Australian news agency since 1935
New Zealand has confirmed its first mainland detection of H5 bird flu after a brown skua found on Petone beach has tested positive. Authorities have said there is no evidence of mass mortality or poultry infection, but surveillance and a targeted vaccination programme for endangered captive birds have been activated as officials monitor wild populations.
Australian actor Paul Hogan has dismissed Pauline Hanson’s monoculture proposal as out of step with the country’s diverse society. Hanson’s National Press Club address has triggered polling swings, with Labor gaining in Newspoll and Redbridge, while One Nation’s popularity slips. Experts say Hanson’s monoculture concept misreads Japan’s demographics and ignores Australia’s own diversity.
Twenty-five years after Peter Falconio’s murder in the Australian outback, police have released new images and reopened evidence boxes in a bid to locate his remains. Bradley Murdoch, who was convicted of the crime, died last year without naming the burial site. NT police say the investigation remains open.
The Federal Court of Australia has ruled that Rebel Wilson did not defame Charlotte MacInnes in a series of Instagram posts about an on-set incident during The Deb. The judge found MacInnes failed to prove the posts caused serious harm or breached confidence. Wilson thanks the court and looks to move on, while MacInnes must cover costs.
Origin Energy has disclosed a major cyber incident affecting about 0.9–5 million customers; names, addresses and account details may have been viewed. The company warns of an increased risk of scams and urges customers to verify communications through official channels.
A Western Australia District Court jury has found Yung Filly star Andres Barrientos not guilty on three counts of sexual penetration without consent, but has convicted him on two counts of assault causing bodily harm. The jury could not reach verdicts on three rape charges. Barrientos remains on bail as sentencing is scheduled for August 21 after the mixed verdicts in Perth.
Australia faces H5N1 spread among wildlife as Baudin Rocks mass mortality events are confirmed. Victoria and South Australia report dead and sick crested terns; New Zealand begins vaccination research to protect native birds; farmers strengthen biosecurity while communities assist with surveillance.
Two men found a suitcase on a NSW road; police initially treated it as potential human remains. Forensic testing has since confirmed the item is a lifelike sex doll with bruising markings, not a body. Investigations have concluded, and authorities emphasise following proper procedures to preserve evidence.
A magnitude-7.7 earthquake has struck off Flores island in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, and rescue teams have recovered dozens of bodies and treated hundreds of injured. Authorities have recorded hundreds of aftershocks, lifted an initial tsunami warning after tide gauges showed limited sea-level change, and declared a 14-day state of emergency as landslides and damaged roads are slowing aid deliveries.
The Sydney Swans have suspended five players for the rest of the AFL season after breaching club standards. Victoria Police are investigating an alleged sexual assault at a Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne. The club says the sanctions are separate from the police inquiry, and it is cooperating with authorities as finals approach.
The parole board in South Australia has upheld the release of James Vlassakis, the former witness-turned-convicted murderer, after his parole decision was challenged. The case, tied to the Snowtown bodies-in-barrels murders, has drawn opposition from victims’ families and sparked debate over parole reforms.