Stories from Melbourne · Australia

Aboriginal Elder Mark Brown faced verbal abuse and racial slurs while welcoming an audience at a memorial service for fallen soldiers in Melbourne.

The Victorian ALP's campaign donation laws have been struck down as unconstitutional. The legislation was reportedly rushed through the Senate and the lower house with only 24 hours for consultation. The technical document allowed major parties to access significantly more donations than independents, creating an unlevel playing field. Victoria's High Court scrapped the state's political donation and disclosure laws last month. Previously, political parties in Victoria were capped at just under $5,000. Independents argued these laws gave major parties an unfair advantage, a move that was criticized by those major parties.

Four individuals identified as so-called ISIS brides and their nine children are scheduled to arrive in Melbourne and Sydney. The group is expected to land in Australia soon, according to the report. No specific arrival dates or flight details were provided in the broadcast.

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion heard testimony regarding Jewish students being taunted during school excursions.

A gambling corporation has secured rights to operate in Victoria until 2068. The agreement includes a $1 billion payment to the state. Tim Costello from the Alliance for Gambling Reform stated that the Labor government is prioritizing revenue over reducing gambling harms.

Melbourne United head coach Dean Vickerman announced he will leave the NBL club to explore opportunities overseas. Vickerman led the team for nine seasons and won three coach of the year awards. During his tenure, he guided United to two championships.

The Carlton football club has been fined $75,000 for failing to remove Elijah Hollins from the ground. The fine follows an incident involving the player. The source did not specify the exact nature of the failure or the timing of the incident.

The Australian federal government is reviewing plans for the 1,600-kilometre Melbourne to Brisbane inland rail project. Concerns have been raised that the project could cost more than $45 billion to complete. The project was intended to provide faster and more resilient freight services, reduce road usage, and lower emissions. The project is highlighted as a cost-effective transportation infrastructure investment.

The lottery organization that held the privatized license in Victoria has been awarded a 40-year license by the government. The deal includes an upfront payment of over $1 billion. Following the award, the organization's budget moved from a deficit to a surplus.

Victorian Treasurer Jacqueline Sim presented a budget focused on cost of living measures amid rising inflation and global volatility. The budget lacks a clear plan to address the state's high levels of debt, according to reports.