Australia Hardens Stance On Israel After UN Report
Wong Responds to UN Finding on Gaza
Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, has stated that the situation in Gaza had “gone beyond the world’s worst fears” following a UN commission of inquiry's conclusion that Israel had committed genocide. The UN report, released Tuesday, found that top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had incited these acts.
In a formal statement, Wong noted that the Australian government has previously “condemned Israel’s denial of aid and the killing of civilians seeking to access water and food.”
The Netanyahu government is more isolated than ever. Israel will be judged by the international court of justice on its compliance with the genocide convention.
We reiterate our demand on the Netanyahu government to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, and to stop undermining a two state solution.
Wong reaffirmed the government's unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and reiterated the call for the immediate release of all hostages.
Coalition Divided Over Climate Policy
The Coalition is facing internal turmoil over its stance on climate policy. Nationals MP Michael McCormack did not rule out the possibility of another split between the Liberal and National parties over the net zero target. He suggested that the two parties could adopt different positions on climate policy, stating to the ABC:
We will worry about that if and when it happens but the thing that we are very concerned about is energy prices, we are very concerned about taking up valuable farmland with the green energy projects that won’t reduce the global temperature by anything.
In response, Pat Conroy, the minister of the defence industry, dismissed the opposition's stance as out of touch. Conroy remarked:
I think he’s condemning Australians to a very bleak future if he ever got into power. He’s symptomatic of an opposition that’s woefully out of place, out of touch with both the science and the views of the Australian people.
Australia and PNG Forge New Defence Pact
Australia and Papua New Guinea are set to sign a landmark defence agreement, known as the Pukpuk treaty, which includes a mutual defence clause in the event of a military attack. The agreement is scheduled to be signed during celebrations for PNG's 50th anniversary of independence.
This treaty is seen as a strategic move to counter China's growing influence in the Pacific region. Both Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and PNG’s Defence Minister Billy Joseph have assured that the agreement will not compromise PNG's sovereignty.
Stricter Social Media Rules for Minors Ahead
Australia’s online safety watchdog has issued new guidance for social media platforms ahead of a ban on under-16 users, which will be enforced from December. The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, stated that platforms must use the “most minimally invasive techniques” for age verification.
The guidelines require a multi-layered approach, preventing users from simply self-declaring their age. Platforms cannot force users to provide government ID as the sole method of verification and are expected to use other data to infer age reliably. Companies will also need to address the use of VPNs to bypass the ban and proactively remove existing underage accounts.
Domestic News Roundup
Tragic Gas Leak at Sydney Restaurant
One person has died and seven others, including five police officers, have been hospitalized following a gas leak at a restaurant in Riverstone, Sydney. Fire and Rescue Superintendent Adam Dewberry confirmed that hazardous levels of carbon monoxide were detected inside the building. Emergency services are working to secure the site and investigate the source of the leak.
UNSW and OpenAI Announce Major Partnership
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) has announced a significant deal with OpenAI to provide the ChatGPT Edu platform to all 10,000 of its permanent staff. This marks the largest educational agreement with the US-based AI company in Australia. UNSW Vice-Chancellor Prof Attila Brungs emphasized that the initiative aims to explore AI's value in a secure and responsible manner, with a commitment to maintaining ethical and privacy standards.
One Nation Appoints New Senator
Sean Bell, a long-serving staffer in Pauline Hanson’s office, has been named as One Nation’s new senator, replacing Warwick Stacey who resigned due to health reasons. Bell, who has worked with Hanson for nine years, stated his focus will be on ending “mass immigration, wasteful spending, and ideological agendas that punish working Australians.”
Victoria's Machete Amnesty Program Success
The Victorian government’s machete amnesty program has resulted in the surrender of over 1,300 weapons in its first two weeks. The program is part of a broader ban on machetes, which became a prohibited weapon in the state on September 1. Acting Premier Ben Carroll hailed the program as a success in making the community safer.
Super Retail Group CEO Fired
Super Retail Group, the parent company of Rebel Sport and Supercheap Auto, has terminated the employment of its CEO and Managing Director, Anthony Heraghty, effective immediately. The board's decision came after receiving new information regarding his workplace relationship with the company’s former chief human resources officer, which they concluded had not been satisfactorily disclosed.
Sydney Airport Expansion Plans
Sydney Airport has announced its most significant expansion since the 2000 Olympics, with plans to add up to 14 new international gates. The project aims to nearly double passenger numbers to 72 million annually by 2045, connecting the T2 and T3 domestic terminals to handle overseas flights and enhance capacity.
