Stories from Sydney · Australia

An inquiry into anti-Semitism in Australia is recommending stronger policing and anti-terrorism capabilities. The commission follows an attack last December that killed 15 people celebrating Hanukkah.

A report recommends an urgent review of counterterrorism agencies in Australia. An inquiry has issued 14 total recommendations intended to ensure a specific type of incident never happens again. The BBC World Service confirmed there are 14 recommendations in total aimed at ensuring the event never happens again. An interim report from the Australian Royal Commission into anti-Semitism and social cohesion found a Jewish security group warned New South Wales Police of a high threat rating. The group sent a risk assessment ahead of the December 14 Hanukkah by the Sea event, warning a terror attack against the state's Jewish community was likely. New South Wales Police stated the Eastern Suburbs Command received no specific request for dedicated police resources, despite acknowledging a request for a police presence.

A commission in Australia is investigating the ideological drivers behind attacks against Jewish women. The source did not specify the nature of the secret recommendations or the specific body issuing them. The commission is examining whether gun reforms in Australia, such as buyback schemes and firearm ownership caps, are being addressed with sufficient seriousness. Queensland has reportedly refused to participate in the buyback scheme or impose ownership caps. The source stated that while violent attacks have not increased, daily abuse and online hate speech against Jewish Australians have remained at a high level for two and a half years. The interim report is described as a step in a process that will require time to digest and implement. A Federal Royal Commission interim report released April 30 identified last year's mass shooting at Bondi Beach as an antisemitic attack.

Cricket Australia is considering alternatives to its plan to privatize the Big Bash T20 League. The organization failed to reach a consensus with Australian states regarding the proposal. Influential cricket figures in Australia voiced opposition to opening the league to private investment despite the potential for a major capital boost. The decision follows a plan to restructure ownership within the league. The announcement was made by Jack Hahn.

Federal and state governments announced a $3 million loan to maintain the workforce at Liberty Bell Bay. The facility has been under care and maintenance since May. Administrators are currently conducting an expedited sale of the entity.

A policy shakeup in New South Wales is replacing more than 100 specially trained teachers with untrained clerks. These specialist home school liaison officers were previously tasked with improving school attendance rates for thousands of students. The New South Wales Teachers Federation expressed concern over the replacement of these roles. The 21-year-old player has previously played for the Blues and the Gilleroo's. Commentators described her as an absolute star and a force to be reckoned with. New South Wales coach is John Stroud.

Teagan Berry is confirmed to make her Origin debut off the bench. New South Wales assistant coach Ruann Sims stated she is not expecting any late changes to the side. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:45.

Noisy miners are observed hanging out together to detect potential threats. Associate Professor Ord explained that this cooperation has been seen in other groups, including mixed mammal species in Africa like antelopes, giraffes, and warthogs.

Approximately five Australians were captured by Israeli Defence forces after several boats in the global Sumit Flotilla were intercepted near the coast.

The New South Wales Teachers Federation has called on the education minister to halt a departmental shakeup of school attendance policy. The federation described the changes as a reckless departmental shakeup. They argued the current homeschool liaison office teacher role is critical for reintegrating tens of thousands of students who struggled to return to school post-COVID. The federation stated the Department of Education has not provided an evidence base to justify the changes. The New South Wales Teachers Federation reports that more than 100 specially trained teachers intended to improve school attendance rates are being replaced with untrained clerks. This move affects the New South Wales education system.