Stories from Australia

Police reported that a 28-year-old woman died after falling into the Mulgrave River in Goldsborough, south of Cairns. She was kayaking with a man and a boy when the incident occurred.

Philip Morris International has been granted permission to provide evidence to a federal parliamentary inquiry in private. The inquiry is investigating illicit tobacco in Canberra. Health experts participated in the hearing, which was closed to the public for approximately 45 minutes without explanation. The source did not provide a reason for the private session. The testimony is expected to be published at a later date. The proceedings included participants such as Michael Milken, Milken Institute Chair, Kevin Hassett, and Brad Gursky. Philip Morris provided evidence during an inquiry, according to a report from ABC Radio National. Executives from tobacco company Philip Morris attended a closed-door Senate meeting in the Australian Federal Parliament.

The Australian federal government is changing the fringe benefits tax exemption for electric vehicles. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is slashing a tax break for new electric vehicles to address budget cutbacks. Drivers currently exempt from fringe benefits tax on electric vehicles valued under $91,000 will no longer receive the benefit. The source stated the scheme had exceeded its intended amount by 15 times. The move follows years of scrutiny regarding the policy's cost. All electric vehicles will be taxed at a 75% Fringe Benefits Tax rate starting in April 2029. Chris Bowen stated the change to the exemption is expected to save the budget $1.7 billion over the next four years. The policy change may influence consumer behavior, with some Australians potentially choosing more affordable EVs priced below $75,000 instead of the current $91,000 threshold from 2027 onwards.

Police have charged 18 individuals following violent riots involving dozens of people storming local businesses. The suspects, including a 17-year-old boy and men and women aged 20 to 49, face charges including aggravated burglary and theft.

Kobe Evans, an 18-year-old player for the Lions, has apologized multiple times after allegedly using a slur against a Coburg player over the weekend. The Lions stated that Evans is extremely remorseful and takes full responsibility for the incident.

A student was subjected to Nazi salutes during proceedings at a Royal Commission.

Police arrested a 24-year-old childcare worker at a center in Penrith in Sydney's southwest late last month. He was later granted bail.

Polling indicates support for One Nation is between 23% and 26%. The Greens maintain approximately 12% support. Data suggests higher proportions of support for One Nation among younger voters. The coalition is experiencing internal discussions regarding differing views among its members. The party secured the second highest number of votes among all political parties, though Labor ultimately won the elections. This outcome is being viewed as the first federal test of One Nation's support. This outcome was witnessed on Saturday night.

Australia's leading tobacco control advocacy organisation has condemned a federal parliamentary inquiry into illicit cigarettes. Public hearings for the inquiry began today but were closed to the public for approximately 45 minutes without explanation.

Researchers have identified the Kungaka spiny-tailed skink as a distinct species following genetic analysis. Only 20 specimens have been counted by scientists in a rocky gorge in Australia. The species was previously misidentified as a more common type of spiny-tailed skink.