Achol Arok

Karlu Karlu, also known as the Devils Marbles, has become the Northern Territory’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary and only the third such site in Australia. The sacred reserve, located about 100km south of Tennant Creek, was recognised after a year-long process involving six months of night-sky measurements, lighting reviews and assessments of future risks. The designation acknowledges the reserve’s exceptionally low light pollution, environmental and cultural importance, and is expected to support conservation, wildlife protection, human health and tourism. Traditional owners, local councils, the Department of Tourism and Hospitality and NT Parks and Wildlife supported the submission.

Strathfield Council has passed a motion advocating that shopfront signs clearly and prominently display English, although it has not yet determined how the policy would be enforced. Small-business owners and residents say the proposal is unnecessary, costly and damaging to the area’s multicultural identity. Australia’s race discrimination commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman condemned it as systemic racism that could pressure communities to abandon their identities, while councillor Esther Kim argued that English signage would make businesses more accessible and attract visitors. The council says it will review existing rules and consult the community before making changes.

Australia’s compulsory 2026 census will be conducted on 11 August, with residents, visitors and temporary visa holders required to complete a 66-question form. New questions will cover sexual orientation, sex recorded at birth and gender, while respondents will be able to list up to four ancestries; intersex will not be included as a response option. Forms can be completed online or on paper, and people who lose their login details can request replacements. Failure to complete the census can result in fines of up to A$364 per day, while deliberately giving false or misleading answers can incur fines of up to A$3,640. The Australian Bureau of Statistics says privacy protections include removing names and addresses early in processing and preventing the release of individually identifiable information. Results are expected to be published from June 2027.

Australia’s compulsory 2026 census will take place on 11 August, with most people expected to complete the 66-question form online while paper forms remain available. The census will collect demographic, social, economic and cultural data to guide government planning for health, education, transport, infrastructure and social services. New questions will cover sexual orientation, sex recorded at birth and gender, although intersex status will not be included, and respondents will be able to report up to four ancestries instead of two. The Australian Bureau of Statistics says extensive safeguards will protect privacy, with results expected to be released from June 2027.

Australia’s attorney general, Michelle Rowland, referred concerns about discreet smartglasses to the privacy commissioner, warning that covert recording, harassment and surveillance could disproportionately harm women and children. The live coverage also reported bird-flu measures in Victoria and South Australia, including poultry housing requirements and cancelled bird exhibits; major Sydney airport delays attributed to Airservices Australia staffing shortages; and an inquiry into racism against Indigenous students and educators. In New South Wales, ICAC hearings continued into alleged Liberal Party links to prohibited donations and factional activity, while the Alan Jones indecent-assault trial proceeded with cross-examination of a complainant. The Victorian Electoral Commission rejected a proposed “Free Palestine Party” because its name resembled Avi Yemini’s registered “Free Palestine” party. More than 100 climate protesters had charges dropped over a 2024 Newcastle coal-port blockade, and new data showed parent-visa processing delays of up to 33 years, with more than 1,500 applicants dying while waiting.

A closed Guardian live blog recaps Australian political, legal and public-safety developments, led by testimony in the NSW ICAC’s Operation Rosny. Jean-Claude Perrottet was questioned about messages describing “filthy schools money,” monthly payments from Beckington, alleged political donations and conversations with fugitive developer Jean Nassif; he disputed or denied the interpretations put to him. The inquiry also heard references to Angus Taylor, the Reformers, Charles Perrottet and efforts allegedly involving former MP David Elliott and building commissioner David Chandler. Other updates included plans for the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church and Advance to appear before an inquiry into the 2025 federal election, a toxic industrial fire in Port Adelaide, a first Australian land-based H5N1 bird-flu case, threats against a federal MP, a stabbing in Sydney, and the departure of ABC investigations chief Jo Puccini. Business coverage reported tentative signs of housing-market stabilisation, strong News Corp global results despite weakness in Australian news, and a fall in SpaceX’s valuation affecting Gina Rinehart.

ACT Liberal leader Mark Parton admitted sending a text during a budget estimates hearing saying, “fuck, my job is boring,” while denying that it was sent to a sex worker. The disclosure followed an anonymous complaint to the Legislative Assembly’s standards commissioner, who dismissed the complaint without launching an investigation. Parton defended the message as consistent with his informal communication style, ruled out resigning and said he retained the backing of his party room. The matter was also referred to police as a harassment complaint. ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr avoided political attacks but stressed that estimates hearings are central to parliamentary accountability.

The Guardian’s live coverage reports that NSW police charged a 36-year-old Sydney woman with 62 offences, including alleged threats of death or grievous bodily harm, stalking, intimidation and deception; she was refused bail. Other major developments included the High Court overturning a groundwater licence that would have allowed Fortune Agribusiness to extract 40 gigalitres annually from the Northern Territory desert, and upholding a harsher sentence for the teenager who killed Emma Lovell during a Queensland home invasion. The NSW government released legal advice rejecting an inquiry finding that Director of Public Prosecutions Sally Dowling gave false evidence, while ICAC hearings examined the political activities of Jean-Claude Perrottet and the Reformers faction. Victoria’s anti-corruption watchdog found serious and concerning conduct involving the former Andrews government and United Firefighters Union secretary Peter Marshall, though it made no finding of corrupt conduct. Other updates covered a record Australian sharemarket close, Queensland’s $287m Brisbane Showgrounds Olympic upgrade, bird-flu risks to nearly 400 native species, challenges to Australia’s under-16 social-media ban, debate over nuclear power and renewable energy, a surge in self-managed-super investment-property loans before a ban, and disappointing NAPLAN results with persistent socioeconomic gaps.

The NSW government released former Supreme Court justice John Sackar’s long-delayed review of hate-speech laws but rejected its recommendation to extend criminal protections beyond race to religion, sexual orientation and gender identity. Equality Australia accused the Minns government of creating unequal protections, while Attorney General Michael Daley cited freedom of expression, freedom of religion and consistency in criminal law. The live coverage also reported evidence to the NSW ICAC about Damien Tudehope’s alleged leaking of a confidential report and discussions involving Dominic Perrottet, an independent review of the Bureau of Meteorology, pressure on Victoria’s hospitals and planned doctors’ industrial action, aged-care concerns over algorithmic funding assessments, rising Brisbane homelessness, gambling-industry allegations, strong household spending and a five-month high for Australian shares.

Bob Montgomery, 82, died in hospital after suffering a medical episode while driving home from a function, one day after completing a 5,200km charity cycling ride from Broome to Bowral with his 18-year-old grandson, Tom Malcolm. The ride was his sixth interstate fundraiser for Motor Neurone Disease NSW and raised $104,965. The organization described Montgomery as an inspirational and tireless supporter whose efforts helped provide care, equipment and support for people with motor neurone disease and their families.

Rafqa Touma discusses Meta’s camera-equipped glasses with Guardian technology reporter Josh Taylor, lifestyle editor Alyx Gorman and Lauren Perry of the Human Technology Institute. The conversation examines whether people can tell when they are being filmed and considers the privacy concerns surrounding the glasses’ ability to capture photos and video in public.

The Guardian’s live coverage reports that One Nation leader Pauline Hanson barred journalists from the Guardian, ABC and the Age from a press conference announcing Victorian election candidates. Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young called Hanson a “political coward,” while the Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom and the Guardian condemned the exclusions as harmful to media scrutiny and democracy. Other major developments included Australia’s first confirmed mass mortality event from H5 bird flu, suspected further deaths in Victoria, a fatal incident at the United Wambo mine, injuries after a building collapse in Sydney, resumed NSW ICAC hearings, falling tolls under a Transurban-NSW government deal, and debate over the government’s News Bargaining Incentive. Former competition watchdog chairs and News Corp criticized the scheme as insufficient, while the government estimates it could deliver $200 million to $250 million to Australian media.

The NSW Ombudsman found that Homes NSW acted unreasonably after an elderly public housing tenant experienced three sewage overflows, leaving her belongings contaminated and ultimately disposed of without proper consent or compensation. Homes NSW also failed to give the insurer full and accurate information, contributing to the rejection of her claim. The agency accepted recommendations to apologize, provide full compensation based on her itemized claim, and make an additional payment for more than five years of distress. It has also committed to improving repair and maintenance procedures and communication with tenants.

The murder case involving five-year-old Warlpiri girl Kumanjayi Little Baby has been delayed until 3 December because investigators are still processing a substantial volume of forensic evidence, witness statements and video material. The live coverage also reports hearings of the antisemitism royal commission, concern over limited progress on most Closing the Gap targets, Victorian ministerial resignations, disputes over proposed terrorism laws, alleged Liberal branch-stacking examined by NSW ICAC, and regulatory legal action against Telegram and Optus. Other major developments include the spread of H5 bird flu among wildlife, housing approvals rising but falling short of the federal target, and AstraZeneca continuing free access to Zoladex after its removal from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

South Australia police confirmed that Helena Wright visited a police station the day before her body and that of her 23-month-old daughter were found near Port Macdonnell. A welfare check had also been conducted at her home after a friend raised concerns, but no one was there. Police ended the search for Wright’s missing three-month-old child after three days, saying the infant could not have survived in the water or on land. The deaths are being investigated as a suspected murder-suicide and have been referred to the coroner; police said there was no evidence that anyone else was involved.

Australian fuel prices have surged, with petrol exceeding $2 a litre in some cities and diesel reaching $2.40, driven by higher oil prices and a reduced fuel-excise discount. Inflation eased to 3.8% in the year to June, lowering expectations of a near-term Reserve Bank rate rise, while the Greens renewed calls for rent freezes and eviction protections. Victoria’s new premier, Ben Carroll, introduced legislation to abolish group voting tickets for upper-house elections. NSW political integrity hearings continued, including disputed claims involving former minister David Elliott and alleged payments linked to Angus Taylor, who denies wrongdoing. Authorities warned that local transmission of H5N1 bird flu among wild birds could lead to wider spread, prompting concern for endangered wildlife including Kangaroo Island sea lions. Other developments included a serious police stabbing in South Australia, scrutiny of bank mortgage-offset failures, opposition to a NSW coal-mine expansion, and warnings about high-concentration medicinal cannabis.

Ben Carroll has become Victoria’s premier after Jacinta Allan resigned ahead of a Labor leadership challenge, with Gabrielle Williams appointed deputy premier. Carroll promised a different governing approach and said his first major action would be to establish a royal commission and special prosecutor focused on the construction sector. The live coverage also reported leadership upheaval at the ACTU, scrutiny of KPMG’s audit-leak scandal, allegations of factional work and donations involving Catholic Schools NSW, and disagreement over whether public servants breached political-impartiality rules by signing a letter criticising Israel policy. RBA governor Michele Bullock said Australia’s economy and housing market were slowing, reducing market expectations of an August rate rise. Other developments included a Queensland legal challenge to its ban on the slogan “from the river to the sea,” critical injuries in a Sydney crash, confirmation of deadly bird flu in South Australian birds, and fines for Harvey Norman and Latitude over misleading promotion.

The Guardian’s live coverage reported that comedian Nikki Osborne defended her interview with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, arguing that his repeated nomination of Kylie Minogue in a “shag, marry, date” game had been taken out of context, while acknowledging the online abuse she received. Australia conducted its first nationwide AusAlert emergency-warning test, reaching 94% of targeted phone towers but prompting reports of missed alerts, delayed sounds and risks to people using hidden phones to escape domestic violence. The coverage also followed a major NSW ICAC inquiry into alleged Liberal Party factional donations and influence involving property developer Jean Nassif, reported political instability surrounding Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, Pauline Hanson’s failed appeal against a racial-discrimination finding involving Mehreen Faruqi, legal action over the death of Kumanjayi White in custody, suspected bird flu in South Australian birds, and continuing scrutiny of police and counter-terrorism preparations after the Bondi attack.

The Guardian’s live coverage reports testimony from Liberal MP Julian Leeser to Australia’s antisemitism royal commission that his seven-year-old son no longer feels safe attending synagogues or Jewish communal events after the Bondi terror attack. Labor’s national conference is also facing a possible debate on Ed Husic’s resolution condemning Israel’s war in Gaza, supporting sanctions linked to illegal settlements and calling for changes to Australia’s diplomatic presence. Other major developments include criticism of the government’s proposed gambling reforms as insufficient, a 12.5% US tariff on Australian exports, the planned closure of the Climate Active carbon-neutral certification scheme, an ABC review of removed Four Corners episodes, warnings about possible eye-disorder links to GLP-1-related drugs, Queensland’s police firearm replacement program and Qantas’s ultra-long-distance aircraft test flight.

Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration has updated safety information for GLP-1 medicines including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Saxenda after 36 reported cases of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, a rare condition that can cause permanent visual impairment or blindness. Patients experiencing sudden or partial vision loss are advised to seek urgent medical attention, but should not stop treatment without consulting a doctor. Expert Helen Danesh-Meyer said the risk should be weighed against the drugs’ substantial benefits in treating diabetes, obesity and associated risks such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Novo Nordisk said the overall benefit-risk profile of semaglutide remains favorable, citing clinical, observational and post-marketing evidence.

Australia’s live political and national affairs coverage focused on an ex-ASIO agent known as Marcus, who was denied a visitor visa despite the royal commission’s interest in evidence he says links the Bondi shooters to an earlier warning. Supporters and Greens senator David Shoebridge urged Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to intervene, while the government and commission declined detailed comment. Other major developments included Labor debate over Israel-Palestine policy and fossil-fuel subsidies, Anthony Albanese’s announcement of a new Fair Work court and rejection of a near-term gas-export tax, steady unemployment at 4.4%, and market expectations of further Reserve Bank rate rises. Origin Energy confirmed a data breach affecting customer contact and partial banking information; ACT minister Yvette Berry resigned after integrity findings involving staff; and a Western Australian court dismissed Woodside Energy’s case against climate activists. The coverage also reported growing antisemitism and synagogue security concerns, Queensland’s worsening social-housing wait times, a Victorian teacher strike and Australian firefighters’ deployment to California.

A Federal Court ruling found Domino’s misled franchisees by directing them to use outdated employment agreements that excluded key entitlements, supporting a class action brought by former delivery driver Riley Gall on behalf of workers employed between 2013 and 2018. Compensation claims will be determined at a later hearing. The live coverage also reported increased antisemitic incidents and police deployments in Victoria, legal challenges to Woodside’s North West Shelf extension, a potential Origin Energy data breach, controversy over Pauline Hanson’s domestic violence comments, concerns about privatised employment services and homelessness responses, and major political, legal and health developments across Australia.

Australia’s political debate intensified after Pauline Hanson praised Donald Trump’s approach to mass deportation, prompting independent MP Monique Ryan to condemn the policy and reject Hanson’s apparent support for a White Australia position. Barnaby Joyce also defended Hanson’s meeting with far-right figure Tommy Robinson. Other major developments included protests demanding the closure of the Pine Gap intelligence base, pressure from Penny Wong on Laos over the deaths of Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, and criticism of the Housing Australia Future Fund’s slow progress and limited transparency. KPMG appointed John Sams as chief executive amid scrutiny over its handling of audit-leak allegations, while Nine announced further newsroom redundancies. The live coverage also reported a fatal stabbing in Perth, a death in a Queensland watch house, rising security costs for Jewish schools following antisemitic incidents, a teachers’ strike vote in Victoria, Qantas’s apology for a lengthy tarmac delay, and Queensland’s review of pumped-hydro projects.

Cooling property prices in Sydney and other major cities have raised hopes among first‑home buyers who see previously unaffordable suburbs becoming more accessible. Auctions in Glebe and Erskineville drew young bidders encouraged by falling values, though rapid price escalations still forced many out early. Economist Peter Esho attributes the cooling market to higher interest rates and recent government tax changes affecting investors, opening space for first‑home buyers but creating uncertain conditions. Despite modest declines, many prospective buyers say prices remain out of reach, with some viewing apartments as their only viable option after years of renting and housing insecurity.

Police arrested a 16-year-old boy after the remains of 13-year-old Layla Jeffery were found in bushland near Donald in western Victoria. Authorities are treating the death as suspicious and believe the boy, known to both the victim and police, may be responsible. Two women are assisting with inquiries but have not been arrested. The discovery followed an intensive search involving specialist police units. Local officials and community members expressed shock and grief as the investigation continues.

Telstra’s CEO apologises for a nationwide outage caused by a software fault that disrupted transport, transactions and emergency calls, prompting federal criticism and an internal investigation. Broadcaster Derryn Hinch dies at 82. France advances to the World Cup semi-finals after a standout performance by Kylian Mbappé. A remote Aboriginal arts centre launches its first fashion week, while swimmer Kaylee McKeown withdraws from the Commonwealth Games due to illness. Inner West mayor Darcy Byrne pushes gambling reform within Labor. A mariner recounts global travel aboard a replica 10th‑century Viking longboat.

Australia’s antisemitism envoy called for an oversight committee to review ABC and SBS coverage of Israel, drawing disagreement from ABC’s editorial director. Telstra continued facing fallout from a nationwide outage while the Coalition defended actions taken by its shadow communications minister. India and Australia finalised a major uranium deal ahead of Narendra Modi’s visit. France prepared for a World Cup quarter-final amid scrutiny of officiating, and British tennis player Arthur Fery advanced to the Wimbledon semi-finals. At the NATO summit, tensions rose as Donald Trump clashed with allies over Ukraine, defence spending and Middle East policy, while Volodymyr Zelenskyy sought to strengthen European alignment against Russia.

The federal government launched an investigation into a national Telstra outage attributed to a time‑keeping server issue as services largely returned to normal. An ICE agent fatally shot a motorist during a traffic stop in Houston. Argentina and Switzerland advanced to the World Cup quarter‑finals, while Europe faced escalating wildfires amid calls for better land management. San Francisco’s housing market saw unprecedented over‑asking sales driven by the AI boom, and experts warned that AI‑generated skincare advice remains unreliable.

Australia condemns a Chinese missile test in the Pacific for lacking sufficient notice and raising proliferation concerns. A Melbourne school community pays tribute to teacher Nathan Fitzgerald after his death in a football incident. Belgium advances to the World Cup quarter-finals by defeating the US. UK political pressure mounts on Nigel Farage over financial ties to convicted fraudsters. Additional items include a major NRL broadcast deal and the arrest of the man linked to the ‘Pam the Bird’ graffiti stunt.

A strong cold front brought significant snowfall to ski resorts in Victoria and New South Wales after an unusually warm start to winter, delivering up to 30cm of snow across major alpine areas. Resorts including Mount Hotham, Perisher and Thredbo reported renewed snow cover and improved conditions just ahead of school holidays. Climatologist Andrew Watkins warned that long‑term climate trends continue to shorten Australia’s snow seasons, driven by warming temperatures and more rain events, posing challenges for the skiing industry and reducing future reliability of snow-dependent tourism.

Legislation passed in Australia’s Senate will restore human oversight to the aged care assessment algorithm after reports that it frequently under-assessed elderly people’s needs. Additional national updates include safety concerns surrounding a popular Tasmanian seal, police action following a teenager’s death in Melbourne, and the discovery of a valuable Spanish painting left on a street. International highlights cover US progress in the World Cup, deadly celebrations in Mexico City, and new estimates indicating more than 2 million combined casualties in the Russia-Ukraine war. Cultural interest surged as tens of thousands queued online for tickets to view the Bayeux tapestry during its UK exhibition window.

Republicans plan to hold their first midterm convention in September as Donald Trump seeks to energise voters ahead of US elections. A Thailand investigation tied to an Australian suspect, a disruptive but popular Tasmanian seal, and multiple World Cup developments feature among the day’s key reports. Further updates include concerns over heatwaves reducing bee fertility, UK plans to boost defence spending through cuts elsewhere, and the challenges facing Australia’s shrinking bookselling sector.

A Guardian investigation details the connection between US-based Free Birth Society and Melbourne mother Stacey Warnecke’s death, with the inquest ongoing. World Cup results include Paraguay’s penalty shootout win over Germany, Morocco’s advancement and Brazil’s late victory. Junior Apiuta Apiuta was rescued after surviving eight days adrift in the Pacific. Additional coverage includes Naomi Osaka’s Wimbledon appearance, Andy Burnham’s political plans and an interview with AI ethicist Iason Gabriel.

Public broadcasters ABC and SBS will appear before the royal commission into antisemitism after criticisms of their Middle East coverage, both organisations defending their reporting. Joe Biden sharply criticised Donald Trump during a weekend speech, calling him a “loser” while citing alleged corruption and failed projects. Canada advanced to the World Cup round of 16 with a late goal against South Africa, while Australia prepares to face Egypt. Erin Brockovich is now targeting the environmental impact of AI datacentres, decades after her landmark water‑contamination case.

A Sydney woman severely injured in a great white shark attack is no longer in critical condition and is recovering in hospital after major surgeries, including an arm amputation. Her brother says she is alert, remembers the incident, and faces a lengthy rehabilitation process. Recent great white shark sightings have prompted repeated closures of Sydney beaches, with experts linking the activity to salmon migrations drawing multiple shark species closer to shore. Local residents report unusually frequent sightings, while the New South Wales government plans to expand the use of shark-detecting drones to improve beach safety.

A Sydney woman severely injured in a shark attack at Coogee beach briefly woke from an induced coma and spoke to her family after multiple surgeries, including an arm amputation. The incident has intensified concern over shark activity along Sydney’s coast following several sightings that prompted beach closures. Authorities highlighted seasonal shark movements and confirmed detections of both great white and tiger sharks. NSW’s premier announced plans to expand the use of shark-spotting drones, while experts advised swimmers to stay in groups and emphasized that the overall risk of shark bites remains low.