Australia's parliament enters its last week before the winter break amidst high tensions. Key events include Vanuatu's PM visit, the Midwinter Ball, and crucial negotiations on Labor's budget, NDIS cuts, tax legislation, and gambling advertising reforms.
Australia's native birds, including black swans, face a "very high risk" of extinction from bird flu. Meanwhile, Europe experiences record heatwaves with 40 drownings in France, and the US Secretary of State addresses shipping tolls in the Strait of Hormuz.
Australian Liberal MP Andrew Hastie is to receive enhanced security due to perceived threats linked to a One Nation-led campaign, particularly over his involvement in the Ben Roberts-Smith war crimes case.
Liberal MP Andrew Hastie urges Australia to significantly boost AI investment to maintain strategic independence, warning against becoming a 'supplicant state' to the US amid potential conflict with China. He advocates for an AI ambassador and education reform.
Andrew Hastie warns Australia must boost AI investment to maintain strategic independence, fearing it could become a 'supplicant state' to the US amid potential conflict with China. He advocates for Australia to become a southern hemisphere tech hub and overhaul education for AI development.
