Stories from Sydney · Australia

A majority of tunnel construction workers face exposure to hazardous silica dust. This dust can cause incurable diseases including silicosis and lung cancer. University of Sydney researcher Kate Cole stated that despite workers being aware of the dangers, studies show ongoing issues preventing effective dust control. The exposure is attributed to project time pressures. Researcher Kate Cole stated that 14% of respondents have been impacted by the dust. Most workers reported difficulties in implementing effective prevention measures.

Alex Rivchen, Co-Chief Executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, stated that a Royal Commission should investigate how police resourcing decisions were made ahead of the Bondi event. Actions taken include bolstering security agency resources, tackling anti-Semitism, cracking down on hate preachers, and delivering tougher gun laws. Albanese noted that the government brought parliament back in January to pursue these measures, though full parliamentary support for all objectives was not achieved. The inquiry follows a spate of anti-Semitic attacks in the United Kingdom. The source described the situation in the UK as a national security emergency. The shooting, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration, killed 15 people and was Australia's deadliest mass shooting in 30 years.

Woolworths reported third-quarter sales of $18.1 billion, exceeding expectations. The supermarket giant recorded a 4.5 percent increase in sales. The company stated its prices were a factor in the performance.

G8 informed investors yesterday that the company will suspend operations at approximately 40 underperforming centers. The company is considering long-term options including lease surrender, divestment, or other alternatives.

One Nation leader Pauline Hansen revealed that mining magnate Gina Reinhart donated a luxury four-seater aeroplane to the party. The aircraft is valued at approximately $1. The Centre for Public Integrity described the donation as a negative sign for democracy.

The National Crisis Management Committee was not convened following a probable terrorism attack, according to government protocol. The 2025 terrorism plan introduced by the federal government contained no new funding.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) is facing scrutiny regarding the redirection of resources away from counter-terrorism toward countering foreign espionage and interference since 2020.

The New South Wales Police faced harsh scrutiny regarding their response to an ASIO assessment of a probable attack. The federal government stated it will implement all 14 recommendations from the interim report next week.

Australia currently has no mandatory requirements for clothing brands to disclose the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in garments. While California and New York have already implemented bans on PFAS in clothing, the Australian market has not followed suit.

Meteorologists state that global temperatures are likely to remain at high levels throughout 2026 due to a general upward trend in global temperatures.