Australian News

1. Australia / Bondi Terror Attack:

   • NSW Premier Chris Minns announces 14-day protest ban across Sydney after new laws passed to curb "fear and divisiveness" post-Bondi attack, with potential extension to three months. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon triggers the ban under controversial reforms. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 theguardian.com 👉 7news.com.au
   • Perth man charged with racial harassment for alleged social media posts praising Bondi attackers; police found multiple firearms, ammunition, and terrorist flags in his home. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 7news.com.au
   • Wounded police officer Jack Hibbert discharged from hospital after recovering from injuries sustained during the Bondi terror attack. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Bondi heroes honoured in new federal honours list announced by PM Albanese, recognizing bravery during the attack. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 theguardian.com

2. Australia / Politics & Society:

   • NSW gun and protest laws pass after marathon parliamentary debate, with reforms including stricter licensing and protest restrictions. Premier Minns defends measures as "extraordinary" amid civil liberties concerns. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 theguardian.com
   • PM Albanese recommends changes to parliamentary travel rules following expenses controversy. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Former Liberal MP Katie Allen dies aged 59, leaving a legacy in healthcare advocacy. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 theguardian.com

3. Australia / Weather & Natural Disasters:

   • Christmas Day cyclone Grant impacts Cocos Islands, with tropical conditions extending across northern Australia. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Sydney to Hobart yacht race faces cold, wet conditions with strong winds forecast, contrasting with 2024’s extreme weather. 👉 theguardian.com
   • Heatwave and storms sweep Australia, with Tasmania experiencing rare snowfall while other regions face extreme heat. 👉 abc.net.au

4. World / Geopolitics & Conflict:

   • US and Ukraine reach consensus on key issues to end war with Russia, marking a potential diplomatic breakthrough. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Russian general killed by car bomb in Moscow as Ukraine peace talks stall, escalating tensions. 👉 sbs.com.au
   • US issues visa bans for five Europeans involved in technology regulation, sparking diplomatic backlash. 👉 sbs.com.au

5. World / Legal & Crime:

   • A million more Epstein files discovered by US Department of Justice, including alleged ties to high-profile figures. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 9news.com.au
   • Russian comedian Vladimir Putin (no relation) charged with additional sex offences, including rape, in the UK. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Australian businessman jailed in Vietnam without charge, raising concerns over detention conditions. 👉 abc.net.au

6. Australia / Economy & Business:

   • Aussie dollar hits 14-month high amid strong market performance, while gold and silver reach record prices. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Boxing Day sales expected to reach $1.6b, with shoppers warned of deceptive discounts. 👉 theguardian.com
   • Major security firm collapses, axing up to 1,700 jobs nationwide. 👉 abc.net.au

7. Australia / Crime & Safety:

   • Woman charged over fatal stabbing of Zac McRae in Mount Druitt, NSW. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Man jailed for firebombing that killed a 13-year-old boy during a sleepover. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Search continues for missing fisherman off NSW South Coast after three days with no sightings. 👉 abc.net.au

8. Australia / Health & Wellbeing:

   • NSW hospitals face heatwave challenges as patients swelter without air conditioning. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Outback graziers welcome rain after prolonged drought, easing livestock concerns. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Charities struggle with volunteer shortages, especially on Christmas Day. 👉 abc.net.au

9. Australia / Sport:

   • Australia wins The Ashes, defeating England in Adelaide to retain the urn. 👉 abc.net.au
   • England cricket team faces scrutiny over Noosa trip and Jofra Archer’s injury, raising questions about team discipline. 👉 7news.com.au
   • Sydney to Hobart yacht race set for strong winds but milder conditions than 2024. 👉 abc.net.au

10. Australia / Culture & Lifestyle:

    • 83-year-old Nancy Dickman trains to run a marathon at 90, inspiring with her determination. 👉 abc.net.au
    • Islamic school faces de-registration over comments about Zionism, sparking legal investigations. 👉 abc.net.au
    • Power company fined $330,000 for environmental offences linked to a 2022 fish kill. 👉 abc.net.au

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