A survivor advocate behind the campaign calling for good character references to be abolished in sentencing perpetrators of sexual offences has described the NSW reform as "an absolute victory".
Queensland has recorded the highest number of fatal motorcycle accidents in Australia for five consecutive years. Police attribute the rise to increased ownership post-COVID, non-compliant electric motorcycles, hooning, and dangerous social media stunts. Experts cite year-round riding weather and regional road conditions.
Victoria's regional rail network is experiencing significant disruptions due to a nationwide telecommunications outage caused by a software defect. V/Line services remain limited, with passengers advised not to travel if possible, as SIM card communication failures on trains prevent safe operation.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Melbourne for discussions with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The visit includes a large community gathering and is expected to yield announcements on defense, security, and uranium exports, alongside ongoing trade deal negotiations. However, the visit also faces protests regarding Modi's human rights record.
Over 30 Aboriginal language custodians from the Northern Territory have released the Top End Strong Languages Statement, a roadmap for language revival. The report calls for increased funding for language services, stronger bilingual education, and government action to address Australia's "abysmal" record of Indigenous language loss.
Police are investigating two suspicious house fires that occurred minutes apart in Melbourne's northern suburbs. One fire damaged an empty house in Keilor Downs, while another in Taylors Lakes saw flames spread from two vehicles to a house, prompting the evacuation of three residents.
Explosions were reported in Iran's southern cities of Sirik and Bandar Abbas, with air defenses activated in Bandar Abbas. Power outages hit Chabahar, and explosions were heard in Bushehr. US President Trump had previously indicated potential strikes on Iranian infrastructure.
