Helen Livingstone

Bob Montgomery, 82, died peacefully and unexpectedly one day after completing a 3,300-mile bicycle ride across Australia with his 18-year-old grandson, Tom Malcolm. The six-week “One Last Ride” raised about A$105,000 for MND NSW, a cause personally important to Montgomery after losing a cousin to motor neurone disease. His family and the charity described him as a passionate, tireless supporter who had raised nearly A$300,000 through previous fundraising rides.

Australia's eSafety Commissioner has begun Federal Court action against Telegram, alleging that the platform failed to remove or adequately address terrorist and extremist material, including footage of the Christchurch and Buffalo shootings. Telegram denies the allegations and says it will contest the case. The platform could face a penalty of up to A$54.6m, while the regulator says it may seek to have the service suspended if warranted. Telegram was also fined A$1m in February 2025 for failing to respond on time to questions about child abuse and extremist content.

British rapper and YouTuber Yung Filly, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, testified in the District Court of Western Australia during his trial on allegations that he sexually assaulted a 20-year-old woman in his Perth hotel room in 2024. He pleaded not guilty to six counts of sexual penetration without consent, three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of strangulation. Barrientos said he had fancied the woman and that the atmosphere between them was positive, but denied inappropriate touching and said he did not become violent as alleged.

Australia expressed strong frustration after reports that Laos plans to pursue only minor charges in the methanol poisoning deaths of six foreign tourists, including two Australians. Families of the victims condemned the expected penalties as inadequate, while Australia summoned the Lao ambassador and dispatched a special envoy to push for accountability. Laos has not confirmed the charges but is expected to address the issue publicly, as diplomatic pressure intensifies.

Australian authorities have identified Hamish Tait as the childcare worker charged with 329 offences involving the alleged abuse of 136 children over 16 years at multiple Sydney daycare centres. Police lifted a court order suppressing his identity after contacting most affected families, though some victims remain unidentified. The charges include producing child abuse material, filming without consent and sexually touching young children. Investigators linked Tait to illegal online activity last year and found further evidence during a property raid. The case follows several other high‑profile childcare abuse investigations in Australia, contributing to heightened public concern.

A Sydney childcare worker, Hamish Tait, has been publicly identified after being charged with 329 offences involving the alleged abuse of 136 children across multiple daycare centres over 16 years. Authorities say they have contacted 121 affected families and continue to identify additional victims. Police linked Tait to illegal online activity in mid‑2024 and discovered child abuse material during a subsequent raid. The case follows several other high‑profile childcare abuse investigations in Australia, intensifying concern among parents and authorities.

Australia and Fiji have formalised the Ocean of Peace Alliance, Fiji’s first defence pact and part of Australia’s wider effort to strengthen Pacific partnerships amid China’s growing regional influence. The treaty includes over $1bn in Australian support for security, health and infrastructure initiatives. Hours after the signing, China test-launched a ballistic missile in the Pacific, prompting criticism from Australian officials, who described the move as destabilising. The agreement follows similar recent deals with Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, and comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese continues a regional diplomacy tour, including upcoming talks in Solomon Islands and meetings with Pacific leaders in Brisbane.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese apologised after comments made during a podcast game prompted criticism from MPs who called them inappropriate and disrespectful. He initially attempted to avoid the question before choosing Kylie Minogue, which led to bipartisan condemnation and accusations of sexism. Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles emphasised the government's commitment to gender equality, while Albanese issued an unequivocal written apology for the remarks made at his official residence.