Tory Shepherd

Australians seeking surrogacy confront inconsistent laws, high costs and ethical concerns, prompting many to pursue arrangements overseas despite significant risks. The Australian Law Reform Commission is reviewing regulation to improve protections and harmonise laws, amid submissions detailing legal complications, exploitation concerns and citizenship challenges. Ethical bodies support altruistic but not commercial surrogacy, while conservative groups call for outright bans. Advocates argue better domestic regulation would reduce overseas exploitation. Personal accounts illustrate emotional and financial strain, highlighting the need for clearer, safer frameworks.

A new survey shows that more than half of Australian adults say they have no religion when asked a yes-or-no question, suggesting the current census format may overstate religious affiliation. The poll, commissioned by a campaign advocating for a revised census question, found that responses differed significantly depending on the structure of the question. Campaign spokesperson Michael Dove argues that the existing format biases results toward religious identification, while the Australian Bureau of Statistics maintains that changes would disrupt comparability with past data. The ABS has opted to retain the current question for the 2026 census but has updated instructions and category ordering, with campaigners now looking ahead to potential reforms in 2031.

Jillian Segal urged the royal commission on antisemitism to introduce an external oversight committee to review ABC and SBS reporting on Israel, arguing that many Jewish Australians perceive consistent negative bias. ABC editorial director Gavin Fang rejected claims of disproportionate coverage, citing existing standards and oversight by an ombudsman and Acma. The commission reviewed disputed examples of reporting, including an ABC error involving infant mortality figures and criticisms of using Gaza health ministry statistics. Discussion also addressed definitions of antisemitism, the impact of media narratives on community relations, and comparisons to Ofcom’s regulatory role in the UK.

Meta’s shift in 2025 to reduce content moderation and remove factcheckers drew scrutiny from Australia’s royal commission into antisemitism, which presented evidence of a sharp reduction in the company’s actions against hateful conduct. Inquiry officials challenged Meta executives over claims that the policy had not affected moderation, citing increases in antisemitic content and targeting of witnesses. Meta representatives argued that they balanced avoiding over-enforcement with preventing harmful content, and highlighted changes to treat certain uses of the term “Zionist” as coded antisemitism. Commissioners questioned Meta’s explanation for a 79% decline in enforcement actions, while Australian Meta representatives noted ongoing liaison with communities and the possibility of adopting community notes in place of factchecking.

The eSafety commissioner told the antisemitism royal commission that major social media platforms, particularly X, resist efforts to restrict violent and extremist content and are prioritising monetisation over safety. Julie Inman Grant described challenges in removing graphic footage, including material related to the Bondi attack and other violent incidents, and highlighted gaps in current laws concerning adult online abuse. Police representatives discussed coordination challenges with eSafety, while the Jewish Council of Australia detailed ongoing harassment and institutional shortcomings in addressing threats. The hearings are examining the role of digital platforms in facilitating antisemitism and online harm.

Testimony to the royal commission describes escalating antisemitic and misogynistic abuse directed at MP Josh Burns and his partner Georgie Purcell, alongside broader spikes in both anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim hate following major events. Witnesses report intensified online attacks after giving evidence, with examples of violent and sexualised messages. Research from Deakin University shows persistent elevated levels of hateful content on social media since the Hamas attack and highlights how real-world incidents rapidly trigger online conspiracy theories. Concerns were raised over inadequate platform responses and the need for more effective, non‑draconian interventions to curb online hate.

Testimony to Australia’s royal commission into antisemitism detailed the scale of online hate, with Steven Lowy revealing more than 15,000 serious attacks on his family in a year and warning of potential real‑world violence. Witnesses described widespread antisemitic abuse targeting adults and children, including threats, deepfakes and conspiracy theories following the Bondi terror attack. The inquiry will question ABC and SBS after submissions accused the broadcasters of unbalanced Middle East reporting. Social media platforms showed varied cooperation with the commission, prompting concerns that online environments are major drivers of antisemitic content. Academic experts, regulators and technology companies are scheduled to provide further evidence.

Karl Stefanovic’s podcast interview with far-right figure Tommy Robinson triggered backlash from Australian political and media leaders, with Nine executives and South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas deeming the appearance inappropriate. Some figures, including Pauline Hanson and James Packer, defended Stefanovic, while media commentators argued the issue stemmed from his supportive framing rather than the interview itself. Additional sections follow controversies around Logies nominations, Pauline Hanson’s disputed claim about a past remark, ABC producer Yusuke Aso’s retirement, journalist Hannah Foord’s career reversal, and upcoming royal commission hearings on antisemitism and media. The article also covers recent media polling errors involving One Nation.

A podcast interview in which Karl Stefanovic praised far-right activist Tommy Robinson was removed from YouTube and disappeared from podcast feeds without explanation. The episode featured Robinson attacking Islam, multiculturalism and media institutions, with Stefanovic offering no challenge and expressing admiration for Robinson’s conviction. Pauline Hanson’s channel reposted the full interview, alleging internal backlash at Nine. Robinson’s criminal history, involvement in far-right activism and recent controversies were outlined, and Stefanovic’s increasingly right-leaning guest lineup was highlighted. A separate episode featuring Ant Middleton emphasized broader concerns about culture, immigration and political strategy within the right in both the UK and Australia.

Western Australian poultry farms initiated a full lockdown after two wild seabirds near Esperance tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain, marking its first confirmed presence on mainland Australia. Authorities are assessing potential spread while noting no evidence yet of infections in poultry or broader wildlife populations. Ingham’s restricted operations and sought permission to house free‑range chickens indoors, as its shares fell sharply before partially recovering. Federal and state officials highlighted ongoing preparedness efforts, and national farming and environmental groups called for increased support, including proposals for a dedicated wildlife emergency fund. Public guidance urged reporting but avoiding contact with sick or dead birds or marine mammals.

A submission from the Jewish Council of Australia to the royal commission on antisemitism argues that conflating Jewish identity with the state of Israel and the rise of far-right extremism are key drivers of antisemitism. The council warns that Israel’s actions and the perception that Jews collectively represent the state fuel hostility, while punitive legislative responses risk worsening social cohesion and increasing antisemitism. Other Jewish leaders present differing views, with some strongly identifying with Israel and others stressing that Australian Jews should not be held responsible for Israel’s actions. The commission continues to receive extensive submissions as it prepares for hearings focused on media and social media influences on antisemitism and hate speech.

Pauline Hanson said she confronted new Farrer MP David Farley after he expressed views on immigration and flying Indigenous flags that diverged from One Nation policy. Farley later affirmed he would only fly the Australian flag from his office. Hanson warned that further defections could damage the party and addressed internal tensions over abortion policy. She also discussed the party’s stance on religious membership and responded to criticism from former candidate Emma Eros over remarks about Muslims.

Malcolm Roberts stated at a Brisbane Christian conference that he will push for One Nation to adopt a complete abortion ban, contradicting Pauline Hanson’s more limited opposition. Anti-abortion groups described coordinated efforts to influence legislation, while recent bills in several states sought to restrict access but largely failed. Medical experts warned such proposals would severely limit essential care. A wide coalition of conservative and religious organisations is working to advance incremental restrictions on abortion across Australia.