 👉 au.news.yahoo.com

6. International Affairs:

   • Australian ministers Penny Wong and Richard Marles met with US counterparts in Washington to discuss AUKUS defence pacts and Indo-Pacific security. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 sbs.com.au
   • Donald Trump is reportedly considering hosting the Kennedy Center Honors, an event he has historical ties to. 👉 abc.net.au
   • US forces fired on a "drug boat" in Venezuela, with questions arising about who authorized the action. 👉 abc.net.au
   • European leaders are meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at a critical juncture for Ukraine's war efforts. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 sbs.com.au
   • A magnitude 7.6 earthquake in Japan has triggered a tsunami warning and evacuation orders. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Thailand has launched air strikes amid renewed clashes with Cambodia along their disputed border. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 sbs.com.au
   • Some Israeli-backed anti-Hamas gang members have reportedly surrendered to a rival group. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Four swimmers have died after being swept out to sea by a powerful wave in Tenerife, Spain. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Four countries are considering boycotting Eurovision due to Israel's participation in the contest. 👉 theguardian.com

7. Sport:

   • Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out for the remainder of the Ashes series due to injury, a significant blow to the Australian bowling attack. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 7news.com.au
   • England's Ashes campaign has been further hampered by the injury and subsequent withdrawal of fast bowler Mark Wood. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 nine.com.au 👉 7news.com.au
   • Jake Weatherald and Ben Stokes were involved in Ashes sledging during a recent match. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Mackay will host its first Test match when Australia plays Bangladesh in 2026. 👉 sbs.com.au
   • Matt Graham and Jakara Anthony secured double moguls gold for Australia, with Anthony commenting on the "beach nation's" success. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 7news.com.au
   • Alex de Minaur has won his fourth Newcombe Medal, while a junior award was also presented. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Tameka Yallop faces a nervous wait regarding her hamstring injury ahead of the Matildas' Asian Cup campaign. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Coach Andrew McDonald addressed Nathan Lyon's controversial on-air comments following his omission from a recent match. 👉 7news.com.au

8. Other Notable News:

   • The Woodford Folk Festival founder, Bill Hauritz, has died at the age of 73. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 9news.com.au
   • Popular toy sets from Bluey and Paw Patrol have been recalled due to fears of asbestos contamination. 👉 abc.net.au
   • A marine scientist has warned of the dangers of a shark feeding frenzy observed at Byron Bay. 👉 abc.net.au
   • The UTS union has called a no-confidence vote against the vice-chancellor amidst controversial redundancies. 👉 abc.net.au
   • A Canberra doctor has been ordered to stop providing Botox injections for endometriosis pain. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Prison lockdowns are raising concerns about the health of inmates, according to an advocate. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 9news.com.au
   • The Victorian government has issued a historic apology to Aboriginal people for injustices suffered during colonisation. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 9news.com.au 👉 sbs.com.au
   • Graham Richardson, a prominent Labor figure, was farewelled at a state funeral. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 9news.com.au 👉 theguardian.com
   • A woman accused of vandalism involving googly eyes on a sculpture will begin negotiations with the prosecution. 👉 abc.net.au
   • The founder of the Woodford Folk Festival, Bill Hauritz, has died at the age of 73. 👉 abc.net.au
   • A Bluey and Paw Patrol toy recall has been issued due to potential asbestos contamination. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Bruce Lehrmann has lost his appeal in his defamation case against Ten and Lisa Wilkinson. 👉 theguardian.com
   • The Australian government is facing a High Court challenge regarding its deal to resettle non-citizens on Nauru. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 sbs.com.au
   • An inquiry has heard that a second death may be linked to TPG's Triple Zero failure. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 9news.com.au
   • A cybersecurity expert has warned parents about the risks associated with sharing images of their children online ("sharenting"). 👉 7news.com.au
   • A greyhound track at Wentworth Park is slated for demolition to make way for green space. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 9news.com.au
   • Barnaby Joyce has defected to One Nation, prompting a response from the Nationals and One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 au.news.yahoo.com
   • The Queensland government is reportedly cracking down on short-stay accommodation. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 9news.com.au
   • Canadian traditional owners are expressing concern about gas projects in WA's Murujuga region. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Customers of luxury caravan manufacturer Zone RV are left in limbo following its collapse. 👉 abc.net.au
   • A discussion about teaching consent to infants through nappy changes and body safety lessons. 👉 abc.net.au
   • The Woodford Folk Festival founder, Bill Hauritz, has died aged 73. 👉 7news.com.au
   • A former nurse has been jailed for life for the murder of Toyah Cordingley. 👉 abc.net.au
   • The Australian cricket team has confirmed that Josh Hazlewood will miss the rest of the Ashes series due to injury. 👉 7news.com.au
   • The Federal Government is being urged to address gas policy to alleviate inflation and cost-of-living pressures. 👉 abc.net.au
   • The Victorian government has issued a formal apology to the state's Indigenous people. 👉 sbs.com.au
   • The inquest into Wayne Hunt's death in prison has led to commitments for change from corrections and health staff. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Kate Miller chose to have a double mastectomy after her breast cancer diagnosis, opting to "stay flat." 👉 abc.net.au
   • Ashley Paul Griffith abused 69 children, with many more victims and parents still seeking answers. 👉 abc.net.au
   • The NSW government's longest-serving child abuse detective is calling for justice against Australia's worst daycare abuser. 👉 9news.com.au
   • The Northern Territory is preparing to introduce fracked gas into its energy market by 2026. 👉 abc.net.au
   • The United States has committed to the AUKUS pact following high-level defence talks in Washington. 👉 sbs.com.au
   • An article discusses how to survive school holidays without social media. 👉 abc.net.au
   • A recipe for a zucchini omelette is shared, described as a tasty and satisfying vegetable-filled meal. 👉 abc.net.au
   • A Brisbane studio is developing a new Bluey video game. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Jacob Elordi, Rose Byrne, and Joel Edgerton have received Golden Globe nominations. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 9news.com.au
   • An Australian carols playlist suitable for Christmas celebrations in the sun has been compiled. 👉 abc.net.au
   • A concert band member who uses sign language instead of singing has been nominated for a vocalist award. 👉 abc.net.au
   • A new study suggests that teaching consent to infants can begin during nappy changes. 👉 abc.net.au
   • The story of smallpox eradication and its impact over 100 years. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Domestic violence survivors are using strength training for trauma recovery through a program called The WEST Project. 👉 abc.net.au
   • The Australian government is facing a High Court challenge concerning its offshore processing deal for non-citizens on Nauru. 👉 abc.net.au
   • The United Nations human rights team has been blocked from accessing Northern Territory prisons and youth detention centres. 👉 sbs.com.au
   • A report indicates that renters may require twice as much superannuation for a comfortable retirement compared to homeowners. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Preliminary testing of SPF50 zinc sunscreens suggests some brands offer lower protection than advertised. 👉 abc.net.au
   • A report details how "hobbits," early human relatives, may have become extinct 50,000 years ago. 👉 au.news.yahoo.com
   • Aldi is facing accusations of betraying customers due to a reversal on its 2025 plans. 👉 au.news.yahoo.com
   • The Australian government's world-first social media ban for under-16s is causing scrambling among big tech companies. 👉 au.news.yahoo.com
   • The Commonwealth government is being urged to consider a national register of mobile phones. 👉 abc.net.au
   • The "Donbas Cowboy," a Russian national, has been jailed for killing a US volunteer fighting on his side in Ukraine. 👉 theguardian.com
   • A woman who fatally struck a child with her car outside a high school has avoided prison time. 👉 abc.net.au
   • A former nurse has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Toyah Cordingley. 👉 9news.com.au 👉 sbs.com.au
   • Australia is set to invest an additional $1.4 billion in its domestically designed "Ghost Bat" drone program. 👉 au.news.yahoo.com
   • Bob Hawke's widow, Blanche D'Alpuget, has spoken about a past plan to murder him. 👉 9news.com.au
   • Qantas is introducing new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, potentially leading to cheaper domestic airfares. 👉 9news.com.au
   • Another death has been linked to failures in the Triple Zero emergency call service, raising concerns about a potential cover-up. 👉 au.news.yahoo.com
   • A 120-year-old law mandating witness testimony at inquiries is being challenged in court. 👉 au.news.yahoo.com
   • The tech boss's son has announced a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. 👉 9news.com.au
   • A pair of thieves carried out an art heist in broad daylight in Brazil, stealing Matisse artworks. 👉 au.news.yahoo.com
   • The Australian company that won a Golden Lion award for its artwork "Kith and Kin" has brought the installation to Brisbane. 👉 theguardian.com
   • A new report indicates that renters might need double the superannuation for a comfortable retirement compared to homeowners. 👉 sbs.com.au
   • A family is seeking answers after CCTV footage showed a person leaving the scene as their son's car was engulfed in flames. 👉 abc.net.au
   • The Salvation Army's Christmas appeal is aiming to bring hope to Australian families in need. 👉 theguardian.com
   • A podcast explores climate action through the stories of people working from country to coast. 👉 theguardian.com
   • The last affordable suburb in Sydney has been identified, with prices under $1 million for properties within 24km of the CBD. 👉 domain.com.au
   • A couple secured their dream home with a significant discount after writing a 900-word letter to the seller. 👉 domain.com.au
   • Information on how long demerit points last in Australia and when double demerits are in effect. 👉 drive.com.au 👉 drive.com.au
   • The legality of driving in thongs or sandals in Australia is clarified. 👉 drive.com.au
   • A NSW firefighter, John Lohan, has been killed in the line of duty. 👉 7news.com.au
   • A boy has reportedly cleared Snapchat's visual age check ahead of Australia's social media ban. 👉 theguardian.com 👉 au.news.yahoo.com
   • The Victorian Premier has delivered a formal apology to the state's First Peoples for the injustices of colonisation. 👉 theguardian.com 👉 9news.com.au 👉 sbs.com.au
   • A baby has been recognized with a title usually reserved for scientists, highlighting early achievements. 👉 9news.com.au
   • The question of whether video games are impacted by Australia's social media ban is being explored. 👉 au.news.yahoo.com
   • An explanation of the penalties for parking in electric vehicle charging bays in different states. 👉 9news.com.au
   • Sydney Sweeney has garnered attention for her daring outfits promoting her new movie. 👉 7news.com.au
   • Amy Schumer explained her decision to delete pre-weight loss photos from her social media. 👉 7news.com.au
   • Robert Irwin's net worth has reportedly increased significantly after his win on the US "Dancing with the Stars." 👉 7news.com.au
   • Prince William made a surprise appearance to honor the late Steve Irwin. 👉 7news.com.au
   • Nicole Kidman is celebrating her first holiday season since her divorce from Keith Urban with her daughters. 👉 7news.com.au
   • A report on the growing problem of unwanted fast fashion overwhelming op shops in Australia. 👉 sbs.com.au
   • An article explores the increasing number of young, child-free men choosing permanent contraception. 👉 sbs.com.au
   • A new initiative is offering hope to individuals experiencing homelessness and battling cancer. 👉 sbs.com.au
   • The first Miss Palestine hopes to make history in the "Olympics of women's beauty." 👉 sbs.com.au
   • A story about a man who contracted a rare disease and had to leave Australia to seek treatment. 👉 sbs.com.au
   • John Lohan, a firefighter, has died after being crushed by a tree while fighting a bushfire in NSW. 👉 7news.com.au 👉 sbs.com.au
   • The Australian cricket team faces further injury blows with Mark Wood out of the Ashes series. 👉 7news.com.au
   • The government is considering a national register for mobile phones, with telcos advocating for the measure. 👉 abc.net.au
   • A report details how young men like Trent are choosing permanent contraception. 👉 sbs.com.au
   • An investigation into the failures that may have contributed to the death of Indigenous teenager Cleveland Dodd in youth detention. 👉 sbs.com.au
   • The story of how a woman found strength through weaving after fleeing conflict. 👉 sbs.com.au
   • A report highlights the risks faced by migrant workers in Australia, with one man left stranded on a farm without food or funds. 👉 sbs.com.au
   • Indigenous advocates are condemning Victoria's new youth crime laws, which will see children facing adult courts. 👉 sbs.com.au
   • A judge has called for accountability after an Indigenous boy's name was leaked to media companies. 👉 sbs.com.au
   • SBS is broadcasting all Socceroos matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live and free. 👉 sbs.com.au 👉 sbs.com.au
   • The Socceroos' opponents for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ have been revealed. 👉 sbs.com.au
   • A story about how tiny insects are helping to tackle a $36 billion problem. 👉 sbs.com.au
   • A new study suggests that teaching consent to infants can start during nappy changes. 👉 abc.net.au

1765267800000