Sarah Collard

Australian attorney general Michelle Rowland asked the privacy commissioner to examine risks posed by discreetly used smartglasses, warning that women and children could be disproportionately affected by recording, harassment and surveillance. The live coverage also reported rising H5 bird flu cases and poultry restrictions in Victoria and South Australia, major Sydney airport delays linked to Airservices Australia staffing shortages, and evidence about racism affecting Indigenous students and educators. Other developments included continuing proceedings against Alan Jones, an ICAC investigation involving NSW Liberal figures, rejection of a competing Free Palestine Party registration, long waits for Australian parent visas, and the withdrawal of charges against more than 100 climate protesters arrested at Newcastle port.

The Guardian’s live coverage follows testimony at the NSW ICAC’s Operation Rosny inquiry, where Jean-Claude Perrottet was questioned about messages describing “filthy schools money,” payments from lobbying company Beckington and alleged political assistance linked to developer Jean Nassif. Perrottet denied wrongdoing or knowledge of arrangements involving the Reformers, while the inquiry examined claims concerning Angus Taylor, Charles Perrottet, David Elliott and building commissioner David Chandler. The coverage also reports that the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church and Advance will appear before an inquiry into the 2025 federal election, alongside updates on a toxic industrial fire in Port Adelaide, a fatal alleged assault in Melbourne, threats against a federal MP, bird flu, childcare closures, e-bike safety standards, ABC leadership changes and tentative signs of housing-market stabilization.

Witnesses told a federal parliamentary inquiry in Melbourne that One Nation’s rise and Pauline Hanson’s public rhetoric are encouraging racist language and behavior toward First Nations people. Former AFL inclusion manager Tanya Hosch said Hanson’s statements had racist intent, while Indigenous journalist John-Paul Janke described a resurgence of 1970s-style racism, escalating online abuse and violence following the failed 2023 Voice referendum. Journalists Narelda Jacobs and Brooke Boney urged stronger cultural-awareness training and greater accountability for media outlets that publish racist or inflammatory material.

Aboriginal community police officers who worked in the Northern Territory between 1998 and 2025 have filed a federal court class action against the Northern Territory government and police force. Led by Darwin officer Shawn Lewfatt, the lawsuit alleges decades of systemic racial abuse, the use of slurs and dehumanising language, discrimination against Indigenous staff and community members, and underpayment compared with predominantly non-Indigenous constables performing similar duties. Gordon Legal says the conduct was widespread and that senior police personnel failed to stop it. The claim alleges breaches of the Racial Discrimination Act and could affect hundreds of officers. NT police acknowledged the legal action but declined further comment, while the territory government had been contacted for a response.

The Guardian’s live coverage reported that the murder case involving the death of five-year-old Warlpiri girl Kumanjayi Little Baby has been delayed until 3 December because investigators still need to process a substantial volume of forensic evidence, witness statements and other material. The day’s other major developments included evidence to the antisemitism royal commission about underreported incidents in schools, criticism of slow progress on most Closing the Gap targets, and the achievement of the preschool-enrolment target for First Nations children. The federal government rejected Pauline Hanson’s proposed approach to blocking Australians linked to terrorist groups from returning home. Authorities also pursued Telegram over alleged terrorist content and Optus over the 2025 triple-zero outage, while Australia recorded further bird-flu detections. In Victoria, ministers Lily D’Ambrosio and Harriet Shing announced their departures from politics, housing approvals rose but remained below the government’s target, and officials strengthened protections for threatened species.

The Cosmic Echoes exhibition brings together Indigenous artists from Australia and South Africa to explore shared relationships with the night sky. Wajarri Yamaji knowledge of stars, travel and seasonal change is presented alongside Khoisan astronomical traditions, highlighting how Indigenous communities used celestial observations long before Western science developed comparable technology. The exhibition is linked to major radio astronomy projects on Wajarri country and in South Africa, including the SKA-Low and SKA-Mid telescopes, and emphasizes collaboration, cultural recognition and the ongoing impact of colonialism on Indigenous identity and language.

Australia’s live political and national affairs coverage focused on a former undercover intelligence agent, known as Marcus, who was denied a visitor visa despite the Bondi shooting royal commission’s interest in his evidence. Supporters said he faces credible ISIS-linked threats and would receive stronger legal protections if allowed to testify in Australia. Other developments included Ed Husic’s call for Labor to tolerate internal debate and take stronger practical measures on Israel-Palestine; a data breach at Origin Energy; Yvette Berry’s resignation as ACT education minister after corruption findings involving officials in her portfolio; and the dismissal of Woodside Energy’s case against three climate activists. The coverage also reported Labor conference debates on fuel tax credits, rising Queensland social-housing wait times, steady unemployment at 4.4%, possible Reserve Bank rate rises, renewed antisemitism concerns, teacher strikes, and Australian firefighters being sent to California.

A review into the circumstances surrounding the death of five‑year‑old Kumanjayi Little Baby found that Northern Territory child protection authorities failed to adequately identify and address domestic violence risks affecting her mother and family, leaving her mother to manage threats alone. The interim report highlighted inconsistent and subjective risk assessments within the Department of Children and Families and noted repeated missed opportunities to recognise escalating harm. While no direct link was established between earlier child protection referrals and the girl’s alleged abduction and murder by Jefferson Lewis, the review recommended improved training, clearer risk assessment processes and increased workforce capacity. The findings arrive amid broader concerns over recent NT child protection law changes that may weaken the Aboriginal child placement principle, prompting national ministerial support for retaining the safeguard.

Indigenous community members in Perth told a federal inquiry they felt ignored and dismissed after an alleged attempted bombing at the Invasion Day rally on 26 January. Witnesses described the traumatic incident and criticised Western Australia police for failing to treat the threat with urgency despite prior warnings of potential far‑right targeting. Fabian Yarran reported notifying authorities of unspecified threats but said police did not meet organisers beforehand or communicate effectively during the evacuation. Former Indigenous affairs minister Ken Wyatt said the defeat of the 2023 voice referendum had emboldened racist behaviour and urged the inquiry to recommend strong action and funding comparable to forthcoming antisemitism initiatives.

A nationwide Telstra outage affecting train services, payment systems and triple-zero calls was declared resolved, but Communications Minister Anika Wells said the company must answer serious questions and rebuild public trust. Telstra CEO Vicki Brady apologised, while the communications regulator warned of possible civil penalties of up to $30m and Small Business Minister Anne Aly called for clearer compensation arrangements. Other major developments included the death of former journalist and senator Derryn Hinch at 82, the discovery of the body of a missing 13-year-old girl in regional Victoria, South Australia’s first detected case of H5 bird flu in local wildlife, and the resignation of Northern Territory Children’s Commissioner Shahleena Musk over controversial child-protection reforms. The live coverage also reported legal and political disputes involving Palestine protests, antisemitism regulation, One Nation, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Pacific security cooperation.

The Northern Territory children’s commissioner, Shahleena Musk, resigned in opposition to major child protection reforms that would replace the Aboriginal child placement principle with a universal model prioritising risk-based removal. Musk argued the government sidelined her office and failed to properly consult, warning the changes threaten protections for Indigenous children and weaken democratic safeguards. First Nations and human rights advocates condemned the reforms, while the NT child protection minister defended them as necessary for child safety and supported by foster carers.

Proposed child protection reforms in Queensland and the Northern Territory could weaken the longstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle, raising fears of renewed cultural disconnection for First Nations children. Indigenous advocates argue that maintaining cultural ties is essential to child safety, while the NT government claims its reforms aim to keep more children safely at home. Concerns focus on draft laws enabling removals based on broad risk assessments and on Queensland proposals to consider adoption for Indigenous children. Critics warn these changes risk repeating historical harms associated with the Stolen Generations and overlook the structural inequalities driving child protection interventions.

A federal inquiry received hundreds of submissions detailing how social media algorithms amplify racist content targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, contributing to harmful mental health effects. A video by Lisa Jane Spencer mocking First Nations identity sparked significant backlash and was eventually removed by Meta for violating hateful conduct policies. Community advocates, including Jordan Hindmarsh-Keevil and support groups such as Home, reported widespread experiences of online racism and its cumulative psychological impact. Spencer lost her job but raised funds through GiveSendGo, while Hindmarsh-Keevil used the moment to expand access to mental health support for Indigenous people.

Australia is experiencing its largest diphtheria outbreak in living memory, with the highly contagious and potentially fatal disease spreading through remote Indigenous communities. The podcast examines why a disease once nearly eradicated has returned, the connection between poverty and inadequate health conditions, and efforts to contain the outbreak.

June Oscar reflects on her family history and the legacy of frontier violence while urging renewed national commitment to reconciliation. She discusses her advocacy for Indigenous women and girls, including her leadership of the Wiyi Yani U Thangani project. Despite the defeat of the Indigenous voice referendum, she argues there is still momentum for truth-telling and respectful national dialogue, calling for stronger political leadership and broader engagement across communities.

Northern Territory police declined to lay charges against officers involved in the 2025 death of Warlpiri man Kumanjayi White, citing insufficient evidence following a full investigation and review by the director of public prosecutions. The decision prompted distress among White’s family and renewed criticism from Indigenous leaders, including senator Lidia Thorpe, who condemned the lack of accountability and highlighted the broader pattern of Aboriginal deaths in custody. Police acknowledged community pain and confirmed that evidence, including CCTV footage, will be examined in a forthcoming coronial inquest. White’s family, notified in Lajamanu, plans a week-long mourning period as calls persist for an independent investigation and greater oversight of police actions.

Australia’s political day was marked by internal Labor criticism of the government’s support for Israel. A Labor MP challenged Defence Minister Richard Marles over Israel’s treatment of Gaza flotilla activists, alleged abuses and Australia’s participation in the F-35 program; Marles defended the government’s approach and cited treaty and operational constraints. Women and children linked to Islamic State arrived or were expected to arrive in Australia, with NSW Police confirming they would not be arrested. Northern Territory Police said no charges would be brought against two off-duty officers involved in the death of Kumanjayi White, while an inquest is scheduled to begin. National Anti-Corruption Commission chief Paul Brereton defended his decision to resign early, saying investigations and staff fears had become a damaging distraction. Other developments included parliamentary suspensions in NSW and Canberra, disputes over NDIS reform and capital-gains-tax changes, criticism of BHP’s climate-policy position, and tributes to Neale Daniher.

Aunty Lorraine Peeters, taken from her family at age four under assimilation policies, urges Australian governments to back a new national plan supporting ageing Stolen Generations survivors. The Healing Foundation’s report calls for culturally safe aged care, access to records, medical co‑payment removal and comprehensive redress schemes nationwide. Advocates warn that decades after the Bringing Them Home report and the 2008 national apology, momentum has stalled, leaving many survivors without adequate support as they continue searching for family and healing.

A widespread diphtheria outbreak affecting mainly Indigenous communities across remote regions of Australia has surpassed 230 cases, prompting increased public health efforts and a federal funding response. Health services report insufficient early communication, vaccine supply challenges, stretched workforces and delays in contact tracing. Doctors describe rapid spread, particularly in overcrowded areas, and note that unlinked cases across multiple states indicate broader transmission. A newly announced federal package will expand workforce capacity and secure additional vaccines and antibiotics. Improving booster uptake, strengthening outreach and ensuring earlier engagement with community-controlled health sectors are considered essential to control the outbreak.

Australia’s political and economic news included One Nation’s proposal for the Commonwealth to take up to a 30% equity stake in new offshore gas projects, replace the petroleum resource rent tax and direct profits into a sovereign wealth fund. Unemployment rose to 4.5% in April, while debate continued over capital-gains tax and a proposed 6% minimum-wage increase. NSW prison officers held a statewide strike over ageing facility closures, staffing and record inmate numbers. CSIRO confirmed 92 environment-research job cuts, prompting warnings about Australia’s climate-science capacity. South Australia reported at least seven diphtheria cases in the APY Lands and announced free vaccines for priority groups. Foreign affairs minister Penny Wong condemned footage of Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir taunting detained flotilla activists, while the Jewish Council of Australia called for broader sanctions. Avalon airport reopened after a suspicious item was identified as a laser hair-removal device, and X was fined $650,000 over a child-safety notice.

Traditional owners from the Yindjibarndi community are considering appealing a federal court ruling that awarded them a record $150m in compensation for cultural and limited economic losses caused by Fortescue’s Solomon Hub iron ore mine. Although the court recognised the community’s deep cultural ties to the land, YNAC leaders argue the payout is inadequate because it is based on freehold land value rather than mining royalties. The Western Australian government supported a lower compensation figure, disappointing the Yindjibarndi. Fortescue says it accepts fair compensation and will review the ruling, highlighting its broader native title agreements across the Pilbara. The Yindjibarndi continue to pursue recognition of their rights and long‑standing connection to Country.

A federal court ordered Fortescue to pay $150m to the Yindjibarndi people for extensive cultural loss caused by the Solomon Hub mine, marking the largest native title compensation award in Australia. Justice Stephen Burley found significant damage to heritage sites, cultural connections and community cohesion, following years of legal disputes and unsuccessful appeals by the mining company. YNAC successfully argued that the mine caused both tangible and intangible harm, while economic losses were judged minimal. The ruling follows decades of conflict, including Fortescue’s support for a breakaway group during earlier negotiations, and affirms the Yindjibarndi’s exclusive native title rights.

A seriously ill First Nations woman, Andrea Woodley, has been repeatedly hospitalised with sepsis after months of sleeping rough in Perth, yet was discharged back onto the streets despite warnings from doctors that she could die without safe housing. Her family and advocates describe systemic failures in Western Australia’s public housing system, where Woodley faces an estimated two-year wait despite urgent medical needs. Her situation follows earlier evictions and long-term trauma, and highlights growing pressure on the WA government over lengthy housing waitlists and the impact of no‑grounds evictions, which the state recently moved to ban. Advocacy groups urge immediate intervention, while the housing department says all priority applicants face long delays but that support services are being offered.

Vigils across Australia honoured Kumanjayi Little Baby, a five-year-old Warlpiri girl whose death prompted calls from First Nations advocates to end political exploitation of the tragedy. Community leaders and Elders emphasised healing and cultural solidarity while SNAICC’s CEO criticised attempts by several conservative figures to link the case to broader political arguments about Indigenous communities. Police arrested and charged a man in connection with the death, and multiple child protection workers were stood down pending investigation into previous notifications. Advocates highlighted systemic failures and urged unity to protect children and support grieving families.

Communities across Australia are organising vigils to mourn five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby on the one-week anniversary of her body being found near Alice Springs. Her family has called for respectful grieving and asked mourners to wear pink and light candles. Events will take place in cities and regional towns nationwide, with organisers emphasising unity, cultural protocols and support for the family. Authorities and community organisations involved in search efforts are being acknowledged, while political debate surrounding the case has been paused at the family’s request.