A controversial plan to end a ban on fracking in South Australia's South East two years earlier than planned, appears to be all but dead, with the Liberals and One Nation vowing to oppose legislation.
Two AFL players were penalized for rubbing an opponent's head, highlighting the league's crackdown on taunting. Fremantle's Luke Ryan and Sydney's Dane Rampe both received free kicks for the offense during Fremantle's win over Sydney. Coaches Dean Cox and Justin Longmuir emphasized the need for player discipline.
Sidney Leonard Morse, Australia's first Indigenous recipient of the Military Cross in 1943, had his story rediscovered by a volunteer historian at the War Memorial. Awarded for gallantry in New Guinea, Morse's achievements were previously unknown to his distant relatives in Tasmania.
Italian firm Webuild, a contractor on Australia's Snowy Hydro project, is defending itself against two criminal proceedings by SafeWork NSW. The charges allege the company exposed five workers to serious risk of death or injury in separate incidents involving a falling truck and a faulty drill.
Victorian firefighters are using new virtual reality (VR) kits to prepare for an earlier and potentially more intense bushfire season, exacerbated by a strong El Niño event. The updated VR system offers realistic simulations for training, replacing older technology and improving firefighter skills and morale.
Australia has formally objected to a proposed 12.5% US tariff, arguing there's no credible evidence of forced labor in Australian products. Australian business leaders also urged exemptions for certain imports if the tariff proceeds.
Tadej Pogačar delivered a stunning performance on Stage 6 of the Tour de France, crushing rivals on the Col du Tourmalet to extend his lead to over 2 minutes. Jonas Vingegaard remains hopeful despite the significant time gap.
