An independent review finds fire ant eradication is still achievable, but major issues, including poor communication, public mistrust and strategy confusion, must be fixed first.
Devastated parents of a child abused by childcare worker David James are demanding urgent reforms to the out-of-hours care system. They call for mandatory CCTV, more staff, and a ban on male educators, while expressing lost trust in police and the court system.
Australia is expected to avoid a recession despite substandard growth, while living standards are set to languish. In UK politics, Nigel Farage resigns as MP but will fight a byelection. The World Cup saw Argentina come from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 with a Messi goal.
Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, was eliminated in the Wimbledon quarterfinals by Karolina Muchova. Osaka cited plantar fasciitis and fatigue from playing too many matches as reasons for her performance, expressing a desire to win another major title.
Three tankers were struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, raising tensions amid US-Iran negotiations. The US subsequently revoked a license authorizing Iranian oil sales, impacting global energy security and shipping routes.
Thousands of Jacana Energy customers in the Northern Territory are facing massive power bills, some exceeding $6,000, due to a billing bungle linked to a new smart meter system. Power and Water Corporation (PWC) experienced issues with meter data flow after a technology upgrade, causing billing delays and discrepancies for approximately 5,000 customers.
Storms in central and southern China have resulted in at least 17 deaths and hundreds of injuries. Tens of thousands have been evacuated, and up to 900 snakes escaped a flooded breeding farm in Guangxi. More heavy rain is forecast.
