Australian politician and frontline MP
Albanese has faced renewed calls for apology over comments about crown melons gifted by Japan’s Sanae Takaichi. The remarks have prompted international commentary, with Tokyo weighing in on cultural significance and a Japanese envoy urging focus on joint security work. The controversy has resurfaced as both nations push defense and economic collaboration.
Australia has proposed a Digital Duty of Care that will force social platforms to offer users aged 16 and over a choice between algorithmic recommendation feeds or a feed limited to accounts they follow. The draft bill will require platforms to notify users, target addictive design features for under‑18s and allow fines up to A$109.2m for non‑compliance.
Independent MP Helen Haines has been critically injured after a Toyota Land Cruiser struck her outside her Wangaratta electorate office on Monday. A 43-year-old man has been arrested; police are investigating whether the collision was deliberate and have seized a knife. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said the act appears deliberate and called for calmer public debate.