Tasmania is one step closer to introducing a levy on short-stay accommodation, after legislation passed the lower house. But a push from the crossbench to direct the funds to crisis accommodation and homelessness services has failed.
A 45-year-old man, Surya Subekti, has been sentenced to up to six years and five months in jail for trafficking a 17-year-old girl from Indonesia to Australia for sex work. He pleaded guilty to organizing her entry for sexual services and forced labor. His co-offender, Elton Valentino, received a sentence of two years and eight months.
Darcy Byrne, Labor mayor of Sydney's Inner West Council, is leading a grassroots movement to curb gambling harm, advocating for fewer poker machines in NSW clubs. He compares the poker machine lobby to the US NRA and discussed his successful motion at the NSW Labor conference.
Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler, known for hits like 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' has died at 75. Her music's enduring appeal is highlighted by its use in films such as 'Footloose,' 'Shrek 2,' and 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid,' introducing her songs to new generations.
Telstra CEO Vicki Brady apologized to customers for a nationwide outage caused by a software glitch, which affected Triple Zero, trains, and eftpos. Brady stated the issue is under control and assured commitment to service reliability.
Australian golfers Grace Kim and Minjee Lee struggled in the opening round of the Evian Championship in France. Kim, the defending champion, finished at 2-over 73, while Lee posted a 6-over 77. Japan's Akie Iwai leads with a 63.
The Queensland government will construct a dual-lane roundabout at the Bruce Highway and Walker Street intersection in Maryborough, following a fatal five-vehicle crash in 2024 that claimed three lives. Construction is slated to begin in 2027.
