Australian Sharks captain Nathan Power will lead the men's water polo team at the World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup in Sydney while on parental leave from KPMG. He and teammate Blake Edwards have brought their babies on tour, fostering a positive team culture focused on family support, praised by coach Tim Hamill.
The slimmed-down Commonwealth Games are set to open in Glasgow with King Charles attending, after Australia's Victoria state withdrew as host due to rising costs, leading Glasgow to step in with existing venues.
Australian gold medallists Nina Kennedy (pole vault) and Tim Hodge (para swimming) will carry the flag and King's Baton, respectively, at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. Both aim to defend their titles, marking significant personal milestones.
The Australian Labor Party (ALP) will vote on a platform change to ensure a fairer return from natural resources, targeting gas exports through appropriate taxation. This comes as the current Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT) has failed to generate significant revenue despite a boom in LNG exports, prompting calls for a 25% tax on gas exports.
Nina Kennedy will carry Australia's flag at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony before defending her pole vault title. Para swimmer Tim Hodge will carry the King's Baton, marking his third Games and international debut city.
Australian One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce was seen yelling at his dog, Stella, during a live ABC 7.30 interview while attempting to defend party leader Pauline Hanson's controversial European tour. The incident, which went viral, adds to Joyce's history of dog-related news and occurred as One Nation shows strong polling support.
The president of the Australian Holocaust survivors association, George Foster, told a royal commission that rising antisemitism in Australia, marked by exclusion and attacks, has 'disturbing parallels' to Nazi Germany's social climate. Community leaders detailed increased incidents since October 2023, with one synagogue attack allegedly directed by Iran.
Pope Leo XIV's collection of speeches and writings, "Maps of Hope," has been certified as human-authored by Australian company Proudly Human, less than two months after the Pope declared AI a major threat to humanity in his encyclical "Magnifica Humanitas."
The Albanese government's approval of Woodside's North West Shelf gas project extension in Western Australia faces a federal court challenge from conservation groups, testing Australia's environment law and international climate obligations.
A new leftwing manifesto from the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) proposes significant tax reforms, including a new rate for high earners, wealth and inheritance taxes, and increased revenue from gas companies. These proposals aim to fund free education, higher welfare payments, and nationalised aged care, setting a progressive backdrop for the Labor party's national conference in Adelaide.
Refugees and asylum seekers on Nauru face severe food and water insecurity, with many skipping meals despite Australia spending over $9m per person last financial year. A new ASRC survey reveals the $260 fortnightly payment is insufficient for basic needs amid high import costs and poor conditions.
The Australian government has raised its travel alert for Laos to "exercise a high degree of caution" following the methanol poisoning deaths of six foreign nationals, including two Australian backpackers, in Vang Vieng in November 2024. A distillery owner has been charged, but victims' families and Australian/Danish officials express deep disappointment over the perceived leniency of the charges.
Australian universities, including ANU, are implementing new policies to combat AI cheating, leading to accusations of a "hysterical" response from some academics. Concerns are raised about the impact on inclusive assessment and the potential for Australia to lose intellectual capability if academic rigor isn't restored.
Nearly 2.2 million Australians, or one in 10, live below the wellbeing poverty line, with very low life satisfaction doubling since 2014, according to ABS data. This surge, linked to Covid lockdowns and soaring cost of living, correlates with increased alienation and lower support for multiculturalism, impacting social cohesion.
Jess Johnson, a 37-year-old mother and graphic designer, has been selected as a right-handed pitcher for Australia's women's national baseball team, the Emeralds. She is the oldest member of the 20-player squad, which includes several teenagers, and will debut at the World Cup group stage against formidable opponents.
Services Australia whistleblower Jeannie-Marie Blake is suing the Australian government, alleging repeated threats and retaliatory actions after her testimony at the robodebt royal commission, including warnings her job could be at risk.
Apply by July 20 for Stripe x Startup Battlefield in Sydney. Eight Australian startups will pitch live on August 19, with the grand winner receiving $15,000 in Stripe fee credits and automatic entry into TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco (Oct 13-15, 2026).
As urban centers see a rise in compact, new-build apartments, homeowners are finding ways to personalize these spaces. From custom finishes and flexible furniture to meaningful decoration, individuals are transforming generic walls into personal sanctuaries, proving that a home's character isn't dictated by budget but by thoughtful choices.
Derryn Hinch, the "human headline" known for his outspoken journalism and political career, has died at 82. Hinch, who served as a senator, was twice jailed for naming sex offenders and had a career marked by controversy, health battles, and a rags-to-riches story.
The Australian Jewish News has removed an article by Nomi Kaltmann that criticized the treatment of Jewish Council of Australia executive officer Sarah Schwartz by community members. The article, which called for respectful discourse, was taken down after complaints, highlighting broader societal issues with civil debate.
Robyn Hitchcock, 73, releases his latest album 'The Confuser' from Nashville, reflecting on his six-decade songwriting career. He discusses his influences, his evolving persona, and his latest memoir, 'Stranded in the Future,' where he explores his tendency to create personal myths and his experiences with autism.
ACCA Melbourne's new exhibition, 'Are You Lonely Tonight?', delves into the complex nature of loneliness with works from 11 artists, exploring the distinction between being alone and feeling lonely, and connectivity versus true connection.
Researchers discovered that colourful children's play sand sold in Australia, previously recalled for asbestos contamination, can release hazardous airborne fibres. A study found 90% of craft sand samples released asbestos when played with, raising concerns for children's health.
Australia's latest health report shows cancer survival rates have significantly improved over 30 years. However, experts are concerned by falling childhood vaccination rates, leading to increased cases of measles, diphtheria, and whooping cough.
