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Remakes, reboots, and revenues: Is art dying for profit?

By
Contributing Author
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Representative image: Film shoot (Source: CANVA)

By Prakhar Shukla

In the modern entertainment industry, the balance between artistic integrity and commercial success has become increasingly skewed in favour of profit. Film studios, publishing houses, and other creative industries have shifted their focus from originality to the mass reproduction of existing intellectual properties (IPs) for financial gain. This trend, most evident in Hollywood’s reliance on remakes, sequels, and franchise expansions, has led to an industry that prioritises safe, marketable content over innovation. Similarly, in Bollywood and other major film industries, formulaic action films and star-driven spectacles overshadow smaller, thought-provoking projects. As a result, the fundamental purpose of art—its ability to challenge, inspire, and provoke thought—is often sidelined.

The resurgence of live-action remakes, cinematic universes, and franchise extensions exemplifies Hollywood’s increasing preference for financial security over creative risk-taking. The live-action adaptations of The Lion King (2019), Aladdin (2019), and The Little Mermaid (2023) demonstrate a pattern of capitalising on audience nostalgia rather than introducing fresh perspectives. These films often fail to bring significant narrative or thematic innovation, instead relying on high-budget visual effects and minor updates to maintain the illusion of change. The financial success of these projects—The Lion King (2019) grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide—reinforces the notion that originality is secondary to marketability.

This issue extends beyond Disney. The broader entertainment industry has adopted a similar strategy, with sequels and franchise expansions dominating the box office. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Star Wars spin-offs, and the continuous expansion of the Harry Potter universe through Fantastic Beasts exemplify how studios prioritise longevity over fresh storytelling. This phenomenon raises concerns about the role of art in the modern era—should its primary function be to generate revenue, or does it have a higher cultural responsibility?

The problem of profit-driven filmmaking is not exclusive to Hollywood. Bollywood, one of the largest film industries in the world, faces a similar crisis, where high-budget, star-studded action films often overshadow more original and meaningful stories. In recent years, films like Pathaan (2023) and Tiger 3 (2023) have dominated the Indian box office despite relying on formulaic plots, extravagant action sequences, and superficial storytelling. Meanwhile, films that explore deep, socially relevant themes—such as Court (2014), The Lunchbox (2013), or Ship of Theseus (2012)—struggle to receive the same level of mainstream attention and commercial success.

Bollywood’s increasing reliance on spectacle-driven cinema reflects a broader shift in the industry, where profit considerations dictate creative choices. Scripts are often designed to cater to mass audiences rather than to challenge them intellectually. Remakes of classic Bollywood films, such as Coolie No. 1 (2020) and Kabir Singh (2019), further reinforce the idea that the industry prefers to recycle successful formulas rather than invest in bold, original storytelling. The commodification of art in Indian cinema thus mirrors Hollywood’s approach, raising the same fundamental question: is art being reduced to a mere tool for financial gain?

Walter Pater and the aesthetic movement of the late 19th century championed the idea of “art for art’s sake”—the notion that art should exist independently of moral, political, or economic concerns. This philosophy contends that the intrinsic value of art lies in its ability to evoke beauty and emotion rather than its ability to generate profit. However, in an era where profitability determines creative decisions, this ideal is increasingly challenged.

Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer’s concept of the culture industry further critiques this trend. According to their work in Dialectic of Enlightenment, mass-produced entertainment is designed to sustain capitalism rather than foster critical thinking or genuine artistic expression. Under this system, art becomes a commodity, stripped of its autonomy and reduced to a mere product tailored to consumer demands. The commercialisation of art erodes its capacity to provoke introspection, leading to a cycle where studios create content based on market trends rather than artistic merit.

The widespread prioritisation of profit in creative industries raises fundamental questions about the nature of art itself. If artistic endeavours are primarily driven by financial incentives, does that diminish their cultural and philosophical significance? While commercial viability has always been a factor in artistic production, the modern entertainment landscape suggests a tipping point where financial motivations override artistic ones.

Jean Baudrillard’s concept of hyperreality provides further insight into this phenomenon. According to Baudrillard, modern culture is dominated by simulations—copies of reality that replace genuine experiences. The endless cycle of reboots and remakes contributes to this hyperreality, where audiences consume slightly altered versions of familiar stories rather than engaging with new artistic expressions. This raises the concern that, rather than experiencing true creativity, audiences are simply consuming nostalgia repackaged as novelty.

As studios continue to prioritise profit over originality, the future of artistic expression remains uncertain. While financial stability is a necessary component of any industry, the over-commercialisation of creative fields threatens to strip art of its core purpose. The dominance of sequels, reboots, and franchise expansions suggests a landscape where risk-taking and innovation are increasingly rare commodities.

However, it is possible to strike a balance between commercial success and artistic integrity. The challenge moving forward is for creators and audiences alike to demand more from the industry—supporting original works, encouraging risk-taking, and recognising that art’s value cannot be solely measured by its box office returns. If art is to retain its cultural significance, it must not be reduced to a mere tool for profit but rather be allowed to thrive as an expression of human creativity and imagination.

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21-year-old man faces court after $1.1 million seized from abandoned suitcase at Perth Airport

By
Bureau Report
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Image: $1.1 million seized at Perth Airport, NSW man charged following money laundering investigation (Source: AFP)

A 21-year-old New South Wales man faced Perth Magistrates Court on 22 February 2025 after Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers uncovered more than $1.1 million in cash inside an abandoned suitcase at Perth Airport, triggering an interstate money laundering probe.

AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Chwal said the operation had disrupted a significant money laundering scheme.

“Anyone with large amounts of undeclared cash can be put before the courts to explain the source of that wealth.”

The man, from North Rocks, was arrested in Sydney on 20 February before being extradited to Perth yesterday (21 February). He has been charged with dealing with money suspected to be the proceeds of general crime worth $1 million or more, under section 400.3(2A) of the Criminal Code (Cth). If convicted, he faces up to 12 years in prison.

Image: $1.1 million seized at Perth Airport, NSW man charged following money laundering investigation (Source: AFP)

The investigation began on 17 February when the man attempted to pay an excess baggage fee at Perth Airport using a credit card that did not match the name on his boarding pass. Airline staff refused the transaction and cancelled his flight booking. Instead of retrieving his suitcase, the man allegedly left the terminal and later boarded a different flight to Sydney.

Airport staff alerted the AFP to the abandoned suitcase, prompting officers to inspect it with a currency, firearm, and drug-detection dog. The dog signalled suspicion, leading officers to open the suitcase, where they discovered $1,102,440 in cash wrapped in plastic bundles.

Image: $1.1 million seized at Perth Airport, NSW man charged following money laundering investigation (Source: AFP)

AFP officers later raided the man’s Sydney home on 19 February, seizing electronic devices and clothing for forensic analysis.

The AFP’s investigation into the origins of the cash remains ongoing.

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Australia wants zero road deaths by 2050 – but there’s a major hurdle

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Contributing Author
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Representative image: Car accident (Source: CANVA)

By Ali Soltani

In the past 12 months, more than 1,300 people have died on Australia’s roads. In January alone, there were 114 road deaths in Australia – roughly 20% more than the average for that month over the previous five years.

Our new study projects these tragedies are set to continue over the next 25 years, despite a commitment by Australian governments to achieving zero deaths on the nation’s roads by 2050.

Published in the journal Injury, our study uses a modelling tool to forecast the number of road fatalities in 2030, 2040 and 2050. Importantly, it also identifies the people and regions at higher risks, which provides an opportunity for taking a more nuanced and targeted approach to road safety.

Clear trends

Improved vehicle safety technology, stricter traffic laws and public awareness campaigns have led to a significant drop in the number of road deaths over the past several decades in Australia. But tragically, the number of people dying on Australia’s roads is still high.

The data reveal some clear trends. For example, weekdays see fewer fatalities, likely due to routine commuting and lower-risk behaviours. On the other hand, weekends, particularly Saturdays, experience spikes linked to alcohol consumption and more social travel.

December emerges as the deadliest month. This is likely driven by holiday travel surges, with secondary peaks in March and October tied to school holidays and seasonal weather changes that affect road conditions.

Geographic disparities further complicate the picture. Urban centres in New South Wales and Victoria such as Sydney and Melbourne account for 35% to 40% of fatalities, in part because of dense traffic volumes, complex intersections and pedestrian-heavy zones.

In contrast, rural and remote areas, though less congested, have more severe road accidents because of inadequate road infrastructure and higher speed limits. For example, the Northern Territory, with vast stretches of high-speed highways, records the highest fatality rate, while the Australian Capital Territory, with its urban planning emphasis on safety, reports the lowest.

Speed zones of 51–80 km/h are particularly lethal for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. This underscores the crucial role of speed management in urban and rural areas alike.

Demographic risks also remain entrenched. For example, men constitute more than 70% of fatalities – in part because they are more likely to engage in risky behaviour such as speeding and drunk driving. Young drivers (17–25 years) and middle-aged adults (40–64 years) are also over-represented due to a combination of inexperience, overconfidence and high mileage.

In good news, child fatalities (0–16 years) have sharply declined. This reflects the success of targeted measures like child seat laws and school zone safety campaigns.

35 years of data

To forecast these trends over the next 25 years, our new study used a modelling tool called Prophet developed by tech company Meta.

We fed 35 years of road data – from 1989 to 2024 – into the model. This data came from Australia’s Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics. It incorporated variables such as road user type, age, gender, speed limits and geographic location.

To refine predictions, we also incorporated public holidays such as Christmas and Easter.

Prophet outperformed other models we tested, including SARIMA and ETS. It did a better job at modelling past changes in road safety. And it especially excelled at handling non-linear trends, multiple seasonal patterns (daily, weekly, yearly) and the effects of holiday periods.

An unmet target

The findings of the study are cause for some cautious optimism.

Overall, by 2050 fatalities are expected to decline. But Australia’s ambitious zero fatality target by the middle of the century will remain unmet.

The modelling indicates annual male fatalities will drop from 855 in 2030 to 798 in 2050, while female fatalities will plummet from 229 to 92.

There will also be a drop in the number of child fatalities – from 37 in 2030 to just two in 2050. But the model shows a troubling rise of the number of older drivers (over 65) dying on Australia’s roads – from 273 in 2030 to 301 in 2050. This reflects Australia’s ageing population, with more people expected to have both reduced mobility and reduced reflexes.

Motorcyclist fatalities buck the overall trend, rising from 229 in 2030 to 253 in 2050. This signals urgent needs for dedicated lanes and better rider education.

Regionally, Queensland and the Northern Territory lag due to rural road risks. Urban areas with speed limits lower than 80 km/h show steadier declines.

A shared priority

Based on these findings, our study provides several recommendations to mitigate the risk of death on Australia’s roads.

Speed management: enforce dynamic speed limits in high-risk zones such as school areas and holiday corridors, and expand 80 km/h zones on rural highways.

Targeted campaigns: launch gender-specific safety initiatives for men (for example, anti-speeding programs) and age-focused interventions, such as mandatory refresher courses for drivers over 65.

Infrastructure upgrades: invest in rural road safety such as median barriers and better signage, as well as dedicated cyclist pathways.

Technology integration: accelerate the adoption of autonomous vehicles to reduce crashes caused by human error and risky behaviours, and pilot artificial intelligence-driven traffic systems for real-time hazard detection.

Expand public transport: subsidise off-peak travel and rural transit networks to reduce how much people – particularly high-risk groups – depend on car travel.

Better enforcement: strengthen weekend and nighttime policing of roads and deploy more mobile speed cameras during peak holiday periods.

By following these recommendations, Australia can move closer to its vision of safer roads. Our findings underscore that sustained progress demands not only rigorous policy, but also community engagement.

Ali Soltani, Mid-Career Researcher, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Three teenage boys charged with rape and armed robbery in Manunda, Queensland

By
Bureau Report
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Image: Queensland Police website

Queensland Police have charged three teenage boys in relation to a break and enter and sexual assault in Manunda early yesterday morning (February 21).

It is alleged that at around 3.30am three teenage boys entered a Manunda address and threatened the occupants with a knife, demanding property. It is also alleged the woman was taken into a separate room, and sexually assaulted, before the group left on foot.

A 15-year-old boy and 16-year-old boy have been charged with eleven offences each, including five counts of rape and two counts each of armed robbery and deprivation of liberty, one count each of enter dwelling and commit and enter dwelling with intent by break at night whilst armed in company.

A third teenager, who is also 15 years old, has been charged with 13 offences, including five counts of rape and two counts each of armed robbery and deprivation of liberty, one count each of enter dwelling and commit and enter dwelling with intent by break at night whilst armed in company, possessing dangerous drugs, and obstruct police officer.

Police including officers from the Tactical Crime Squad and Dog Squad were called and arrested two teenage boys on McCormack Street at around 4:30am.

Extensive investigations involving significant police resources lead detectives to attend a Manunda address at just after 5.45pm yesterday afternoon, where a second 15-year-old boy was taken into custody.

All three boys are expected to appear before Cairns Children’s Court (at Innisfail Magistrates Court) today, Saturday February 22.

Detectives believe there are no further persons outstanding. Police investigations remain ongoing.

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Public opinion on immigration is more malleable than you think

By
Contributing Author
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Representative image: Suburb (Source: CANVA)

By Alyssa Leng, Ryan Edwards, and Terence Wood

In previous blogs in this series, we’ve shown that while people in Australia are generally happy with current immigration policy settings toward the Pacific (part 1), there is less support for the rest of the migration program, apart from skilled migration. People’s perceptions of migrants across the board are also very inaccurate (part 2).

Does providing people with information change these views? Are people more influenced by quantitative factual information, which might help correct perceptions, or by different narratives on the costs or benefits of immigration? We tested these questions using a randomised controlled trial embedded in a large, nationally representative survey of 5,282 people in Australia. And we found that people’s views on immigration can change, at least in the short term.

To do this, we randomly split respondents into five groups after they answer questions on demographics and perceptions of migrants (see Figure 1). Four are exposed to different types of information “treatments”, and the fifth serves as a clean “control” group, whose responses reflect the baseline preferences of the Australian public (also reported in the last two blogs).

Figure 1: Survey structure and experiment design

Source: Narratives, Information and Immigration Policy Preferences discussion paper (2025).

The first three treatment groups were provided with different narrative information on how immigrants affect Australia’s housing market before being asked about their immigration policy preferences. Each narrative reflects often-discussed “positive”, “balanced” and “negative” potential impacts of immigration on housing, and is constructed from actual newspaper headlines and quotes from the Daily Mail, the ABC, and the Financial Review. The “positive” vignette is shown below (Figure 2) as an example.

Figure 2: “Positive” narrative treatment

Source: Narratives, Information and Immigration Policy Preferences discussion paper (2025).

The fourth treatment group was provided with quantitative information from the Australian census about the characteristics of migrants before being asked about their policy preferences. For example, for permanent migration, the fourth group was told, “Out of every 100 migrants who arrived in Australia between 2013 and 2023, 22 were permanent visa holders.”   They were then asked: “Going forward, how many permanent migrants do you personally think Australia should accept?”

All groups were then asked about their preferences in relation to different types of migration. The differences between their responses and those of the control group reflect the causal effect of each type of information. This design allows us to compare the (a) relative effectiveness of different types of narratives — for example, does how the media report on a particular issue matter? — and (b) how the effects of quantitative information, which may help to improve the accuracy of peoples’ beliefs, compare to narratives.

We find that migration policy preferences are easily shifted by information, at least in the short term. How information is framed does matter. Narratives tend to be more effective than quantitative facts at shifting public opinion overall, but not when it comes to Pacific migration.

Figure 3 shows that narratives tend to be more effective at shifting views than quantitative information for the migration program at large. The effects however differ according to the type of narratives provided and the type of migration in question. Support for more immigration increases by seven percentage points when respondents are shown a brief snippet emphasising how immigrants might help improve housing affordability (the “positive” narrative), but remains unchanged when respondents are shown a “negative” narrative. However, we show in the paper that highlighting potential negative impacts on housing reduces support for increasing or maintaining current immigration levels. Quantitative information, on the other hand, tends to generate smaller increases in support than narratives, of about two percentage points.

Figure 3: Effects of information on support for more immigration

Figure notes: dots represent the estimated treatment effects on the likelihood of respondents supporting “more” of different types of migration. The vertical lines are 95% confidence intervals. Source: Narratives, Information and Immigration Policy Preferences discussion paper (2025).

Figure 4 shows that for migration to Australia from the Pacific, providing people with different narratives around housing doesn’t have a statistically discernible effect on their migration preferences. Given how few Pacific migrants respondents perceive there to be living in Australia, this is unsurprising.

Figure 4: Effects of information on support for more immigration from the Pacific

Source: Narratives, Information and Immigration Policy Preferences discussion paper (2025).

Figure note: Dots represent the estimated treatment effects on the likelihood of respondents supporting “more” of different types of migration. The vertical lines are 95% confidence intervals.

That said, providing people with accurate factual information substantially increases support for different types of migration from the Pacific. The magnitude of these effects is around five percentage points, and they appear to hold across both temporary and permanent migration from the Pacific. Given the relatively low levels of Pacific migration awareness discussed in our first blog, it is probably easier to shift views with basic information than for the overall migration program, where beliefs and preferences are likely more entrenched.

One caveat on our results is that we measure only the short-run effects of these information treatments. But, overall, our work shows that immigration policy preferences in Australia are not set in stone. Public opinion on immigration in Australia can be shaped by providing even small snippets of information, whether narrative or quantitative. It’s incumbent then on the government, media and researchers to communicate carefully and accurately on the issue.

Disclosure: This research was supported by the Pacific Research Program, with funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The views represent those of the authors only.

This article was first published in the Australian National University’s DevpolicyBlog and has been republished here with the kind permission of the editor(s). The Blog is run out of the Development Policy Centre housed in the Crawford School of Public Policy in the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific at The Australian National University.

Contributing Author(s): Alyssa Leng is a research officer at the Development Policy Centre. Ryan Edwards is Deputy Director of the Development Policy Centre and a Fellow at the Crawford School of Public Policy. He leads Pacific migration research under the Pacific Research Program at the ANU. Terence Wood is a Fellow at the Development Policy Centre. His research focuses on political governance in Western Melanesia, and Australian and New Zealand aid.

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Whyalla’s steel future secured with multi-billion-dollar rescue and investment plan

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Premier Peter Malinauskas reaffirming the government’s commitment to Australian-made steel (Source: CANVA)

The Albanese and Malinauskas governments have unveiled a multi-billion-dollar package to secure the future of the Whyalla Steelworks, protect local jobs, and position South Australia as a key player in green steel manufacturing.

Announcing the package on-site in Whyalla, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese underscored the importance of the steelworks to the nation’s infrastructure and economy.

“My Government is building Australia’s future. And to do that, we need Whyalla steel,” Albanese said.

“Whyalla steel has forged some of our country’s biggest projects – rail lines, airports and stadiums. That’s why, in partnership with the Malinauskas Government, we are delivering more than $2 billion to secure the future of the steelworks and support local jobs.”

Employing 1,100 workers directly and supporting over 2,000 more, Whyalla is one of only two operational steelworks in Australia. It produces 75% of the country’s structural steel and remains the sole domestic producer of long steel products, essential for infrastructure projects, including railways, bridges, hospitals, and defence assets.

The funding package, exceeding $2 billion, will be delivered in three key stages:

  • Immediate support: $100 million for creditor assistance, infrastructure upgrades, and job matching services.
  • Stabilisation: $384 million in co-investment by the federal and state governments to maintain operations during administration and ensure workers and contractors remain employed.
  • Future investment: $1.9 billion to upgrade and modernise the steelworks, ensuring its long-term viability under a new owner.

Premier Peter Malinauskas, reaffirming the government’s commitment to Australian-made steel, said the funding recognises Whyalla’s strategic importance.

“Locally-made steel is vital to South Australia and Australia’s future, and this unprecedented investment recognises the importance of the Whyalla Steelworks,” he said.

“We are stepping up to provide immediate assistance for workers and businesses, stabilising the steelworks and setting it up for long-term prosperity.”

To further support the industry’s transition to greener production, the Albanese Government also announced the establishment of a Green Iron Investment Fund, with up to $500 million earmarked to support Whyalla’s shift towards decarbonised steel production.

A joint taskforce will be formed to engage with workers, the City of Whyalla, administrators, and creditors, ensuring a clear path forward. The South Australian Government will also redirect funding from the Hydrogen Jobs Plan and contribute $50 million from the Whyalla Steelworks Operational Efficiency Improvements Fund to aid the transition.

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic emphasised the long-term vision for Australian steel manufacturing.

“Making more things here means making more steel in Whyalla,” he said.

“Steel-making has provided spine to Australian industry for a century, and it’s here to stay. We want a strong future for Australian steel making, and Whyalla will help deliver that.”

The announcement follows the South Australian Government’s decision to place Whyalla Steelworks into administration, appointing KordaMentha to oversee its restructuring. With government backing and a focus on green innovation, Whyalla is set to continue playing a central role in Australia’s steel industry for generations to come.

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China’s Pacific power play: How the Cook Islands deal threatens regional security

By
Contributing Author
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Image: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown' during his recent trip to China. (Photo: Cook Islands Office of the Prime Minister)

By Ankit K.

In a geopolitical manoeuvre that should alarm every nation invested in Pacific stability, the Cook Islands has fallen prey to Beijing’s predatory diplomacy. The recently signed “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” between China and this tiny Pacific nation represents nothing less than a calculated Chinese incursion into New Zealand’s constitutional backyard, one that threatens to unravel decades of regional security arrangements.

Prime Minister Mark Brown’s eager embrace of Chinese influence demonstrates either catastrophic naivety or wilful disregard for his nation’s long-term sovereignty. While Brown touts the agreement as merely “complementing” existing relationships, the reality is far more sinister. China isn’t offering partnership, but it’s executing a strategic encirclement of Western influence in the Pacific.

The constitutional relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands, a “free association” that has provided Cook Islanders with New Zealand citizenship, healthcare, education, and defence guarantees since 1965, now faces its greatest challenge. Brown’s government has effectively invited a wolf into the fold while dismissing New Zealand’s legitimate concerns about transparency and consultation. Beijing is expertly exploiting Brown’s ambitions for greater independence while dangling relatively modest financial incentives. A mere US$4 million grant—pocket change for China—has purchased influence in a nation that controls 2.2 million square kilometres of resource-rich ocean.

The 2001 Joint Centenary Declaration committed the Cook Islands to “work together and consult” with New Zealand on defence and security matters. Brown’s decision to negotiate secretly with China represents a shocking betrayal of this commitment. Even more troubling is China’s warning that “third parties” should not interfere, a thinly veiled threat to New Zealand’s legitimate interests. Behind Beijing’s diplomatic initiative lies a nakedly extractive agenda. The Cook Islands seabed contains an estimated 6.7 billion tonnes of mineral-rich nodules, including 20 million metric tonnes of cobalt and significant deposits of nickel, copper, manganese, and rare earth elements—all critical for China’s technological and military ambitions.

The agreement’s emphasis on “hydrography and geospatial research” should set off alarm bells throughout the region. These seemingly innocuous scientific pursuits have direct military applications. China isn’t seeking scientific collaboration; it’s mapping the Pacific for strategic advantage. The planned “multi-use transport hub” in the Northern Cook Islands follows a disturbing pattern seen in Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Nauru, where China has established dual-use facilities that blur the line between civilian and military infrastructure. These are the pieces of a grand strategic puzzle that, once assembled, will fundamentally alter the balance of power in the Pacific.

Beijing isn’t making dramatic military moves that would trigger immediate resistance. Instead, it’s gradually warming the water through economic entanglements, infrastructure projects, and diplomatic agreements that collectively undermine the existing security architecture. The Cook Islands’ strategic location halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii made it a crucial logistics base during World War II. American forces established airstrips on Penrhyn and Aitutaki, with 850 Marines stationed in the latter. New Zealand maintained 14 Coastwatcher stations across the islands. This historical context underscores the islands’ enduring strategic significance. Today, China seeks to exploit this same geography to break the U.S. defence line along the island chains and to cut off key U.S. partners—New Zealand and Australia. Beijing’s ultimate goal is to push the United States out of East Asia and establish regional hegemony.

Perhaps most apparent is the domestic opposition to Brown’s China gambit. Protests erupted in Avarua, with Cook Islanders carrying placards reading “Stay connected with New Zealand” and waving oversized replicas of New Zealand passports. Opposition parties have filed a motion of no confidence against Brown, reflecting widespread concern about the direction of his government. Opposition leader Tina Browne articulated the public’s frustration: “The first concern is the lack of consultation not only with us Cook Islanders but also with New Zealand.” This statement reflects a troubling democratic deficit in how the agreement was negotiated. The Cook Islands’ population of just 15,040 is dwarfed by the 90,000 Cook Island Māori living in New Zealand.

The implications of this agreement extend far beyond the Cook Islands. It represents another piece in China’s methodical campaign to establish dominance in the Pacific, a campaign that has already secured footholds in the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and elsewhere. For the people of the Cook Islands, the risks are profound. While Brown celebrates Chinese “respect” for Cook Islands sovereignty, the historical evidence suggests otherwise. Nations that become economically dependent on China invariably find their political independence compromised and their natural resources exploited. The protest signs in Avarua speak volumes about ordinary Cook Islanders’ understanding of where their true interests lie. They recognise the value of their relationship with New Zealand, a democratic nation that shares their values and has consistently supported their development without strategic ulterior motives.

Contributing Author: Ankit K. is an Assistant Professor of International Relations at the National Defence University, specialising in international politics, warfare, defence, and strategy.

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Alleged Iranian crime syndicate members charged over $100m meth bust

By
Bureau Report
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iMAGE: Image: Alleged Iranian organised crime syndicate members charged over failed plot to import 110kg meth (Source: AFP)

Three men with alleged links to an Iranian organised crime syndicate have been charged after authorities intercepted an air cargo shipment containing boxes allegedly fabricated from methamphetamine.

AFP Acting Commander Peter Fogarty said the operation was a testament to law enforcement’s commitment to dismantling organised crime and keeping illicit drugs off Australian streets.

“These harmful drugs destroy lives, and no matter how elaborate the attempts to smuggle them in, the AFP and our partners will not stop pursuing criminal syndicates.”

A 40-year-old Melbourne man, a 41-year-old Baulkham Hills man, and a 46-year-old Telopea man have been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Image: Alleged Iranian organised crime syndicate members charged over failed plot to import 110kg meth (Source: AFP)

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested the men on Tuesday, 18 February, after the Australian Border Force (ABF) detected suspicious cargo from southwest Asia. The shipment, containing 400 hip flasks allegedly made from methamphetamine, was found to contain approximately 110kg of the drug—enough for 1.1 million street deals, with an estimated value of $101.75 million.

Authorities removed the methamphetamine before conducting a controlled delivery, which was allegedly accepted by the Telopea man. AFP investigators monitored him as he travelled to a western Sydney shopping centre, where he allegedly met with other members of the syndicate before taking the consignment to a Liverpool unit.

Image: Alleged Iranian organised crime syndicate members charged over failed plot to import 110kg meth (Source: AFP)

A short time later, AFP officers raided the property, where they allegedly found equipment used for extracting methamphetamine, items consistent with a drug lab, suspected proceeds of crime, and electronic devices for further examination.

Simultaneous raids were conducted at a Carlingford property linked to the importation plot. When AFP officers entered, the Melbourne man allegedly attempted to flee but was apprehended with the help of the NSW Police Force Canine Unit and taken to hospital with minor injuries. The Baulkham Hills man was arrested at the scene.

Image: Alleged Iranian organised crime syndicate members charged over failed plot to import 110kg meth (Source: AFP)

Authorities allege they uncovered an active clandestine laboratory at the Carlingford rental home. The NSW Police Drug & Firearms Squad Chemical Operations team dismantled the facility, seizing around 9kg of pre-manufactured methamphetamine and additional electronic devices.

ABF Commander Kari Ellis praised the inter-agency effort that prevented more than $100 million worth of methamphetamine from reaching the streets.

“ABF officers work around the clock to monitor air, sea, and mail cargo, and this detection is a direct result of our vigilance and intelligence-sharing.”

The three accused men appeared before Downing Centre Local Court and have been remanded in custody until their next hearing on 16 April 2025. Investigations remain ongoing.

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Can you afford a private school?

By
Contributing Author
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Representative image: Private school student (Source: CANVA)

By Emma Rowe and Diana Langmead

This week, updated figures once again showed an increasing number of Australian families are choosing to send their children to private schools.

Just over 63% of Australian students are enrolled in government schools. Almost 20% are in Catholic schools and almost 17% go to independent schools, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics.

How much is it costing parents?

While headlines often focus on the most expensive schools, there is a huge range of private schools operating in Australia.

In our new analysis, which is not peer-reviewed, we looked at private school fees in New South Wales and Victoria (the two most populous states).

Fees for Year 12

We looked only at independent schools. The non-government school sector is made up of Catholic and independent schools, but Catholic private schools typically charge lower fees and this can skew the data on the sector.

The tuition fees we refer to are based on what is publicly available through each school’s website.

We collected all available data for Year 12 tuition fees in every independent school in NSW and Victoria in 2021 and 2024. We chose to focus on Year 12, as this is typically the most expensive year at school.

  • In NSW, we found fee information for 369 schools (77% of independent schools).
  • In Victoria we found fee information for 138 schools (92% of independent schools).

What is the average tuition fee?

In 2024, the average tuition fee for a Year 12 student in NSW was A$15,674 and in Victoria it was $20,923.

This is in keeping with other analyses showing Victoria is the most expensive state for school fees in Australia.

These figures suggest while many schools are far from the headlines of “$50,000 fees”, many families are still paying substantial amounts for a private education – particularly if they have more than one child.

However, there were significant variations in tuition fees between schools. In NSW, 12% of schools in our sample charged under $5,000 per year per student. In Victoria, 9% charged less than $5,000.

One alternative school in NSW charged just $100 per student per year. This is less than parents typically pay out of their own pocket at the average public school.

This shows us there some cheaper options available, depending on where families live although they are certainly not the majority.

At the other end of the sample, The Scots College in NSW and Geelong Grammar School in Victoria charged the highest tuition fees in their respective states for 2024. Geelong Grammar charged $49,720 for Year 12; Scots charged $46,920.

https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/7qnPW

There are other costs

While we only looked at tuition fees, families might also have to pay levies for infrastructure or technology.

There are also extra charges for activities such as camps, excursions and incursions, as well as fees for uniforms, school buses, and special subjects such as music and sport.

For the majority of independent schools, parents are asked to pay to enrol or go on the waiting list. The average application fee in Victoria was $156 and in NSW was $197. These fees widely differed between schools, ranging from zero to $650.

How much are fees growing?

Fees keep climbing each year, and media reports tell us some school fees have already increased for 2025.

Our analysis found in Victoria, tuition fees in independent schools increased by an average of 15% from 2021 to 2024 – roughly 3.75% each year. In NSW, fees increased by 13% from 2021 to 2024, or about 3.25% per year.

In media coverage, individual schools have blamed fee increases on inflation, “operational costs”, rising staff costs, and a drop in federal funding.

Will fees keep rising?

In some OECD countries, if private schools receive government funding, there are conditions placed on what they can charge for tuition.

This is not the case in Australia, where the system is unregulated and uncapped.

Unless this policy approach changes, we can expect private schools to keep increasing fees, as long as there are families willing and able to pay them.

Emma Rowe, Associate Professor in Education, Deakin University and Diana Langmead, Research Fellow, Faculty of Education, The University of Melbourne

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Indian-American Kash Patel confirmed as FBI director to loud cheers

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: New FBI Director Kash Patel with Senator Lindsey Graham (Source: X)

The US Senate has confirmed Indian-American Kash Patel as the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, USA’s top law enforcement agency.

Patel, a former prosecutor and key figure in Donald Trump’s first administration, was narrowly approved in a 51-49 vote.

The confirmation marks a dramatic shift in the leadership of the FBI, which has faced repeated attacks from Trump and his allies, who claim the agency has been weaponised against conservatives.

In a statement on X, Patel vowed to restore trust in the FBI, pledging to end the politicisation of the justice system and uphold transparency and accountability. He expressed gratitude to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for their support and emphasised his commitment to empowering law enforcement.

“My mission as Director is clear: let good cops be cops—and rebuild trust in the FBI.”

Patel promised to work alongside FBI agents and partners to rebuild the agency’s reputation and issued a stern warning to those threatening America, stating they would be pursued relentlessly. His closing message: “Mission First. America Always.”

Patel replaces Christopher Wray, who resigned last month after Trump indicated he would remove him. His appointment was met with applause at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where Florida Senator Rick Scott asked the crowd, “What do you think about Kash Patel?” The audience responded with loud cheers.

During his career, Patel has been instrumental in efforts to declassify documents related to the FBI’s Russia investigation. His book, Government Gangsters, lists dozens of officials he accused of undermining Trump’s presidency.

Patel’s appointment expands the presence of Indian-Americans in key roles within the new Trump administration, joining Tulis Gabbard, Jay Bhattacharya, Harmeet K. Dhillon, Ricky Gill, Kush Desai and Saurabh Sharma.

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$1 billion investment to make Australia green iron manufacturing powerhouse

By
AMIT SARWAL
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File photo: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at BlueScope in Port Kembla (Source: X)

The Albanese Labor Government is forging Australia’s future as a global leader in green iron manufacturing with the launch of the $1 billion Green Iron Investment Fund. The initiative aims to strengthen local industry, create jobs, and position Australia as a key player in the world’s transition to low-emissions steel production.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the investment would help Australia harness its natural advantages in iron ore production while securing a more sustainable future for the industry.

“Labor’s plan for a Future Made in Australia is very clear: we want Australia to make more things here,” he said.

“We’ve got the resources, the workers, and the know-how – the only thing we don’t have is time to waste.”

The Green Iron Investment Fund will provide targeted financial support to green iron manufacturing projects, helping unlock large-scale private investment. Up to $500 million has been earmarked for the transformation of the Whyalla steelworks, a move that will shore up local jobs and support the region’s energy transition. The remaining $500 million will be available to projects nationwide, offering both existing facilities and new ventures the opportunity to enhance Australia’s iron ore value chain.

Australia is the world’s largest producer of iron ore, generating over $100 billion in export revenue in 2023-24. The iron and steel sectors support more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs. However, with iron and steel production responsible for 8% of global emissions, industry leaders have warned that a shift to greener production is necessary to secure the future demand for Australian iron ore.

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic emphasised that this fund is a key step in positioning Australia at the forefront of the green metals revolution.

“The Green Iron Investment Fund will enable Australia to take advantage of our existing iron ore supply chain, renewable energy potential, world-class research, and highly skilled workforce,” Husic said.

“Through this $1 billion Fund, we’re supporting industrial diversification, productivity, and economic growth, for a Future Made in Australia.”

Research backs the economic potential of green iron production. The Minerals Institute of Western Australia has found that a single green iron plant could contribute $85 billion to GDP over its lifetime, add $2.4 billion in real income annually, and create more than 1,500 full-time jobs. A separate 2023 Accenture report suggests a green metals industry could generate up to $122 billion per year in export revenue by 2040.

The Green Iron Investment Fund builds on the Albanese Government’s broader strategy to strengthen Australia’s energy and mining sectors. Other key initiatives include a $2 billion investment in Australian-made aluminium, Production Tax Credits for hydrogen and critical minerals, and funding for major rare earths projects.

Additionally, $3.4 billion has been allocated to Geoscience Australia to accelerate resource discovery, while the Hydrogen Headstart program aims to catalyse Australia’s clean energy industry.

With global demand for low-emissions steel rising, Australia’s investment in green iron could prove a game-changer. As Prime Minister Albanese put it:

“This investment is good for Australian workers and good for Australian business.”

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Rekha Gupta becomes Delhi’s fourth woman Chief Minister as BJP returns to power after 27 years

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: Rekha Gupta has been named Delhi’s new Chief Minister (Source: X)

In a dramatic turn of events, first-time MLA Rekha Gupta has been named Delhi’s new Chief Minister, marking the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) return to power in the capital after 27 years.

Gupta’s selection came as a surprise, as heavyweight contenders like former Lok Sabha MP Parvesh Verma were also in the race.

Gupta’s appointment, finalised after intense deliberations within the party, aligns with the BJP’s strategic push for women empowerment and community representation.

The 50-year-old leader, who has steadily risen through the BJP ranks, previously served as the President of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) and held leadership roles in the party’s youth and women’s wings. She also has experience as a municipal councillor and former mayor of North Delhi.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded her elevation, calling it a testament to the BJP’s commitment to grassroots leadership. “She has risen from student politics to state administration and now as Chief Minister,” he posted on X.

Gupta took the oath of office at a grand ceremony at Ramlila Maidan, alongside six cabinet ministers, including Parvesh Verma, Kapil Mishra, and Manjinder Singh Sirsa.

The BJP’s landslide victory in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, where it won 48 out of 70 seats, was largely attributed to strong support from women voters. In a nostalgic moment, Congress leader Alka Lamba shared a 1995 photograph of her and Gupta taking their DUSU oaths, congratulating her on the new role.

As she assumes office, Gupta faces the challenge of delivering on the BJP’s ambitious promises, including women’s welfare schemes and infrastructure improvements. With her grassroots experience and the party’s backing, all eyes are now on Delhi’s fourth woman Chief Minister to see how she shapes the capital’s future.

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A mixed bag: views on immigration in Australia

By
Contributing Author
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Image: Lord Mayor Nick Reece with a new Australian citizen at the January 2025 ceremony (Source: City of Melbourne - website)

By Alyssa Leng, Ryan Edwards, and Terence Wood

Migration flows globally are at an all-time high. There are good reasons to believe the increase brings economic and broader development benefits, and that those benefits are particularly important when migrants come from developing countries. In Australia, migration programs for Pacific countries are growing, something that has real potential to help the people of the region. Yet migration is a notoriously hard sell politically, including in Australia.

We used a large public opinion survey to study the attitudes of people in Australia to migration. Our aim was to determine whether respondents’ beliefs about migration were accurate and whether attitudes could be changed with additional information. The full findings are in our new Development Policy Centre Discussion Paper. In a previous blog on this research, we focused on attitudes towards, and understanding of, Pacific migration to Australia. Here, we look at how the relatively positive findings we reported compare to our findings about attitudes to migration in general and to key types of migration.

Our first finding (Figure 1) fits with other recent opinion surveys which have included questions on migration to Australia: the majority of people in Australia currently think migration is too high.

Figure 1: Views on the total number of migrants

Source: Narratives, Information and Immigration Policy Preferences discussion paper (2025).

Yet respondents’ views differ when asked about different types of migrants. As we discuss in the paper, people in Australia were somewhat less hostile to temporary migrants than to permanent migrants. And, as Figure 2 below shows, respondents have notably more favourable views about skilled migrants compared with unskilled migrants. Meanwhile, as we show in the paper (Page 38) most people in Australia do not support a reduction in international students.

Figure 2: Views on the whether there should be more or fewer skilled and unskilled migrants

Source: Narratives, Information and Immigration Policy Preferences discussion paper (2025).

In addition to asking people in Australia what their own views were, we also asked them what they thought other peoples’ answers would be to the same questions. Respondents systematically thought that others were less supportive of immigration than themselves, across most all types of immigration examined.

We also asked all our survey respondents factual questions about migration, then compared their answers to the official figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Our approach here follows and builds on those used to study the accuracy of beliefs about migrants in other parts of the world, including in a recent paper by the late Alberto Alesina, with Armando Miano and Stefanie Stantcheva. To give one example, we asked how many people had migrated to Australia in the last 10 years, as well as how many people had left (in effect, asking about net migration flows). We then compared this to actual net migration flows from the ABS.

Some of the findings from our comparison of perceptions and reality are shown in Figure 3, which shows the percentage differences between the average of respondents’ estimates and actual figures. Positive percentages are overestimates; negative ones underestimates.

Figure 3: Misperceptions of migration into Australia

Chart note: Figures on the chart show percentage differences between estimates and actual figures (not percentage point differences). Percentages were calculated as (perception minus actual)/actual. Source: Narratives, Information and Immigration Policy Preferences discussion paper (2025).

As can be seen, people in Australia overestimate net migration. The average reply to our survey indicated that net migration over the last decade was over 350,000 people per year. The actual figure is closer to 229,000 people. In other words, people overestimated net migration by 59% on average. There was also a clear tendency to underestimate the share of migrants who were only in Australia on a temporary basis: on average respondents thought that about 57% of migrants are in Australia on temporary work visas, whereas the reality is that 78% fall into this category. The chart also shows that people underestimated the share of migrants who were high-skilled.

When it came to whether migrants were gainfully employed or not, on average people overestimated the share of migrants that were in part-time employment. In line with this, respondents thought a smaller share of migrants were in full-time work than is actually the case. People also substantially overestimated the share of migrants who were unemployed.

Most respondents were also not able to accurately estimate the shares of Australian migrants who came from different parts of the world. Figure 3 shows one misperception of particular importance to our research: on average people in Australia overestimate the share of migrants from the Pacific. On average respondents thought nearly 10% of migrants to Australia came from the Pacific. In reality, only just over 2% do.

If you look at the figure showing misperceptions of immigrants’ characteristics in our paper (page 37), you will see that people’s estimates were not always that badly off. However, in general, when it came to basic facts and figures, survey participants did not have a particularly accurate understanding of migration into Australia.

Some types of people were more likely to have mistaken beliefs than others: people in rural areas, as well as people on the political right, tended to overestimate immigration numbers over the last decade. People in rural areas also tended to overestimate the share of migrants from the Pacific. Yet almost all respondents demonstrated some mistaken beliefs about the facts of migration to Australia.

The prevalence of mistaken beliefs about migration to Australia raises an obvious question: would people’s views on this subject change if they actually knew the facts? We will look at this, as well as some other possible means of changing people’s views, in the third and final blog of the series.

Disclosure: This research was supported by the Pacific Research Program, with funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The views represent those of the authors only.

This article was first published in the Australian National University’s DevpolicyBlog and has been republished here with the kind permission of the editor(s). The Blog is run out of the Development Policy Centre housed in the Crawford School of Public Policy in the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific at The Australian National University.

Contributing Author(s): Alyssa Leng is a research officer at the Development Policy Centre. Ryan Edwards is Deputy Director of the Development Policy Centre and a Fellow at the Crawford School of Public Policy. He leads Pacific migration research under the Pacific Research Program at the ANU. Terence Wood is a Fellow at the Development Policy Centre. His research focuses on political governance in Western Melanesia, and Australian and New Zealand aid.

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Thieves steal $135,000 worth of equipment from Shepparton farm

By
Bureau Report
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Image: Theft of farm equipment in Shepparton (Source: Victoria Police)

Shepparton Police are investigating the theft of farm equipment worth approximately $135,000 from a property in Toolamba earlier this month.

Unknown offenders allegedly broke into the residential property on Pyke Road overnight between 4 and 5 February, making off with valuable machinery.

Image: Theft of farm equipment in Shepparton (Source: Victoria Police)

Police report that the stolen items include two planting machines, an irrigation machine unit, a navigation system, and a 300-litre water tank.

Detectives have released images of some of the stolen equipment, hoping the public may recognise them. Anyone with information, footage, or who witnessed the theft is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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The prime minister earns $607,000 a year. Why does his top public servant earn more than $1 million?

By
Contributing Author
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Image: Salary (Source: CANVA)

By Chris Wallace

Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie represents the lowest-income Australians, with median weekly earnings of $1,208 a week. In the Australian Capital Territory, where the nation’s highest median weekly earners live, including the brains trust of the Australian Public Service, it’s $1,688 a week – 40% higher.

As a federal politician, Lambie shuttles between these two starkly different earnings worlds and is not happy about the disparity.

Of course, Lambie herself is on a reasonable wicket. Parliamentarians’ base salaries are $233,660 a year, according to an Instagram post she made this month drawing attention to the issue.

At a time of considerable financial stress for Australians hit by the combination of inflation, high interest rates and housing shortages, Lambie struck a nerve with her post, which listed a range of public roles drawing big six figure-plus annual salaries.

In doing so, Lambie underlined the far higher salaries paid to senior public servants compared to the ministers to whom they’re responsible.

Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary Glyn Davis earns $1,011,410 a year, 66% more than the man he serves, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who earns $607,516.

Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy’s salary is more than double that of Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who is paid $438,112. Another three departmental secretaries each earn $960,840.

Lambie’s Instagram post drew hundreds of comments including:

How does a public servant earn more than the prime minister? That’s wrong!!

Politicians get flak about their salaries from belligerent constituents, but also keenly feel the injustice of earning far less than senior public servants.

Higher pay for higher risk

The salaries of both politicians and public servants have long and specific histories. Without an income, only the rich could afford to be politicians, so publicly paid allowances and salaries have historically been an important equity and inclusion measure. They remain so today.

The original framers of the public service component of our Westminster system of government believed that to prevent conflicts of interest that drive corruption, the bureaucracy ought to be staffed by “permanent officers” with job security. In exchange for what, barring wrongdoing, was going to be a lifetime career, public service pay was historically adequate but not extravagant.

This nexus was broken when, in exchange for higher pay, the Keating government introduced five-year contracts for departmental secretaries in March 1994. Three departmental secretaries refused contracts and continued as “permanent officers”. The rest took the money and the increased employment risk that went with it.

Two years later, the Keating government lost office and incoming Prime Minister John Howard summarily fired nearly a third of departmental secretaries, fatally eroding the “frank and fearless” tradition of public service advice underpinned by security of employment.

Compromised advice

Contract employment for secretaries, who effectively can now be fired at will, not only created pressure for public servants to tell ministers what they wanted to hear, but also untethered their salaries from historical norms. Higher pay reflected that insecurity. The flow-on effect meant other salaries in the senior executive service also floated upwards.

Contracts for secretaries have also been central to the revolving door that’s developed between the top of the public service and large consulting firms, creating conflicts of interest unknown in the traditional Westminster public service.

The big four consulting firms are attractive alternative employers for highly paid and insecure departmental secretaries.

Little wonder, then, that a quasi-privatisation of public service advice through consultancy contracts to those firms occurred, at vast expense to taxpayers – something Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has made strong efforts to reverse.

Lambie’s push for answers

Lambie has introduced the Remuneration Tribunal Amendment (There for the Public Service, Not Profit) Bill 2025 to cap senior APS pay at $430,000. It’s a bid to address remuneration which has raced far beyond ministerial salaries, and well beyond reasonable public expectations.

The Lambie bill has been referred to a Senate committee, which presents an opportunity to evolve debate on the deeper reasons for what has gone awry in the public service and to devise a response that gets to the root of the problem.

The precarity of contract employment for departmental secretaries, which is used to justify high salaries, is both unnecessary and harmful to the quality of public policy and administration in Australia.

The intrinsic interest and challenge of working for the nation and the betterment of its citizens has always paid well in terms of a “psychic wage” on top of senior public servants’ actual salaries. If the complaint is that an executive could make much more in the private sector, they’re probably not the right person to work in the public service anyway.

One reply to Lambie’s Insta post summed up the situation:

It’s the pollies that made this mess.

Politicians are the ones who are going to have to clean it up.

It is neither likely nor plausible that highly paid public service leaders will cut their own salaries in return for an end to the five year contract system for secretaries.

But that is what a return to good public service governance – and to frank and fearless advice in the national interest – now requires.

Chris Wallace, Professor, School of Politics Economics & Society, Faculty of Business Government & Law, University of Canberra

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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USA to take tough stance against elements that threat diplomats’ security and India’s sovereignty

By
JAI BHARADWAJ
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Image: U.S. President Donald J. Trump hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Source: X)

In a bold move to safeguard both nations’ interests, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly addressed rising concerns over external and internal threats that jeopardise public safety, diplomatic security, and the sovereignty of both the United States and India.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combatting terrorism, organised crime, and the influence of destabilising actors in the region. They underscored the need for enhanced intelligence-sharing, coordinated law enforcement efforts, and a unified approach to tackling cybersecurity threats.

Additionally, the two leaders vowed to take stringent action against any elements or entities that threaten the territorial integrity of their respective countries, highlighting the importance of a secure and stable global environment for future cooperation.

Earlier in a significant display of diplomatic and strategic cooperation, US President Trump hosted Indian Prime Minister Modi for an official working visit in Washington, D.C. The two leaders reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, emphasising shared values of democracy, freedom, and economic growth.

A key highlight of the visit was the launch of the “U.S.-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century”, a transformative initiative aimed at deepening bilateral ties across defence, trade, energy, and technology. The leaders committed to an ambitious, results-driven agenda, pledging to achieve major milestones this year.

Recognising the deepening convergence of their defence interests, Trump and Modi announced plans to sign a new ten-year Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership. The U.S. will expand defence sales and co-production with India, with new agreements for Javelin anti-tank guided missiles and Stryker infantry combat vehicles. The two nations will also accelerate negotiations for a Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreement to streamline defence trade and technology exchange.

A new initiative, the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA), was also unveiled, fostering collaborations like Anduril Industries’ partnership with Mahindra Group to develop cutting-edge maritime and AI-enabled counter-drone technologies. Additionally, the leaders pledged to enhance military exercises, including an expanded “Tiger Triumph” tri-service drill and new intelligence-sharing agreements.

In a bold economic move, the leaders set a target to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 through the new “Mission 500” initiative. They committed to negotiating a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by the end of 2025 to boost market access and eliminate trade barriers.

India’s decision to lower tariffs on key U.S. exports—such as bourbon, motorcycles, and agricultural products—was welcomed, while the U.S. agreed to increase imports of Indian mangoes and pomegranates. The meeting also saw a focus on supply chain resilience and increased investment, with Indian companies announcing $7.35 billion in new ventures across the U.S.

Recognising energy security as a critical pillar of economic growth, Trump and Modi reaffirmed their commitment to expanding U.S.-India energy trade. The U.S. pledged firm support for India’s full membership in the International Energy Agency, while both nations agreed to enhance cooperation in oil and gas production, LNG trade, and nuclear energy. Plans were announced to finalise agreements for U.S.-designed nuclear reactors in India, with large-scale localisation and technology transfers on the horizon.

A major breakthrough in tech collaboration came with the launch of the “U.S.-India TRUST” (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative, which will facilitate partnerships in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, and space.

As part of this initiative, the leaders announced the U.S.-India Roadmap on Accelerating AI Infrastructure, which aims to build large-scale AI infrastructure in India with U.S. expertise. Additionally, a new INDUS Innovation bridge was introduced to promote industry and academic collaborations in space and emerging technologies.

2025 is set to be a landmark year for U.S.-India civil space cooperation, with NASA and ISRO partnering to send the first Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) through the AXIOM program. The joint NISAR satellite mission—a groundbreaking project to map Earth’s surface changes—was also confirmed for an early launch.

Reaffirming their commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific, the leaders pledged to strengthen cooperation under the Quad framework. Prime Minister Modi invited President Trump to New Delhi for the upcoming Quad Summit, where new initiatives on disaster response and maritime security will be unveiled.

Additionally, the two nations committed to greater diplomatic and economic cooperation in the Middle East and Indian Ocean region, launching the Indian Ocean Strategic Venture to boost regional investments and connectivity.

President Trump and Prime Minister Modi’s meeting marks a significant step forward in U.S.-India relations, reinforcing their position as key strategic partners in a rapidly evolving global landscape. With landmark agreements across defence, trade, energy, and technology, the U.S.-India COMPACT initiative is poised to drive transformative change, setting the stage for an even stronger bilateral partnership in the years ahead.

Modi will next host Trump in India for the Quad Summit, where further milestones in the growing alliance are expected to be unveiled.

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$5.4m boost to break language barriers in women’s healthcare

By
Bureau Report
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Representative image: Womenm health (Source: CANVA)

The Albanese Government is investing $5.4 million to extend a vital health education program that helps migrant and refugee women access crucial health information in their own language.

The funding will enable the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health to continue delivering the Health in My Language (HiML) program across all states and territories in 2025-2026.

HiML recruits and trains bicultural women’s health educators who conduct sessions in languages spoken by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. These sessions cover key health topics such as sexual and reproductive health, cancer screening, and COVID-19, ensuring the information is both accessible and culturally appropriate.

The program has already helped thousands of women make informed health decisions, and this funding extension will allow it to reach even more communities.

The Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health will deliver the program in partnership with:

  • True Relationships and Reproductive Health (QLD)
  • Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) (NSW)
  • Women’s Health Matters (ACT)
  • Australian Red Cross (TAS, SA, NT)
  • Ishar Multicultural Women’s Health Services (WA)

Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney MP, said removing language and cultural barriers is essential to ensuring all women receive the best healthcare.

“No person or group should feel unsafe, judged, or unwelcome when seeking healthcare. We must make healthcare accessible by ensuring information is available in diverse languages and culturally safe ways.”

Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill MP, highlighted the government’s commitment to health equity:

“The great promise of Australian multiculturalism is a fair go – that everyone can access the information and services they need. Since 2022, Health in My Language has empowered thousands of women, and this extension will build on that success.”

The continued funding reaffirms the government’s commitment to providing inclusive healthcare and ensuring migrant and refugee women have the knowledge to make informed health decisions.

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Albanese to make history as first Australian Prime Minister to marry in office

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his fiancée Jodie Haydon (Source: X)

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his fiancée Jodie Haydon have revealed plans for a “small, intimate” wedding in spring, opting for an outdoor ceremony surrounded by family and friends rather than a traditional Catholic church service.

The couple, who announced their engagement on Valentine’s Day 2024, confirmed in an interview with The Australian Women’s Weekly that the wedding will take place after the upcoming federal election, expected in April or May.

Image: Jodie Haydon and Anthony Albanese have revealed plans to wed in a ‘small, intimate ceremony’ in spring after the federal election (Picture: Alana Landsberry for Australian Women’s Weekly)

Albanese, who proposed with a bespoke diamond ring over dinner at an Italian restaurant in Canberra, said he made the decision after realising he couldn’t imagine a life without Haydon.

“This [being Prime Minister] will end one day, and the thing about our relationship is that we enjoy spending time together—just us.”

While the exact venue remains undecided, Haydon hinted at a scenic outdoor location, though the backyard of their Copacabana home may not be big enough for the occasion.

“Possibly outdoors, in the second half of this year, with our family and loved ones … And you can be sure Toto [their dog] will make an appearance.”

It is reported that the PM sought his adult son Nathan’s blessing before proposing and received his full support.

“He wants me to be happy, and Nathan and Jodie have a really nice relationship as well.”

The engagement has drawn congratulations from across the political spectrum, with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton offering his best wishes.

Albanese is set to become the first Australian Prime Minister to marry while in office, adding another chapter to his remarkable political and personal journey.

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Melbourne man jailed for child abuse offences after online grooming investigation

By
Bureau Report
-
Representative image: Jail (Source: CANVA)

A 22-year-old Melbourne man has been sentenced to two years and nine months in prison, with a non-parole period of 15 months, for child abuse-related offences, including possessing and transmitting child abuse material and grooming children online.

The Melbourne County Court handed down the sentence on 19 February 2025 after the Victorian Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET) arrested the man in July 2023. The investigation was sparked by a report from a concerned mother about an Australian social media user soliciting child abuse material.

Police linked the man to the illegal activity and executed a search warrant at his home on 19 July 2023, where officers discovered child abuse material on his mobile phone. A deeper forensic examination of seized electronic devices, including tablets and laptops, uncovered hundreds of images containing child abuse material.

Investigators also found evidence of online grooming involving 10 children, with the offender attempting to procure self-produced child exploitation material by offering payments for explicit images and videos. The court heard that after receiving images, he engaged in ‘sextortion’—coercing and manipulating victims into sending more material under threats of exposing them to friends and family.

The man pleaded guilty on 5 February 2025 to 11 charges under the Criminal Code (Cth), including:

  • Eight counts of causing child abuse material to be transmitted using a carriage service
  • One count of soliciting child abuse material using a carriage service
  • One count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence
  • One count of possessing child abuse material obtained using a carriage service

AFP Detective Superintendent Bernard Geason urged parents to be vigilant about children’s online interactions, warning that signs of online grooming can include excessive screen time, secrecy, and social withdrawal.

“If parents suspect their child is engaging in harmful online activity, it’s crucial to have open conversations and provide appropriate support.”

Det Supt Geason also reassured victims that sextortion is never their fault and encouraged reporting such crimes to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE).

“This outcome should serve as a warning—those involved in these abhorrent crimes will be tracked down and brought before the courts,” he said, commending AFP and Victoria Police officers for their dedication to protecting vulnerable children.

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Fiji and India strengthen ties through skill development and workforce mobility

By
AMIT SARWAL
-
Image: India’s Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Singh, met with Fiji’s Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh (Source: X)

India and Fiji are deepening their bilateral cooperation with a strong focus on skill development and workforce mobility, as top officials from both nations engaged in high-level discussions this week.

India’s Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Singh, met with Fiji’s Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh, to explore avenues for collaboration in skill enhancement programs. Expressing enthusiasm about India’s commitment to strengthening ties, Jayant Singh stated,

“Excited about India’s commitment to stronger bilateral ties through skill development programs!”

Meanwhile, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, also held discussions with Agni Deo Singh on enhancing cooperation in the mobility of skilled workers to Fiji. Sharing details on social media platform X, Margherita wrote,

“Discussed ways and means to further deepen our bilateral ties, including enhancing cooperation on mobility of skilled workers to Fiji.”

Earlier in a separate engagement, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, met with Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Germany. The two leaders exchanged insights and reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening relations. “An honour to meet PM & FM Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji this evening. Always nice to hear his recollections, views, and insights,” Jaishankar posted on X.

The discussions align with Fiji’s broader efforts to boost collaboration with India in key sectors, including infrastructure development, renewable energy, climate change, healthcare, IT, education, and sustainable agriculture. On Tuesday, the Fijian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the nation’s commitment to expanding its partnership with India.

During an introductory courtesy call by India’s new High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Raijeli Taga, acknowledged the ongoing cooperation between the two countries. She expressed appreciation for India’s support in major development projects, including the construction of a 100-bed Super Speciality Hospital in Fiji.

High Commissioner Mehta also met with Agni Deo Singh to further discuss workforce mobility and productivity initiatives, underscoring the importance of people-to-people ties in fostering a resilient and prosperous future for both nations.

With these high-level engagements, India and Fiji continue to reinforce their diplomatic and economic partnership, paving the way for deeper collaboration in critical development areas.

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AIBC and SBI host roundtable on boosting Australia-India trade

By
AMIT SARWAL
-
Image: 𝗔𝗜𝗕𝗖 and SBI 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮-𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 (Source: LinkedIn - AIBC)

Sydney’s Four Seasons Hotel recently played host to a high-profile roundtable co-hosted by the State Bank of India (SBI) and the Australia India Business Council (AIBC) NSW.

The event, attended by senior SBI executives from India—Niraj Kumar Panda and Jagat Kant Choudhary (CAMS, CFCS)—focused on the bank’s role in strengthening Australia-India trade relations.

Image: 𝗔𝗜𝗕𝗖 and SBI 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮-𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 (Source: LinkedIn – AIBC)

AIBC Associate Chair and NSW President Irfan Malik (MAICD) welcomed the gathering of business leaders, AIBC members, and SBI representatives. Ganesh Radhakrishnan, CEO of SBI Australia, highlighted the bank’s expanding footprint in Australia and its strategies to attract Australian investment into India, particularly in regional areas.

Dr Janakiraman Sarvesvaran, Consul General of India in Sydney, outlined how SBI could support Australian businesses with banking, trade, and remittance services.

Image: 𝗔𝗜𝗕𝗖 and SBI 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮-𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 (Source: LinkedIn – AIBC)

Tim Thomas, CEO of the Centre for Australia-India Relations, reinforced the growing momentum in bilateral trade and identified key opportunities in digital trade, the knowledge economy, agritech, startups, and investment.

Discussions also covered industry challenges and emerging sectors, with Narasimhan Viswanathan (AIBC Make with India Chapter Lead) addressing supply chain issues. Dianne Tipping, Chair of the Export Council of Australia, and Poornima Menon, AIBC NSW Vice President, explored opportunities in regional Australia and the startup ecosystem.

Image: 𝗔𝗜𝗕𝗖 and SBI 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮-𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 (Source: LinkedIn – AIBC)

Critical minerals and trade compliance were key themes, with insights from Warren Wickman, COO of MMC Corporation, and Anand Singh (MBA, GAICD), AIBC Critical Infrastructure Chapter Lead. Sheba Nandkeolyar, past AIBC National Chair, emphasised the current “New India” opportunity for Australian businesses.

SBI’s General Manager for Compliance, Jagat Kant Choudhary, noted India’s booming banking sector, with over 530 million Indians now holding bank accounts. He highlighted SBI’s extensive range of products designed to facilitate international trade.

Wrapping up the event, Irfan Malik thanked the speakers and attendees, reaffirming AIBC’s commitment to strengthening business ties with SBI and fostering greater Australian participation in India’s economic growth.

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ASIO boss expects more communal violence in worsening security environment in Australia

By
Contributing Author
-
Image: ASIO chief Mike Burgess (Source: UniSA - Website)

By Michelle Grattan

ASIO chief Mike Burgess has warned that over the next five years Australia’s security environment will become more dynamic, diverse and degraded, with “more security surprises” in the second half of the decade than in the first.

In his Annual Threat Assessment delivered on Wednesday night, Burgess predicted more communal violence attacks and foreshadowed Australia’s defence system would face greater threats from espionage, foreign interference and potentially sabotage.

The situation had prompted him to take the unusual step of declassifying details of the security outlook covering the coming five years.

With an “unprecedented number of challenges, and an unprecedented cumulative level of potential harm, Australia has never faced so many different threats at scale at once,” he said.

“Many of the foundations that have underpinned Australia’s security, prosperity and democracy are being tested: social cohesion is eroding, trust in institutions is declining, intolerance is growing, even truth itself is being undermined by conspiracy, mis-and disinformation.

“Similar trends are playing out across the Western world.

“Australia is facing multifaceted, merging, intersecting, concurrent and cascading threats. Major geopolitical, economic, social and security challenges of the 1930s, 70s and 90s have converged. As one of my analysts put it with an uncharacteristic nod to popular culture: everything, everywhere all at once”.

Burgess said ASIO was empowered to investigate seven heads of security:

  • espionage
  • foreign interference
  • politically motivated violence (which includes terrorism)
  • the promotion of communal violence
  • sabotage
  • attacks on Australia’s defence system, and
  • serious threats to border integrity.

“Three of our heads of security are already flashing red: espionage, foreign interference and politically motivated violence,” Burgess said.

ASIO expected in the next five years the promotion of communal violence, sabotage and attacks on the defence system could join them.

Burgess did not envisage any immediate raising of the national threat level, which puts an act of terrorism at “probable”.

But he said “politically motivated violence is raising the temperature of the security environment and making acts of terrorism more likely”.

At the same time, he stressed that none of last year’s incidents in Australia came from an offshore group and “our greatest threat remains a lone actor using an easily obtained weapon”.

“Of all the potential terrorist matters investigated last year, fewer than half were religiously motivated. The majority involved mixed ideologies or nationalist and racist ideologies.

“Almost all the matters involved minors. All were lone actors or small groups. Almost all the individuals were unknown to ASIO or the police and it is fair to say they allegedly moved towards violence more quickly than we have seen before.

“Importantly, none of the attacks or plots appear to be directly inspired by the conflict in the Middle East or directed by offshore extremists”.

On the promotion of communal violence, Burgess said “I am concerned these attacks have not yet plateaued”.

Promoting communal violence refers to “activities that are directed to incite violence between different groups in Australia, so as to endanger the peace”.

Burgess anticipated “nationalist and racist violent extremists to continue their efforts to ‘mainstream’ and expand their movement.

“They will undertake provocative, offensive and increasingly high-profile acts to generate publicity and recruit. While these activities will test legal boundaries, the greatest threat of violence comes from individuals on the periphery of these organised groups.

“I remain concerned about young Australians being caught up in webs of hate, both religiously and ideologically motivated.

“In the polarised, grievance-rich environment I’m describing, social cohesion will remain strained and we can expect spikes in communal violence.”

Burgess said the Middle East war “has not yet directly inspired terrorism in Australia, but it is prompting protest, exacerbating division, undermining social cohesion and elevating intolerance. This, in turn, is making acts of politically motivated violence more likely.”

The normalisation of violent protests lowered the threshold for potentially violent acts.

“Narratives originally centred on ‘freeing Palestine’ expanded to include incitements to ‘kill the Jews’. Threats transitioned from harassment and intimidation to specific targeting of Jewish communities, places of worship and prominent figures.

“Looking forward, targets of community violence are likely to be broad, depending on the perceived grievance, and will not be limited to nationality, race, culture, religion or gender.

“A hyper-connected world will allow political tensions or conflicts overseas to resonate quickly in Australia, spread by social media and online echo chambers, inflamed by mis- or disinformation”.

Burgess said more traditional distinctions between extremist motivations were breaking down.

Individuals were cherry-picking ideologies to create hybrid beliefs. For example, ASIO had found one person who was apparently motivated by Islamic State propaganda and neo-Nazi propaganda. Another described himself as a left-wing environmentalist aligned with Adolf Hitler.

Burgess said while he was troubled by the breadth of security threats, he was more concerned about their depth.

“More specifically, the depths some regimes are willing to plumb in pursuit of their strategic interests. This is why we assess the security environment is becoming more degraded.”

“A small number of authoritarian regimes are behaving more aggressively, more recklessly, more dangerously. More willing to engage in what we call ‘high harm’ activities.

“Russia’s brazen acts of sabotage in Europe show authoritarian regimes are willing to use a wider range of tools and tactics to coerce, intimidate and damage perceived adversaries. As a supporter of and supplier to Ukraine, it is conceivable Russia could also target Australia for sabotage.”

Australia was not immune to hostile states such as Iran undertaking “acts of security concern” in Australia or the near region.

“Whether such acts serve an internal interest, or a form of retaliation against Israel or our allies, we need to remain alert and responsive to these evolution.”

ASIO had identified at least three different countries plotting to harm people living in Australia.

In one case, a foreign intelligence service wanted to silence an Australia-based human rights activist and tried to trick them into visiting a third country where they would encounter an “accident”. ASIO foiled the plot.

In another case, a different hostile foreign intelligence service wanted to harm and possibly kill one or more individuals on Australian soil. This too was foiled.

“Beyond those egregious examples, multiple foreign regimes continually attempt to monitor, harass, intimidate and coerce cooperation from Australians and those who call Australia home. This includes trying to strong-arm people to report on other members of their diaspora community, threatening perceived dissidents and their family members with violence, and coercing people in Australia to return to the country of their birth to face questioning or charges – or possibly worse.”

On threats to Australia’s defence system, Burgess said multiple countries relentlessly sought information on our military capabilities.

“AUKUS will remain a priority target for intelligence collection, including by countries we consider friendly.

“ASIO has identified foreign services seeking to target AUKUS to position themselves to collect on the capabilities, how Australia intends to use them, and to undermine the confidence of our allies.

“By 2030, as the submarine project matures, intelligence services are more likely to focus on foreign interference to undermine community support for the enterprise and potentially sabotage if regional tensions escalate.”

Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Sanjeev Gupta’s Whyalla steelworks forced into administration amid debt woes

By
Bureau Report
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Image: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tours Whyalla Steelworks as it advances towards low-carbon GREENSTEEL production, 2023 (Source: GFG Alliance website)

The Whyalla steelworks in South Australia has been forced into administration, with the state government seizing control of the troubled operation following an emergency parliamentary meeting on Wednesday morning.

Owned by British steel magnate Sanjeev Gupta’s GFG Alliance, the steelworks has been struggling with mounting debts, reportedly owing tens of millions to creditors, including the South Australian government and local subcontractors.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas announced the government had appointed KordaMentha as administrators, vowing to stabilise operations and find a new owner.

“This means GFG is no longer running the Whyalla steelworks and associated mines,” Malinauskas said.

“The South Australian Government has intervened to protect the future of steelmaking in this country.”

The Whyalla steelworks, a critical economic driver for the regional town of 22,000 people on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, has been operating under financial strain for months.

Malinauskas framed the move as essential to safeguarding Australia’s sovereign steelmaking capabilities, stating,

“We could not have GFG holding back steelmaking in this country… This is about securing the future of the industry and the people who rely on it.”

The intervention was made possible by urgent amendments to the Whyalla Steelworks Act, passed by both houses of parliament on Wednesday morning. The changes granted the government the authority to call in debts and assume control of the plant.

The steelworks directly employs around 1,000 people, with many more jobs linked to its operations. Malinauskas sought to reassure workers, saying the government’s intervention meant their future was more secure than it was before.

“The administrator is fully funded, meaning bills will be paid, work orders will be fulfilled, and workers can turn up without fear of sudden shutdowns,” he said.

Malinauskas also hinted at a major industry support package, to be unveiled on Thursday, calling it “one of the most comprehensive this nation has ever seen.”

Sanjeev Gupta acquired the Whyalla steelworks in 2017 for $700 million, pledging to modernise it into a “green steel” plant. However, Malinauskas argued those plans had not materialised.

“Mr Gupta’s vision was largely the right one—it just hasn’t been realised,” Malinauskas said.

GFG Alliance recently announced plans to sell its Tahmoor Coking Coal Mine in an effort to pay down debts related to Whyalla. However, the South Australian government determined that GFG’s financial position was deteriorating too rapidly, making intervention unavoidable.

KordaMentha, which previously oversaw Whyalla’s administration before Gupta’s acquisition, will now work to stabilise the plant and explore potential buyers. One key player in discussions is BlueScope Steel, a major Australian steel producer.

A creditors’ meeting will be held within seven days, where stakeholders will decide whether to accept KordaMentha’s appointment or propose an alternative administrator.

Despite the uncertainty, Malinauskas remains confident in the government’s intervention.

“This is the right course of action to secure steelmaking in this country.”

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Australian multiculturalism isn’t failing; radical ideologies threaten our shared values

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Representative image: Sydney (Source: CANVA)

In response to Nick Cater’s recent Sky News op-ed on the Bankstown Hospital anti-Semitic outbursts, I feel compelled to address a common misconception about Australia’s multicultural experiment. While Cater rightfully condemns the vile actions of the nurses involved, his assertion that the entire Australian multicultural model is failing misses a crucial point.

Cater’s article highlights the deeply disturbing incident in which two nurses were caught on video making anti-Semitic remarks. It is, without question, a chilling example of hate and prejudice that has no place in any society, least of all in a country like Australia that prides itself on tolerance and diversity. However, Cater’s conclusion that this event signals the failure of Australia’s multiculturalism oversimplifies a far more complex issue.

While these nurses’ actions were reprehensible, the underlying issue is not the multicultural model itself, but rather the harmful ideologies that certain migrant groups may bring with them. Cater himself notes that “the demoralising conclusion from this incident is that hatred of Israelis is unremarkable in Bankstown and in the suburbs where Nadir and Abu Lebdeh live.” This, however, is not indicative of the failure of Australian multiculturalism as a whole. Instead, it exposes the reality that there are pockets of isolation where radical and extremist views take hold. These communities, driven by political, social, or religious ideologies, often fail to fully engage with mainstream Australian values. This does not mean that multiculturalism is inherently flawed—it simply highlights that certain groups may resist assimilation or integration into the broader social and cultural fabric of the nation.

Cater’s article points to the existence of “Ethnoburgs”—areas where ethnic communities live in relative isolation from the rest of society and, as he suggests, may be more susceptible to radical ideas. These communities may struggle with the integration process for various reasons, whether due to language barriers, limited economic opportunities, or entrenched cultural beliefs. It is important to recognise that such challenges are not exclusive to any one ethnic or religious group. Every migrant community faces its own struggles in adjusting to life in a new country. However, the focus should not solely be on these challenges but also on the solutions that encourage better integration and shared understanding.

The key issue at hand is not multiculturalism itself but the failure of some individuals or groups to embrace the fundamental values of Australian society—values that prioritise equality, respect, and non-violence. As Cater rightly points out, “Australian citizenship is not just a flag of convenience. It is an obligation to put our shared identity as Australians first.” The challenge is ensuring that all migrants, regardless of background, understand that the key to a successful Australian society lies in mutual respect, coexistence, and commitment to the shared ideals that unite us as citizens.

It’s crucial to remember that multiculturalism has been an overall success in Australia. The vast majority of migrants who arrive here do so with a genuine desire to build better lives for themselves and their families while embracing the core values of this nation.

Multiculturalism in Australia thrives because the majority of migrants and their descendants understand that diversity does not mean division but the enrichment of society. We should not allow the actions of a few individuals or communities who have failed to adapt to sour our perception of the broader multicultural project.

Moreover, it’s important to acknowledge that not all migrant groups face the same struggles. As Cater mentions, “Pakistani migrants are not at war with Indians, and Serbian and Croatians no longer fight proxy wars in the grandstands at soccer games.” Similarly, it is wrong to generalise or scapegoat entire communities based on the actions of a few. Just as past waves of migrants—such as the Irish and Italians—integrated into Australian society and contributed to the country’s cultural fabric, so too will those from more recent migrant communities, provided we offer them the right support and opportunities.

In fact, Indian-Australians are one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant communities in Australia, contributing significantly to the country’s cultural, economic, and social landscape. They are among the highest taxpayers in Australia, particularly within the skilled migration sectors, as many in the community work in high-paying professions such as healthcare, information technology, engineering, and finance. Despite occasional challenges such as racial discrimination, Indian-Australians continue to thrive, making significant contributions to Australian society.

That said, when extreme ideologies take root within any community, the responsibility falls on both the government and society to address them head-on. This means confronting hate speech, educating about Australian values, and ensuring that radical ideologies are not allowed to fester unchecked. The incident at Bankstown should serve as a wake-up call not to abandon multiculturalism, but to double down on our efforts to create a more inclusive society where extremism has no place.

Australia’s multicultural identity has always been about more than just tolerance; it’s about actively embracing diversity and promoting inclusion. But for that to work, all members of our society must be willing to accept the underlying principles that make Australia the fair and just country it is. These principles demand mutual respect, a commitment to social harmony, and the understanding that, while our differences make us unique, we all share the responsibility to uphold the values that unite us.

The real threat to multiculturalism lies not in the model itself, but in the failure of some individuals and groups to integrate into it. It is not the diversity of cultures that threatens our social fabric, but the intolerance and extremism that, when left unchecked, undermine the very foundation of the Australian way of life.

Ultimately, the way forward is not to abandon the ideals of multiculturalism but to ensure that those who come to our shores are willing to adopt and uphold the values that make Australia the inclusive, tolerant, and prosperous society that it is. It’s time to confront these challenges directly, rather than dismissing the entire multicultural experiment based on the actions of a few.

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Loveleen Gupta fined $179,000 by Fair Work for underpaying migrant workers at Tasmania petrol stations

By
Bureau Report
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Representative image: Petrol station worker (Source: CANVA)

The Fair Work Ombudsman has secured significant penalties amounting to $179,221 after uncovering underpayments at two United Petroleum-branded outlets in Tasmania. The penalty stems from the exploitation of four migrant workers, who were collectively underpaid $20,230 over just two months in 2020-2021.

KLM Foods Pty Ltd, which operated the Sandy Bay and Kingston outlets in Hobart, was hit with a hefty penalty of $135,143.

According to Fair Work, Loveleen Gupta who is the sole director of KLM Foods and manager of Vizaan Pty Ltd was also penalised a total of $44,078 for his involvement in the unlawful practices.

The four workers, including young visa holders from India and Bangladesh, were employed as console operators and paid flat hourly rates ranging from $16 to $23, well below the minimum wages, overtime, and penalty rates they were entitled to. One worker, aged 19-20 at the time, was severely underpaid.

While KLM Foods and Vizaan rectified the underpayment after the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) began its investigation, a further violation occurred when one worker was forced to pay back $6,353 in an unlawful cashback arrangement.

In addition to the underpayments, KLM Foods was found to have provided false pay slips and timesheets, breaching the Fair Work Act and related record-keeping laws.

Judge Karl Blake condemned the blatant disregard for the workers’ rights and described the requirement for a cashback payment as “particularly unpalatable.”

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth emphasised the seriousness of underpaying visa holders, stressing that all employees, regardless of visa status, are entitled to the same pay and conditions.

Booth warned employers that providing false records will lead to significant penalties, noting that the FWO’s investigators would rigorously test the authenticity of such records.

The case was part of a broader investigation into United Petroleum outlets across Australia. The FWO also filed cases against multiple other operators, uncovering further non-compliance with Australian workplace laws. Despite some of the companies going into liquidation, the FWO’s audits have led to the recovery of over $6,500 for workers across 20 United Petroleum outlets.

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“The worst is behind us”: Albanese reflects on upcoming challenges

By
Bureau Report
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File photo: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Lunar Year celebrations (Source: X)

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed the interest rate cut, highlighting its benefit for mortgage holders. In a post on X, he noted that inflation has dropped from over 6% at the last election to 2.4%, crediting Australians for their hard work in achieving this progress. While calling the rate cut a sign of improvement, Albanese acknowledged that more work remains and assured that further support is on the way.

Earlier, Albanese joined ABC Sydney’s morning show, covering a range of topics, including the Reserve Bank’s stance on interest rates, ongoing cost-of-living relief, and a recent rise in opposition polling.

Albanese stressed the importance of the Reserve Bank’s independence, acknowledging public pressure on interest rates but maintaining that the Bank’s decisions would be based solely on economic factors. He noted that inflation has dropped significantly from a six-figure rate when the government took office, now sitting at 2.4%.

Despite positive economic figures, Albanese addressed concerns about whether relief measures were reaching Australians, especially in light of recent polls indicating a potential win for the Coalition in a hypothetical election. He highlighted the cost-of-living measures his government has introduced, including tax cuts, cheaper child care, and energy bill relief, and took aim at Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s opposition to these initiatives.

Albanese also reiterated his commitment to strengthening Medicare, pointing to the government’s efforts to reverse the decline in bulk billing, which had worsened during Dutton’s tenure as Health Minister. He rejected accusations of misinformation, stressing that the government’s policies were grounded in fact.

On the issue of the ongoing train disruptions in Sydney, Albanese clarified that the dispute was a state matter, but expressed his support for the NSW government’s efforts to resolve the issue. He urged the unions to settle the dispute for the benefit of commuters.

Lastly, Albanese expressed his concerns for Australian prisoner of war, Oscar Jenkins, after a video surfaced showing him alive in Russia. The Prime Minister confirmed that representations had been made to both Russia and Ukraine, urging for Jenkins’ safe return.

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Fiji and India to boost bilateral ties with focus on key development areas

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Raijeli Taga greets High Commissioner of India to Fiji H.E. Mr. Suneet Mehta (Source: HCI Suva - Facebook)

Fiji and India are committed to enhancing their bilateral relations with an emphasis on infrastructure, renewable energy, climate change, health, information technology, education, sustainable agriculture, and cultural exchange.

This commitment was reiterated during a courtesy meeting today between Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Raijeli Taga, and the newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Suva, provided an opportunity for both nations to review ongoing projects and discuss future collaborations.

Image: Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Raijeli Taga greets High Commissioner of India to Fiji H.E. Mr. Suneet Mehta (Source: HCI Suva – Facebook)

Dr Taga acknowledged the significant cooperation between the two countries, particularly in areas aligned with Fiji’s development objectives. She expressed gratitude to India for its role in major development projects such as the 100-bed Super Speciality Hospital in Fiji.

“The collaboration between our two nations continues to evolve, and we are eager to build on this success with further cooperation in key sectors,” said Dr Taga. She also extended her congratulations to High Commissioner Mehta, expressing optimism for the strengthening of bilateral and multilateral ties.

High Commissioner Mehta emphasised the vast potential for growth in the Fiji-India relationship, noting India’s intention to enhance its partnership with Fiji. He highlighted India’s focus on infrastructure investment, capacity building, skill development, and climate-resilient initiatives. He also underscored India’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its friendship with Fiji, stressing the historical and cultural ties that bind the two nations.

A major focus of their discussion was the 100-bed Super Speciality Hospital project, one of the largest development initiatives in the Pacific region. Announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2023 Forum for India-Pacific Island Countries (FIPIC) III Summit, the hospital project is progressing well and is set to address significant healthcare challenges for Fiji and the broader Pacific region.

Image: India’s High Commissioner Suneet Mehta with Fiji’s Acting PM & Minister for Finance Prof. Biman Prasad (Source: HCI Suva – Facebook).

The meeting further reinforced the strong historical bond between Fiji and India. Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Prof. Biman Prasad, also met with High Commissioner Mehta.

During the courtesy call, both leaders reaffirmed the importance of their long-standing relationship, particularly in areas such as health, education, and digital transformation. Prof. Prasad highlighted India’s vital role in supporting small island nations like Fiji and reiterated Fiji’s commitment to working closely with India to advance shared priorities.

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Australia to lead global effort against child sexual exploitation for next three years

By
Bureau Report
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Image: Virtual Global Taskforce to be led by AFP for the next three years (Source: AFP)

The Australian Federal Police (AFP), through the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE), has taken on the chair of the Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT) for the next three years.

The VGT, a global alliance of 15 law enforcement agencies, has been tackling the growing threat of child sexual abuse, particularly online, since its establishment in 2004. This international collaboration was born from the increasing danger of offenders targeting children through online social interactions and travelling abroad to commit abuse.

The AFP has previously chaired the VGT between 2009 and 2012. Since then, the landscape has evolved, with the threat becoming more complex and the rise of the ACCCE, which saw a significant spike in reports of online child sexual exploitation. In the 2023-24 financial year alone, the ACCCE received 58,000 reports, an increase of approximately 18,000 from the previous year.

Assistant Commissioner Justine Gough, Chair of the VGT, highlighted the global scale and complexity of online child sexual exploitation, noting that technology allows offenders to operate without geographical limits. “The Virtual Global Taskforce provides a collaborative and united approach to tackling child sexual abuse,” she said.

“A collaborative approach is essential as technology allows offenders to operate without geographic limits.”

The VGT’s mission includes knowledge exchange, global influence, threat scanning, and collaboration across borders to combat online and offline child sexual abuse. The AFP, working alongside the VGT Board of Management, will continue to drive innovative solutions to tackle this ever-evolving threat.

The VGT now includes 15 law enforcement agencies, including those from the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Colombia, the Philippines, the UAE, and several other nations. The AFP assumed the chair on 1 November 2024, taking on this crucial responsibility for a three-year term.

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The Reserve Bank has cut rates for the first time in four years. But it is cautious about future cuts

By
Contributing Author
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Representative image: Interest rate cut (Source: CANVA)

By John Hawkins

The Reserve Bank cut official interest rates on Tuesday, the first decrease in four years, saying inflationary pressures are easing “a little more quickly than expected”.

However, the central bank said the outlook for economic activity and inflation remains uncertain, with a risk that household spending may be slower than expected.

The reduction in the cash rate target will come as a relief to the one-third of households with a mortgage. It will help to ease the cost of living crisis for them.

The cut from a 13-year high of 4.35% to 4.1% had been widely expected by economists and financial markets.

The interest rate cut may help tip the scales for the government to call an early election. But recent opinion polls suggest the government still has work to do to put itself in a winning position.

Announcing its decision, the Reserve Bank said it had “more confidence that inflation is moving sustainably towards the midpoint of the 2-3% target”.

All four of the major banks swiftly passed on the cut in official rates to mortgage-holders. The average new housing loan is $666,000. Reducing the interest rate on this by 0.25% will mean $110 less a month in repayments (assuming a standard 30-year loan).

It is the first change in the cash rate since November 2023 and marks the first small reversal of 13 rate increases. The central bank had hiked interest rates quickly from the near-zero emergency level during the COVID epidemic and lockdowns.

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Why did the Reserve Bank cut now?

The interest rate cut comes after headline inflation eased, to 2.4% during 2024, within the Bank’s 2-3% inflation target range.

However, the Bank’s preferred measure of underlying inflation, the “trimmed mean”, which excludes temporary factors such as the government’s electricity rebates, rose by 3.2% during 2024. This is just above the target range but a little less than the 3.4% the Bank had been forecasting.

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“We cannot declare victory on inflation just yet,” Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock told a press conference after the decision. “It’s not good enough for it to be back in the target range temporarily, the board needs to be confident it’s returning to the target range sustainably.”

The RBA and the election

In its first meeting for the year, the Reserve Bank board rejected the notion that they should hold off changing rates because an election is approaching.

While cutting interest rates will suit one side of politics, not cutting would have benefited the other. The impartial approach is to take the same decision as if no election were looming.

As then RBA governor Glenn Stevens said in 2007 after raising rates during an election campaign:

I do not think we ever could accept the idea that in an election year — which, after all, is one year out of three — you cannot change interest rates.

How does the Reserve Bank compare with other central banks?

Some central banks in comparable economies had already started lowering interest rates and have cut them by more than the RBA. But that is because most had raised interest rates by more.

The Reserve Bank adopted a strategy of being more patient in returning inflation to its target, so as to limit the increase in unemployment.

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The strategy has worked. Unemployment in Australia peaked at 4.2% and is now 4.0%. By contrast, in New Zealand it is over 5% and in the euro area and Canada it is over 6%.

The Reserve Bank hasn’t received the credit it deserves for this strong performance.

Where to from here?

This is the last meeting of the current Reserve Bank board. It is being replaced by a new monetary policy committee, and a separate governance board as part of an overhaul of the bank. Two new members will replace two members of the current board for its next meeting on April 1.

The RBA board’s statement said that it “remains cautious on prospects for further policy easing”. This is central bank-speak for not rushing into further interest rate cuts.

The RBA also noted that “geopolitical and policy uncertainties are pronounced”. This is a reference to the economic fallout from United States President Donald Trump’s policies on trade and slashing jobs.

His proposed tariffs and deportations will increase inflation in the US and make US interest rates higher than they otherwise would be.

But this does not mean interest rates need to be higher here. Indeed, a trade war would weaken the global economy, which could lead to less inflation in Australia.

The Reserve Bank also released its updated forecasts. These show the underlying inflation rate dropping to 2.7% by June and then staying around there through 2026 and 2027.

Unemployment is low at 4%, and below what the Bank has previously regarded as “full employment”. But it is not leading to any surge in wage growth.

Indeed, the Bank commented that wages growth has been a little lower than it had forecast. Inflationary expectations are also well contained.

This offers hope there may be at least one further interest rate cut later this year (and the Reserve Bank’s forecasts assume this). But borrowers should not get their hopes up that interest rates will revisit the COVID-era lows. That is very unlikely.

John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Indian subcontinental-origin man killed in Sydney house fire likely caused by e-bike battery

By
Pallavi Jain
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(Image: Fire+Rescue NSW Government)

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) investigators are focusing on a charging e-bike battery as the cause of a fatal house fire this morning at Guildford in Sydney’s west.

FRNSW crews have confirmed there were no working smoke alarms in the Rowley Road house that caught alight, just before 5am today (18th February 2025).

Responding to multiple Triple Zero (000) calls, firefighters found a bedroom in the home well ablaze. There were reports of a person trapped inside and crews quickly entered the burning building to carry out a search.

A man was located in the bedroom and removed from the property but tragically, he could not be revived. Sources have confirmed to The Australia Today that the man who was killed in the fire was of Indian Subcontinental origin. He has not been formally identified yet.

Five other people evacuated the home prior to the arrival of firefighters and were assessed for smoke inhalation by NSW Ambulance paramedics, with one person transported to hospital.

Crews were able to contain the fire to the bedroom but the remainder of the home suffered smoke damage.

The FRNSW Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) has examined the scene with Police forensic experts.

They have determined that an incompatible charger was powering the e-bike battery in the bedroom at the time of the fire.

The food delivery bike itself was found outside the home.

The Fire Investigators believe the battery was unable to absorb the energy generated by the charger and overheated, likely causing the fire.

FRNSW and NSW Police are preparing information for the Coroner.

Fire and Rescue NSW is urging the public not to mix and match batteries and chargers to prevent lithium-ion fires. Always charge lithium-ion battery devices with their dedicated power packs.

FRNSW is also reminding homeowners and landlords that working smoke alarms save lives. Every home must have a working smoke alarm, and landlords have an added legislative requirement that they must be less than 10 years old and are checked annually. For more information, visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au/smokealarms

For further information on lithium-ion batteries and how to shop, charge and recycle safely, visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au/chargesafe

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Trump unveils ‘reciprocal tariffs’ plan as India, Japan begin talks with US

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: U.S. President Donald Trump (Source: X)

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new trade policy that will impose “reciprocal tariffs” on imports, matching the duties that other nations levy on American goods.

In a social media post, Trump declared,

“On trade, I have decided, for purposes of fairness, that I will charge a RECIPROCAL Tariff—meaning, whatever countries charge the United States of America, we will charge them—no more, no less!”

The move signals a departure from the idea of universal tariffs, where all imports would face the same tax. Instead, the administration plans to tailor tariffs to mirror the import duties of trade partners. For instance, if a country taxes American-made cars at 10%, the U.S. will impose the same 10% tariff on vehicles from that nation.

Trump also outlined plans to consider other trade barriers, including value-added taxes (VAT), subsidies, and non-monetary restrictions, such as regulatory hurdles that prevent U.S. businesses from operating abroad.

“This system will immediately bring fairness and prosperity back into the previously complex and unfair system of trade,”

The President signed a memorandum on February 13, instructing his trade and economic advisors to calculate new tariff levels for all trading partners within 180 days. He emphasised that countries wishing to avoid U.S. tariffs could simply reduce or remove their own trade restrictions.

Image: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Donald Trump at The White House (Image: X)

The European Union swiftly condemned the policy, calling it “unjustified” and vowing to retaliate against any trade barriers. India and Japan have begun discussions with U.S. officials to assess the implications for their economies.

The White House has defended the strategy as a measure to protect American industries and reduce trade deficits. Trump has argued that the policy will encourage foreign companies to manufacture within the U.S., eliminating tariffs altogether for businesses that relocate production.

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Fiji’s Acting Prime Minister praises USP Journalism for excellence in media research

By
Contributing Author
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Image: Dr Shailendra Singh responds to a question during a panel discussion at the conference while colleagues Johnson Honimae, CEO and veteran journalist SIBC and Jo Elsom, ABC International Development, listen intently (Source: Supplied)

By Monika Singh

Acting Prime Minister Prof. Biman Prasad has commended the University of the South Pacific’s Journalism Programme for its contributions to journalism scholarship, particularly its research on Pacific media, which has been published in top-ranked international journals.

Prof. Prasad made this remark and highlighted the contribution of the head of the programme, Associate Professor Shailendra Singh, to the discipline, in his keynote and opening address at the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union and the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation’s (FBC) Pacific Media Partnership Conference 2025, held at the Suva Civic Centre on Tuesday. The conference coincided with the 70th anniversary of FBC Radio, the formal launch of FBC’s Media Academy and World Radio Day 2025.

He emphasised the importance of media training and urged media organisations to look beyond daily routines and deadlines to reflect on and advance the industry and profession.

Image: (From left to right): Fiji Broadcasting Corporation’s chief executive Tarun Patel, FBC Board member Hemendra Nagin, Professor Prasad, ABU Director of News Deborah Steele and Vanuatu Broadcasting & Television Corporation’s CEO Francis Herman at the conference (Source: MINISTRY OF FINANCE)

“Research into the media in Fiji and the Pacific is essential to inform and improve journalism,” he said.

“The USP Journalism Programme is the only institution conducting regular research on Pacific media, addressing a critical gap in international understanding of journalism cultures worldwide.”

As a strong advocate for media freedom, academic freedom, and knowledge creation, Prof. Prasad highlighted that the government had restored USP’s annual Government of Fiji grant funding, which had been halted by the previous administration.

“This anti-USP and anti-intellectual action, driven by political motives and the former government’s personal dislike of those who disagreed with it, was one of the most egregious attacks on academia, with far-reaching consequences not just for Fiji, but for the entire region.”

Prof. Prasad stated that reinstating the USP grant revitalised the university’s academic culture and enabled government support for USP Journalism’s 2024 Pacific International Media Conference in July.

He underscored the value of such conferences, noting that they provided a platform to share ideas, reflect on media practices, and engage in critical debates.

Image: The book Waves of Change: Media, Peace, and Development in the Pacific, was launched by PNG Communications and Technology Minister, Timothy Masiu, at the 2024 Pacific International Media Conference hosted by The University of the South Pacific in Suva (Picture: SUPPLIED)

Prof. Prasad, who was a keynote speaker at the 2024 Pacific International Media Conference in Suva, co-edited the book Waves of Change: Media, Peace, and Development in the Pacific with colleagues Dr Singh and Dr Amit Sarwal, former Deputy Head of School (Research) at the School of Pacific Arts, Communication and Education and currently a consultant with the Journalism Programme.

He highlighted that his co-authored chapter advocates for journalism in the Pacific to reflect national and regional contexts while integrating conflict-sensitive reporting to strengthen the media’s watchdog role and ensure public accountability.

“A chapter I co-authored, titled ‘Peace Journalism and Conflict Reporting in Fragile Pacific Societies: Challenges and Opportunities,’ argues that journalism in the Pacific region must be informed by national and regional contexts while critically examining alternative reporting frameworks, such as conflict-sensitive reporting, to complement and balance the media’s watchdog role. This is crucial for the public interest, including holding leaders to account.”

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4000 incidents at Australian airports during holiday rush, 93 charged with criminal offences

By
Bureau Report
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Representative image: Arrest (Source: CANVA)

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) responded to more than 4200 incidents at major airports nationwide during the busy holiday period, leading to 93 people being charged with 132 criminal offences.

Between 1 December 2024 and 31 January 2025, AFP officers were called to 4205 incidents across the country’s major airports. Almost half of the charges related to offences against people or property, including a 34-year-old woman at Perth Airport who allegedly assaulted two AFP officers, leaving one hospitalised with facial and neck injuries.

Other charges involved breaches of security zones and the presence of unattended or prohibited items.

AFP Aviation Commander Craig Bellis reaffirmed the agency’s zero-tolerance approach to antisocial, violent, or dangerous behaviour at airports and on flights.

“Travelling through our airports should be a safe experience, which is why the AFP and its government and industry partners work closely to prevent, disrupt, and respond to security and criminal threats,” he said.

Bellis, who took on the role in July 2024, oversees security at nine AFP-led airports across the country. Western Sydney Airport will become the tenth when it opens in early 2026.

With passenger numbers at AFP-protected airports reaching 134 million in 2023-24, authorities anticipate an even busier travel season ahead. The AFP has already responded to 15,697 incidents at designated airports since 1 July 2024.

The AFP is responsible for security at nine major airports, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, providing uniformed and specialist protection to safeguard Australia’s aviation infrastructure from threats.

Passengers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to Airport Watch on 131 237. Warning signs include individuals displaying excessive interest in security procedures, taking photos in sensitive areas, acting unusually, or attempting to access restricted zones.

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Australians are waiting 12 years on average before seeking help for a mental health problem

By
Contributing Author
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Representative image: Patient waiting (Source: CANVA)

By Louise Birrell, Cath Chapman, and Katrina Prior

Australians are waiting an average of 12 years to seek treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, our new research shows.

While many of us are proactive in looking after our physical health, we appear to be seriously neglecting our mental health, suffering for many years before reaching out for help. Some people never seek help.

In our research, the length of delay in seeking help varied depending on the type of mental health problem and other factors such as sex and age.

But delays in getting help mean mental health problems can become more complex, severe and difficult to treat. So it’s important to understand why these delays occur – and how we can reduce them.

Some key findings

We used national data from the 2020–22 Australian National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, a nationally representative survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Among the information collected in this survey, respondents were asked about their history of mental health and substance use problems, and when they first sought help from a medical doctor or other professional regarding their symptoms (if at all).

The survey asked about the most common types of mental health and substance use problems in the general population under three broad categories: mood disorders (for example, depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders (such as social anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder) and substance use disorders.

People with mood disorders waited an average of three years before seeking treatment, those with substance use disorders waited an average of eight, and people with anxiety disorders waited the longest to seek treatment – 11 years on average.

We found people experiencing panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder, had some of the shortest delays (an average of two years), while those with social anxiety disorder waited the longest (13 years).

The average delay across all mental health and substance use disorders – 12 years – was calculated based on the prevalence of different conditions. Anxiety disorders, particularly social anxiety disorder, are the most common, which brought up this average.

We also looked at how many people would eventually seek help across their lifetime. Nearly everyone with depression (94%) eventually sought help, but only 25% of people with an alcohol use disorder ever did.

Women were less likely than men to seek help for alcohol or other drug-related problems but were more likely to reach out for help with anxiety or mood-related concerns.

Gen Z and millennials were much more likely to seek help than older generations. Compared to people born before 1972, those born between 1992 and 2005 were more than four times as likely to seek treatment for a drug or alcohol problem, more than twice as likely to seek help for a mood disorder, and nearly four times as likely to seek help for an anxiety problem.

Some limitations

While the ABS survey is one of the largest and most comprehensive in Australia, it relies on people remembering and accurately reporting when they first experienced symptoms of a mental health or substance use problem, and when they first sought support.

It was also conducted during the COVID pandemic, a time of heightened stress and increased mental health challenges. However, the impact of this is probably small, given people were asked about their experiences across their entire lifetime.

The survey also didn’t measure less common (but very impactful) mental health problems such as psychosis or eating disorders.

How do delays compare to other countries?

While this data is not perfect, the delays we observed are mostly in line with those seen in other countries. In some ways we are actually doing better.

The relatively short delays for seeking help for a mood disorder (for example, depression, for which the average delay was three years) are largely consistent with similar studies in the United States, New Zealand, Europe and Asia.

While still lengthy, the average delay of 11 years to seek treatment for an anxiety disorder in Australia appears similar if not shorter than in many other countries (ranging between 10–30 years).

What’s more, when it comes to seeking help for problems with alcohol, things seem to be improving. While overall delays remain long, and most people still don’t seek help for alcohol problems, the delay in getting help appears to have shortened over time in Australia.

The average time to seek treatment for alcohol use disorder is now eight years shorter than the 18-year delay reported in 2007. This may be due to increased awareness and education around the impact of alcohol use.

Why do people delay reaching out for help?

There are a range of reasons someone may delay seeking help. Services are not always available and many carry high out-of-pocket costs. Fear and stigma play a significant role, while many people simply may not know where to seek support or what might help.

Finding the right treatment can be hard and while some people recover without help, for many these delays come at a huge cost. Delays mean problems can become more complex, severe and difficult to treat.

We need to actively encourage early help-seeking, as well as continue efforts to reduce the stigma associated with poor mental health. Expanding anti-stigma campaigns and education to encourage people to seek help early could assist with this.

Alongside these efforts it’s essential that effective treatment services are accessible when people do reach out for help. There has been chronic underinvestment in the mental health treatment system over many decades, while prevalence rates have increased. We need continued and increased investment in mental health treatment, prevention and early intervention.

Ultimately, by empowering future generations to be proactive about their mental health, we hope we can make going to the doctor for anxiety as normal as doing so for the flu.

Services available across Australia include the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline (1800 250 015), Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) and Head to Health. Each state and territory also has specialised mental health services.

Louise Birrell, Researcher, Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney; Cath Chapman, Professor, Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, and Katrina Prior, Research Fellow, Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Australians have much to learn about Pacific migration

By
Contributing Author
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Image: Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme workers return home to Vanuatu, December 2024 (Source: Facebook/DFAT)

By Alyssa Leng, Ryan Edwards, and Terence Wood

A lot has changed in the Pacific-Australia migration landscape over the last decade. To mention a few big and recent changes, the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) commenced in 2018, the PLS and the Seasonal Worker Program were merged into the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme in 2022, and new permanent migration pathways were introduced in 2024 with the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) and the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union.

This expansion of migration opportunities for the people of the Pacific has taken place against a backdrop of persistent broader anti-migration sentiment within Australia. Which invites the questions: how aware and supportive are people in Australia of these recent Pacific migration policies? And do they understand how under-represented people from the Pacific are in our migration program?

To answer these questions and gain a better understanding of immigration policy preferences in Australia, we conducted a large, nationally representative survey of 5,282 respondents in September 2024. The survey investigated the accuracy of respondents’ perceptions of how many immigrants with different characteristics are in Australia. We also asked respondents how many immigrants of various types Australia should accept and tested whether exposure to narratives or facts about immigration changes people’s preferences for different types of migration policies.

Our full findings have today been released by the Development Policy Centre as a discussion paper: Narratives, Information and Immigration Policy Preferences. In this first of three blog posts, we report on perceptions towards Pacific migration and policy preferences held by those respondents who did not receive any extra information on various Pacific migration policies.

The first finding to emerge from the survey is that people in Australia think that the share of immigrants from Pacific Island countries (including PNG) is more than three times — 315% more, to be precise — what it actually is. Respondents think that around 9.4% of immigrants in Australia were born in Pacific Island countries (PICs), when it is in fact around 2.3%.

Figure 1: Misperceptions of where migrants in Australia are born

Source: Narratives, Information and Immigration Policy Preferences discussion paper (2025).

Our second set of findings relate to policy preferences. We asked respondents:

  1. whether Australia should relax visa requirements for PIC citizens for (i) temporary and (ii) permanent immigration (response options: relax visa requirements, no change, make visa requirements stricter, don’t know)
  2. how many permanent PIC immigrants should be accepted under the Pacific Engagement Visa (response options: a lot more, more, no change, less, a lot less, don’t know)
  3. whether arrangements like the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union should be extended to other PICs (response options: expanded to all PICs, expanded to only some more PICs, kept the same (that is, keep arrangements for Tuvalu only), not expanded and numbers from Tuvalu should be decreased, don’t know).

The most common response for all Pacific questions was to keep policy settings as is, that is, “no change” or “kept the same”. We find that this is much more so for immigration from the Pacific than for immigration at large, where people generally want to see lower levels. This suggests that people tend to be more supportive of immigration from the Pacific than of immigration in general. Combined with the relatively large shares of respondents favouring an expansion of numbers or relaxation of visa requirements, it appears that Australian governments likely have space to continue expanding Pacific migration without facing any major political blow-back.

Figure 2: Baseline immigration policy preferences for immigrants from the Pacific

Source: Narratives, Information and Immigration Policy Preferences discussion paper (2025).

When we consider support for permanent versus temporary Pacific migration, views tend to be similar. 25-30% of people support relaxing visa requirements and tightening them, respectively, but most (around 40%) prefer no change at all.

In the specific case of the PEV, active hostility is low at this point: only about 30% of people want fewer people offered permanent places in Australia under the PEV. Almost 40% of respondents would like to see the Tuvalu agreement expanded to more countries, possibly reflecting concern about the impact that the effects of climate change may have on Pacific countries.

Our survey does however find much room for improvement in public awareness and Pacific literacy. For all these questions, the number of “don’t know” responses for the Pacific was much higher than for questions not about the Pacific, especially for the Tuvalu agreement. This suggests limited confidence in offering opinions on Pacific migration among the general public in Australia, and thus a lot of scope to improve understanding.

We also asked respondents about the views of most Australians on these issues. The results suggest that respondents tended to think that other people wanted less Pacific immigration than they themselves did. The typical person in Australia, it would seem, sees themself as more tolerant of Pacific migration than their compatriots.

Figure 3: Perceptions of majority views on immigrants from the Pacific

Source: Narratives, Information and Immigration Policy Preferences discussion paper (2025).

All in all, people in Australia don’t seem to know much about Pacific migration, and (perhaps based on this ignorance) appear largely happy for policy settings to stay the same. In the next blog, we will discuss misperceptions and preferences around the broader migration program. The third and final blog in this series will share new experimental evidence on how the latter can be changed.

This article was first published in the Australian National University’s DevpolicyBlog and has been republished here with the kind permission of the editor(s). The Blog is run out of the Development Policy Centre housed in the Crawford School of Public Policy in the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific at The Australian National University.

Contributing Author(s): Alyssa Leng is a research officer at the Development Policy Centre. Ryan Edwards is Deputy Director of the Development Policy Centre and a Fellow at the Crawford School of Public Policy. He leads Pacific migration research under the Pacific Research Program at the ANU. Terence Wood is a Fellow at the Development Policy Centre. His research focuses on political governance in Western Melanesia, and Australian and New Zealand aid.

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Victoria Police Commissioner resigns after no-confidence vote rocks force

By
Bureau Report
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Image: Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton has resigned with immediate effect (Source: ABC News screenshot)

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton has resigned with immediate effect following a resounding vote of no confidence from rank-and-file officers.

After weeks of speculation over his future, Patton announced his resignation late on Sunday night, stating that under the “current circumstances,” he had informed the government of his decision to step away.

“I have this evening advised government that given the current circumstances surrounding my position I have decided to step away from the role effective immediately.“

“It is with a heavy heart that I have made this decision, however, I think it is the right one to allow fresh leadership in the role,” Patton added in a statement

The leadership crisis erupted on Friday when 87 per cent of officers who participated in a Police Association Victoria (TPAV) survey declared they had no confidence in Patton’s leadership. The result intensified calls for his departure, particularly amid an ongoing pay dispute that has plagued Victoria Police for nearly two years.

Premier Jacinta Allan thanked Patton for his service, particularly during major challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

“On behalf of the Victorian people, I thank Shane for his long and decorated service and his leadership through challenging times,” Allan said.

Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent will transition into the role of acting chief commissioner, while Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam will temporarily lead the force until Nugent takes over.

The opposition has criticised the state government’s handling of the situation, accusing Allan’s team of being “missing in action” and claiming the crisis reflects broader issues within Victoria Police.

Liberal MP and Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Migrant Services & Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood criticised the Labor government following Shane Patton’s resignation, accusing it of using the former police chief for its “dirty work” during COVID-19 and failing to address youth crime.

“But Patton went along for the Labor ride and failed to stand up for the police and community. This being said he shouldn’t be made the fall guy for the shocking decisions made by Labor.”

Patton, who had served in the force for 45 years, said he was grateful for the opportunity to lead but acknowledged the need for change.

“To have been given the opportunity to lead a police organisation such as Victoria Police is an absolute privilege and one very few people have. I was fortunate to have done so and for that I am very thankful,” he said.

Patton’s resignation leaves Victoria Police at a crossroads as officers and the government navigate the fallout of the no-confidence vote and the upcoming enterprise bargaining agreement vote on February 24.

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There’s a new push to teach Australian students about civics. Here are 6 ways to do it well

By
Contributing Author
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Representative image: Classroom (Source: CANVA)

By Murray Print

A federal parliamentary inquiry has just recommended civics and citizenship become a compulsory part of the Australian Curriculum, which covers the first year of school to Year 10.

The committee also recommended a mandatory civics and citizenship course for all Year 11 and 12 students to prepare them to vote.

This comes amid growing concern about misinformation on social media, as well as increasing antisemitism and declining social cohesion.

This is not the first time there have been calls to improve the quality of civics education in Australia – such calls have been made as far back as 1994.

As a researcher in political education, I argue we need to make sure civics education is relevant, engaging and given adequate space in the curriculum.

What is civics?

At the moment, civics and citizenship is included in the national Australian Curriculum. But it is not mandatory and many states only make passing reference to it in primary school. Some states provide more opportunities in high school.

The topics covered include how governments and democracy work, how laws work, the rights of individuals, diversity and national identity, and how to critically evaluate different sources of information.

Every three years since 2004, a national sample of Year 6 and Year 10 students are assessed on their civics knowledge, skills and attitudes through a national test.

In the most recent results from 2019, 53% of Year 6 students were at or above the national proficient standard for civics, while only 38% of Year 10 students were at or above the standard. Year 10 students’ results have shown a substantial decline since 2004.

This suggests many young people are leaving school without the knowledge, skills and values to sustain our democracy.

Both Australian and international studies have repeatedly shown civics and citizenship education makes a positive difference to young people’s political participation (including the likelihood they will vote), understanding of democracy and support for democratic values.

What does good civics education look like?

1. Make sure it has its own subject

At the moment, civics education might be included as part of students’ work in history or other humanities subjects. But research shows it should be taught as a separate subject, otherwise it can get lost among other material.

2. Don’t forget senior students

It should also be taught at relevant points in students’ lives.

While Year 11 and 12 are times when students get to pick most of their subjects for major exams, it is important they also study how the electoral system works. Many will vote in elections before they even leave school.

3. Make it relevant to young people

As important as they are, some aspects of civics – such as lawmaking or how parliament works – may seem dry to young people.

Research shows teachers need to make the content engaging. This means students are shown how lessons relate to the real world.

For example, a lesson on how parliament works could focus on the passage of contentious legislation such as banning social media for young people. Or lessons on misinformation could look at how social media had an impact on a particular issue or election.

4. Have class discussions

Research also shows students need to learn civics knowledge, skills and values in various ways, including role play, problem-solving, simulations and direct instruction.

Students should be encouraged to ask questions in an open classroom environment. Class discussions are important for controversial issues so both sides of issues can be discussed in a supervised environment.

5. Have school elections

My research has found school elections (for school captains or a student council) can engage students in democratic processes. This way, they see first-hand how elections work and how voting can have an impact on their lives.

6. Train teachers in law and government

It is also important for teachers to have specific training in law, government or politics. Research shows teachers with these backgrounds have a greater impact on students’ civic knowledge – students come away knowing more. Similarly, teachers with these backgrounds achieve better results with students’ civic media literacy – or ability to handle misinformation and “outrage” online.

This means existing teachers need to have professional opportunities to upgrade their civic knowledge and skills.

Ultimately, it will take well-trained teachers, teaching a compulsory subject, to see Australian students appropriately educated about our democracy and how to participate in it.

Murray Print, Professor of Education, University of Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Rabuka and Jaishankar share ‘views and insights’ at Munich Security Conference

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: Fiji’s Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, has met India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Germany (Source: X)

Fiji’s Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, has met India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Germany.

Both leaders shared a warm handshake and exchanged insights, with Dr Jaishankar expressing it was an honour to meet Rabuka.

Posting on X, Jaishankar remarked, “Always nice to hear his recollections, views and insights.”

Rabuka and Dr Jaishankar are attending the Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2025, which comes at a crucial time of global change. The conference coincides with the start of a new US administration, European legislative shifts in Brussels, and German parliamentary elections.

The MSC serves as a leading forum for international security policy discussions and diplomatic efforts to address pressing global security challenges.

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Australia bans foreign investors from buying established homes

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Representative image: Home purchase (Source: CANVA)

The Albanese Government is set to ban foreign investors from purchasing established homes in Australia for two years, as part of a broader strategy to tackle the country’s housing affordability crisis.

The move, which takes effect from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2027, aims to free up more homes for Australians while cracking down on speculative land banking by foreign investors.

The government says this temporary ban is a “minor but meaningful” step in its $32 billion Homes for Australia plan, which focuses on boosting housing supply and making home ownership more accessible.

Under current laws, foreign investors are generally restricted from buying existing properties unless they meet specific conditions, such as living in Australia for work or study. However, from April next year, all foreign investors—including temporary residents and foreign-owned companies—will be barred from purchasing established dwellings unless their investment significantly increases housing supply or supports availability, such as through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

To enforce the ban, the government will provide the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) with $5.7 million over four years to strengthen its foreign investment compliance team and tighten screening processes.

Alongside the ban on existing home purchases, the government is targeting land banking—where foreign investors buy vacant land and leave it undeveloped while property values rise. The government is providing the ATO and Treasury with $8.9 million over four years to audit and enforce compliance, ensuring that land is developed within reasonable timeframes instead of being held for profit.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the crackdown is about making sure “foreign investment in housing is in our national interest,” while Housing Minister Clare O’Neil emphasised that these measures are just one part of a much larger housing agenda.

The government has criticised Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and the Coalition for promising to cut billions from housing initiatives, including the Housing Australia Future Fund, arguing that such cuts would worsen the crisis.

“The contrast is clear—Labor is all about more homes, the Liberals are all about more cuts,” the government said in a statement.

With Australia’s housing market under increasing pressure, the Albanese Government is betting that tougher regulations on foreign investment will help ease demand while it ramps up housing supply.

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Musk’s DOGE scraps $21M ‘voter turnout’ funding for India, calls it a ‘deep state slush fund’

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AMIT SARWAL
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Representative Image: Election rally in India (Source: X - Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal and Narendra Modi)

In a shocking revelation, the US government has scrapped $21 million in funding meant to boost voter turnout in India, as part of a massive crackdown on what Elon Musk’s watchdog agency calls a “deep state slush fund.”

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a newly formed body under President Trump’s administration—has axed billions in taxpayer-funded foreign projects, exposing what it claims to be rampant waste and political manipulation disguised as aid.

Among the most controversial cuts is the funding for “inclusive and participatory political process” in India, part of a staggering $486 million election-related package spread across multiple countries.

The slashed projects also include: $29 million for “strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh” and $20 million for “fiscal federalism” in Nepal.

Musk, handpicked by Trump to overhaul government spending, has now turned his sights on the Pentagon, vowing to uncover “hundreds of billions in fraud and abuse.”

While Trump hails Musk’s efforts as a long-overdue clean-up of the US bureaucracy, critics accuse them of gutting key global initiatives to push their own agenda.

As Musk and Trump push ahead with their war on government waste, the fallout from these massive funding cuts—particularly in India and other key US allies—remains to be seen.

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Navigating the perils of technological dominance in an AI-driven world

By
Contributing Author
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Image: Leaders photo from AI Action Summit in Paris (Source: X - Narendra Modi)

By Om Prakash Dwivedi

The colossal shock that the famous German philosopher Martin Heidegger experienced when he first witnessed the image of the Earth taken from the moon in 1966 led him to predict the advancement of technological catastrophe in his interview, Only a God Can Save Us (1966). From capturing the image of the Earth to controlling the thoughts inside our brains, technology has travelled a long way. How else do we interpret Elon Musk’s Neuralink, a device that could decipher our thought processes? Of course, one can counter-argue by pointing out its empowering and liberating features for disabled people, but what matters more are the intentions—just as in a democratic setup, what matters is not the promises but the commitment to public welfare.

In fact, it would not be far-fetched to claim that the technological progress of planetary activities has become enmeshed with the biological progress of human beings. In the age of corporatism, technology is the new biology, data is the new religion, and politics is the laboratory in the hands of corporations, working hard to formulate and disseminate new codes of vulnerability and exploitation for an already gasping human civilization. Tottering senility and disfigured human connectivity are crude retellings of our world, exacerbated further as we slowly surrender ourselves to the grip of artificial intelligence.

Long ago, Alfred Tennyson pointed out, “The old order changeth, yielding place to new,” and today we witness the spiralling wave of technological advancements. Apparently, artificial intelligence is the new code of human intelligence. I am not arguing that technology or artificial intelligence is inherently bad, nor am I downplaying their role in alleviating human problems. My main contention, however, remains the intentions that define and control these codes. This is precisely what I term brutalism—the new form of life emerging in the age of extractive economies and the state-capital nexus.

Under brutalism, life and liveability are no longer contingent on a democratic setup but are instead dictated by the exceptional nature of the state-capital nexus. This divides the world into liveable and non-liveable zones, underpinned by the deep state’s exclusive predatory rights. The brutal living conditions in peripheral zones are symptomatic of a quotidian reality that reinforces the notion of slow violence (Nixon, 2011). Brutalism, therefore, divorces normativity from worldmaking processes. The unchecked surveillance of human lives, the proliferation of deepfakes, and the rise of social media and other digital platforms have contributed to the global decline of democracy. Data colonisation—an integral feature of artificial intelligence—has erected new borders, restricting the movement of people from the Global South in their search for better opportunities and a brighter future.

Today, discussing artificial intelligence in our everyday lives has become both inevitable and essential. It would be naïve to view modern-day politics and technology as separate entities. A mere glance at election outcomes worldwide is enough to reveal this obvious fact. Indeed, technology itself has become a battleground, shaping the fate of our global order. Co-chaired with India, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit was recently held on 10 and 11 February 2025 at the Grand Palais in Paris, France. The Summit aimed to build on the decisions taken at the Bletchley Park Summit in November 2023 and the Seoul Summit in May 2024, bringing together representatives from more than 100 countries.

While there is no denying that we must coexist with artificial intelligence, global leaders must also recognise the stark reality that AI is devoid of ideology—unlike many of them. It operates purely on the flow of data and capital. This capitalised data, therefore, is the perennial ideology of artificial intelligence. Seen from this perspective, one could argue that the Gobblesian technique is AI’s operational methodology. Conflating democracy with the datafication of technology poses serious risks to our democratic setup. Hence, the glorification of artificial intelligence demands deeper humanistic intervention. The illiberal tendencies of our so-called liberal demagogues become apparent when one examines how AI disintegrates and disconnects people under the guise of digital connections. While advancing notions of autonomy, freedom, and expression, AI simultaneously undermines these same democratic virtues. One tends to overlook AI’s implicit message: if everyone is free to access data, then everyone is equally susceptible to compromised data. Freedom has a cost, and this time, the price is the future of those already groping in darkness—rendered vulnerable and powerless.

It is nothing short of a deception to believe that we can rely on AI unless we harness our thinking abilities. It is a hallmark of undemocratic liberal technocracy to lure us with endless solutions to our problems. It is another matter that technocratic solutions provided by trained technocrats can hardly be a viable option. On 11 February, 2025, the AI summit week closed with a declaration that emphasized policies to ensure that AI is “open, inclusive, transparent, ethical, safe, secure and trustworthy”. India needs to tread the path very cautiously. The anecdotal evidences already suggest that by selling the rhetorics of inclusivity and sustainability, the global North has already cancelled the future of much of the global South. It is no wonder that ‘some 60 countries [including India and China] signed the declaration but notably the United Kingdom and the United States did not.’ There is a greater urgency ‘for democracies to keep the lead, the risks of AI, and the economic transitions that are fast approaching—these should all be central features of the next summit”. Likewise, Toby Walsh, chief scientist at the AI Institute at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, rightly points, [at] ‘the moment, it is a two-country race between the US and China but added that the race isn’t over.’

As the domain and scope of artificial intelligence continue to multiply in our times, it is high time for India to double down on efforts to formulate a robust think tank on AI, comprising people from both sciences and humanities backgrounds. While the plan of the government to invest in AI cities sounds reasonable, but in so doing, we must not turn humans into aliens, while assigning nativity to machines. We have to live with artificial intelligence, but we still haven’t learned how to do this.

Contributing Author: Prof. Om Prakash Dwivedi is a literary critic and columnist.

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78-year-old man fined for indecent act on Sydney-to-Gold Coast flight

By
Bureau Report
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Representative image: Flight (Source: CANVA)

A 78-year-old New South Wales man has been convicted and fined $1000 after pleading guilty to committing an act of indecency on a domestic flight.

The man appeared before Southport Magistrates Court on 10 February, 2025 following an AFP investigation into an incident on a Sydney-to-Gold Coast flight on 8 December, 2024.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Yarrow condemned the behaviour, stressing the distress such incidents can cause, particularly in confined spaces like an aircraft.

“Members of the public do not deserve to be subjected to unwanted attention under any circumstance, including on a plane,” Det a/Supt Yarrow said.

A female passenger reported the incident to the AFP after landing at Gold Coast Airport, alleging the man seated beside her had touched her leg multiple times without consent.

Following a review of CCTV footage, the man was identified, and on 13 December, 2024, the AFP issued him a notice to appear before court for one count of committing an act of indecency without consent, contrary to section 60 of the Crimes Act (Cth).

After pleading guilty, he was fined $1000, and a conviction was recorded.

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An unexpected anomaly was found in the Pacific Ocean – and it could be a global time marker

By
Contributing Author
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Representative image: Earth (Source: CANVA)

By Dominik Koll

Earth must have experienced something exceptional 10 million years ago. Our study of rock samples from the floor of the Pacific Ocean has found a strange increase in the radioactive isotope beryllium-10 during that time.

This finding, now published in Nature Communications, opens new pathways for geologists to date past events gleaned from deep within the oceans.

But the cause of the beryllium-10 anomaly remains unknown. Could it have been major shifts in global ocean currents, a dying star, or an interstellar collision?

View of the Pacific Ocean from the International Space Station. NASA

Extremely slow rocks deep in the ocean

I am on a hunt for stardust on Earth. Previously, I’ve sifted through snow in Antarctica. This time, it was the depths of the ocean.

At a depth of about 5,000 metres, the abyssal zone of the Pacific Ocean has never seen light, yet something does still grow there.

Ferromanganese crusts – metallic underwater rocks – grow from minerals dissolved in the water slowly coming together and solidifying over extremely long time scales, as little as a few millimetres in a million years. (Stalactites and stalagmites in caves grow in a similar way, but thousands of times faster.)

This makes ferromanganese crusts ideal archives for capturing stardust over millions of years.

The age of these crusts can be determined by radiometric dating using the radioactive isotope beryllium-10. This isotope is continuously produced in the upper atmosphere when highly energetic cosmic rays strike air molecules. The strikes break apart the main components of our air – nitrogen and oxygen – into smaller fragments.

Both stardust and beryllium-10 eventually find their way into Earth’s oceans where they become incorporated into the growing ferromanganese crust.

Ferromanganese crust sample VA13/2-237KD analysed in this work. The anomaly was discovered in this crust at a depth of about 30mm – representing 10 million years. Dominik Koll

One of the largest ferromanganese crusts was recovered in 1976 from the Central Pacific. Stored for decades at the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources in Hanover, Germany, a 3.7kg section of it became the subject of my analysis.

Much like tree rings reveal a tree’s age, ferromanganese crusts record their growth in layers over millions of years. Beryllium-10 undergoes radioactive decay really slowly, meaning it gradually breaks down over millions of years as it sits in the rocks.

As beryllium-10 decays over time, its concentration decreases in deeper, older sediment layers. Because the rate of decay is steady, we can use radioactive isotopes as natural stopwatches to discern the age and history of rocks – this is called radioactive dating.

A puzzling anomaly

After extensive chemical processing, my colleagues and I used accelerator mass spectrometry – an ultra-sensitive analytical technique for longer-lived radioactive isotopes – to measure beryllium-10 concentrations in the crust.

This time, my research took me from Canberra, Australia to Dresden, Germany, where the setup at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf was optimised for beryllium-10 measurements.

The results showed that the crust had grown only 3.5 centimetres over the past 10 million years and was more than 20 million years old.

However, before I could return to my search for stardust, I encountered an anomaly.

Initially, as I searched back in time, the beryllium-10 concentration declined as expected, following its natural decay pattern – until about 10 million years ago. At that point, the expected decrease halted before resuming its normal pattern around 12 million years ago.

This was puzzling: radioactive decay follows strict laws, meaning something must have introduced extra beryllium-10 into the crust at that time.

Scepticism is crucial in science. To rule out errors, I repeated the chemical preparation and measurements multiple times – yet the anomaly persisted. The analysis of different crusts from locations nearly 3,000km away gave the same result, a beryllium-10 anomaly around 10 million years ago. This confirmed that the anomaly was a real event rather than a local irregularity.

Ocean currents or exploding stars?

What could have happened on Earth to cause this anomaly 10 million years ago? We’re not sure, but there are a few options.

Last year, an international study revealed that the Antarctic Circumpolar Current – the main driver of global ocean circulation – intensified around 12 million years ago, influencing Antarctic ocean current patterns.

Could this beryllium-10 anomaly in the Pacific mark the beginning of the modern global ocean circulation? If ocean currents were responsible, beryllium-10 would be distributed unevenly on Earth with some samples even showing a lack of beryllium-10. New samples from all major oceans and both hemispheres would allow us to answer this question.

Another possibility emerged early last year. Astrophysicists demonstrated that a collision with a dense interstellar cloud could compress the heliosphere – the Sun’s protective shield against cosmic radiation – back to the orbit of Mercury. Without this barrier, Earth would be exposed to an increased cosmic ray flux, leading to an elevated global beryllium-10 production rate.

A near-Earth supernova explosion could also cause an increased cosmic ray flux leading to a beryllium-10 anomaly. Future research will explore these possibilities.

The discovery of such an anomaly is a windfall for geological dating. Various archives are used to investigate Earth’s climate, habitability and environmental conditions over different timescales.

To compare ice cores with sediments, ferromanganese crusts, speleothems (stalagmites and stalactites) and others, their timescales need to be synchronous. Independent time markers, such as Miyake events or the Laschamp excursion, are invaluable for aligning records thousands of years old. Now, we may have a corresponding time marker for millions of years.

Meanwhile, my search for stardust continues, but now keeping an eye out for new 10-million-year-old samples to further pin down the beryllium-10 anomaly. Stay tuned.

Dominik Koll, Honorary Lecturer, Australian National University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Trump resets ties with Modi, but Albanese struggles to find favour in Washington

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Donald Trump at The White House (Image: X)

When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his high-profile meeting with US President Donald Trump, ABC’s South Asia correspondent wasted no time in branding the visit a failure, running the clickbait headline: “Modi leaves Washington empty-handed as Trump doubles down on tariffs.”

The narrative suggested India had gained little from the visit, as Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy cast a shadow over trade talks. But this framing ignored the bigger picture—Modi’s visit was far from a failure. It marked a significant deepening of US-India strategic ties across defence, energy, technology, and trade. As Modi himself put it, India and the US have entered a ‘mega partnership’—one that is set to transform bilateral cooperation for the long term.

In fact the meeting was a major boost for US-India ties!

Far from leaving empty-handed, Modi secured key agreements under the newly launched COMPACT initiative (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology). The US committed to:

  • Expanding defence cooperation with a new ten-year framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership, including new deals for Javelin anti-tank missiles, Stryker armoured fighting vehicles, and six additional P8I maritime surveillance aircraft.
  • Accelerating defence technology transfers by negotiating a Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreement to streamline sales of advanced US military systems to India.
  • Deepening tech collaboration, launching the TRUST initiative (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) to boost partnerships in AI, critical minerals, data centres, and next-generation semiconductors.
  • Expanding India’s role in US energy security, with a deal for India to increase imports of American oil and gas, helping balance the trade deficit.

Despite Trump’s tariff announcement, Modi ensured trade talks remained focused on long-term collaboration rather than short-term disputes. Instead of confrontation, both leaders set a new target of $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, signalling their commitment to strengthening economic ties.

On the other hand, Albanese struggles to find favour in Washington!

While Modi left Washington with a clear roadmap for deeper engagement, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced a diplomatic setback.

Trump’s administration has taken an increasingly hard line on Australian aluminium exports, with his top trade adviser accusing Australia of “killing” the US aluminium market. Unlike Modi, who secured a commitment for further trade negotiations, Albanese’s appeal for an exemption to Trump’s 25% tariff on global steel and aluminium imports was swiftly dismissed.

Trump’s advisers pointed to a 103% surge in Australian aluminium exports since 2015, arguing that Canberra had disregarded past commitments to restrain shipments.

Unlike Modi, whose visit was marked by warm optics and strategic gains, Albanese was left fighting for economic concessions with little success.

The White House’s statement that Australia had “flooded the US market” signalled a growing frustration with Canberra’s trade practices, putting Albanese in a weaker negotiating position.

Clearly, the success of the Modi-Trump meeting points to India’s rising role in the Indo-Pacific!

As Washington redefines its economic and strategic partnerships, India is emerging as a critical ally in the Indo-Pacific, while Australia risks being sidelined. Modi’s ability to keep India at the centre of US strategic priorities—despite trade tensions—contrasts sharply with Albanese’s struggles to secure even a minor trade exemption.

With India’s defence, technology, and energy ties with the US expanding, the regional balance is shifting. If Australia fails to navigate Washington’s protectionist policies, it could find itself at a disadvantage, particularly as India strengthens its role as a key trade and security partner in the Indo-Pacific.

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Shellharbour child and family precinct secures funding boost

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Source: X)

The Albanese Government is investing in the future of Shellharbour families, with $851,279 allocated for the planning phase of the Shellharbour Integrated Child and Family Precinct. This initiative aims to create a central hub offering early childhood, health, education, and family support services in one accessible location.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasised the project’s role in strengthening regional communities. “Having support services, education facilities, and social care options all under one roof in the middle of Shellharbour will make a big difference to this beautiful and growing region,” he said.

“We want to support regional communities to grow and thrive, for our youngest and eldest Australians and everyone in between.”

The planning process, led by Karitane in partnership with Barnardos Australia and the University of New South Wales, will develop a business case, master plan, and detailed designs. It will also assess site revitalisation, connections to nearby services, and accessibility via parking and public transport. Community consultation will play a key role in ensuring the precinct meets local needs.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King highlighted the importance of supporting families. “Being a new parent is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be really challenging,” she said.

“A central hub for early childhood and family support will help new parents in the Shellharbour region get the services they need close to home.”

Assistant Treasurer and Member for Whitlam Stephen Jones described the project as a “game changer” for the community.

“It will help connect people to vital support services they need in an easy-to-access way. Labor is delivering for our regions and building a stronger Illawarra.”

The funding comes from the Albanese Government’s $400 million Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, which is designed to transform regional, rural, and remote areas. Of this, $47.9 million is being invested across seven precincts in New South Wales.

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Fiji and ACT deepen ties through trade, investment, and rugby showdown

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: Fiji’s Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Prof. Biman Prasad welcoming a high-level ACT Government trade delegation to Suva (Source: X)

Fiji’s Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Prof. Biman Prasad, has reaffirmed the nation’s strong partnership with Australia, welcoming a high-level ACT Government trade delegation to Suva.

Posting on X, Prof. Prasad said, “Pleasure to welcome the ACT trade delegation to Fiji. Our Vuvale Partnership with Australia grows stronger through trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. Looking forward to deeper collaboration—and an exciting Drua vs Brumbies match!”

The delegation from Canberra received a warm Fijian welcome at the Grand Pacific Hotel, where Prof. Prasad highlighted Australia’s role as Fiji’s largest trading partner, a major source of tourism, and a key investor in the economy.

Prof. Prasad acknowledged Australia’s unwavering support during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, emphasising the deep-rooted ties built on mutual respect, trust, and shared values.

Prof. Prasad assured the delegation that Fiji remains committed to strengthening economic relations and attracting foreign direct investment. He highlighted the country’s stable political environment, democratic governance, and respect for the rule of law as key factors underpinning its strong business climate.

“We are actively promoting private sector participation, removing restrictions, reducing the cost of doing business, and implementing reforms to enhance investor confidence.”

Fiji’s economy, he added, is thriving, with remarkable growth in tourism, renewable energy, ICT, and agribusiness. The tourism industry is expanding into eco-tourism and luxury hospitality, while investments in renewable energy are unlocking sustainable business opportunities. Additionally, Fiji is positioning itself as a regional leader in outsourcing and digital services, providing Australian companies with access to a skilled and cost-effective workforce.

The Acting Prime Minister also praised the easing of travel restrictions between Fiji and Australia following visa application cost reductions last year. He thanked Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Ewen McDonald, for his role in facilitating these changes but stressed that more could be done.

“I believe achieving visa-free travel between Fiji and Australia would further strengthen our people-to-people ties and business engagements.”

As the delegation explores investment opportunities in Fiji, anticipation is also building for the highly anticipated Super Rugby clash between the Fijian Drua and the ACT Brumbies, reinforcing the strong sporting and cultural ties between the two nations.

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How fraudsters are targeting Australians online with the ‘Rom-con’ scam

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Representative image: Rom-con scam (Source: CANVA)

This Valentine’s Day, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) is turning the tables on romance scammers by revealing the real-life scripts they use to manipulate and defraud victims.

The dialogue, designed to tug at heartstrings and empty bank accounts, was uncovered during an international operation to dismantle a scam compound in the Philippines.

The script, used to lure Australians via online dating apps, lays out a calculated approach to building fake relationships. It includes an elaborate backstory, affectionate language, and a structured daily communication plan designed to keep the victim engaged for up to a week.

The AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3), in partnership with the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC), is now urging Australians to read the script and remain vigilant against fraudsters preying on those seeking love online.

Scammers posing as kind-hearted Filipino women living in Australia or local residents in the Philippines would share tales of heartbreak—claiming an ex-fiancé was only after their money, not their love. Gradually, they would introduce cryptocurrency trading as a supposed side job, portraying it as a lucrative opportunity. Once trust was established, victims would be encouraged to invest between AUD $300-$800 in cryptocurrency, transferring funds from legitimate exchanges into the scammer’s crypto wallet. The fraudsters would then pressure them to invest increasingly larger amounts.

JPC3 collaborated with NASC, the Philippines Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, and the National Bureau of Investigation to track more than 5,000 Australian targets of this scam. As part of Operation Firestorm, a global initiative against offshore cybercriminals, authorities alerted potential victims via text messages in January 2025, warning them not to send money to online acquaintances.

AFP Commander Cybercrime Operations Graeme Marshall said sharing the scam script with the public was key to preventing future fraud. “We want to ensure that everyone using dating apps has the tools and information to stay safe online and swipe left on romance scammers,” he said.

“These fraudsters craft elaborate backstories to sound convincing, but if something feels off, step back and seek advice from a trusted friend or colleague.”

Marshall urged Australians to verify online acquaintances by performing Google searches, reverse image lookups, and requesting video calls before engaging in financial transactions. “Most importantly, never send money to someone you’ve only met online,” he added.

Australian Competition & Consumer Commission Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe highlighted the devastating impact of romance scams, noting Australians lost $23.6 million to such fraud in 2024. “Scammers build trust over time and then exploit it, persuading victims to part with significant sums. The emotional and financial consequences can be severe,” Lowe said, urging people to verify investment opportunities through registered financial advisors.

Authorities recommend that Australians protect themselves by refusing to send money or cryptocurrency to online acquaintances, verifying identities, and being wary of overly affectionate behaviour. If someone professes love too quickly or avoids video calls, it’s a red flag.

Victims of scams should immediately cease contact, take screenshots of conversations, and report incidents to banks, police, and ScamWatch. Social media platforms should also be notified if scammers used their services to reach victims.

For those needing support, organisations like Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 224 636) offer 24/7 assistance. With thousands of Australians targeted by romance scams each year, authorities hope that exposing the fraudsters’ playbook will prevent more heartbreak and financial ruin.

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Bracing for a monster: Tropical Cyclone Zelia is bearing down on WA. Here’s what to expect

By
Contributing Author
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Representative image: Cyclone (Source: CANVA)

By Steve Turton

Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia is bearing down on the northwest coast of Australia and is likely to make landfall early Friday evening.

It’s a monster storm of great concern to Western Australia. Port Hedland is the largest town in the firing line and also our busiest iron ore export port. Strong winds may extend to other areas along the coast, and inland to areas such as Marble Bar, Tom Price and Paraburdoo.

Even if Zelia doesn’t hit towns directly, it’s likely to cause a lot of damage. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts extremely dangerous sustained winds of around 205 kilometers an hour and wind gusts higher still, at 290km/h. That’s strong enough to flatten homes, trees, power lines and other infrastructure.

This is a category five cyclone, which is the most severe possible under the current scale. But as climate change worsens, authorities may need to add another category to the scale.

Bureau of Meteorology video explaining the threat of Tropical Cyclone Zeila.

Do we need a category 6?

Elsewhere in the world, tropical cyclones are called hurricanes or typhoons.

The severity of a tropical cyclone (or hurricane or typhoon) is ranked in categories from 1 (weakest) to 5 (strongest).

Category one involves maximum average wind speed of up to 88km/h, and strongest gusts up to 125 km/h. It typically causes negligible damage to homes but may damage crops, trees and caravans.

Category five, the most severe, is defined as “extremely dangerous”, causing widespread destruction of buildings and vegetation. These cyclones bring maximum average wind speeds greater than 200km/h and gusts greater than 279km/h.

However, on a warming planet, cyclones are expected to become more intense. It’s also making tropical cyclones and hurricanes intensify more quickly.

Some scientists have called for a category six for hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones with sustained wind speeds greater than 309km/h. They argue a new category is needed to communicate the risks associated with tropical cyclones fuelled by climate change.

Climate change is feeding storms

It’s too early to say if Cyclone Zelia is directly caused, or fuelled, by climate change. However, research over the last 30 years has found a link between global warming and more intense tropical cyclones.

Globally, 2024 was Earth’s warmest year on record. Ocean heat content is increasing around most tropical seas, and other places where tropical cyclones are forming. Warmer oceans, and a warmer atmosphere, both feed energy into tropical cyclones, making them more intense and fast-forming when conditions are favourable.

Zelia intensified from a category one into a five in just over 24 hours.

Australia is currently experiencing record-breaking sea surface temperatures. The area off the northwest coast has been up to 4-5°C above normal this summer.

Hurricane Milton, which struck the United States in October last year, also shows how climate change is making tropical cyclones worse. Amid very warm ocean temperatures, it intensified rapidly over the Gulf of Mexico to a category five hurricane.

We can expect more of these severe cyclones in future, if humanity keeps warming up the oceans and the atmosphere.

Slow is not good

Climate change is slowing the forward motion of tropical cyclones over the ocean and land. That means they take longer to cross the coast and pass through an area – inflicting more damage from wind and storm surge, and dumping more rain.

The Bureau of Meteorology says Cyclone Zelia’s “forward speed” is quite slow, at 11km/h. So, heavy rain and the strong winds will persist for quite a few hours before and after it crosses the coast.

The strongest winds of a tropical cyclone are usually near the eye, but can extend for hundreds of kilometres. Sometimes, winds on opposite sides of the eye blow in different directions, causing destruction on the ground which damages buildings, infrastructure, farmland and the environment.

https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3Yh8D

Conditions on the ground

At the moment around Port Hedland, winds are about 70-100km/h and rising. That’s gale force but not too alarming. Conditions will rapidly deteriorate into this afternoon, particularly to the east of Port Hedland.

The storm has already dropped a lot of rain. This has caused local flooding and cut rail lines. But there’s more to come.

The Bureau of Meteorology is also warning of a significant storm tide – when sea levels rise well above a typical high tide. This may lead to flooding and inundate coastal roads and properties.

The cyclone will continue to trek inland over the weekend, gradually weakening as it goes. People in mining and Indigenous communities hundreds of kilometres inland could experience strong winds, heavy rain and flooding.

The bureau is providing regular updates online. For those in the path of the cyclone visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au or download the Emergency WA app for the latest community alerts and warnings.

Steve Turton, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography, CQUniversity Australia

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Albanese’ $84.8 million boost for North and Far North Queensland disaster resilience

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured North Queenslanders that the government stands with them (Source: X)

North and Far North Queensland are set to become more resilient to severe weather, with the Albanese Government investing $84.8 million in 77 projects aimed at reducing disaster risk across transport networks, communities, and the environment.

The funding, part of the North Queensland Resilience Program, will support 18 local government areas, including Townsville, Douglas, Mornington, Mount Isa, and Whitsunday.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured North Queenslanders that the government stands with them.

“These are tough times, but North Queenslanders are tougher. My Government is making sure we’re providing whatever resources are required, right now and into the future, as these communities recover.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister emphasised that the investment would help some of Queensland’s most disaster-prone communities better withstand extreme weather.

“Councils will be undertaking critical works to equip their communities with the assets and resources they need to withstand severe weather events,” she said.

“These projects include major infrastructure upgrades, emergency shelters, community generators, and the sealing of roads frequently washed away.”

The recent floods, McAllister noted, highlight the importance of investing in disaster resilience.

“By prioritising resilience, we can safeguard lives, property, and our environment while ensuring shorter recovery times and a stronger local economy.”

Senator for Queensland Nita Green welcomed the investment, calling it a vital boost for the region. “North Queensland has been hit hard by natural disasters, and this funding will flow into resilience projects from Whitsundays to Douglas, Boulia to Burke,” she said.

“Disaster resilience can mean upgraded roads and airstrips, better drainage, or forward-focused initiatives like flood studies and risk reduction plans. Together, this investment builds a stronger, safer Queensland.”

The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments are also providing over $100 million in extraordinary grants for flood-affected primary producers, small businesses, and non-profit organisations. These include:

  • $72.7 million for flood-affected primary producers
  • $25 million for small businesses and non-profits
  • $2.4 million in Rural Landholder Grants for those with at least 10 hectares of flood-affected land
  • $1 million in Emergency Fodder Support for primary producers

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli echoed this sentiment, saying the priority is getting affected areas back on their feet as quickly as possible.

“We’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those affected by disaster to ensure they can recover quickly and come back stronger than ever.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins highlighted the importance of financial support for farmers and small businesses. “These grants will help reduce clean-up and recovery costs for North Queensland’s primary producers and small businesses,” she said.

“Farmers and small businesses are the heart of local communities, and this funding is critical.”

Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister reinforced the government’s commitment to long-term recovery. “Farmers, businesses, and non-profits are central to the North Queensland community, and we know heavy rainfall and severe flooding have made operations difficult,” she said.

“Recovery can take time. Our government is here for the long haul.”

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India’s PM Modi and US President Trump set to pave path for progress in bilateral relations

By
JAI BHARADWAJ
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Washington, DC, Feb 13 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, at The White House in Washington, DC on Thursday. EAM S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval are also in the meeting. (ANI Photo)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US President Donald Trump on Friday morning (ASET), marking the first official meeting between the two leaders in President Trump’s second term. The highly anticipated meeting occurred at the White House, where PM Modi and his delegation were warmly welcomed.

Modi -Trump hug: (Pic: Dan Scavino, White House Account/X)
Modi -Trump hug: (Pic: Dan Scavino, White House Account/X)

The Indian delegation, which included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and India’s Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra, arrived shortly after PM Modi’s arrival. The meeting between the two leaders is seen as a significant moment in US-India relations, continuing the robust diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

Ahead of the meeting, Indian flags were prominently displayed at the White House, symbolising the strengthening ties between the United States and India. Prime Minister Modi’s visit comes within three weeks of President Trump’s inauguration, making him one of the first global leaders to visit the US under the new administration.

Since November 2024, both leaders have held two phone conversations, continuing their dialogue on bilateral issues. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended President Trump’s inauguration ceremony as PM Modi’s Special Envoy and later participated in key diplomatic meetings, including a QUAD Foreign Ministers’ meeting in January 2025.

Ahead of his meeting with President Trump, PM Modi held a series of bilateral meetings with key American figures, including US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. These discussions are part of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its relationships with the US across multiple sectors, including technology, energy, and national security.

Vivek Ramaswamy said he had a “great meeting” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Blair House, and it was a “pleasure and honour” to welcome the PM to the US.

Washington, DC, Feb 13 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets with Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, at Blair House, in Washington, DC on Thursday. (ANI Photo)

He also affirmed hope that PM Modi has a “wonderful visit” to the United States.

“It was a pleasure and honour to welcome Prime Minister Modi here. Hope he has a wonderful visit and it was a great meeting,”

Vivek Ramaswamy told ANI, after his bilateral meeting with PM Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Modi discussed India-US ties, innovation, and biotechnology, with Ramaswamy.

A mobile billboard in Washington, DC, prominently featured images of Prime Minister Modi and President Trump with the message: “Paving the Path for Progress, US-India Alliance in Developing Skilled Workforce” and “Pillars of Friendship, Pathways of Progress.” The visual campaign reinforced both nations’ commitment to advancing their strategic partnership, particularly in education, workforce development, and economic collaboration.

Washington, DC, Feb 13 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, at Blair House in Washington, DC on Thursday. EAM S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval are also in the meeting. (ANI Photo)

PM Modi’s visit to the US follows his successful three-day trip to France, where he engaged in discussions on artificial intelligence, commerce, energy, and cultural linkages. During his visit to France, PM Modi also met with US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday, further cementing the growing diplomatic relations between the two countries.

This visit to the United States underscores the growing global influence of the India-US partnership, as both nations continue to collaborate on key global challenges, from technology and energy to international security. As the leaders meet in Washington, the US-India alliance looks set to further deepen, paving the way for a new era of cooperation and progress on the world stage.

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Australia strengthens investment ties with Karnataka at Global Investors Meet 2025

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: Australian Consul General for Karnataka and Telangana Ms Hilary McGeachy speaking at a session at the Karnataka global investors meet 2025 (Source: X)

Australia reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic ties with Karnataka by participating in the country session at the Invest Karnataka Global Investors Meet 2025.

Australian representatives, including leaders from Global Victoria, the Australia India Business Council (AIBC), Austrade India, and the Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce, joined a high-profile panel discussion to share government and business perspectives on bilateral trade and investment.

Karnataka’s Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M.B. Patil, spearheaded the event, which features participation from 19 partner countries, including Australia, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and Singapore. The summit will showcase investment opportunities in key industries such as aerospace, renewable energy, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing.

A major highlight is the Future of Innovation Expo, focusing on mobility, defense, biotech, R&D, and precision manufacturing. The summit will also drive SME and startup growth, training 2,000 SMEs in Industry 4.0 and launching the second edition of the VentuRISE Global Startup Challenge to foster green-tech and manufacturing startups.

Minister Patil, who met with Australia’s High Commissioner to India in September 2024, underscored the deep-rooted Karnataka-Australia relationship. Discussions focused on collaborations in education, biotechnology, and IT, with Patil extending an invitation for Australia to be a key partner in Invest Karnataka 2025.

The event, held from February 12–14, 2025, with an inaugural event on February 11, aims to position Karnataka as a premier investment destination.

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Albanese reflects on the Apology to the Stolen Generations

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Source: X)

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reaffirmed his commitment to reconciliation, marking the 17th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations with a powerful speech at the annual breakfast in Canberra.

Albanese acknowledged the significance of the event, expressing deep respect for the survivors in attendance. “You found within yourselves the strength to turn your suffering into a chance for a better Australia,” he said.

“And make no mistake, when that apology was made, you not only provided a moment of healing for yourselves, you created a better Australia.”

Reflecting on the historic day in 2008, Albanese recalled the moment when then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered the long-overdue apology. “The nation stopped. There was a sigh you could physically feel,” he said, describing how Australians across workplaces, schools, and Parliament House watched as the words “sorry” were finally spoken.

Albanese paid tribute to Rudd’s leadership, calling it an “act of grace” and a defining moment of his government. He also recognised the courage of opposition leader Brendan Nelson, who stood in bipartisan support, resisting pressure from within his own party.

The Prime Minister placed the Apology in the broader context of Australia’s ongoing struggle for Indigenous justice, drawing parallels to the Freedom Ride of 1965. “Sixty years ago, Charles Perkins and the Freedom Riders lifted the veil on discrimination,” he said.

“They sparked a national reckoning, just as the Apology did 17 years ago.”

Despite these milestones, Albanese acknowledged that challenges remain. “The Apology was never intended as the end of the story, but the beginning of a new chapter,” he said.

“An Australia in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the same choices as non-Indigenous Australians.”

He announced an extension of the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme to June 2028, ensuring more survivors can access support. He also thanked the Healing Foundation and Stolen Generations organisations for their ongoing work in assisting those affected.

Concluding his speech, Albanese reiterated his commitment to remembrance and action.

“For every year that I am Prime Minister, I will attend this breakfast. Because this moment in history must be turned into practical reform, making a real difference.”

Between 1910 and 1970, Australian governments, churches, and welfare bodies forcibly removed between one in three and one in ten Indigenous children from their families, creating the Stolen Generations. These removals, sanctioned by government policies, have left a lasting legacy of trauma and loss that continues to affect First Nations communities today.

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AFP opens forensic lab doors to inspire future female scientists

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: AFP welcomes Canberra students for the International Day for Women and Girls in Science (Source: AFP)

Forensics, fingerprints, ballistics, and biology were all under the microscope as the Australian Federal Police (AFP) welcomed local ACT students for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Opening the doors of its world-renowned forensics facility at Majura earlier this week (Tuesday, 11 February 2025), the AFP hosted more than 50 female students from 18 ACT high schools and colleges, aiming to showcase pathways for young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Image: AFP welcomes Canberra students for the International Day for Women and Girls in Science (Source: AFP)

The behind-the-scenes look into the world of forensics included a tour of the facility, interactive demonstrations, and the opportunity to see forensic scientists in action.

Students engaged in hands-on activities such as document examination, fingerprinting, and blood testing, providing them with a first-hand glimpse into forensic careers.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a global initiative promoting equal access and participation for women and girls in scientific fields.

AFP Forensics has a strong representation of women working across diverse fields including crime scene investigations, fingerprint analysis, chemistry, document sciences, digital forensics, firearms and ballistics, and disaster victim identification.

AFP Commander Forensics Jo Cameron said the event was an opportunity to inspire the next generation of female forensic scientists.

“It’s often said you can’t be what you can’t see, so it’s incredibly important we show future generations what they can become,” Commander Cameron said.

“For many of these students, this visit is the first time they’ve had an up-close, hands-on experience of forensic science in action. They have met some of our female forensic scientists and heard firsthand how these women turned their passion into rewarding careers.”

Image: AFP welcomes Canberra students for the International Day for Women and Girls in Science (Source: AFP)

AFP Principal Forensic Scientist, Dr Kylie Jones, highlighted the dual importance of the event—both in inspiring students and showcasing the achievements of AFP’s female forensic experts.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the AFP to not only promote equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, but also to highlight the contributions of our own female scientists in forensics,” Dr Jones said.

“Science, particularly forensic science, is always evolving. A diverse workforce allows us to adapt and learn from different perspectives. Our scientists—both women and men—continuously mentor and support each other to be the best they can be.”

The AFP hopes the experience will spark lasting interest in forensic science and encourage more young women to explore STEM careers, potentially leading them to roles within AFP Forensics in the future.

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Want to make sure you don’t swelter in your next home? Check these 12 features before you rent or buy

By
Contributing Author
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Representtaive image: Buying or renting home (Source: CANVA)

By Sarah Robertson, Nicola Willand, Ralph Horne, and Trivess Moore

Hot on the heels of the warmest spring on record, Australia is baking through another scorching summer. Heatwaves around the country contributed to the second-warmest January on record. Hot, dry, windy weather again swept across the country this week.

Finding a home that stays cool in this heat is a real challenge. Homebuyers and renters face two problems: a shortage of heat-resistant homes, and a lack of reliable, independent information about how homes perform in the heat.

So, how can you avoid buying or renting a “hot box”? Here’s a handy list of 12 features to check next time you’re searching for a place to live.

Ask these 4 questions before you inspect

1. Does the house have insulation? Ceiling, wall and underfloor insulation seals the indoor environment, slowing or preventing heat from leaking in or out.

2. Does it have double-glazed windows? Insulated glass, made from two or more window panes with a space in between, keeps heat out in summer and inside during winter.

3. How big is the house? Australian homes are among the largest in the world. Cooling a large home with air conditioning can be costly. Check the floor plan to see if you can shut doors and close off internal spaces, so you only cool the parts you need during hot spells.

4. Has the house had an energy and thermal performance assessment? The Residential Efficiency Scorecard is delivered by the Victorian government on behalf of all Australian governments. The report, undertaken by an accredited assessor, rates a home’s energy use and comfort, and recommends improvements. Other assessments also exist.

Look for these 8 things during an inspection

1. Check the colour and nature of external walls, roof and surrounding surfaces. Dark-coloured roofs or walls, and other hard surfaces such as concrete, absorb more heat. This heat builds up during the day and radiates out at night, causing what’s known as the heat island effect.

2. Look at internal floors and surfaces. Brick walls or concrete surfaces inside can be a good thing, if the hot weather doesn’t last too long. That’s because the home will take longer to heat up. But these heavy materials will also take longer to cool down once the heatwave is over. Good ventilation may compensate for that.

3. Consider the size and position of windows and doors. Openings on each side of rooms and the house as a whole allows cooling through natural ventilation. You can open up the house and let the cool air flow from one side to the other during the night, or once the cool change comes. Security doors and fly screens will keep insects and potential intruders out.

4. Is there external shading, such as blinds or greenery? Ensuring windows and walls are shaded on the outside is the best way to keep the heat out, particularly on the west-facing side. Large unshaded glass windows facing north and west can cause the home to heat up in summer. Vertical blinds work well on west-facing windows. On the north side, horizontal shading such as a pergola blocks out the sun in summer – when it is higher in the sky. It also lets the sun in during winter when the sun is lower in the sky, to gently warm the home.

5. Check for ceiling fans. Ceiling fans cool a home and use little energy. Check how many are installed and where they are located. Ceiling fans are ideal in living spaces, but also work well in bedrooms to help you stay comfortable on hot nights.

6. Investigate the air-con. If the house has air-conditioning, ask about its age, and look up its energy rating on energyrating.gov.au.

7. Consider garden spaces. Plants and trees can creating a “microclimate” around your home, keeping it cool. Also look at the landscape beyond the property – a tree-lined street can reduce temperatures and improve thermal comfort during a heatwave.

8. Note the position of the afternoon sun. Visit potential homes during the mid-late afternoon or check the sun’s path through the home – perhaps using a sun tracking app. If air conditioners are turned on, consider what this might mean for energy bills. What would the home feel like without it? Are there other ways to keep the building cool?

For more information about home energy efficiency, visit YourHome, Renew, Scorecard, and read the Cooling your Home report. https://www.youtube.com/embed/DZYNTagFS-I?wmode=transparent&start=0 Passive Cooling (Your Home)

Setting higher standards

Most Australian homes perform poorly when it comes to maintaining a comfortable temperature range indoors. This is particularly true for those built before the 1990s, when minimum energy performance standards were introduced. But these standards set a low bar compared with those overseas.

This, coupled with the absence of requirements for landlords or sellers (except in the ACT) to have the home assessed or declare a rating, means buyers and renters are left in the dark when it comes to making informed choices.

Renters and lower-income households are at greatest risk of living in a home that is too hot or too cold. The private rental stock in Australia is among the poorest, most uncomfortable housing in the Western world.

While the ACT has introduced minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties, standards across the country contain few provisions that promise improved thermal comfort.

Until the regulatory landscape changes and energy performance must be disclosed, we hope these tips will help you avoid the worst of Australia’s hot boxes.

Sarah Robertson, Research Fellow, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University; Nicola Willand, Associate Professor, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University; Ralph Horne, Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research & Innovation, College of Design & Social Context, RMIT University, and Trivess Moore, Associate Professor, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Hindu American Tulsi Gabbard sworn in as US intelligence chief, meets Modi in Washington

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in Washington, D.C. (Source: X)

Proud Hindu American Tulsi Gabbard has been sworn in as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) at the White House on Wednesday, just hours after the Senate narrowly confirmed her appointment in a 52-48 vote.

Gabbard took the oath of office in the Oval Office, administered by Attorney General Pam Bondi, with President Trump in attendance.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised the confirmation, stating, “Senate Republicans continue to confirm President Trump’s exceptionally qualified nominees, including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who will now lead our intelligence agencies with strength and clarity.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Gabbard in Washington, D.C., congratulating her on her confirmation. He highlighted her longstanding support for India-US relations and discussed key aspects of the bilateral partnership.

They discussed various aspects of ties between the two countries with focused on enhancing intelligence cooperation in counter-terrorism and emerging threats.

In a post on X, PM worte, “Met USA’s Director of National Intelligence, @TulsiGabbard in Washington DC. Congratulated her on her confirmation. Discussed various aspects of the India-USA friendship, of which she’s always been a strong votary. ”

The former Democratic congresswoman and military veteran takes on the role in President Donald Trump’s second-term administration, despite facing scrutiny over her past foreign policy stances and controversial political positions.

Despite opposition, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton and Vice President JD Vance lobbied Republican senators to back Gabbard, arguing that she would bring “independent thinking” to the role.

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Sydney nurses stood down over shocking video allegedly bragging about harming Israeli patients

By
Bureau Report
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Image: Two NSW Health nurses have been stood down after a video surfaced showing them allegedly making disturbing comments about harming and refusing to treat Israeli patients (Source: YouTube)

Two NSW Health nurses have been stood down after a video surfaced showing them allegedly making disturbing comments about harming and refusing to treat Israeli patients.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labelled the footage “sickening and shameful,” stating, “This antisemitic video is disgusting. The comments are vile.”

The footage, shared online by Israeli content creator Max Veifer, captures a man and a woman—both confirmed to be health workers from Bankstown Hospital in Sydney’s south-west—engaging in antisemitic remarks during a conversation on the video chat app Chatruletka.

When Veifer identified himself as Israeli, the male nurse responded, “Eventually you’re going to get killed and go to Jahannam [hell], inshallah.” The woman then joined in, saying, “It’s Palestine’s country, not your country, you piece of shit,” before stating she would neither treat nor help Israeli patients.

“You have no idea how many Israeli dogs came to this hospital, and I sent them to Jahannam,” the male nurse claimed while making a threatening gesture.

NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed the two individuals had been identified and immediately stood down.

“We need to send a clear and unambiguous message that if you go to an emergency department, if you’re on a ward anywhere in NSW, you will be treated by people who are highly trained and highly skilled, and who care about you,” Minns told 2GB.

An investigation is now underway, with NSW Police’s Strike Force Pearl assessing potential criminal implications.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park called the footage “one of the most vile, shocking, and appalling videos I have ever seen.”

“These two individuals will not ever be working for NSW Health again,” Park said at a press conference, adding that authorities would also review Bankstown Hospital for any previous incidents of antisemitism.

Bankstown MP Tony Burke and Federal Health Minister Mark Butler also condemned the remarks, saying,

“These sorts of comments—and the hatred that underpins them—have no place in our health system and no place anywhere in Australia.”

Jewish community leader Alex Ryvchin described the video as “utterly sickening” and a “warning sign” about extremism infiltrating Australian institutions.

Meanwhile, NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Australian Medical Association (AMA) president Kathryn Austin reiterated that such conduct is completely unacceptable in the medical profession.

“This behaviour will not be tolerated. Our hospitals must remain safe havens for all patients.”

Additionally Australian Nursing Midwifery Federation released a statement condemning the act:

“We are appalled by the video showing two NSW Health workers making antisemitic comments. That type of hate is simply unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.”

Albanese confirmed the Australian Federal Police had been briefed on the matter and offered assistance if required.

“It is very clear to me that these people have committed what are crimes, and they should face the full force of the law.”

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Trump and Putin discuss ‘common sense’ peace talks as Ukraine weighs in

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: U.S. President Donald Trump announced a “lengthy and highly productive” phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Source: X)

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a “lengthy and highly productive” phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing the war in Ukraine, Middle East tensions, energy, artificial intelligence, and global finance.

Trump, posting on Truth Social said both leaders reflected on the historical ties between their nations, particularly their World War II alliance, and agreed on the need to halt the “millions of deaths” in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Putin, according to Trump, endorsed his 2024 campaign slogan, “COMMON SENSE,” as a guiding principle for negotiations.

Trump stated that both leaders expressed interest in future visits to each other’s countries and agreed to have their teams begin immediate diplomatic talks. He confirmed that U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, would spearhead negotiations.

A key next step, Trump revealed, was informing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the discussion, a conversation he said he was “doing right now.”

Shortly after, Zelenskyy posted on X, calling his discussion with Trump “meaningful” and expressing gratitude for the U.S. leader’s engagement.

Zelenskyy emphasised Ukraine’s technological capabilities, including advancements in drone warfare, and mentioned an upcoming security and economic cooperation agreement. “No one wants peace more than Ukraine,” Zelensky stated, confirming ongoing contact and plans for future meetings.

Trump later posted a follow-up confirming his conversation with Zelenskyy. “He, like President Putin, wants to make PEACE,” Trump wrote, highlighting plans for a diplomatic meeting in Munich on Friday, led by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Rubio.

Expressing urgency, Trump called the war “ridiculous,” denouncing its “massive, and totally unnecessary, DEATH and DESTRUCTION.” He concluded his post with a message for the people of both nations: “God bless the people of Russia and Ukraine!”

The developments mark a significant shift in diplomatic rhetoric as Trump positions himself as a key player in potential peace talks, though the feasibility and reception of his proposals remain to be seen.

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AFP releases new images in Melbourne protest terror symbol case

By
Bureau Report
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Image: Operation Ardvarna (Source: AFP)

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has released two new images of individuals wanted for questioning over the alleged display of a prohibited terrorist organisation symbol at a protest in Melbourne last year.

The latest photos add to the seven images released in 2023 after protesters allegedly displayed a Hizballah flag in the Melbourne CBD on 29 September between 12:30pm and 2:30pm.

AFP Assistant Commissioner for Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations, Stephen Nutt, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to prosecuting those responsible.

“The public display of these symbols is not only unlawful but also intimidatory and menacing to members of the public, including the Jewish community,” Assistant Commissioner Nutt said.

“Law enforcement throughout the country has been clear that it will not tolerate this behaviour. It would be an error in judgement for offenders to believe the AFP is not taking these crimes seriously.”

The AFP’s Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Command initially launched Operation Ardvarna to investigate potential Commonwealth offences at the protest. These matters have since been transferred to Special Operation Avalite.

Two Melbourne men, aged 36 and 34, have already been charged, with two further cases referred to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

To support its investigation, the AFP previously requested media outlets to provide footage taken at the protest. The agency has thanked the media for their cooperation and is now releasing additional images to assist in identifying further individuals.=

Hizballah was designated a terrorist organisation by the Australian Government in December 2021. In January 2024, new legislation was introduced prohibiting the public display or trade of Nazi symbols and symbols associated with banned terrorist organisations. The Hizballah flag is classified as a prohibited symbol under this law.

Members of the public who recognise the individuals are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Albanese steps up to keep regional flights in the air

By
AMIT SARWAL
-
Image: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Source: X)

Albanese Government Steps Up to Keep Regional Flights in the Air

The Albanese Government has reaffirmed its commitment to regional Australia, announcing it will work with administrators of Regional Express Holdings (Rex) to ensure crucial aviation services continue beyond 30 June 2025.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government was determined to keep regional communities connected.

“Regional Australians deserve access to quality and crucial regional aviation services,” he said.

“We are working collaboratively with the administrators of Rex to ensure these services continue beyond June 2025, including looking at what support the Commonwealth can provide.”

As part of a competitive sale process, the government will engage with shortlisted bidders to explore possible support options, with any assistance contingent on continued service to regional and remote communities, taxpayer value, and strong governance.

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said ensuring the sale of Rex delivers the best outcome for regional travellers was a priority.

“The Albanese Government believes regional and remote communities deserve reliable, affordable, and accessible air travel,” she said.

“That’s why we’re taking steps to ensure the best possible deal for the sale of Rex.”

While the government is not a bidder in the sale, it has left the door open to a potential Commonwealth acquisition if a buyer cannot be found.

In the meantime, it has taken further steps to safeguard Rex’s regional operations, including waiving the “use it or lose it” rule for the airline’s flight slots at Sydney Airport until October 2026.

This comes in addition to an $80 million loan to keep Rex’s regional routes running until mid-2025 and the acquisition of $50 million in debt from the airline’s largest creditor, PAGAC Regulus Holdings Limited, earlier this year.

Transport Minister Catherine King said these actions reinforced the government’s commitment to regional connectivity.

“Regional Australians rely on these important services, and the Albanese Government is making sure communities outside capital cities aren’t shortchanged,” she said.

“When markets fail or struggle to deliver for regional communities, the Government has a role to ensure people do not miss out on opportunities, education, and critical connections.”

The government likened its approach to regional aviation to its commitment to telecommunications, with Prime Minister Albanese stressing that country towns deserve the same level of services and connectivity as major cities.

“Regional Australians can be assured that our Government will continue to fight to ensure these regional airfares remain available.”

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Fijian man accused of raping Virgin Australia crew member granted bail

By
Bureau Report
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Representative image: Bail granted (Source: CANVA)

A 24-year-old Fijian man accused of raping and sexually assaulting a Virgin Australia flight attendant on New Year’s Day has been granted bail under strict conditions.

It is reported that Ilaisa Tanoa Degei was charged with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault after allegedly attacking the 21-year-old woman, who had been celebrating New Year’s Eve with colleagues in Nadi—a major gateway to Fiji’s top tourist destinations.

Degei appeared before the Lautoka High Court on Monday, where he applied for bail.

The court granted his release with sureties of FJD$1,500 (AUD$1,033), on the condition that he must reside in his village and cannot change his address without court approval. He is also barred from leaving Fiji.

The Australian government advises travellers to exercise normal safety precautions in Fiji, but warns that crime—including robbery, violent assault, and sexual assault—is more prevalent in urban areas and at night, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller website.

The case is set to return to court on 24 February for a plea mention.

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Do parties win elections because of their leaders, or in spite of them?

By
Contributing Author
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Representative image: Vote day (Source: CANVA)

By Pandanus Petter and Ian McAllister

The upcoming federal election will see the incumbent Labor prime minister, Anthony Albanese, face off against Liberal opposition leader, Peter Dutton. We’ll likely see a strong focus on the personal qualities and performance of the two leaders.

We tend to think a popular leader can win an election for their party while an unpopular one can lose it. Much of the commentary on the Coalition’s 2022 election loss, for example, centred on the widespread dislike of Scott Morrison.

But how much do party leaders actually affect their party’s vote share, and ultimately, the outcome of an election? We looked at 40 years of opinion polling to find out.

Our research

Opinion polls in Australia have been conducted since the 1940s, but it was not until the 1980s that they began to regularly ask questions about leader satisfaction and voting intention. In recent decades, the proliferation of polls has seen a greater consistency in question wording and protocols.

We have been analysing the polling data on government popularity and responsiveness in Australia. This enables us to track and compare leaders over an extended period.

We’ve crunched the numbers on voter intention and leader satisfaction from September 1985 until December 2024.

We can cross-reference these statistics to show which prime ministers and opposition leaders were a net benefit to their party (more popular than their party overall) and which were a net drag (less popular than their party).

Prime ministers: who helped and who hindered?

By this measure, the prime minister who provided the most electoral benefit to their party was Kevin Rudd between 2007 and 2010.

Rudd achieved some of the highest levels of voter satisfaction recorded since the early Bob Hawke years, averaging 60% satisfaction, a 14-point net benefit for his party.

https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/t8y3d

His popularity declined considerably just before his replacement by Julia Gillard in 2010, and never fully recovered when he became prime minister again in 2013.

John Howard ranks second, with Morrison and Albanese (so far) sharing third place in terms of satisfaction. However, there’s a larger difference between Albanese’s personal popularity and his party’s vote intention.

Morrison’s tenure in office was skewed by the COVID pandemic, which saw a “rally around the flag” effect, seeing a spike in voters’ trust in government.

Paul Keating comes at the bottom of the list. His personal popularity trailed his party’s by eight percentage points on average, with an upset victory in 1993 not enough to win over the public to defeat a resurgent Howard in 1996.

Similiarly, Tony Abbott, although party leader when the Coalition returned to power after the Rudd-Gillard-Rudd years, was consistently less popular than his party – by seven points in opposition and four as prime minister.

What about opposition leaders?

Among opposition leaders, Rudd again tops the list. He was more popular than Labor overall in the year prior to winning the election in December 2007, peaking at 65.5% satisfaction.

Mark Latham comes in second, perhaps surprisingly. This is due, at least in part, to the unpopularity of the Coalition government at the time.

The opposition leader who represents the greatest drag on their party was Andrew Peacock in the late 1980s, in what was his second incarnation as Liberal leader.

See data: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/dL3Sv

Overall, prime ministers have a greater impact on their party’s fortunes than opposition leaders. This is expected as incumbency has advantages, with prime ministers usually given more opportunity for media attention, greater recognition with the public, and hopefully a record of achievements in government to point to.

Prime ministers register a net gain to their party of about four percentage points, compared with minus three points for opposition leaders.

Labor leaders show a net gain to their party of two points, compared to minus four points for their Liberal counterparts.

The personalisation of politics

Since at least the 1970s, political leaders have attracted increasing attention in democratic elections around the world.

This trend has not been restricted to countries with presidential systems, such as the United States. It’s also playing out in parliamentary systems such as Australia’s and the United Kingdom’s. This is despite the fact voters elect local members to parliament, rather than voting for the prime minister directly.

This profound shift in democratic politics has been based on several social changes.

First, the rise of television, and more recently social media, has provided the visual images that direct voters’ attention towards the leader.

While television’s heyday has passed – in both the 2019 and 2022 elections, the Australian Election Study surveys show more people followed the election on the internet than on television – visual images of the leaders dominate the media, both traditional and social.

Second, party de-alignment has seen voters moving away from their traditional party loyalties, with the personalities of the leaders filling this gap.

In the 1960s, around one in ten voters said they did not identify with a party, compared with one in four in the 2022 election.

Third, the unprecedented expansion in university education has produced critical voters who are more volatile in their voting than any groups in the past.

One factor that can sway their vote is policies, but another is the leader they find most competent.

What does this mean for the next election?

For Australian voters, leaders matter, rightly or wrongly, for evaluating the performance of a government and choosing which party to vote for.

As we close in on an election in 2025, voters will be looking to Albanese and Dutton. In the chart below, we can see that while on average Dutton has been only marginally beneficial for his party compared with Albanese, this gap has narrowed in the latter half of 2024.

https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/dxtgu

Although Albanese started at a historically very strong position, it appears his popularity began to decline in May 2023. The defeat of the Voice to Parliament Referendum in November sped up the decline.

Dutton received a short-term boost after the result, after which his popularity declined and then has steadily built over time. Current projections indicate the next election will likely be close-run.

It also appears the two current leaders, whatever their other merits, have fallen short of the levels reached by the most popular prime ministers and opposition leaders of the past.

Albanese’s early popularity has waned, while the Coalition and Dutton’s fortunes rise in step with one another.

This reflects a return to a normal vote share for the party after their loss in 2022. While it may prove problematic for the government, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a meteoric increase in Dutton’s personal popularity.

Pandanus Petter, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Politics and International Relations, Australian National University and Ian McAllister, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Australian National University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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AHA’s National Blood Donation Drive 2025: A Heartfelt Celebration of Unity and Compassion

By
Bureau Report
-

In a powerful demonstration of community spirit and selflessness, the Association of Haryanvis in Australia (AHA), in collaboration with the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, successfully hosted the 11th National Blood Donation Drive to mark both Republic Day of India and Australia Day. The drive occurred across major Australian cities—Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne.

This national initiative organised twice a year in alignment with key national celebrations, has become an integral part of AHA’s mission to give back to the community. The AHA continues its tradition of service by facilitating blood donation drives, which are essential in saving lives and fostering a sense of solidarity among multicultural communities.

Since the inception of AHA’s Lifeblood Team in July 2021, the organization has made an incredible impact, facilitating 787 blood donations that have saved 2,361 lives. The ongoing efforts have inspired 139 new donors, many of whom have continued their commitment to donating regularly. These efforts have showcased the depth of the community’s commitment to ensuring the availability of life-saving resources and embodying the spirit of “Sewa” (selfless service).

The drive was led by dedicated and passionate people, including team AHA and volunteers:

  • Founder President: Sewa Singh
  • National Secretary: Vibhor Sharma
  • Blood Donation Drive National Lead (VIC Lead): Satish Kumar Khatri
  • NSW Lead: Pankaj Mittal
  • SA Lead: Ashok Kundu

These leaders, supported by a wide network of volunteers, worked tirelessly to coordinate the initiative and bring the community together for a noble cause. Their efforts to promote blood donation as an act of “Sewa” have proven instrumental in raising awareness and fostering a culture of giving.

In his remarks, Sewa Singh, Founder and President of AHA, emphasised the importance of giving back to society:

“As Bhartiyas, and more specifically as Haryanvis, we take pride in our spirit of community, resilience, and selfless service – values deeply rooted in our culture.

The vision behind organizing successful Blood Donation Drives is driven by our tradition of giving and standing by those in need.

It is our commitment to humanity, ensuring no life is lost due to a lack of blood. For us, this is not just a donation; it’s our duty, our Sewa, and our way of making a meaningful difference in society.”

Satish Kumar Khatri, Blood Donation Drive Lead, highlighted the profound impact of each donation:

“We are proud Bhartiya who believes in ‘रक्तदान महादान’ (Blood donation is a great donation). One donation has the power to save up to three lives, bringing hope and healing to entire families.

This is one of the simplest yet most profound ways we can give back to the community and support one another.”

The AHA encourages everyone to participate in this life-saving cause. Blood donations are critical in times of need, and by coming forward, individuals can make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

The organisers continue to emphasise,

“Every drop counts,” urging the community to participate and bring hope to those in need.

This initiative serves as a testament to the power of community collaboration. It highlights how a collective effort can save lives and bring people together for a cause greater than themselves. The AHA’s commitment to supporting the community through this invaluable service reinforces the importance of unity, selflessness, and care for one another.

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Matildas captain Sam Kerr ‘not guilty’ of racially aggravated harassment

By
Bureau Report
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Image: Australian football star Sam Kerr (Source: Instagram)

Australian football star Sam Kerr has been found not guilty of racially aggravated harassment in a UK court, ending a legal saga that has divided opinion and raised questions about privilege, race, and accountability in professional sport.

Kerr, currently recovering from an ACL injury, expressed relief at the verdict, writing on social media:

“Following today’s not guilty verdict, I can finally put this challenging period behind me. While I apologise for expressing myself poorly on what was a traumatic evening, I have always maintained that I did not intend to insult or harm anyone and I am thankful that the jury agreed.”

The Matildas captain faced trial at Kingston Crown Court in London over allegations she directed a racially aggravated insult at a police officer following a night out in 2023.

The charge centred on four words Kerr admitted saying—”f***ing stupid and white”—but the jury found that her remark did not meet the threshold of criminality.

Kerr’s trial, unfolding over the past week, became a flashpoint in broader racial and cultural debates, with supporters and critics interpreting the case through vastly different lenses. While her defenders pointed to the frightening circumstances leading up to the incident—a taxi ride that left Kerr and her partner, fellow footballer Kristie Mewis, feeling unsafe—others viewed her conduct as emblematic of an entitled athlete behaving poorly.

It is reported that the altercation began when Kerr, feeling unwell after leaving a London nightclub, vomited in a taxi. She claimed the driver became aggressive and began driving recklessly, leaving her terrified and fearing for her safety. When the cab arrived at Twickenham police station, officers reportedly dismissed her concerns. Kerr later told the court she believed she was treated differently “because of the colour of my skin.” The situation escalated when police detained Kerr, leading to the remarks at the centre of the trial.

The prosecution argued that Kerr’s comment constituted racial hostility towards the officer, who later described feeling “shocked and humiliated.” However, the jury was not convinced, particularly after it emerged that the officer did not initially report the comment—only including it in a statement 11 months later.

The Metropolitan Police defended their handling of the case, stating:

“Our officers perform a challenging job and are often subjected to various forms of abuse as they discharge their duty. We respect the jury’s verdict.”

Justice Peter Lodder, who presided over the case, acknowledged that while Kerr had been cleared, her behaviour on the night had “contributed significantly to the bringing of this allegation.”

Last year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had also defended Matildas star Sam Kerr amid allegations of racial abuse against a London police officer. Speaking at ASEAN, he declined to comment on the legal case but praised Kerr as an inspiring Australian. He highlighted her role as Australia’s flag bearer at the coronation, describing his interactions with her as exemplary and delightful.

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International student’s visa cancelled over illegal excessive work hours

By
Bureau Report
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Image: The student’s visa was cancelled after a phone search (Picture: Threads)

An international student had his visa torn up at Adelaide Airport after Border Force officers discovered evidence on his phone that he was illegally working excessive hours while studying.

A viral post on Threads over the weekend shared a document reportedly issued to the student by Australian Border Force (ABF) officials.

It is reported that the student admitted to working up to 60 hours per week for Uber while on a subclass 500 student visa, which only permits international students to work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight.

The student, whose identity remains undisclosed, originally entered Australia in 2022 to pursue a Bachelor of Information Technology. However, he dropped out in July of that year and later enrolled in a Certificate III in Carpentry, followed by a Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) in December 2023.

Image: The student’s visa was cancelled after a phone search (Picture: Threads)

“During a baggage examination on arrival, the visa holder stated to Australian Border Force (ABF) officers that he is aware of the conditions of his visa, and how many hours he is allowed to work,” the official document reads.

“The visa holder admitted that he consistently worked more than 48 hours per fortnight while his course of study was in session. An examination of his mobile phone was conducted by an officer authorised to conduct digital device examinations under s252 of the Migration Act.”

Section 252 of the Migration Act allows officers to search non-citizens’ property, including electronic devices, if there are “reasonable grounds” for visa cancellation.

The phone search reportedly revealed screenshots of Uber earnings and work hours, confirming the student had worked as much as 66 hours in a two-week period in March.

During a formal interview, the student conceded he had exceeded the work limit while his studies were in session. His visa was subsequently cancelled, and he was removed from Australia.

A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs declined to comment to news.com.au on the specific case, citing privacy reasons.

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Albanese delivers on ‘Closing the Gap’ commitments

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: PM Albanese at Garma Festival (Source: X)

The Albanese Labor Government is pushing forward with its commitment to Closing the Gap, working in partnership with First Nations organisations, states, territories, and local communities to deliver meaningful change.

The government has released the Commonwealth’s 2024 Closing the Gap Annual Report and the 2025 Implementation Plan, outlining progress made and the next steps in addressing systemic inequalities faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed the government’s commitment, stating,

“We are working in partnership with states, territories, and peak organisations to close the gap. Australians believe in a fair go, and our goal is to build a future where all Australians have access to the same opportunities.”

Over the past year, key initiatives have been rolled out to support economic empowerment, improve housing, and expand access to healthcare in remote communities.

The government launched the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program, aimed at creating up to 3,000 jobs over three years. The Indigenous Rangers Program was expanded, providing 1,000 new roles, including 770 positions for First Nations women. Meanwhile, the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy was introduced to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities benefit from the clean energy transition.

Housing remains a critical focus, with over 200 new homes built in remote Northern Territory communities, part of a broader 10-year plan to halve overcrowding. Healthcare initiatives have also been strengthened, with the opening of the first of up to 30 dialysis units in remote areas, increased access to affordable PBS medicines, and over 300 enrolments in the First Nations Health Worker Traineeship Program.

Legal and justice support services have also seen significant investment. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services and Family Violence Prevention Legal Services received increased funding to assist women and children experiencing domestic violence. Additionally, 27 community-led justice reinvestment initiatives were funded, and a dedicated National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People was established to address the over-representation of First Nations youth in out-of-home care and detention.

Looking ahead to 2025, the government is prioritising measures to ease cost-of-living pressures in remote communities, strengthen economic empowerment, and improve living conditions. A $842 million partnership with the Northern Territory Government and Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory has been announced to fund essential services, including policing, women’s safety, health, and education.

New measures will also be introduced to cut the costs of 30 essential products in over 76 remote stores, expand housing programs, improve maternal care, and support First Nations business growth. The government will also provide scholarships for 150 First Nations psychology students and increase mental health support in communities.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, emphasised the government’s ongoing efforts, saying,

“We are focused on creating jobs with decent conditions, addressing housing overcrowding, supporting healthy children and safe families, and ensuring community-driven responses to crime. In 2025, we are building on these investments to ease cost-of-living pressures and drive long-term economic empowerment.”

The impact of these initiatives is beginning to show. The latest data from the Productivity Commission’s dashboard indicates progress, with five out of 19 Closing the Gap targets now on track. Improvements include an increase in First Nations babies born at a healthy weight and an expansion of land and sea country under Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander management.

Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks, Pat Turner AM, acknowledged the progress while underscoring the need for continued accountability.

“Closing the Gap is not just policy; it is the pursuit of real, lasting change. Governments must strengthen policies that work and change those that fail our people. The journey is long, but we are seeing results, and we will hold ourselves and governments accountable every step of the way.”

With the 2025 Implementation Plan setting the course for the next phase of reforms, the Albanese Government is pressing ahead, determined to ensure First Nations communities lead the way in shaping their future.

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Fiji’s Acting PM Prof. Biman Prasad backs press freedom at Pacific Media Partnership Conference

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: Fiji’s Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Hon. Professor Biman Prasad, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to democracy and press freedom at the Pacific Media Partnership Conference 2025 (Source: x)

Fiji’s Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Prof. Biman Prasad, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to democracy and press freedom at the Pacific Media Partnership Conference 2025.

Addressing media professionals, government officials, and international delegates at the Suva Civic Centre, Prof. Prasad highlighted the Coalition Government’s reforms to restore media independence following years of restrictions under the previous administration.

“One of our first acts in Government was to repeal the oppressive Media Industry Development Act,” Prof. Prasad stated.

“We also ended the business of exclusive Government contracts to selected media favourites.”

Prof. Prasad acknowledged that his government is subject to criticism from the press but views it as an essential pillar of democracy.

“Some of that criticism is justified—we are far from a perfect government. Some of it we feel is a bit unfair, but I suppose all governments feel that way sometimes.”

Highlighting Fiji’s progress, Prof. Prasad pointed to recognition from global watchdog Freedom House.

“In 2023, Freedom House ranked Fiji the most improved country in the world for civil liberties as a result of the change in government. That is no accident.”

He recalled the media restrictions of the past, describing how previous governments controlled newsrooms.

“Who can forget the days when the former Fiji Sun editors waited every afternoon to be told by the Government what the following day’s headlines would be? The price for their subservience was a multi-million-dollar exclusive advertising contract.”

Prof. Prasad assured the audience that such political interference is now a thing of the past.

“This government will not interfere with FBC’s independence. Even the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation—the government-owned broadcaster—now regularly runs news that is critical of the government.”

Prof. Prasad also addressed the growing challenges posed by misinformation and social media, emphasising the importance of ethical journalism.

“Mainstream media is challenged by a set of rules which do not apply to social media—the requirement to be accountable under national laws, media and business regulations, and ethical journalism standards. None of these laws apply to bloggers or so-called activists who push their often-half-baked ideas onto others from their keyboards.”

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening public service broadcasting, announcing continued financial support for media organisations.

“On our part, the government allocated a total of $10.4 million in the last budget for public service broadcasting, and already two private media organisations have received their grants.”

Concluding his address, the Acting Prime Minister urged media professionals to continue their critical role in holding power to account.

“To those who criticise us, I say, keep holding us to account. But remember how you became free enough, and informed enough, to do that.”

The 2025 Pacific Media Partnership Conference is taking place at the Suva Civic Centre from 11-13 February 2025, co-hosted by the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC). It coincides with FBC Radio’s 70th anniversary, the launch of FBC’s Media Academy, and World Radio Day 2025, culminating in a Gala Dinner at Ratu Sukuna Park.

The conference will address key challenges for Pacific Island broadcasters, including content acquisition, sports rights, digital platform innovations, Generative AI in news, emergency broadcasting, and monetising OTT platforms. Discussions will also revisit budget pressures, reliance on Big Tech, climate change, gender equality in media leadership, and press freedom.

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72-year-old Melbourne man sentenced for false accounting over $3.4 million payments to foreign officials

By
Bureau Report
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Representative image: Bribery (Source: CANVA)

A 72-year-old Melbourne man has been sentenced to 21 months’ suspended imprisonment for falsifying accounts to conceal payments made to Malaysian public officials in a multimillion-dollar property deal.

The County Court of Victoria handed down the sentence on 11 February 2025 after the man pleaded guilty on 29 October 2024 to one count of false accounting.

AFP Acting Commander Bernard Geason said the case highlighted the AFP’s dedication to combating transnational financial crime.

“False accounting is not always immediately apparent,” a/Cmdr Geason said. “Proving that false records were used to hide transnational transactions requires persistence and international cooperation.

“Serious financial crime, including grand corruption, is not victimless. In this case, the true victims were Malaysian taxpayers. The AFP will continue to prosecute criminals who obtain business advantages unlawfully.”

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) launched an investigation in February 2015 into the man, his associated companies, and several Melbourne property developments. The investigation revealed he had acquired three properties near a university campus in Caulfield East, converting them into student hostels through his companies.

In 2013, the completed hostel was sold to a Malaysian government-owned entity for $22.6 million—an inflated price from the original $17.85 million. The AFP found that $4.75 million in payments were made to entities linked to Malaysian public officials or their agents to facilitate the sale. Of that amount, $3.4 million was disguised through false invoices.

The AFP charged the man in July 2020 with falsifying accounting records to gain an advantage, in violation of section 83(1)(a) of the Crimes Act (Vic).

The AFP-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce (CACT) later restrained two real estate properties in Victoria—each owned by the offender’s wife and her company—along with bank accounts linked to the family and associated businesses, with a total value of $1.6 million.

The AFP also acknowledged the assistance of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission in the investigation.

As a founding member of the Bribery Prevention Network, the AFP continues to support Australian businesses in managing bribery and corruption risks in both domestic and international markets.

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Whether we carve out an exemption or not, Trump’s latest tariffs will still hit Australia

By
Contributing Author
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Image: US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Source: X)

By Scott French

US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have stated an exemption for Australia from Trump’s executive order placing 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imported into the US is “under consideration”. But prospects remain uncertain.

Albanese would do well to secure an exemption using similar arguments as then-Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull did in 2018.

If Australia cannot obtain a carve-out from the tariffs, the main group affected will be the Australian producers of steel and aluminium. But the size of the hit they will take is difficult to predict.

Regardless of whether Australia gets an exemption, the world economy – and Australians – will be affected by Trump’s latest round of tariffs.

Producers will be hit

If ultimately imposed by the US, these tariffs will make steel and aluminium produced in Australia more expensive for US manufacturers relative to domestically produced alternatives. This will certainly result in reduced demand for the Australian products.

However, three factors will help limit the effects:

1. The price of metals produced in the US will rise

It will take time to ramp up US production to fill the gap of reduced imports, and the extra production will likely come from less efficient domestic producers. This means that US manufacturers will continue to buy imported metals, despite the higher prices.

2. The US is not a huge market for Australian steel and aluminium

Australia produced A$113 billion of primary and fabricated metal in the 2022-23 financial year, according to the ABS.

By comparison, less than $1 billion of steel and aluminium was exported to the US in 2023, according to data from UN Comtrade, consisting of about $500 million of aluminium and less then $400 million of steel. Exports to the US account for about 10% of Australia’s total exports of these metals.

3. Major markets

If major markets such as China and the European Union enact retaliatory tariffs on US metals, this could make Australian metals more competitive in these markets.

Some stand to benefit

While workers in Australian steel and aluminium plants will be watching the news with trepidation, some of Australia’s biggest manufacturing companies may be less concerned.

For example, BlueScope Steel has significant US steel operations, and saw its share price increase on news of the tariffs.

US-based Alcoa, which owns alumina refineries in Western Australia and an aluminium smelter in Victoria, will also expect to see its US operations benefit.

And Rio Tinto will be most concerned about its substantial Canadian operations. Its Canadian hub is responsible for close to half of its global aluminium production.

Demand for iron ore could fall

The US tariffs will also have wider ranging effects on the Australian economy, regardless of whether Australia’s products are directly targeted.

While aluminium is Australia’s top manufacturing export, it still makes up only about 1% of total exports, and steel makes up less than half that.

Iron ore, by contrast, makes up more than 20% of Australia’s exports, with aluminium ores making up an additional 1.5%.

This means the effect of the tariffs on demand for the raw materials to make steel and aluminium may have the largest detrimental effect on the Australian economy.

Because the tariffs will make steel and aluminium more expensive to US manufacturers, they will seek to reduce their use of them. This means global demand for the metals, and the ores used to produce them, will decline.

Investors appear to be betting on this, with shares of Australian miners like Rio Tinto and BHP falling since Trump announced the tariffs.

Imported goods will become more expensive

Many of the things Australians buy are likely to get more expensive.

All US products that use steel and aluminium at any stage of the production process will also become more expensive. Tariffs will raise the cost of steel and aluminium for US manufacturers, both directly and by reducing overall productivity in the US.

About 11% of Australia’s imports come from the US. And about half of this consists of machinery, vehicles, aircraft, and medical instruments, which typically contain steel and aluminium. Further, these goods are used by manufacturers around the world to produce and transport many of the other things Australians buy.

Scott French, Senior Lecturer in Economics, UNSW Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Gursewak Singh, who posed as Hindu saint, pleads guilty to stealing $150k jewellery in Sydney

By
Bureau Report
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Image: Gursewak Singh being arrested (Source: NSW Police)

An Indian scammer has admitted to stealing jewellery worth $150,000 from a woman he met at Sydney’s Darling Harbour by swapping the valuables with a coconut during a fake prayer ritual.

It is reported that Gursewak Singh, 25, pleaded guilty to dishonestly obtaining property by deception in Blacktown Local Court on Monday.

Singh’s lawyer indicated they planned to file a mental health application.

The court heard that Singh introduced himself to his victim as a saint from the sacred Indian city of Haridwar on January 9.

It is further reported that over several meetings, Singh gained her trust and persuaded her to participate in ritual prayers, where she would close her eyes while he chanted and “blessed” her personal items.

By early February, Singh convinced the woman to offer more than the $20,000 in jewellery she initially wanted blessed, leading her to bring an additional $130,000 worth of gold and diamonds.

Travelling to her home for an hour-long ritual, Singh allegedly swapped the valuables for a coconut while her eyes were closed. The woman later realised the theft and reported it to police.

When officers arrested Singh at Darling Harbour, he admitted to the crime and led them to the stolen jewellery, which was hidden in a shopping bag at a city backpackers’ hostel.

The Indian national was due to return to India on February 6 but remains on bail ahead of his next court appearance on March 10.

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Albanese pushes for tariff exemption as Trump hits steel and aluminium imports

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Source: X)

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed a “great conversation” with US President Donald Trump, following an urgent phone call over new American tariffs on steel and aluminium—yet Australia remains in the firing line.

Trump announced overnight that all steel and aluminium imports will face a 25 per cent tariff with “no exemptions,” despite Albanese’s push for Australia to be spared.

“This is a big deal,” Trump declared while signing the executive order. “The beginning of making America rich again.”

Albanese, speaking from Canberra, revealed that he pressed Trump for an exemption, highlighting Australia’s strong economic ties with the US. “I presented Australia’s case, and we agreed on wording that the exemption is ‘under consideration’ in the interests of both nations,” he said. He emphasised Australia’s history of fair trade, adding,

“My government has a record of getting things done in Australia’s national interest, and I’ll continue to do so.”

Trade Minister Don Farrell is set to fly to Washington within days to negotiate a possible exemption, as Australian officials scramble to prevent a repeat of past trade tensions. Trump, while doubling down on tariffs, left the door open for Australia, acknowledging the two nations’ unique trade relationship.

“We have a surplus with Australia, one of the few,” he said.

“And the reason is, they buy a lot of airplanes. They are rather far away and need lots of airplanes.”

Trump’s tariff move has sparked backlash among US lawmakers, with Democratic Congressman Joe Courtney labelling it an “insult” to Australia—especially in the wake of the AUKUS defence deal, which saw Australia hand over an $800 million down payment last week.

“We just signed a cheque for US submarines, and two days later, we get slapped with tariffs,” Courtney fumed in the US House of Representatives.

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who previously negotiated an exemption from Trump’s tariffs in 2017, urged Albanese to take a firm stance. “If Trump has decided to impose tariffs on everybody, no matter what, no amount of sucking up will change that,” Turnbull warned.

With Trump’s administration planning further trade measures in the coming weeks, Australia faces an uphill battle to secure an exemption. While Albanese remains diplomatic, pressure is mounting on his government to fight back—without jeopardising the broader alliance with the US.

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The fall of Arvind Kejriwal and the collapse of AAP’s socialist dream

By
Contributing Author
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Image: Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal (Source: X)

By Om Prakash Dwivedi

The BJP has returned to power in Delhi after 26 years, securing 45.56% of the vote share in the assembly elections. It won 48 out of 70 seats, reducing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to just 22. This marks a dramatic fall for a party that once championed socialism but seemingly shifted towards self-serving interests.

It was a landslide victory for the BJP, further underscored by the colossal defeat of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his close aide, Manish Sisodia. With this loss, Kejriwal’s decade-long grip on the national capital has come to an end.

The fact that both Kejriwal and Sisodia failed to win their seats signifies the collapse of the so-called “Kejriwal model” and the diminishing appeal of AAP’s socialist agenda. While the party campaigned on its achievements in education and healthcare, Kejriwal’s declining public image overshadowed his policies. His perceived wrongdoings ultimately mattered more than his governance.

From being the ‘muffler man’—a symbol of simplicity—to the owner of a lavish “Sheesh Mahal” in the heart of Delhi, Kejriwal’s transformation damaged his credibility. History has shown that socialist parties are not immune to corruption, and AAP, which set out to redefine socialism in India, ultimately fell prey to the same VIP culture it once opposed.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report further exposed AAP’s contradictions. Initially, the renovation of Kejriwal’s official residence was estimated at ₹7.91 crore. By 2020, this cost had risen to ₹8.62 crore, and when the Public Works Department completed the project in 2022, expenses had skyrocketed to ₹33.66 crore. This starkly contrasted with Kejriwal’s self-styled image as a champion of the common people. The so-called “Kejriwal model” seemingly shifted from public welfare to personal extravagance, underestimating the electorate’s ability to see through the façade.

But the controversy didn’t stop there. The man who came to power on an anti-corruption platform became embroiled in a multi-crore liquor scam, leading to the imprisonment of his deputy, Manish Sisodia. Further financial irregularities plagued his tenure, culminating in Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in March 2024 on money laundering charges linked to the excise policy. While AAP supporters decried political vendetta, his alleged links to corruption were hard to ignore. As Al Jazeera reported, “What once started as a people’s movement had now fizzled into a mere political party,” with political analyst Neelanjan Sircar observing that “Kejriwal is perhaps just a politician now, and once that shine wears off, the core voters’ affiliation is weakened.”

Another factor in AAP’s downfall was its inconsistent stance on Congress. Kejriwal had previously positioned both BJP and Congress as part of the same corrupt system but later softened his position. His wife, Sunita Kejriwal, even campaigned alongside Sonia Gandhi at the INDIA Alliance rally in March 2024. This shift confused and alienated AAP’s core supporters, who saw little difference between the two parties.

Kejriwal’s downfall exemplifies the rise of post-ideological politics, where ideology is merely a tool for acquiring power. Once in power, personal ambitions take precedence over principles, and socialism becomes entangled with corrupt and opportunistic leadership.

AAP’s dramatic decline—from winning 62 seats in the 2020 assembly elections to just 22 in 2024—calls for serious introspection. If the party hopes to recover, it needs fresh leadership and a genuine commitment to its foundational principles. For now, the so-called “Kejriwal model” appears to have been sacrificed at the altar of personal ambition.

Contributing Author: Prof. Om Prakash Dwivedi is a literary critic and columnist.

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What will US aid cuts mean for the Pacific?

By
Contributing Author
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Image: USAID has helped communities safeguard over 40,000 hectares of forest and marine areas in Madang Province and over 60,000 hectares nationwide, through conservation deeds (Source: Facebook/USAID.PNGSIVAN)

By Terence Wood

Although the Trump administration is now attempting to walk back some of the most obviously murderous aspects of its aid freeze, its ramifications remain: the damage already done, the effects on work still covered by the freeze, the apparent demise of USAID, the sheer capriciousness of the decision. (To make matters worse, supposed humanitarian exemptions to the aid freeze do not appear to be working.)

While impacts on other parts of the world have dominated the headlines, the decision is going to be felt in the Pacific too. The region is the world’s most aid-dependent. Its countries are, for the most part, either tiny and remote or larger and politically unstable. Malaria, HIV/AIDS, dengue fever and tuberculosis are major problems in several countries. Most Pacific countries are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and natural disasters.

Regionally, the United States is not nearly as large a donor as Australia but Figure 1, taken from Lowy Institute data, shows it gave more to the region than China did over the five most recent years for which data were available for both countries. If the policy settings of the Biden administration had been maintained, US aid was set to increase under the first-ever US-Pacific Partnership Strategy, including through a pledge of $60 million per annum to the Forum Fisheries Agency and the relaunching of the Peace Corps in the Pacific.

US aid is not equally spread across the Pacific. As can be seen in Figure 2 (based on OECD reporting for the five most recent years with data), the bulk of US aid to the Pacific goes to Micronesia, and in particular the so-called Compact States: the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau.

As my colleague Cameron Hill has reported, there is considerable confusion as to whether aid to the Compact States is covered by Trump’s executive order to freeze US aid. Legally, it seems as if the compact states should be excluded from the freeze but in practice it appears as if impacts are being felt.

A cessation of most US aid would be disastrous for the Compact States, but that’s not the end of the story. In recent years the United States has provided more than US$13 million dollars in disaster preparedness support to countries such as Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Tonga. It has provided nearly US$20 million dollars in HIV assistance to Papua New Guinea and Fiji. (Some of this was funding through the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, known as PEPFAR, which has been declared exempt from the funding freeze. However, the majority of the funding does not appear to have been from PEPFAR.) It has provided nearly US$12 million for biodiversity work in Papua New Guinea. It has helped with unexploded ordnance removal in Solomon Islands (the ordnance in question being left over from World War 2 and a perennial problem).

There will be other flow-on effects too: the US is the largest contributor to the World Bank’s International Development Association (the Bank’s concessional financing arm). And the World Bank is the third largest aid donor in the Pacific. The US has also, historically, been the second largest donor to the Asian Development Bank’s Asian Development Fund. The Asian Development Bank is a major donor in the Pacific as the Figure 1 shows. It would be unprecedented for the United States to renege on existing funding commitments to these multilateral development institutions, but precedent counts for little at present.

Other US decisions about multilateral organisations will also be felt through the Pacific. The United States was the world’s largest contributor to the World Health Organization in 2024-25. The Trump administration has announced it will pull the US out of the WHO, which will have a massive impact on funding. As Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa has pointed out, the impacts of falling WHO funding will be felt in the Pacific too.

To make matters worse, if other donors attempt to fill aid gaps caused by what the United States is doing elsewhere, they might potentially cut their aid to the Pacific.

In a purely quantitative sense not all Pacific countries will be that badly affected directly by the US aid freeze. But the flow-on effects of what is happening in the United States – the world’s largest aid donor – will reach the Pacific one way or another.

It’s easy to feel helpless watching the United States right now. It is worth remembering, though, that Australia and New Zealand (the largest and third largest bilateral aid donors to the Pacific respectively) can help. We could quite easily increase our aid budgets and focus these increases on helping Pacific countries cope with the current American trainwreck. We will need to help for other reasons too: the government of the world’s most powerful country is in complete denial when it comes to climate change, which will increase the need for our assistance even more.

Australia and New Zealand often talk the talk about being good neighbours to the region. In the coming years, as another of the region’s neighbours goes rogue, we are – more than ever before – going to have to walk the walk.

This article was first published in the Australian National University’s DevpolicyBlog and has been republished here with the kind permission of the editor(s). The Blog is run out of the Development Policy Centre housed in the Crawford School of Public Policy in the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific at The Australian National University.

Contributing Author: Terence Wood is a Fellow at the Development Policy Centre. His research focuses on political governance in Western Melanesia, and Australian and New Zealand aid.

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Are you a woman seeking new challenges and a sense of adventure? 

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Bureau Report
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Image: Women in policing (Source: AFP)

Are you a woman looking for a career that’s both challenging and rewarding? The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is calling on women with a sense of adventure to explore exciting opportunities in law enforcement.

The AFP is hosting a free online information session, “Women in Policing and Protection”, where a panel of female officers will share their experiences as protective service officers (PSOs), national police officers, and ACT police officers. The event will also feature insights from the AFP Recruitment team, offering a unique chance to learn about career pathways, benefits, and the vital role women play in the force.

Attendees will hear firsthand about the day-to-day realities of AFP officers, the challenges they overcome, and the unwavering support available to women in policing. The session will also provide an opportunity to ask questions and be inspired by real-life stories of courage, commitment, and success.

As Australia’s national policing agency, the AFP plays a critical role in protecting lives, livelihoods, and national interests, both at home and abroad. The agency tackles serious and organised crime, counter-terrorism, and cyber threats, working closely with domestic and international partners to safeguard the nation.

With a strong history dating back to 1917 and officially established in 1979 following the Sydney Hilton Hotel bombing, the AFP has evolved into a dynamic, cutting-edge law enforcement agency. Commissioner Reece P. Kershaw APM envisions the AFP as an agile, innovative, and progressive police force, one that reflects the diversity of the community it serves.

If you’ve ever considered a career in policing, now is the time to step forward. This free session is your gateway to discovering a career filled with purpose, adventure, and the chance to make a real difference.

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Antisemitism goes beyond overt acts of hate – subtle forms of bias take their toll, too

By
Contributing Author
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Representative image: Stop antisemitism (Source: CANVA and Adobe Stock / M-SUR)

By Mareike Riedel

The dramatic rise in antisemitic incidents has dominated headlines in Australia in recent months, with calls for urgent action to address what many are calling a crisis.

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry tallied more than 2,000 antisemitic incidents in 2024, including physical assaults, attacks on synagogues, vandalism and graffiti. This is a 316% increase over the previous year.

These alarming events have sparked a heated political debate, with the opposition accusing the federal government of not taking the issue seriously enough.

However, focusing only on overt acts of antisemitism risks seeing it as an exceptional phenomenon or a problem limited to fringe extremist groups. This can obscure the more subtle and structural forms of antisemitism that perpetuate stereotypes about Jews and entrench discrimination in society.

How laws ingrain structural antisemitism

In my research, I examine how certain forms of antisemitism persist in Western societies with a Christian tradition.

While laws explicitly targeting Jews are largely a relic of the past, subtler forms of exclusion and discrimination remain. These often stem from perceptions that Jews deviate from dominant cultural norms.

For instance, Jewish communities frequently encounter resistance to the building of an eruv. This is a symbolic demarcation of a public space that enables Jews to observe Shabbat, a day when work is prohibited. It can sometimes involve stringing a wire between poles to create a boundary where people can do things they aren’t normally able to do, such as push a pram or carry shopping bags.

When an Orthodox Jewish community in Sydney sought permission to construct an eruv in the 2010s, local residents opposed it. Many arguments invoked stereotypes of Jews as clannish, intrusive and conspiratorial.

There have been similar disputes over eruvs in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. In many cases, local councils have sided with opponents, meaning Orthodox Jewish communities have had to go to court to seek approval.

In Europe, bans on religious slaughter have also singled out Jews and Muslims as cruel and fundamentalist, despite the widespread use of factory farming in Western societies.

There have also been calls to outlaw infant male circumcision in the name of children’s rights in many European countries and parts of the US.

These campaigns have, at times, tapped into longstanding antisemitic ideas about Jews as barbaric, bloodthirsty and backward.

These legal conflicts or campaigns reveal the structural dimensions of antisemitism. Similar to other forms of structural racism, structural antisemitism normalises majoritarian norms, perceptions and practices.

In turn, it marginalises and denigrates Jews as foreign, threatening and a problematic “other”.

Institutions, including schools, workplaces and local councils, can perpetuate these biases when they legitimise such exclusionary norms without critical reflection.

Challenging majority cultural norms

Understanding structural antisemitism also requires examining the Christian heritage of Western societies. In particular, there is a need to reflect on the legacy of Christian anti-Judaism.

Historically, the Christian belief in “supersessionism” referred to idea that Christianity has superseded Judaism and that Christians have replaced Jews as the people of God. Alongside the stereotype of Jews as the killers of Christ, this belief has contributed to stereotypes of Jews as inferior to Christians and being archaic, unenlightened, exclusive and ritualistic.

As the legal conflicts over eruvs, religious slaughter and circumcision suggest, such views continue to subtly influence attitudes towards Jews, even in modern secular societies.

For example, popular references to Judeo-Christian values signal the equality of Jews and Christians in society. However, this glosses over the fact that the acceptance of Jews can be contingent on conforming with majority norms.

This legacy also normalises Christian privilege. While Christians may face discrimination in certain contexts, they also enjoy inherent advantages in societies shaped by Christian traditions.

National calendars, weekly rhythms and public holidays align with Christian practices, while minorities need to seek accommodations to observe their own traditions.

For example, Western cities are filled with Christian symbols, such as churches and annual Christmas decorations. Several Australian parliaments and local councils also still begin meetings with Christian prayers.

What might seem like benign cultural traditions can signal exclusion to minority communities, including Jews. Implicit Christian norms can also create pressure to assimilate, especially given the long history of Christian societies’ attempts to convert or assimilate Jews.

However, these dynamics are rarely acknowledged in public debates about the discrimination of Jews and can also fly under the radar of the law.

In 1998, for instance, a Jewish father in New South Wales brought racial discrimination complaints against the education department over Christian activities at his children’s public school. These included nativity plays, Christmas carols and exchanging Easter eggs. The complaints were dismissed because they did not constitute discrimination on the basis of race.

The law in NSW does not prohibit religious discrimination (although the state now has religious vilification laws).

This gap exists in federal discrimination law, as well. It leaves minority religious groups with limited legal options to challenge the dominance of Christian norms. The NSW example demonstrates this and suggests there may be a case for a new federal religious discrimination law.

The question of what constitutes antisemitism remains a vexed question, including among Jews. Violent antisemitic attacks demand urgent attention. Yet, public discussions of antisemitism must also address these subtler forms of exclusion and the structural dimensions of antisemitism.

Mareike Riedel, Senior lecturer in law, Macquarie University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Landmark $842.6m funding deal to empower remote First Nations communities in Northern Territory

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro (Photo: ABC news screenshot / Source: @AlboMP - X)

In a historic step towards Closing the Gap, the Albanese and Northern Territory Governments have joined forces with the Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APO NT) to strengthen service delivery in remote First Nations communities.

The $842.6 million commitment over six years under the Northern Territory Remote Aboriginal Investment (NTRAI) will secure more than 570 jobs, including 278 positions for First Nations Territorians.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the agreement underscores his government’s determination to ensure Indigenous Australians have access to the same opportunities as all Australians.

“Australians want to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Australians believe in the fair go,” Albanese said.

“My Government remains determined to seek better results for Indigenous Australians and help Close the Gap.”

The funding package will continue to deliver essential services such as policing, education, and alcohol harm reduction while expanding Aboriginal interpreter services and investing in community development, mediation, and peacekeeping activities. Additionally, it will fund up to 12 Aboriginal Community Controlled Children and Family Centres to provide coordinated solutions for family safety and child development.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro welcomed the agreement, highlighting its impact on remote policing efforts.

“This funding supports essential services in remote communities, including $205.9 million for our remote policing efforts,” she said.

“All Territorians have a right to be safe from violence, and ensuring remote communities are effectively policed benefits the entire Territory.”

Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians, reinforced the importance of working in genuine partnership with First Nations people.

“This investment will ensure remote First Nations communities have access to the critical services they need while supporting communities to lead in their economic and social development,” she said.

“We know the most effective solutions come from local communities.”

The agreement will also fund local groups in up to eight remote locations, empowering them to design and deliver services for their communities. Northern Territory Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Steven Edgington described it as a practical step towards Closing the Gap, giving bush communities a greater voice in decision-making.

“Importantly, it empowers bush communities to have a more active role in community development and decision-making processes,” he said.

“The increased investment in remote women’s safe houses will help provide culturally appropriate support to protect victims and survivors of abuse.”

Federal Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour, whose electorate covers more than 1.3 million square kilometres, hailed the funding as a vital step in improving the liveability of remote Aboriginal communities.

“Remote communities are the lifeblood of the Northern Territory,” Scrymgour said.

“I am confident the future pipeline of funds committed through this Partnership Agreement will make significant contributions to enhancing the social and economic well-being of the more than 70 remote communities that I represent.”

Dr John Paterson, convenor of APO NT, said the commitment was a testament to Aboriginal self-determination and decades of advocacy by Aboriginal Territorians.

“Investing in Aboriginal self-determination to Close the Gap in the Northern Territory will deliver vital services and programs for our mob in the bush,” Paterson said.

“Aboriginal people hold the knowledge needed to improve outcomes for our people and communities.”

With a renewed focus on community-led initiatives, the funding deal represents a significant shift towards local empowerment and long-term development in the Northern Territory’s remote Aboriginal communities.

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Fiji’s Defence Minister to join Karnataka Global Investors Meet 2025 in India

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: Fiji's Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua in India (source: X)

In a first for the event, Fiji’s Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua will join global leaders and industry giants at the Global Investors Meet (GIM) Invest Karnataka 2025, where India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to inaugurate the high-profile summit on February 11.

Announcing his arrival, Tikoduadua highlighted the deep ties between Fiji and India, expressing hopes for stronger collaboration in trade and investment.

“Fiji and India share a long history of collaboration and we hope to further our relationship.”

Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries M B Patil confirmed that the summit will see an unprecedented international presence, with 19 country partners and nine dedicated pavilions showcasing opportunities for global trade and investment. It is reported that more than 10 country-specific sessions will focus on sectors such as renewable energy, supply chain resilience, and healthcare.

The much-anticipated event will mark the unveiling of Karnataka’s Industrial Policy 2025-30, setting the stage for the state’s industrial growth over the next five years. Karnataka is targeting A$181.5 billion in investments across key sectors, with an ambitious plan to realise at least 70% of these commitments.

The summit will bring together an elite lineup of business and political leaders, with Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Nirmala Sitharaman, Pralhad Joshi, H. D. Kumaraswamy, Ashwini Vaishnav, Shobha Karandlaje, and V Somanna confirming their participation.

Among the high-profile speakers are Anand Mahindra, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Sajjan Jindal, Patrick Lord (COO, LAM Research), and US Department of Energy CIO Ann Dunkin. Some of the most anticipated discussions will feature economic strategist Montek Singh Ahluwalia on India’s economic resilience, former Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou and Shashi Tharoor on global leadership, and GoogleX founder Sebastian Thrun on disruptive technology.

For the first time, the Invest Karnataka Awards will recognise 14 pioneering industries for their contributions to the state’s economy, with special categories celebrating advancements in Aerospace & Defence, Electric Vehicles, and Biotech & Life Sciences. The first-ever SME Awards will honour 35 outstanding small and medium enterprises, with special recognition for women entrepreneurs and district-level excellence. Startups will also take centre stage, with the VentuRISE competition offering $300,000 in funding, including a $50,000 first-place prize for the most innovative venture.

The three-day event, featuring over 25 technical sessions, will witness an unparalleled exchange of ideas between policymakers, business magnates, and industry pioneers. With an agenda twice as expansive as previous editions, GIM Invest Karnataka 2025 is set to solidify Karnataka’s reputation as a global hub for investment, innovation, and industrial growth.

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To keep your cool in a heatwave, it may help to water your trees

By
Contributing Author
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Image: Tree (Source: CANVA)

By Gregory Moore

Heatwaves are among the world’s deadliest weather hazards. Every year, vast numbers of people are killed by heat stress and it can worsen health problems such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease.

Unfortunately, the bitumen roads, brick and concrete structures and roofing tiles in cities can absorb and retain vast amounts of heat, much of which is released after the sun has set. This creates what’s known as the urban heat island effect. In fact, temperatures can be significantly higher in cities than in surrounding or rural areas.

Trees and greenspace can drive down urban temperatures – but they must be able to draw water from the soil to achieve these massive cooling effects.

In other words, it can sometimes be helpful to water your trees during a heatwave.

How trees keep us cool (and no, it’s not just about shade)

Trees reduce urban temperatures in two significant ways. One is by the shade they provides and the other is through their cooling effect – and no, they’re not the same thing.

Water is taken up via a plant’s roots, moves through the stems or trunks and is then misted into the air from the leaves through little holes called stomata. This is called transpiration, and it helps cool the air around leaves.

Water can also evaporate from soil and other surfaces. The combined loss of water from plants and soil is called evapotranspiration.

The cooling effects of evapotranspiration vary but are up to 4°C, depending on other environmental factors.

Watering your trees

If heatwaves occur in generally hot, dry weather, then trees will provide shade – but some may struggle with transpiration if the soil is too dry.

This can reduce the cooling effect of trees. Keeping soil moist and plants irrigated, however, can change that.

The best time to irrigate is early in the morning, as the water is less likely to evaporate quickly before transpiration can occur.

You don’t need to do a deep water; most absorbing roots are close to the surface, so a bit of brief irrigation will often do the trick. You could also recycle water from your shower. Using mulch helps trap the water in the soil, giving the roots time to absorb it before it evaporates.

All transpiring plants have a cooling effect on the air surrounding them, so you might wonder if trees have anything special to offer in terms of the urban heat island effect and heatwaves.

Their great size means that they provide much larger areas of shade than other plants and if they are transpiring then there are greater cooling effects.

The surface area of tree leaves, which is crucial to the evaporative cooling that takes place on their surfaces, is also much greater than many other plants.

Another advantage is that trees can be very long lived. They provide shade, cooling and other benefits over a very long time and at relatively low cost.

Not all trees

All that said, I don’t want to overstate the role of urban trees in heatwaves when soils are dry.

Some trees cease transpiring early as soils dry, but others will persist until they wilt.

Careful tree selection can help maximise the cooling effects of the urban forest. Trees that suit the local soil and can cope with some drying while maintaining transpiration can provide greater cooling

And, of course, it is important to follow any water restriction rules or guidelines that may be operating in your area at the time.

Trees keep us cool

Despite the clear benefits trees can provide in curbing heat, tree numbers and canopy cover are declining annually in many Australian cities and towns.

Housing development still occurs without proper consideration of how trees and greenspace improve residents’ quality of life.

It is not an either/or argument. With proper planning, you can have both new housing and good tree canopy cover.

We should also be cautious of over-pruning urban trees.

Trees cannot eliminate the effects of a heatwave but can mitigate some of them.

Anything that we can do to mitigate the urban heat island effect and keep our cities and towns cooler will reduce heat-related illness and associated medical costs.

Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Melbourne man summoned to court for waving Hizballah flag during protest

By
Bureau Report
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Representative image: Hizballah flag (Source: X)

A 34-year-old Melbourne man has been summoned to appear in court after allegedly waving a Hizballah flag through the streets of Melbourne’s CBD during a protest last year.

The Broadmeadows man is due to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 19 March 2025, after being served with a notice by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on 6 February.

The AFP alleges the man publicly displayed a prohibited terrorist organisation symbol, an offence under section 80.2HA of the Criminal Code (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment.

Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said the AFP was determined to hold those involved accountable.

“The AFP is relentlessly pursuing evidence and identifying those who allegedly displayed prohibited symbols at the Melbourne protest in 2024,” AC Nutt said.

“Investigators have reviewed more than 100 hours of CCTV footage, police body-worn camera footage, and vision taken at the protest and will continue exploring every avenue to identify those involved.”

In December 2024, the AFP charged a separate 36-year-old Melbourne man for allegedly displaying a Hizballah flag during the same protest on 29 September.

The case follows new Commonwealth legislation introduced in January 2024 that prohibits the public display or trade of Nazi symbols and symbols associated with banned terrorist organisations. Hizballah was designated a terrorist organisation by the Australian government in December 2021.

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Are eggs good or bad for our health?

By
Contributing Author
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Image: Eggs (Source: CANVA)

By Lauren Ball and Karly Bartrim

You might have heard that eating too many eggs will cause high cholesterol levels, leading to poor health.

Researchers have examined the science behind this myth again, and again, and again – largely debunking the claim.

A new study suggests that, among older adults, eating eggs supports heart health and even reduces the risk of premature death.

Let’s unpack the details.

What was the study?

Researchers examined data from a large, ongoing study that is following older adults and tracking their health (the ASPREE study).

In their analysis of more than 8,000 people, they examined the foods people usually eat and then looked at how many participants died over a six-year period and from what causes, using medical records and official reports.

Researchers collected information on their diet through a food questionnaire, which included a question about how frequently participants ate eggs in the past year:

  • never/infrequently (rarely or never, 1–2 times per month)
  • weekly (1–6 times per week)
  • daily (daily or several times per day).

Overall, people who consumed eggs 1–6 times per week had the lowest risk of death during the study period (29% lower for heart disease deaths and 17% lower for overall deaths) compared to those who rarely or never ate eggs.

Eating eggs daily did not increase the risk of death either.

How reputable is the study?

The research was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning this work has been examined by other researchers and is considered reputable and defensible.

In the analysis, factors such as socioeconomic, demographic, health-related and clinical factors, and overall dietary quality were “adjusted” for, as these factors can play a role in disease and the risk of early death.

Researchers received funding from a variety of national funding grants in the United States and Australia, with no links to commercial sources.

What are the limitations of this study?

Due to the type of study, it only explored egg consumption patterns, which participants self-reported. The researchers didn’t collect data about the type of egg (for example, chicken or quail), how it was prepared, or how many eggs are consumed when eaten.

This analysis specifically looked for an association or link between egg consumption and death. Additional analyses are needed to understand how egg consumption may affect other aspects of health and wellbeing.

Lastly, the population sample of older adults were relatively healthy, limiting how much findings can be applied to older adults with special needs or medical conditions.

What is ASPREE?

ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) is an ongoing, large, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving more 19,000 participants in Australia and the US. This means some people in the trial were given an intervention and others weren’t but neither the participants nor the researchers knew who received the “placebo”, or dummy treatment.

ASPREE started in 2010 to investigate whether low-dose aspirin (100 micrograms daily) could help prolong older adults’ health and lifespan, specifically by preventing heart disease and stroke. The first findings were published in 2018.

One of the fundamental conclusions of the ASPREE trial was there was no benefit from taking aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease (heart disease or stroke).

ASPREE is still ongoing as a longitudinal study, which means it provides information on other aspects of healthy living and long-term outcomes in older adults – in this case, the link between egg intake and the chance of death.

Why the focus on eggs?

Eggs are a good source of protein, and contain B vitamins, folate, unsaturated fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), choline, and minerals.

The fuss over eggs comes down to their cholesterol content and how it relates to heart disease risk. A large egg yolk contains approximately 275 mg of cholesterol — near the recommended daily limit of cholesterol intake.

In the past, medical professionals warned that eating cholesterol-rich foods such as eggs could raise blood cholesterol and increase heart disease risk.

But newer research shows the body doesn’t absorb dietary cholesterol well, so dietary cholesterol doesn’t have a major effect on blood cholesterol levels.

Rather, foods such as saturated and trans fats play a major role in cholesterol levels.

Given these changing recommendations over time, and the nuances of nutrition science, it’s understandable that research on eggs continues.

What does this mean for me?

Whether you prefer boiled, scrambled, poached, baked or fried, eggs provide a satisfying source of protein and other key nutrients.

While the science is still out, there’s no reason to limit egg intake unless specifically advised by a recognised health professional such as an accredited practising dietitian. As always, moderation is key.

Lauren Ball, Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing, The University of Queensland and Karly Bartrim, Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics, The University of Queensland

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Clean nation, bright future: Strategies for a litter-free nation

By
Contributing Author
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Representative image: Clean-up day (Source: CANVA)

By Sakul Kundra

Recent FT Report: “It’s an Eyesore”

Littering, pollution, and improper waste management have severe environmental and public health impacts, as highlighted during the launch of the National Anti-Litter Campaign on 23 January 2025. The reality is that littering is widespread and requires practical solutions. The campaign, titled “Do the Right Thing: A Call for Action for a Litter-Free Fiji,” aims to unite citizens in tackling this pressing issue.

This reminds me of the book Extreme Ownership, which emphasises that true success comes when leaders take full responsibility for their team’s results. This principle applies to all areas of life and should inspire every citizen to take moral and civic responsibility for their surroundings. Parents play a pivotal role in instilling these values in their children, while schools reinforce them by educating students on the consequences of littering and the importance of maintaining clean environments.

The Power of Collective Responsibility

Addressing the litter crisis requires teamwork and mutual support between citizens and the administration. In my research, Utopia or Dystopia: Deterrents to Ecotourism Development in Fiji, I observed that an ecotourism destination is actively working to keep its surroundings clean by raising awareness. This illustrates how pervasive littering is across cultures, affecting social welfare, public health, and the environment.

Countries like Singapore exemplify effective waste management, maintaining pristine public spaces through strict anti-littering laws. Offenders face hefty fines and mandatory community service, enforced by plainclothes officers and surveillance technology. Collective responsibility is key, and a decentralised leadership approach can help educate citizens about the consequences of littering. As Extreme Ownership advocates, “working as a team, empowering others, and communicating effectively” are essential to achieving exceptional results. Both individuals and policymakers must be held accountable for addressing this issue.

Practical Solutions for a Litter-Free Nation

To achieve a litter-free nation, individuals must actively work to reduce littering behaviours. Research from Zero Waste Scotland identifies personal responsibility, community sentiment, and environmental awareness as critical factors in minimising littering. However, challenges such as a lack of civic sense and inadequate access to disposal facilities persist. Practical solutions—such as daily garbage collection and administrative surveillance—are essential, provided that citizens are educated on littering “Do’s and Don’ts.” Taipei’s waste management system, which includes daily waste collection and extensive recycling programmes, serves as an exemplary model.

Raising awareness and fostering a sense of connection to the land can strengthen accountability. Educational initiatives and societal norms must promote an intrinsic motivation to keep public spaces clean, beyond simply adhering to laws. Successful anti-littering campaigns require coordinated efforts between citizens and the government to ensure lasting impact.

The Economic Risks of Littering

Littering also poses significant economic risks, particularly for nations that rely on tourism. Natural beauty attracts visitors, but littering undermines this appeal. Additionally, littering exacerbates environmental problems, such as blocked waterways that lead to flooding and public health hazards. Comprehensive strategies must target specific audiences to address both the causes and consequences of littering while emphasising its long-term implications.

In a Letter to the Editor dated 19 September 2020, I highlighted the importance of changing public attitudes to combat illegal dumping. Increased advertising and promotion of anti-litter campaigns could help achieve this goal. Additionally, daily radio messages and social media outreach could be effective. For example, a message such as “If you see anyone throwing rubbish out of a car, report them” could encourage accountability. Citizens should feel a sense of duty to dispose of waste responsibly and support the government’s efforts to maintain clean, healthy, and safe communities.

Conclusion

A concrete and sustainable strategy is essential to combat littering effectively and create cleaner environments for all. Collaboration between citizens and the government is crucial to developing practical, long-term solutions to this issue. Through collective efforts, we can transform our nation into a litter-free society and enhance its reputation as a premier tourism destination.

Source: https://www.endplasticwaste.org/insights/story/the-countries-who-have-built-a-culture-of-cleanups

Contributing Author: Dr Sakul Kundra is an Associate Dean (Research) and Associate Professor at the College of Humanities and Education at Fiji National University. The views expressed are his own and not those of this newspaper or his employer.

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Australian authorities crack down on migrant worker exploitation in food sector

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Representative image: Indian restaurant (Source: CANVA)

Authorities have launched a major crackdown on migrant worker exploitation, with Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) and Australian Border Force (ABF) officers conducting surprise inspections at around 40 Melbourne businesses this week.

The inspections, spanning the CBD and 11 suburbs—including Clayton, Footscray, and Port Melbourne—focused on industries employing temporary visa holders, particularly in the food sector. Fast food outlets, restaurants, cafés, and businesses in retail, hair and beauty, wholesaling, and manufacturing were all under scrutiny.

Fair Work Inspectors examined time and wage records to ensure migrant workers were receiving correct pay and entitlements, while ABF officers provided employers with information on new laws that criminalise the exploitation of temporary visa holders.

FWO Ombudsman Anna Booth said migrant workers were often vulnerable to exploitation due to a lack of awareness about their rights.

“It is crucial visa holders know they have the same workplace rights as all other workers, and protections exist if they report exploitation.”

ABF Commander Ben Biddington reinforced the government’s zero-tolerance stance on migrant worker abuse, warning employers of severe consequences. “There is no place in Australia for employers who exploit workers or abuse our visa regime,” he said.

New migration laws, introduced last year, make it a criminal offence to use a worker’s visa status for exploitation, with penalties including up to two years’ jail or fines exceeding $118,000.

The FWO’s investigations into workplace breaches will continue following the site visits.

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Shivang Pathania’s family seeks answers after unexplained Perth motel pool death

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Bureau Report
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Image: 24-year-old Shivang Pathania (Source: Supplied to Daily Mail)

A heartbroken Indian-origin family is demanding answers after the sudden and unexplained death of 24-year-old Shivang Pathania, who was found lifeless in a Perth motel swimming pool.

According to reports, Pathania, a Melbourne resident on a two-week work trip, had been captured on CCTV working out in the gym just hours before his body was discovered in the Bentley Motel pool on January 18. Investigators remain baffled as to how a fit and healthy young man drowned in a two-metre-deep pool with no one else around.

By the time motel staff found him over an hour later, it was too late to revive him.

Image: 24-year-old Shivang Pathania (Source: Supplied to Daily Mail)

Pathania’s grieving family only learned of his death nine hours later through Victoria Police, after their desperate calls to the motel were met with refusals to disclose information.

Pathania’s brother, Karan Kukreja, told PerthNow:

“They told us, ‘for privacy reasons, we can’t share hotel guest details,’ but I said, ‘this guy is missing, we need to know where he is.’”

Adding to the family’s frustration, motel staff reportedly claimed Pathania “didn’t look like a confident swimmer,” but his loved ones insist he was strong in the water, frequently swimming at the beach and pools.

Image: 24-year-old Shivang Pathania with partner Erini Misirlakis (Source: Supplied to Daily Mail)

Pathania’s partner, Erini Misirlakis, says toxicology reports show he had a blood alcohol reading of just 0.01 per cent and only had Ibuprofen in his system for a headache.

She is now calling for transparency, saying their requests to review motel CCTV footage have been denied.

“I understand privacy, but when someone’s life is at stake and all we’re asking for is clarification, there must be a better way.”

The cause of Pathania’s death may take up to a year to be determined, leaving his grieving family and partner desperate for closure.

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Do investment tax breaks work? A new study finds the evidence is ‘mixed at best’

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Contributing Author
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Representative image: Car sales (Source: CANVA)

By Kerrie Sadiq and Ashesha Weerasinghe

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) released a discussion paper this week on investment tax breaks. The study looks at whether tax incentives, such as instant asset write-offs for utes, boost business investment.

Business investment is an important contributor to overall economic growth, and has been sluggish in recent years.

The authors conclude the evidence for these tax breaks is “mixed at best”. They say that income tax breaks used during the global financial crisis increased investment significantly, however:

[there is] no substantial evidence that other policies, including those implemented during the pandemic, increased investment.

In an election year, further promises of tax breaks for businesses are likely. The Coalition has already announced a tax break for meals and entertainment. But are they a good idea, and at what cost do these promises come?

Small business in Australia

Small businesses with fewer than 20 employees make up 97% of all Australian businesses. More than 92% of Australian businesses have an annual turnover of less than A$2 million. It is these businesses that are doing it tough.

These businesses are offered tax breaks for spending on capital assets such as equipment or vehicles. For the 2023-24 tax year, they can immediately write off the cost of eligible assets up to $20,000. In the May 2024 Budget, the government announced that the tax break would be extended to the 2024-25 tax year.

When a small business is operated as a company, the base tax rate is 25%. This effectively means that the business still contributes 75% of the cost of the asset. This requires businesses to have the cash flow to invest. Even if there is cash flow, businesses may not want to spend on large purchases.

It’s a question of trade-offs

Investment tax breaks are also costly in terms of government tax revenue. Each year, the Treasury estimates the cost of tax breaks. These tax breaks are known as tax expenditures.

For the 2023-34 tax year, the instant write-off tax break for small businesses is estimated to cost more than $4 billion by reducing taxes collected.

Tax expenditures are normally designed to offer incentives to one group of taxpayers. However, they come at the expense of broader groups of taxpayers and at a cost of lost revenue to the government. This is money that could be spent through direct spending programs.

Tax expenditures can be thought of as government spending programs hidden in plain sight.

The true cost of tax breaks

Tax expenditures play a central role in Australia’s collection of taxes and redistribution. During the pandemic, the instant asset write-off was increased to $150,000.

The current government introduced the latest instant asset write-off to improve cash flow and reduce compliance costs for small business. As the RBA discussion paper notes, these types of incentives are also designed to encourage additional business investment.

However, that study indicates this is not being achieved. They suggest the reasons may be the tax policies themselves or differences in the economic environment. Put simply, businesses may not want to invest.

If the stated benefits are not realised, the result is less tax collected. Take the $4 billion cost above. Without the incentive, the government would have an additional $4 billion to spend. The $4 billion in 2023-24 could have been directed to funding small businesses through a direct spending program.

Targeted programs

The RBA discussion paper highlights the need to determine whether investment tax breaks achieve their intended benefits. Many factors must be considered, and assessing the influence on the economy is vital.

However, evaluating these measures within the tax system means that important questions are not asked. This includes whether the benefits are distributed fairly, whether the program targets the right group of taxpayers, and whether there are unintended distorting effects.

The latest Treasury Tax Expenditures and Insights Statement provides data on 307 separate measures. This number continues to grow.

The government’s “Future Made in Australia” contains two examples. Its economic plan to support Australia’s transition to a net zero economy contains two tax incentives, one for hydrogen production and another for critical minerals.

The proposed hydrogen production tax incentive is estimated at a cost to the budget of $6.7 billion over ten years. The measure will provide a $2 incentive per kilogram of renewable hydrogen produced for up to ten years. Eligible companies will get a credit against their income tax liability.

The proposed critical minerals production tax incentive is estimated to cost the budget $7 billion over ten years. Eligible companies will get a refundable tax offset of 10% of certain expenses relating to processing and refining 31 critical minerals listed in Australia.

Support for tax breaks

Tax breaks for businesses, such as the immediate write-off, disproportionately benefit those that spend. Often, this is by design. If this is a government objective, supported by the general population, then it is viewed as a good use of public money.

The same principle applies to tax breaks in the Government’s Future Made in Australia plan. A government objective is to transition to a net zero economy. A stated priority is to attract “investment to make Australia a leader in renewable energy, adding value to our natural resources and strengthening economic activity”.

The question remains as to whether tax breaks are the best way to achieve this. The answer often changes when viewed as a direct spending program.

Kerrie Sadiq, Professor of Taxation, QUT Business School, and ARC Future Fellow, Queensland University of Technology and Ashesha Weerasinghe, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in International Taxation, Queensland University of Technology

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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The dark shadow over India’s Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

By
Contributing Author
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Image: Maha Kumbh 2025 disaster (Source: PTI - X)

By Om Prakash Dwivedi

In politics, timing is everything. At a time when the sacred city of Prayagraj is hosting the world’s largest congregation of pilgrims—the Maha Kumbh Mela, a rare event occurring after 144 years—it is deeply distressing to witness the chaos that has engulfed it.

On 29 January 2025, the religious grounds of the Kumbh Mela were soaked in blood and echoed with the cries of innocent devotees. Those who had gathered in Prayagraj for spiritual reflection found themselves caught in what appears to be a sinister conspiracy. To dismiss this tragic stampede as merely a crime against religion would be naive; the loss of lives and injuries must be recognised as a crime against humanity. While the exact death toll remains uncertain, what is undeniable is the ruthlessness of those who orchestrated this calamity.

The Opposition claims that “30 people died and 60 were injured in the early hours of January 29.” However, what demands urgent investigation is not just the government’s response but the calculated cruelty of those who planned this tragedy. To attribute the disaster solely to administrative failure would be simplistic. An event of such scale is meticulously planned, with extensive security measures in place. The accusations, therefore, seem not only exaggerated but also politically motivated. How else does one explain a deadly stampede on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya? Meanwhile, political leaders shed crocodile tears, exploiting the tragedy to score points, even those who have historically distanced themselves from religious events now posing as defenders of the Maha Kumbh Mela.

The inability to protect and rescue civilians in distress highlights the grim reality of political opportunism. This tragedy raises a fundamental question: how could such a catastrophic stampede occur despite stringent security and surveillance? In India’s political landscape, human lives often become expendable, sacrificed at the altar of power struggles. Calls for humanity and justice seem to emerge only during elections or after such crises, exposing the deep fractures in our nation-building efforts. The dignity of citizenship and the duty of care towards fellow beings have become illusions. The spectre of colonial-era divisions still looms over our political consciousness, reflecting how deeply historical subjugation has eroded our collective civility and nationalism. It wouldn’t be surprising if, in time, we discover that this tragedy was orchestrated to serve political interests—history certainly gives us reason to be suspicious.

It is a disgrace that a grand spiritual gathering has been turned into a grim spectacle of death and deceit, inevitably entangled with political machinations. Reducing human lives to mere pawns in ideological battles remains the modus operandi of power-hungry demagogues. Only time will reveal the true masterminds behind this tragedy. Until then, let us hope that these opportunists do not exploit the tragedy further.

Contributing Author: Dr Om Prakash Dwivedi is a literary critic and columnist.

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Victorian man charged over alleged antisemitic calls to political organisation

By
Bureau Report
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Representative image: Police (Source: CANVA)

A 64-year-old man from Toorloo Arm has been charged under AFP Special Operation Avalite for allegedly making offensive antisemitic comments during phone calls to a political organisation.

The man was charged on 5 February 2025 with one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass, or cause offence, an offence carrying a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.

The AFP alleges the man called the Canberra office of a political organisation twice on 21 January 2025, making antisemitic and abusive statements.

AFP Special Operation Avalite investigators, with support from Victoria Police, arrested the man following a vehicle stop in Lakes Entrance this morning. A search warrant was executed, and his mobile phone was seized for forensic examination.

He was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear before Bairnsdale Magistrates Court on 26 March 2025.

AFP Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt condemned the alleged actions, stating Special Operation Avalite was dedicated to protecting Australians from targeted threats.

“It is abhorrent that parliamentarians and members of our community are being targeted and threatened because of their race or religious views,” he said.

“The experienced investigators and analysts working under Special Operation Avalite have a number of individuals under investigation, and the community should expect further charges.

“If you engage in antisemitic conduct, you will be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

Special Operation Avalite, a dedicated AFP unit of counter-terrorism officers and analysts, continues to investigate and act against individuals involved in:

  • Urging violence against members of groups
  • Advocating terrorism or genocide
  • Using a carriage service to menace, harass, or make threats
  • Unlawfully displaying prohibited symbols
  • Doxxing individuals or groups

The AFP encourages the public to report any threats or extremist behaviour to authorities.

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Albanese pumps $1.7B into hospitals ahead of election showdown

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AMIT SARWAL
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Image: Prime minister Anthony Albanese with Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler (Source: X)

For Australians relying on the public health system, long wait times in emergency rooms and ambulance ramping have become all too familiar. Now, the Albanese Labor Government is stepping in with a $1.7 billion funding boost for public hospitals in 2024-25—one of the biggest injections into the system in years.

For Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the funding boost is a chance to reinforce Labor’s legacy in universal healthcare.

“Labor created Medicare, and we will protect it. Our public health system is too precious to entrust to Peter Dutton and the Liberals, who ripped $50 billion out of public hospital funding when he was Health Minister,” the Prime Minister said.

This move brings the Commonwealth’s total contribution to state-run hospitals to a record $33.91 billion in 2025-26, marking a 12 per cent increase. The funding is aimed at tackling overcrowded emergency departments, slashing wait lists, and easing pressure on frontline healthcare workers.

Every state and territory is set to benefit from the one-off funding boost, with NSW, Victoria, and Queensland receiving the lion’s share.

State/Territory2024-25 FundingExtra Boost2025-26 FundingGrowth (%)
NSW$8.89B$407M$9.88B11%
Victoria$7.30B$402M$8.18B12%
Queensland$7.07B$414M$7.94B12%
Western Australia$3.25B$158M$3.62B11%
South Australia$2.05B$169M$2.35B15%
Tasmania$0.66B$50M$0.75B14%
ACT$0.54B$50M$0.63B16%
Northern Territory$0.43B$51M$0.56B30%
National Total$30.19B$1.70B$33.91B12%

At a National Cabinet meeting in December 2023, all state and territory leaders agreed to work with the Commonwealth on structural health reform. The funding agreement also commits all jurisdictions to collaborating on changes to the NDIS, ensuring vulnerable Australians continue to receive critical support.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Mark Butler took aim at past governments that played “the blame game” instead of fixing the system.

“Australians don’t want political trench warfare on hospital funding—they just want to know they won’t be stuck waiting hours in an overcrowded emergency department.”

But the Opposition is unlikely to let this narrative go unchallenged. With an election looming, healthcare is shaping up to be a key battleground—one that will test voters’ trust in both parties when it comes to the future of Medicare and public hospitals.

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Trump’s Gaza takeover plan: Visionary solution or reckless gamble?

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AMIT SARWAL
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Image: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the joint press conference with US President Donald Trump (Source: X)

US President Donald Trump has unveiled a controversial plan to “take over” the Gaza Strip, offering what he calls a bold new future for the war-torn enclave. But his proposal—to relocate Palestinians elsewhere in the Middle East and redevelop Gaza into the “Riviera of the region”—has been met with global backlash, raising serious questions about feasibility, legality, and intent.

Image: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the joint press conference with US President Donald Trump (Source: X)

During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump claimed the US would “own” Gaza, clear the devastation, and transform the territory into a prosperous hub. “We’ll take over, we’ll do a job with it, and we’ll make it the most beautiful place,” he said, suggesting US troops could be deployed “if necessary” to enforce stability.

The new plan signals a radical departure from decades of US foreign policy, which has traditionally supported a two-state solution.

The announcement has put key US allies, including Australia, Canada, and the UK, in a difficult diplomatic position, as they continue to back Palestinian self-determination while maintaining strategic relations with Israel.

World leaders, Palestinian officials, and Middle East analysts have widely condemned Trump’s proposal, describing it as unrealistic and a violation of international law.

Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, issued a strong rebuke, calling the plan a “recipe for chaos and tension in the region.” The Palestinian Authority also rejected the proposal, warning it could escalate violence rather than bring peace.

Closer to home, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese refused to comment directly on Trump’s remarks but reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to a two-state solution.

“Our position has remained the same across governments: a just and lasting peace must come through negotiation, not forced displacement.”

Trump’s rhetoric has drawn comparisons to his real estate background, with critics arguing he sees Gaza as an investment opportunity rather than a geopolitical crisis. He has repeatedly described the coastal strip’s “phenomenal location” and “incredible potential,” echoing comments made by his son-in-law and former adviser Jared Kushner, who once referred to Gaza’s waterfront property as “very valuable.”

Israel’s far-right politicians have welcomed Trump’s approach. Jewish Power party leader Itamar Ben Gvir described it as “the only real solution” to Gaza’s future, while Netanyahu cautiously praised Trump’s vision as “worth pursuing.”

With two million Palestinians living in Gaza, Trump’s proposal faces immense practical and ethical challenges. Any attempt to forcibly remove civilians would violate international law, and neighbouring Arab nations, including Egypt and Jordan, have already dismissed any possibility of accepting Gazans.

Trump’s proposal has sparked global controversy and deepening divisions over Gaza’s future. Whether it gains traction or remains political theatre is uncertain.

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Rare, almost mythical Australian tree kangaroos can finally be studied, thanks to new tech

By
Contributing Author
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Image: Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo (Source: Wild Life Sydney)

By Emmeline Norris

Bennett’s tree kangaroos, one of Australia’s most mysterious marsupials, have long eluded researchers. Our new study, published in Australian Mammalogy today, has achieved a breakthrough: using thermal drones to detect these rare animals with unprecedented efficiency.

Tree kangaroos are found only in the tropical rainforests of Australia and New Guinea. Unlike their ground-dwelling relatives, they spend their lives in treetops, feeding on leaves and vines. Their dependence on rainforest trees makes them vulnerable to deforestation and climate change.

Alarmingly, 12 of the 14 species of tree kangaroos are listed as threatened. Yet we know little about their numbers or habits due to difficulties studying them in dense rainforest.

Our new findings mark a significant step forward, offering hope for improved conservation of these elusive, near-mythical creatures. Thermal drones, which detect animals by their body heat, may help to unravel the mysteries of tree kangaroos and guide efforts to protect them.

Tree kangaroos are easily spotted with thermal drones. Emmeline Norris

Rugged, dense rainforests

Bennett’s tree kangaroos inhabit Australia’s most rugged and densely vegetated rainforests north of the Daintree River in Far North Queensland. They rarely descend from their vine-covered treetop roosts, which can be up to 40 metres high.

Traditional survey methods like spotlighting (that is, methodically using flashlights) or handheld thermal cameras (using infrared sensors to detect warm bodies) often fail to detect tree kangaroos, as these tools are limited to what can be seen from the ground.

As a result, there have been no systematic surveys of Bennett’s tree kangaroos. Population estimates rely on outdated observations and anecdotal evidence, leaving their conservation status unclear.

We need robust population estimates to detect shifting population trends and prevent population declines. This requires new monitoring methods to help us find these elusive animals.

Hotspots in the treetops

Thermal drones are just what they sound like – drones equipped with infrared cameras that detect heat signatures from the air.

Warm-blooded animals like tree kangaroos stand out against the cooler rainforest background, even when partially hidden by foliage. This technology offers a powerful advantage over traditional methods, allowing researchers to scan large areas from above and see past vegetation.

In our study, we conducted three drone flights at the Daintree Rainforest Observatory, Cape Tribulation, during the morning and evening.

To our surprise, we detected six Bennett’s tree kangaroos in under an hour of flight time – an unprecedented result. These included a solitary animal, a pair, and a group of three, all consistent with known home range sizes for the species.

By comparison, traditional ground surveys often require several nights of survey effort to spot a single animal. The drones not only made detection easier but also allowed us to closely observe the animals’ behaviour, such as feeding on specific plant species, without disturbing them.

Side-by-side comparison of the same image in colour and in thermal view, with three tree kangaroos clearly visible (circled in yellow) in the thermal image. Emmeline Norris

Shedding light on a hidden species

Our findings suggest Bennett’s tree kangaroos are thriving in Cape Tribulation’s lowland rainforest.

While this is encouraging, further systematic surveys are needed to assess how population density varies with forest type, elevation and other factors.

Another intriguing discovery was the tree kangaroos’ diet. Using the drone’s colour zoom camera, we identified the vines and leaves they were eating. Mile-a-minute vine (Decalobanthus peltatus) and fire vine (Tetracera daemeliana) were popular choices on the menu.

These observations deepen our understanding of the species’ habitat needs and could inform future conservation efforts.

Conservation research methods must prioritise minimising stress on wildlife. The tree kangaroos showed no signs of disturbance, continuing to forage after briefly pausing to look at the drone.

This non-invasive approach is a promising alternative to traditional methods, like radio tracking (where a tag is attached to the animal), which can disrupt natural behaviours.

Dense green foliage with a sleepy looking orange animal in the middle.
A Bennett’s tree kangaroo peeks at the thermal drone through the vines. Emmeline Norris

Craning for a better view

Despite showing promise, drone-based wildlife monitoring has its challenges. Regulations require drone operators to maintain visual line of sight with their drone. This can be difficult in a rainforest due to the height and density of the canopy.

To overcome this, we remotely operated our drone from a 47-metre-high canopy crane designed for research. This extra height allowed us to maintain a clear view while surveying a larger area.

A distant view of rainforest treetops with a tall crane in the middle.
The 47-metre high canopy crane at the Daintree Rainforest Observatory, Cape Tribulation. Emmeline Norris

However, canopy cranes are rare – there’s only one in tropical Australia. Expanding this approach will require alternative strategies, such as using mountaintops or canopy walkways as vantage points.

Our study is just the beginning. The next step is designing methods to estimate population densities more accurately – not only for Bennett’s tree kangaroos but also other tree kangaroo species in the remote mountains of New Guinea. By identifying individual tree kangaroos based on their unique fur markings, we aim to also study their social structure and sex ratios.

Thermal drones have the potential to revolutionise conservation efforts for hard-to-study wildlife. They offer a powerful tool to monitor populations and guide management decisions.

For the rare and remarkable Bennett’s tree kangaroo, this technology could make the difference between obscurity and security.

A high view of a platform where people in safety gear stand operating drones.
The study authors flying drones from the upper platform of the canopy crane. Emmeline Norris

Emmeline Norris, PhD Candidate, Conservation Biology, James Cook University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Travis Head and Annabel Sutherland receive top honours at Cricket Australia Awards

By
Bureau Report
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Image: Travis Head and Annabel Sutherland (Source: Cricket Australia - X)

Travis Head emerged as the runaway winner, polling 208 votes to claim his maiden Allan Border Medal and Annabel Sutherland claimed her first Belinda Clark Award after a record-breaking year in women’s cricket, including a historic 210 against South Africa.

Head edged out Josh Hazlewood (158 votes) and Pat Cummins (147 votes) after a phenomenal 12 months across all formats, scoring 1,427 runs, including four centuries. Meanwhile, Sutherland edged out Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney to claim the honour in a night that saw the Australian women’s team celebrate their Ashes whitewash over England in style.

Award winners:

  • Allan Border Medal – Travis Head
  • Belinda Clark Award – Annabel Sutherland
  • Shane Warne Test Player of the Year – Josh Hazlewood
  • Men’s ODI Player of the Year – Travis Head
  • Women’s ODI Player of the Year – Ash Gardner
  • Men’s T20I Player of the Year – Adam Zampa
  • Women’s T20I Player of the Year – Beth Mooney
  • WBBL|10 Player of the Tournament – Jess Jonassen & Ellyse Perry
  • BBL|14 Player of the Tournament – Cooper Connolly & Glenn Maxwell
  • Bradman Young Cricketer – Sam Konstas
  • Betty Wilson Young Cricketer – Chloe Ainsworth
  • Women’s Domestic Player of the Year – Georgia Voll
  • Men’s Domestic Player of the Year – Beau Webster

For the first time in its 24-year history, the Allan Border Medal was awarded without a single member of Australia’s Test squad in attendance, as the team continued their tour of Sri Lanka.

Head, who was also named ODI Player of the Year, delivered his acceptance speech remotely from Sri Lanka. With Cummins also absent—staying in Sydney to be with his newborn—there was no representation from the men’s Test squad at the country’s most prestigious cricket awards.

The scheduling clash, caused by the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the IPL, has reignited debate over the relevance of the Allan Border Medal.

Despite the unusual circumstances, Head’s triumph reinforces his status as one of Australia’s most dominant cricketers, cementing his place among the nation’s elite.

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“We’re building Australia’s future”: Albanese sets 2025 agenda with cost-of-living support

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Source: X)

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has outlined his government’s priorities for 2025, promising tax cuts, free TAFE, and continued cost-of-living support while criticising the Opposition’s economic policies.

In a series of posts on X, Albanese reaffirmed Labor’s commitment to ensuring “no one is held back and no one is left behind,” highlighting key achievements such as student debt reduction, rental assistance increases, and policies to help Australians buy homes.

“Inflation is going down. Wages are going up. Unemployment is low. After a tough few years, we’ve started 2025 with new reasons to be optimistic.”

In an interview with The Daily Aus, Albanese identified intergenerational equity as a major challenge for young Australians, acknowledging the difficulties of home ownership and the pressures of a rapidly changing workforce. He emphasised that boosting housing supply is the key to addressing rental affordability and noted his government’s 45% increase in rental assistance over two budgets.

Speaking to Labor caucus, Albanese praised Australians’ resilience in the face of natural disasters, acknowledging the floods in Queensland, ongoing bushfires, and a heatwave in southern Australia. He assured Queenslanders that federal resources had been mobilised, including emergency income support and rescue operations.

Looking ahead, Albanese underscored Labor’s commitment to education and workforce development, reaffirming plans to make free TAFE permanent and provide $10,000 in support for construction apprentices. He also praised school funding reforms and efforts to improve literacy and numeracy in early education.

Criticising the Coalition’s economic policies, he warned of potential funding cuts under Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and dismissed their support for government-run nuclear power as unrealistic. He contrasted Labor’s cost-of-living measures—including energy bill relief, cheaper childcare, and tax cuts for all Australians—with what he described as the Coalition’s preference for tax breaks benefiting business owners rather than workers.

“We’re building Australia’s future,” Albanese declared, as Parliament resumes with a packed agenda that includes legislation on free TAFE, childcare subsidies, and keeping the NBN in public hands.

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USA deports 205 Indian illegal status migrants amid immigration crackdown

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Deportation of Indian migrants; Image Source; CANVA
Deportation of Indian migrants; Image Source; CANVA

In a historic first, the United States has deported 205 Indian nationals using a military aircraft as part of President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown.

As per reports the C-17 plane took off from San Antonio, Texas, bound for Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport in Amritsar, Punjab, marking the beginning of a new phase in US deportation policies.

Trump, who introduced military deportation flights last week under his emergency immigration order, defended the move, stating,

“For the first time in history, we are locating and loading illegal aliens into military aircraft and flying them back to the places from which they came.”

India and the US have identified around 18,000 Indian nationals living in the US without legal status as reflected in the list entitled “Noncitizens on the ICE Non-Detained Docket with Final Orders of Removal by Country of Citizenship.” 

Past year alone saw the deportation of over 1,100 Indian migrants, with illegal crossings by Indians reaching a record 90,415 attempts—primarily via the northern border.

Following a call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump expressed confidence in India’s cooperation, stating,

“He (Modi) will do what’s right when it comes to taking back illegal Indian immigrants from America.”

Indians remain the largest recipients of skilled worker visas in the US. In 2023, nearly 78% of all H-1B visas were granted to Indian nationals, underscoring their critical role in STEM industries.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has remained cautious, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating that “it would be premature to talk about the number of undocumented Indians.” However, he reaffirmed India’s stance:

“If any of our citizens are there illegally and if we are sure they are our citizens, we have always been open to their legitimate return to India.”

Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, reinforced the administration’s tough stance, calling it the “largest mass deportation operation in American history.” She stated that any foreign national who entered the U.S. illegally is, by definition, a criminal and subject to deportation. While priority is given to those with criminal records, no undocumented immigrant is exempt.

Additionally, the US Embassy in India reiterated its tough stance, stating to ANI,

“The United States is vigorously enforcing its border, tightening immigration laws, and removing illegal migrants. These actions send a clear message: illegal migration is not worth the risk.”

With Trump’s second term intensifying immigration enforcement, this deportation is likely the first of many. Reports indicate that India will continue verifying the identity of deported nationals before accepting their return.

Apart from Indians, hundreds of Australians, Kiwis, and Fijians are also among the estimated 1.4 million undocumented migrants facing deportation from the US, as President Donald Trump pushes forward with his hardline immigration policy.

Since Trump’s inauguration, ICE has arrested over 3,500 undocumented immigrants, launching deportation flights to their home countries. While the White House insists that the primary focus is on individuals with criminal records, visa overstayers are also at risk. Many Fijians in the U.S., particularly those working in caregiving roles, now live in fear, uncertain of when or if they will be forced to return home.

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Musk-backed Trump shutdown leaves USAID staff locked out

By
Bureau Report
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Image: President Donald Trump and Elon Musk (Source: X)

Staff at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) were ordered to stay away from the agency’s Washington headquarters on Monday after Elon Musk announced that President Donald Trump had agreed with him to shut it down.

More than 600 employees reported being locked out of the agency’s computer systems overnight, according to internal sources. Those still logged in received emails stating that, “at the direction of Agency leadership,” the headquarters building would be closed to personnel on February 3.

The move follows Musk’s comments on X Spaces, where he claimed that USAID was beyond saving. “It became apparent that it’s not an apple with a worm in it. What we have is just a ball of worms,” he said.

“You’ve got to basically get rid of the whole thing. It’s beyond repair.”

Musk, who is leading an unprecedented civilian review of federal agencies with Trump’s backing, declared:

“We’re shutting it down.”

USAID, which oversees humanitarian, development, and security programs in over 120 countries, has been in the crosshairs of Trump, Musk, and Republican lawmakers, who accuse it of promoting liberal causes.

Over the weekend, two senior USAID security officials were placed on leave after refusing to provide classified material to Musk’s inspection teams, according to sources cited by The Associated Press.

Democratic lawmakers have condemned the move, arguing that Trump lacks the constitutional authority to dismantle USAID without congressional approval.

Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has already conducted similar operations at the Treasury Department, where a senior official reportedly resigned over Musk’s team accessing sensitive financial data.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, currently on his first official trip abroad in Central America, has remained silent on the USAID closure. However, the Trump administration has already imposed an unprecedented freeze on foreign assistance, effectively halting key USAID programs worldwide and forcing mass layoffs among aid organizations.

Trump defended the decision in remarks to reporters on Sunday night.

“It’s been run by a bunch of radical lunatics. And we’re getting them out.”

Established under the 1961 Foreign Assistance Act, USAID operates as an independent executive agency, meaning Congress would likely need to approve any move to shut it down.

With USAID controlling a significant portion of the U.S. government’s $68 billion international aid budget, its sudden closure could send shockwaves through global humanitarian efforts, particularly in conflict zones and pandemic response programs.

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Melbourne man jailed for seven years over drugs and illegal firearm

By
Bureau Report
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Image: Man jailed for seven years for weapons, drug trafficking and other offences (Source: AFP)

A 33-year-old Melbourne man has been sentenced to seven years in prison, with a non-parole period of four years and nine months, for a series of offences including drug trafficking and possessing an unregistered loaded firearm.

The County Court of Victoria handed down the sentence on 4 February 2025 after the man pleaded guilty to five charges.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Rick Briggs said the case highlighted the dangers of illicit firearms and drugs in the community.

“AFP officers discovered this illegal loaded firearm in a room where children played, which is disturbing to say the least,” he said.

“This could have been a very different and tragic outcome if a child had found it. The seizure of the money also prevents further criminal activity and makes crime less financially lucrative.”

Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers executed a search warrant at the man’s home on 23 June 2023, uncovering a handgun hidden inside an ottoman in a children’s playroom. Officers also seized approximately 2.5kg of cocaine, 700 grams of MDMA, more than $200,000 in cash, and multiple electronic devices.

The man, allegedly linked to an outlaw motorcycle gang, was charged with and later pleaded guilty to:

  • Trafficking a commercial quantity of cocaine
  • Trafficking a commercial quantity of MDMA
  • Dealing with more than $100,000 in suspected proceeds of crime
  • Possessing an unregistered general category handgun
  • Failing to comply with a legal order under the Crimes Act

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Do big tech companies have a ‘duty of care’ for users?

By
Contributing Author
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Representative image: Screen time (Source: CANVA)

By Lisa M. Given

Large social media companies should have to proactively remove harmful content from their platforms, undergo regular “risk assessments” and face hefty fines if they don’t comply, according to an independent review of online safety laws in Australia.

The federal government has released the final report of the review conducted by experienced public servant Delia Rickard, more than three months after receiving it.

The review comes a few months after Meta announced it will stop using independent fact checkers to moderate content on Facebook, Instagram and Threads.

Rickard’s review contains 67 recommendations in total. If implemented, they would go a long way to making Australians safer from abusive content, cyberbullying and other potential harms encountered online. They would also align Australia to international jurisdictions and address many of the same problems targeted by the social media ban for young people.

However, the recommendations contain serious omissions. And with a federal election looming, the review is not likely to be acted upon until the next term of government.

Addressing online harms at the source

The review recommends imposing a “digital duty of care” on large social media companies.

The federal government has already committed to doing this. However, legislation to implement a digital duty of care has been on hold since November, with discussions overshadowed by the government’s social media ban for under 16s.

The digital duty of care would put the onus on tech companies to proactively address a range of specific harms on their platforms, such as child sexual exploitation and attacks based on gender, race or religion.

It would also provide several protections for Australians, including “easily accessible, simple and user-friendly” pathways to complain about harmful content. And it would position Australia alongside the United Kingdom and the European Union, which already have similar laws in place.

Online service providers would face civil penalties of 5% of global annual turnover or A$50 million (whichever is greater) for non-compliance with the duty of care.

Two new classes of harm – and expanded powers for the regulator

The recommendations also call for a decoupling of the Online Safety Act from the National Classification Scheme. That latter scheme legislates the classification of publications, films and computer games, providing ratings to guide consumers to make informed choices for selecting age-appropriate content.

This shift would create two new classes of harm: content that is “illegal and seriously harmful” and “legal but may be harmful”. This includes material dealing with “harmful practices” such as eating disorders and self-harm.

The review’s recommendations also include provisions for technology companies to undergo annual “risk assessments” and publish an annual “transparency report”.

The review also recommends adults experiencing cyber abuse, and children who are cyberbullied online, should wait only 24 hours following a complaint before the eSafety Commission orders a social media platform to remove the content in question. This is down from 48 hours.

It also recommends lowering the threshold for identifying “menacing, harassing, or seriously offensive” material to that which “an ordinary reasonable person” would conclude is likely to have an effect.

The review also calls for a new governance model for the eSafety Commission. This new model would empower the eSafety Commissioner to create and enforce “mandatory rules” (or codes) for duty of care compliance, including addressing online harms.

The need to tackle misinformation and disinformation

The recommendations are a step towards making the online world safer for everybody. Importantly, they would achieve this without the problems associated with the government’s social media ban for young people – including that it could violate children’s human rights.

Missing from the recommendations, however, is any mention of potential harms from online misinformation and disinformation.

Given the speed of online information sharing, and the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enable online harms, such as deepfake pornography, this is a crucial omission.

From vaccine safety to election campaigns, experts have raised ongoing concerns about the need to combat misinformation.

A 2024 report by the International Panel on the Information Environment found experts, globally, are most worried about “threats to the information environment posed by the owners of social media platforms”.

In January 2025, the Canadian Medical Association released a report showing people are increasingly seeking advice from “problematic sources”. At the same time technology companies are “blocking trusted news” and “profiting” from “pushing misinformation” on their platforms.

In Australia, the government’s proposed misinformation bill was scrapped in November last year due to concerns over potential censorship. But this has left people vulnerable to false information shared online in the lead-up to the federal election this year. As the Australian Institute of International Affairs said last month:

misinformation has increasingly permeated the public discourse and digital media in Australia.

An ongoing need for education and support

The recommendations also fail to provide guidance on further educational supports for navigating online spaces safely in the review.

The eSafety Commission currently provides many tools and resources for young people, parents, educators, and other Australians to support online safety. But it’s unclear if the change to a governance model for the commission to enact duty of care provisions would change this educational and support role.

The recommendations do highlight the need for “simple messaging” for people experiencing harm online to make complaints. But there is an ongoing need for educational strategies for people of all ages to prevent harm from occurring.

The Albanese government says it will respond to the review in due course. With a federal election only months away, it seems unlikely the recommendations will be acted on this term.

Whichever government is elected, it should prioritise guidance on educational supports and misinformation, along with adopting the review’s recommendations. Together, this would go a long way to keeping everyone safe online.

Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Sam Kerr faces court, pleads not guilty to alleged racial harassment charge

By
Bureau Report
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Image: Sam Kerr (Photo: X and Instagram)

Matildas captain Sam Kerr allegedly called a British police officer “f***ing stupid and white” during her arrest at a London police station, dramatic bodycam footage played in court has revealed.

It is reported that the footage shows Kerr, 31, appearing to flaunt her wealth by showing her bank account to the officer and threatening to “post this on Twitter” while stating she would “get the Chelsea lawyers on this.”

Image: Sam Kerr raises her phone to police officers (Photo: X / Source: news.com.au)

Kerr is currently on trial at Kingston Crown Court, facing alleged charges of racially aggravated harassment towards police constable Stephen Lovell during an incident in the early hours of 30 January 2023.

Prosecutors allege that Kerr and her partner, fellow footballer Kristie Mewis, had been out drinking when they took a taxi to Twickenham Police Station after a dispute with the driver. The driver reportedly claimed the pair refused to pay for cleaning costs after one of them vomited in the vehicle and that one of them smashed the rear window.

When officers arrived at the scene, Kerr was allegedly seen crawling out of the broken window before being taken into the station, where she reportedly became abusive towards PC Lovell.

In court, footage was played of Kerr repeatedly telling the officer: “Honestly, you guys are f*ing stupid and white.”** Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones told jurors that PC Lovell was “shocked, upset, and humiliated” by the remarks.

Kerr’s lawyer, Grace Forbes, argued that the comments were not intended to be racist but were rather an expression of frustration about “positions of power and privilege.” She insisted that Kerr did not feel hostile towards the officer because of his race.

The defence also presented Kerr’s claims that she and Mewis felt “trapped and terrified” in the taxi, fearing they were being kidnapped.

It is reported that the bodycam footage shows Kerr referencing the 2021 murder of Sarah Everard by a police officer, stating: “One of your people killed and raped a female last year in Clapham… We were begging to get out.”

Kerr has pleaded not guilty to the alleged charge, which carries a maximum penalty of 26 weeks in jail under UK law. The trial is set to continue, with Kerr expected to testify in the coming days.

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Why Varna slamming and the oppressor-oppressed binary are counterproductive for India’s progress

By
Contributing Author
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Representative image: Kumbh (Source: CANVA)

By Shreyash Sharma

India is no stranger to complexities, especially when it comes to social hierarchies and the challenges embedded within them. As a nation, India has evolved through centuries of history, shaped by diverse cultural, religious, and regional influences. Today, however, as conversations around caste, privilege, and socio-economic inequality gain momentum, the approach to these issues is increasingly polarized.

At its core, shaming is a method by which individuals are criticized, often publicly, for the social or systemic benefits they are perceived to enjoy. In India, this concept takes shape in discourse around caste and socio-economic status, with upper-caste and middle-class individuals often at the center of criticism. Shaming aims to make people more aware of their position and to advocate for those who may be disadvantaged. While well-intentioned in theory, it often devolves into a reductive approach that breeds resentment rather than fostering empathy. One of the issues with shaming caste capital in India’s context is that it tends to overlook the socio-economic struggles that transcend caste. India’s vast population and socio-economic diversity mean that simply labeling individuals as privileged based on their caste or class is simplistic. Given the stark economic disparities within communities, the simplistic binaries of upper-caste versus lower-caste, along with the stereotypical incentives and disincentives ascribed to them, fail to hold up under scrutiny and capture societal nuances. This approach risks alienating individuals who might otherwise be allies in addressing social injustices, as it fosters a sense of shame rather than motivating constructive engagement.

The trend of “Varna slamming” has emerged as the motherhood statement for woke activists and the left intellectual cabal, in which historical Varna categorizations are vilified wholesale, often without contextual understanding. Reducing the entire caste spectrum to a simple oppressor-oppressed narrative flattens a historically complex and multifaceted system, leading to generalizations that are at odds with the realities of many Indians today. This approach risks alienating individuals who might otherwise be allies in addressing social injustices, as it fosters a sense of shame rather than motivating constructive engagement.

One of the most problematic aspects of the modern discourse,  championed by self-anointed progressives from ‘Lutyens’ Delhi’, academics in India’s liberal arts colleges and so-called Dalit activists, is the application of the oppressor-oppressed binary to India’s social structure. Borrowed from Critical Race Theory (CRT) and intersectional frameworks, this binary has limited application in India’s context. Western societies, particularly the U.S., have a different historical trajectory when it comes to race, class, and discrimination, shaped by slavery, segregation, and a dualistic power struggle. Applying this lens to India’s socio-political context can obscure more than it reveals. When this binary is used to categorize entire groups as oppressors or victims, it not only oversimplifies a complex issue but also risks deepening divides. Rajiv Malhotra and Vijaya Vishwanathan, in their seminal work Snakes in the Ganga, caution against this kind of reductionism, arguing that “Western models of systemic oppression, transplanted onto India, fail to address the nuanced realities of Indian society, instead creating divisive rhetoric that serves external agendas.” The focus shifts from addressing societal issues to blaming individuals or groups based on inherited identities, resulting in divisive rhetoric rather than cohesive action. Furthermore, by framing social justice within the bounds of inherited privilege and oppression, this would only increase resentment and accentuates fissures. Malhotra also warns that such binaries serve external agendas: “CRT’s framework is not neutral. Its universal application across non-Western societies is a form of intellectual colonization aimed at destabilizing cultural cohesion and manufacturing new conflicts.”

A stark example of this was the uproar triggered by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s statement during his election campaign that Dalit students fail IIT entrance exams because “papers are set by upper-class professors.” This remark not only oversimplifies systemic issues in education but also alienates educators and students who strive for merit-based inclusion. Reservation, per se, is an extremely contested issue in independent India, therefore the way it is framed not only determines the trajectory of Hindu society but also shapes the future of the world’s largest democracy and navigating the complexities of social harmony and economic progress. Yes, addressing the Dalit issue is imperative, but overdoing caste politics—and fostering a perception that an entire class is inherently malevolent due to caste capital, with the only solution being their systemic disincentivization to achieve substantive equality of outcome—is as detrimental as sectarian exceptionalism. The focus should instead be on improving access to quality education and livelihood for marginalized groups rather than shaming others based on inherited caste identity.

In India’s anglicized elite circles, the widespread circulation and casual use of the term “Brahmanical patriarchy” has become emblematic of such reductionist thinking. I’m tempted to ask, “patriarchy is patriarchy. What does adding ‘Brahmanical’ even mean?” Does it seek to uniquely vilify one community while ignoring the universality of gender hierarchies across all social strata? Or is it simply a convenient rhetorical device to perpetuate divisive narratives? As Malhotra and Vishwanathan observe, “such slogans are not designed to foster reconciliation but to deepen divisions, leveraging historical grievances as weapons to perpetuate victimhood and resentment.” Harvard academic Suraj Yengde has attributed almost every social evil – gender injustice, class struggle, income inequality, oppression of women, caste-based discrimination, religious atrocities – to the fictional monster called ‘Brahmanical patriarchy’. So much so that Yengde identifies as ‘Ambedkarite Africanist’ and in his work ‘Caste Matters’, he also draws direct parallels between Dalits and African-Americans. What’s particularly noteworthy is the selective outrage displayed by the same lobby that excessively highlights caste-based discrimination within Hinduism. Interestingly, Yengde’s entire intellectual corpus rests on isolating Ambedkar’s views on Hinduism and caste. This selective reading allows him to capitalize on and place the blame for every social injustice squarely on Hinduism. However, perhaps Yengde should also consider Ambedkar’s critical views on Islam and other Abrahamic faiths to gain a more balanced perspective. Such scholars have weaponized caste as the primary axis for the oppressor-oppressed binary to transform the issue from a societal one to a political tool.

One would rarely find these scholars providing a barrage of columns to publications decrying the discriminations within Islam, Christianity, or even Sikhism. Instead, there comes a deafening silence. This silence isn’t just hypocrisy; it’s a strategic omission. Malhotra and Vishwanathan argue that “Caste is targeted because it serves as the weakest link to destabilize Hinduism as a cohesive civilizational force. Parallel sectarian hierarchies in Abrahamic faiths are conveniently ignored to maintain their moral high ground.” For example, the discrimination against Dalit Christians within Indian churches or the Shia-Sunni divide within Islam—both of which involve entrenched inequalities and violence with recent examples being terror attacks on Shia muslims in Pakistan—rarely make their way into woke discourses or critical media analysis.Even within caste itself, the complexities of intra-caste discrimination—such as those faced by Dalits at the hands of other Dalit sub-castes—are overlooked. Instead, the focus remains disproportionately fixed on vilifying Hinduism as a monolithic structure of oppression.

The infiltration of Cultural Marxism into India’s caste discourse has further exacerbated these divisions. It thrives by finding new oppressed classes, caste-politics promises good dividend. If anything, these deliberate caste fissures would permanently destroy the sanctity of the Hindu society. We need to destigmatize caste and educate the masses about the historical context of Varna and Jaati, understanding why they existed and how they have evolved. It’s crucial to have open conversations about their relevance and perpetuation in modern India. Varna and Jaati were once important tenets of Hinduism, devised in a different time and context, and have undergone transmorphisms over millennia. It’s time to acknowledge that, in the modern age, we largely no longer operate within such rigid frameworks. We must, therefore, resist the forces that seek to reignite these divisions. Encouragingly, political developments and voter behavior in states like Haryana and Maharashtra show that Indians have the capacity to transcend caste, focusing instead on progress, economic development, and unity.

Contributing Author: Shreyash Sharma is a research assistant at the Department of Public and International Affairs in City University of Hong Kong (CityU).

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Trump hits pause on Mexico and Canada tariffs as trade war fears loom

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: US President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum (Source: X)

In a dramatic turn of events, US President Donald Trump has put his planned tariffs on Mexico on hold for a month after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to deploy 10,000 National Guard troops to curb drug trafficking at the border.

The move, announced after what Trump described as a “very friendly conversation” with Sheinbaum, comes as uncertainty grips global markets, with tariffs on Canada and China still set to take effect on Tuesday.

Trump confirmed that upcoming negotiations will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick, alongside top Mexican officials. Trump posted on social media.

“I look forward to participating in those negotiations, with President Sheinbaum, as we attempt to achieve a ‘deal’ between our two Countries.”

As part of the agreement, Mexico will immediately station troops at its northern border to disrupt drug flows, particularly fentanyl, while the US has committed to working on halting the trafficking of high-powered weapons into Mexico. However, the last-minute pause has done little to ease concerns over a looming trade war.

Despite the temporary reprieve for Mexico, financial markets remained on edge. The stock market opened with a selloff before recovering slightly, reflecting ongoing uncertainty about the economic fallout of Trump’s aggressive trade policies. Critics argue that the tariffs will drive up prices and slow global growth, with Trump himself admitting that his measures could cause “some pain” for Americans.

Meanwhile Canada remains uncertain whether it can secure a similar delay, citing shifting demands from Washington. In response to Trump’s executive order, both Canada and Mexico had vowed retaliatory tariffs, but Mexico has opted to hold off for now.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has urged his country to prepare for countermeasures, warning that US consumers will bear the brunt of rising costs on essential goods like food, fuel, and cars.

Trump has invoked emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to justify the tariffs, framing them as a necessary measure to combat drug trafficking and illegal immigration. His administration claims that Mexico and Canada serve as major conduits for fentanyl and other narcotics entering the US.

As tensions mount, Trump remains steadfast in his approach. “This will be the golden age of America!” he declared on social media, dismissing concerns over economic instability.

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Kiwi man faces court over alleged $6.5M cocaine smuggling attempt

By
Bureau Report
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Image: New Zealand national charged over alleged 20kg cocaine import through Sydney Airport (Source: AFP)

A New Zealand national appeared before Downing Centre Local Court on 3 February 2025 after being charged with allegedly attempting to smuggle 20kg of cocaine into Australia, concealed in his luggage.

Australian Border Force (ABF) officers reportedly uncovered the illicit drugs on Saturday (1 February 2025) when they selected the 21-year-old man for a baggage search upon his arrival at Sydney Airport from the United States.

During the search, officers allegedly found 22 vacuum-sealed packages of a white substance hidden in his suitcase. Initial testing confirmed the substance was cocaine, prompting ABF officers to alert the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

The AFP charged the man with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, an offence under section 307.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth) that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Authorities estimate the seized cocaine could have been sold as nearly 100,000 street deals, with a potential value of $6.5 million.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Luke Needham highlighted the agency’s ongoing efforts to disrupt drug smuggling networks.

“This man is the third person charged by the AFP in the past fortnight for allegedly trying to smuggle illicit drugs into Australia hidden in luggage,” Det A/Supt Needham said.

“The AFP and its partners are working tirelessly to disrupt all levels of the drug trade and stop anyone who tries to profit at the expense of our community.”

ABF Superintendent Elke West credited officers’ intuition and training for the drug detection.

“Our officers are trained to detect changes in behaviour and body language and rely on their instincts when observing passengers,” Superintendent West said.

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Political donations data show who’s funding whom in Australia – but they are coming out far too late

By
Contributing Author
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Representative image: Political donation (Source: CANVA)

By Kate Griffiths and Jessica Geraghty

As federal parliament reconvenes this week, the pre-election buzz is palpable. When will the election be called? Which policies are on the table? And who’s backing whom in this election campaign?

While the first two questions are yet to be answered, we ought to have a better sense of the third with the release of the annual political donations data.

There’s plenty to unpick in the new data but there’s one glaring problem: we are only just now learning about donations made in 2023–24. Australians are left in the dark about who is donating right now.

Here’s what happened in 2023–24

In 2023–24, Australia’s political parties collectively raised $166 million, with most of the money (85%) flowing to the major parties. In federal election years the totals can be more than double this, and donations at the past two federal elections have been heavily dominated by Clive Palmer giving to his own party (in 2019 and 2022).

The Coalition raised $74 million in 2023–24, with Labor not far behind on $68 million. The Greens were a distant third, with $17 million. Independents collectively declared just $2 million. In the lead-up to the last federal election, Labor raised $124 million, and the Coalition raised $115 million, so we would expect the major parties are raising much more right now.

The big donors

A few big donors dominate the $12 million in donations to political parties that are on the public record.

Billionaire Anthony Pratt donated $1 million to Labor (through Pratt Holdings), while the Coalition was supported by billionaires Harry Triguboff (through Meriton Property Services) and Gina Rinehart (Hancock Prospecting), to the tune of around half a million dollars each. Both Labor and the Coalition also received major donations from their investment arms (Labor Holdings and Cormack Foundation, respectively).

Other major donations included $575,000 to the Greens from Duncan Turpie, a longtime backer of the party; $474,000 from Climate 200 backing several independents (mainly Zoe Daniel and Monique Ryan); and $360,000 to the Greens from Lisa Barlow’s conservation trust.

The big donor missing here is Clive Palmer. The size of his donations – $117 million in 2022 and $84 million in 2019 – blow everyone else out of the water, but he tends only to donate in election years. We won’t know how much he’s spending on the current election campaign until February 2026.

What needs to change

Money matters because it helps spread political messages far and wide. But when political parties are highly dependent on a small number of powerful individuals, businesses, and unions, to fund their campaigns, this dependence creates enormous risks of private influence over decision-making in the public interest.

That’s why Australians need to know – in real time – who’s funding election campaigns.

Under the current rules, it takes at least seven months and sometimes up to 19 months for a large federal donation to be made public. Yet at state level, donations must be made public within a month during election campaigns, and within six months at other times.

Introducing quicker disclosure requirements at the federal level would mean Australians would know who’s donating while policy issues – and elections – are still “live”.

The donations disclosure threshold should also be lowered to give Australians better visibility of substantial donors. In 2023–24, declared donations made up only 7% of political parties’ total income. There are other sources of income on the public record (including public funding), but about 45% of party income remains hidden because the disclosure threshold is so high.

There is no exact science to choosing a threshold, but the current level of $16,900 is well above the amount an ordinary Australian could afford to contribute to a political cause.

This high threshold is made much worse by the fact that political parties are not required to aggregate multiple donations from the same donor. That means, for example, one donor could make many donations of $15,000, but because each is below the threshold, the party doesn’t need to declare them. The donor is expected to declare themselves to the Australian Electoral Commission, but this is almost impossible to police.

The federal government has a bill before the Senate that would reduce the donations disclosure threshold to $1,000, and make release of donations data more timely. These changes would substantially improve transparency around money in politics. But the bill also includes more complex reforms that may stall the progress of these transparency measures.

Better and more timely information on political donations is urgently needed as a public check on the influence of money in politics.

Let’s hope this is the last election Australians are left in the dark on who funds our political parties.

Kate Griffiths, Deputy Program Director, Budgets and Government, Grattan Institute and Jessica Geraghty, Senior Associate, Grattan Institute

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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How Ravi and Anuja used their Australian experience to reinvent India’s humble chuski

By
AMIT SARWAL
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Image: Ravi and Anuja Kabra, Co-founders of Skippi (Source: Instagram)

Ravi Kabra, who worked as an export consultant and manager in Australia from 2013 to 2020, partnered with his wife Anuja to modernise the traditional chuski.

Drawing on their 17 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, the Kabras set out to create a healthier, tastier alternative – Skippi Ice Pops, inspired by a family member’s struggle to find safe and trusted chuskis in India.

However, their journey wasn’t without its hurdles. The COVID-19 pandemic halted production and resulted in mounting losses. But the Kabras persevered, and in 2021, they launched Skippi Ice Pops, reviving the nostalgic treat with better flavours, RO water, and absolutely no artificial colours or flavours.

The breakthrough came when Skippi secured an All Shark Deal on Shark Tank India, attracting ₹1 crore in funding. This propelled the brand to national fame, resulting in a staggering 40x revenue growth. From a regional distributor, Skippi evolved into a household name, now available in over 10,000 outlets across 25 states.

But the Kabras’ success didn’t end there. In 2022, Skippi launched innovative Freezer Bikes, making it easier for entrepreneurs to sell Skippi pops on the go. This venture was recognised with accolades, including the prestigious Economic Times Award for Corporate Excellence.

Today, Skippi generates ₹2.8 crore in monthly sales (A$526,400), exports internationally, and continues to revolutionise the ice pop industry with its 100% natural ingredients and hygienic production standards.

From a humble beginning to becoming an international success story, Skippi Ice Pops is redefining the frozen treat experience for health-conscious consumers and nostalgic ice pop lovers alike.

Support Our Journalism

The global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today—with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors—is doing just that. Sustaining this requires support from wonderful readers like you.

Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon

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