Capital city of New South Wales, Australia
The government has announced a plan to overhaul property taxation, with talk of scrapping council tax and stamp duty in favor of a value-based system. Independent and Guardian coverage highlights potential winners and losers by region, with northern areas likely to gain less from reforms that could raise bills for high-value southern homes.
Ireland has beaten Australia before and aims to start the Nations Championship strongly with matches against Japan and New Zealand on the horizon. Joe Schmidt bows out to Les Kiss with Australia eyeing a home World Cup in 2027 as Andy Farrell seeks a return victory in Sydney.
As global oil shocks intensify, cities like Copenhagen and Sydney are expanding bike infrastructure. Copenhagen's cycling rates surged after the 1970s oil crisis, and today, Sydney sees record bike use and sales, driven by rising fuel costs and environmental concerns.
Ben Roberts-Smith, a former Australian Special Air Service corporal and Victoria Cross recipient, has been charged with five counts of war crime murder related to the deaths of five unarmed Afghan civilians between 2009 and 2012. He was arrested at Sydney Airport and will appear in court on June 4. These charges follow a 2020 military report alleging unlawful killings by Australian special forces.
Ben Roberts-Smith, a decorated Australian soldier, has been charged with five counts of war crimes related to the killing of civilians in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. He has not applied for bail and will remain in custody until at least June 4, 2026. The charges follow a lengthy investigation into alleged unlawful killings by Australian special forces, with Roberts-Smith's civil case previously finding credible evidence against him. The case marks a rare instance of a former elite soldier facing criminal prosecution for overseas war crimes, raising questions about accountability for military conduct.
Since the Iran war began in February 2026, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have driven global fossil fuel prices higher and exposed vulnerabilities in energy supply. Europe is accelerating plans to reduce fossil fuel dependence, while China has solidified its dominance in renewable energy manufacturing, exporting record volumes of solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles. This shift is reshaping global energy geopolitics.
Reports indicate that antisemitic attacks have increased across multiple continents in 2025, with deadly incidents in Australia, the US, and Britain. The year has seen the deadliest violence since 1994, driven by lone actors often motivated by extremist ideologies, despite a slight overall rise in incidents compared to 2024.
Harry and Meghan have arrived in Australia for a four-day private visit, focusing on mental health, veterans, and community resilience. Their trip includes private engagements, paid events, and support for charitable causes, with some police costs covered by Australian taxpayers. This marks their first visit since 2018, emphasizing advocacy and private activities.
Ben Roberts-Smith, a decorated Australian soldier, has been charged with five counts of war crime murder related to alleged killings of unarmed Afghan civilians between 2009 and 2012. He has been granted bail as his trial is expected to take years. Roberts-Smith denies all allegations and maintains his pride in his service.
The ACCC has accused Woolworths of using the Prices Dropped campaign to disguise price hikes, alleging 266 products were involved between 2021 and 2023. Coles and Woolworths face questions about timing, real savings, and the impact on shoppers. The case is ongoing in Federal Court.
Forty years after the 1986 reactor explosion, memorials and visits are being held across Ukraine and internationally. Former liquidators have returned to the site and residents have been holding vigils, while Kyiv has warned that Russian missiles and drones have repeatedly flown near the plant and damaged its protective shelter last year.
Indigenous protocols are being defended by leaders who label Welcome to Country as a long-standing cultural practice, while disruptions at Anzac Day dawn services in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth are condemned by veterans and politicians. Opposition figures suggest the ceremony is overused, triggering debates about national identity. The events are shaping by-election discourse in NSW’s Farrer seat.
A mix of developments in education tech coverage shows parents and teachers weighing AI and device policies, from New York City's DOE AI plan feedback to classroom device bans and AI tool adoption in schools; reports contrast parental concerns with educators’ perceived benefits, while researchers assess effects of ability grouping in maths.
Record‑level and near‑record May temperatures have been reported across multiple regions this week — parts of England and Russia have hit unusually high temps while the eastern US has recorded low‑90s — even as eastern Australia is facing a major rain band. Forecasts show brief, intense heat will give way to fronts or rain in most places; Australia is also seeing El Niño odds rise for winter.
Airliners carrying Australian women and children with alleged ties to the Islamic State group have landed in Australia.
Australia has moved to ban the National Socialist Network, now renamed, under a new law allowing designated hate groups to be outlawed. The move follows the Bondi Beach antisemitic attack that killed 15 people. The ban criminalizes support, funding, training, recruitment and directing the group, with penalties up to 15 years’ imprisonment. The government says the measure targets the group’s ability to organise and grow, amid ongoing legal challenges.
A 38-year-old man has died after a 4m white shark bit him while spearfishing near Horseshoe Reef, Rottnest Island, west of Perth. He was taken ashore but could not be revived. Police will prepare a coroner’s report; beaches remain open as authorities urge extra water caution.
Public hearings in Australia’s Royal Commission are examining antisemitism and security at the Bondi Beach attack site. ASIO has tied Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to two antisemitic attacks, prompting the expulsion of Iran’s ambassador in August 2025. The inquiry focuses on police security at the Hanukkah event and the broader spike in antisemitism since 2023.
A father and son have launched a vending-machine venture at a Wellington community centre, sharing profits with the venue. The operation began after the son, Landon, proposed the idea and sourced a spot; initial costs included machine purchase, credit reader, and starter stock. The venture aims to teach entrepreneurship while profits are currently reinvested.
A series of shark attacks off Australia’s east coast have left swimmers injured and beaches temporarily closed. Authorities are deploying drones and boosting surveillance as experts warn of rising incidents amid warming seas.
A think tank warns that China’s military expansion could quickly and dramatically raise the threat to Australia by basing long-range bombers and missiles closer to the region. The analysis notes capability growth, with potential deployment near Australia and new bases increasing the frequency of strikes.
Pauline Hanson has declared Australia cannot be multicultural and must be monocultural, warning migration is driving up housing costs and eroding national identity. Her National Press Club address has intensified debate over immigration, with supporters praising a tough stance and opponents warning of risks to social cohesion.
Qantas has unveiled modified A350-1000ULR jets for ultra-long direct routes from Sydney to London and New York. The airline plans to start selling tickets in February and launch flights in October 2027, aiming to cut travel time and boost premium cabins. The planes feature extra fuel tanks and a four-cabin layout, with a focus on passenger health and comfort over journeys up to 22 hours.
A LOT Polish Airlines A320 has emitted a hijack transponder code while en route from Warsaw to Tel Aviv and has been escorted by Bulgarian, Turkish and Israeli military jets before landing safely in Burgas. Authorities have said contact was restored and later attributed the alarm to an incorrectly set or faulty transponder; an investigation has been opened.
Progressive candidates tied to the Democratic Socialists of America have won pivotal primaries in New York and Colorado, challenging pro-Israel incumbents and the influence of AIPAC. The victories reflect a shift in how the Democratic base views Israel and Gaza, with winners advocating for ceasefire, Palestinian rights, and a pivot away from unconditional military aid.
A SBS Insight episode has revealed a barman withdrew 1.6 million from a bank after a 2011 incident, highlighting vulnerabilities in banking systems and customer control. A Guardian letter details card-skimming scams in Paris, while The Japan Times reports on a Tokyo police probe into PayPay fraud linked to refunds.
A wave of mobility and time-management changes is redefining how Australians travel to work. New high-speed rail plans are advancing, while flexible schedules have become the norm, altering peak hours and daily routines. Readers are seeing longer travel times on some routes and shorter ones on others as governments press ahead with modernisation.
ASIO has disclosed that an Iran-based Australian citizen orchestrated a Bondi firebombing and a former Australian resident in Iraq directed a Melbourne synagogue attack. Burgess links these incidents to the IRGC and warns of a broader danger, urging tolerance to curb antisemitism and violence.
Australia is updating its approach to under-16 social media restrictions as evidence shows the current ban is not fully stopping underage use. The government is considering stronger enforcement powers and new digital duty-of-care legislation to hold platforms accountable for harmful content and algorithm-driven harms. Several sources report on the latest statements by Prime Minister Albanese and the eSafety Commissioner as debates continue in Parliament.
A roundup of how restaurants worldwide are adapting to rising costs, supply challenges and changing consumer tastes, with chefs reinterpreting regional dishes using local produce, new immigrant cuisines gaining traction, and independent venues thriving amid market pressures.