Stories from Canberra · Australia

Shadow Attorney General Jonathan Dunham criticized the government's response to a report indicating a 50% increase in terror events in Australia in 2024.

Shadow Attorney General Jonathan Dunneam confirmed the opposition has not yet received a formal briefing from the government regarding a report on counterterrorism resources. The report follows findings that dedicated counterterrorism resources have fallen sharply.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is proposing legislation to charge technology companies for using Australian news text and images. The bill targets tech firms generating more than 150 million euros in revenue within Australia.

New Zealand basketball player Sean Robarty has signed with the Canberra Capitals for the upcoming WNBL season. The 25-year-old, 180-centimetre tall international previously made her league debut with the Adelaide Lightning last season.

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion released an interim report containing 14 recommendations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had previously resisted calls for the commission, citing concerns regarding the length of the process. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the commission's findings suggest a review of federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies is necessary. Albanese noted that certain processes could risk providing a platform for antisemitic views. The commission's work follows an announcement by the Prime Minister on January 8 to address social cohesion. Commissioner Bell will continue inquiries over the coming months to meet the terms of reference. The final report is due on December 14, exactly one year after the Bondi terror attack. Public hearings are expected to be the next stage of the process.

The Antisemitism Role Commission released 14 interim recommendations following the Bondi Beach terror attack in December. Proposed measures include increasing security at high-risk Jewish events and prioritizing a national gun buyback scheme.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed recommendations from the Royal Commission on Anti-Corruption. The National Security Committee met to formalize the adoption of the findings. A full-scale press conference was held to indicate the government is acting on the document. The report was received on the morning of Thursday, April 30, 2026. Proposed measures include increasing police presence at high-risk Jewish events and transitioning the counter-terrorism coordinator into a full-time role. The commission's report included 14 specific recommendations for the Commonwealth. Albanese noted the Commission found no gaps in legal or regulatory frameworks that affected the ability of authorities to prevent or respond to the Bondi Beach terror attack. The specific timeline for implementing the report's recommendations remains unclear.

The Australian government announced a proposal to tax major IT companies that refuse to enter payment agreements with news organizations for content use. Australia plans to submit a bill to parliament during the July-August session to tax IT companies that refuse to enter payment agreements for news usage.

An interim report from a Royal Commission is expected to identify weaknesses in Australia's counter-terror systems. The inquiry made 14 recommendations for accountability and reform. Liberal leader Angus Taylor stated he has not yet fully reviewed the report but expressed concern regarding the initial sections. The coalition is expected to provide a full response to the report later today. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the report aims to help the Jewish community understand the Bondi attack and prevent future hatred. Five of the recommendations are classified due to sensitivity. Proposed measures include improved policing for high-risk Jewish events, a review of counterterrorism teams, and prioritizing a national firearms agreement. An interim report released yesterday contains 14 recommendations, five of which will remain confidential.

A new poll indicates more than half of Australians believe 'Welcome to Country' ceremonies have become divisive. The report notes that ceremonies are being perceived as overdone, potentially losing their original meaning.