KPMG has been hit with a three-month freeze on new federal government contracts in Australia due to a whistleblower scandal. The Greens have referred the company to the anti-corruption watchdog over allegations of misusing confidential client information.
Environmentalists in Brisbane's bayside express concern over continued koala habitat clearing at Ormiston College, highlighting perceived loopholes in national environment laws despite recent reforms. The school's approved development involves clearing 600 trees, with plans to replant habitat trees, but the project was not federally assessed, raising fears of setting a dangerous precedent.
The US government disclosed 3,611 AI use cases, a 70% increase since the Biden administration. Concerns are raised over AI's role in sensitive government functions, lack of transparency, and potential for misuse, despite potential benefits.
Donald Trump's ambitions are characterized as small and ego-driven, contrasting with grander civilizational projects. His 80th birthday was marked by a UFC cage fight hosted at the White House, a spectacle of violence and taxpayer expense.
The US government is reportedly planning to let the Federal Data Center Enhancement Act (FDCEA) expire without a replacement, signaling a hands-off approach to data center oversight amid public backlash and growing AI demand. This move could reduce transparency and energy efficiency standards for federal data centers.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese indicated openness to extending the temporary fuel excise cut, citing ongoing Middle East conflict impacts. A peace deal between the US and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was welcomed, but normal oil trade is expected to take months.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese indicated the government may extend the temporary fuel excise cut to ease motorist costs, influenced by the Middle East conflict and a new peace deal between the US and Iran. The cut, initially set to end June 30, is being re-evaluated.
Scott Franks, an Indigenous businessman, alleges his joint venture, Glad Indigenous, was a victim of 'black cladding' after a court battle with his partner, Glad Holdings. Despite being majority owner, Franks claims he lacked control, leading to financial losses and the business's eventual closure, impacting 40 employees.
Scott Franks' business, Glad Indigenous, aimed to boost First Nations employment but faced "black cladding" issues, leading to its closure. Despite being majority-owned, Franks alleges a minority partner exerted control, resulting in financial losses and legal battles.
Health Minister Mark Butler is pushing to pass contentious NDIS reforms this month, warning against delays. The Coalition and Greens are considering teaming up to extend inquiries into the NDIS, negative gearing, and capital gains tax changes, which disability groups and state ministers have criticized.
Health Minister Mark Butler is pushing to pass controversial NDIS reforms this month, rejecting opposition calls for extended inquiries. He warns that delays could cost billions and hinder improvements to support quality and fight fraud, accusing the Coalition of using the bill as a political pawn. Disability advocates and state ministers have criticized the proposed changes.
The federal government will pay North Dakota nearly $28 million to settle a lawsuit over policing costs during Dakota Access pipeline protests. The agreement resolves claims of negligence and other issues, with the Justice Department acknowledging past federal inaction could have mitigated impacts on the state.
Tech companies like Meta, Google, and TikTok cite the US-Australia free trade agreement and threaten retaliation to oppose Australia's proposal forcing them to pay news outlets for content, arguing it's discriminatory and violates trade rules.
A parliamentary news roundup covers Anthony Albanese’s economic warning, Coalition criticism of Labor’s budget and NDIS changes, and disputes over foreign ownership, aged care assessments and US tariffs.
Bruce Lehrmann's seized diary must be declassified by the federal government before it can be returned to him, a court heard. Lehrmann is suing for legal funding to fight corruption allegations related to misappropriating secret documents about French submarines.
Allegations revealed under parliamentary privilege suggest former Australian detainees on Nauru are facing threats of physical violence from officers with new powers to use force. A whistleblower claims officers have labelled the NZYQ cohort "absolute f***ing pieces of s**t" and threatened them with "reckoning" and "vigilante violence."
Debate intensifies over Australia's budget bill, with the Greens questioning ministerial powers. Treasurer Jim Chalmers dismisses concerns as a 'beat up'. Meanwhile, Australia faces proposed US tariffs, and housing affordability remains a key political issue.
The Grattan Institute has strongly criticized the Australian Labor government's proposed NDIS budget cuts, calling them 'blunt and inequitable' and 'underpinned by dubious logic'. The thinktank argues that slashing social participation budgets could lead to 'absurd' outcomes for participants, potentially undermining the scheme's core purpose.
Barnaby Joyce urged anti-abortion activists to 'keep the fires burning' in Sydney. Concerns are mounting over Labor's NDIS overhaul, a "franken-can" was named worst plastic packaging, and Trump reportedly argued with Netanyahu. Weight-loss drugs may cut cancer risk.
Two men injured in the 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally are suing the U.S. government for negligence, alleging the Secret Service failed to provide adequate security, leading to their serious injuries and the death of another attendee.
President Trump signed an executive order creating a voluntary framework for AI companies to share frontier models with the government pre-release to enhance cybersecurity and innovation. The order directs agencies to develop methods for assessing advanced AI cyber capabilities, offering confidentiality protections for participating companies.
President Trump signed an executive order establishing a voluntary framework for the federal government to vet powerful new AI models before public release, aiming to enhance national security and cybersecurity.
Australia's NDIS reform advisory committee and the Human Rights Commission warn proposed changes could cause 'material harm' to people with disabilities, undermine the scheme's intent, and concentrate power in the health minister. The government aims to cut participant numbers by 2030 for financial sustainability.
The Australian federal government has spent millions on personal security for administrators of the CFMEU union, including $3.8m for Mark Irving and $5.3m for Michael Crosby. Minister Murray Watt also required security after placing the union into administration due to alleged criminal syndicate involvement.
