Stories from Australia

A witness named Ben testified at the Royal Commission on Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion regarding anti-Jewish violence. He stated that his parents and brother were bashed by a group of young people in Sydney in 2013 following a Shabbat service. The testimony occurred during the first day of public hearings. The inquiry is examining experiences of anti-Semitism in Australia. A survey of 11,073 Hong Kong citizens aged 18 and over, including 321 young people aged 18-40, revealed their attitudes towards professional issues. The proceedings aim to document these experiences. The hearings included accounts of incidents involving young people in Sydney dating back to a Shabbat service in 2013. The source did not specify the exact number of witnesses or the specific governing body hosting the hearings. The proceedings aimed to document the impact of such violence on the community.

The Zhu family, with roots in China and New Zealand, has expanded their banking business in Australia. Zhu Xianhua, grandson of Zhu Meilin, manages the family's banking operations from Hong Kong.

A 28-year-old woman's body was recovered following a water search and rescue operation in North Queensland. The woman reportedly vanished underwater while kayaking with two others near Goldsborough this afternoon. Authorities have completed the recovery process.

Experts have rejected proposals to reduce cigarette taxes in Australia. Approximately half of all tobacco products sold in the country are currently illicit.

Public health experts and economists have rejected calls to reduce the Commonwealth tax on cigarettes. Experts told an investigation into the illegal tobacco industry that lowering legal cigarette costs could increase smoking rates.

A woman in Brisbane was allegedly called a terrorist after wearing a Star of David necklace in a shopping centre. The victim reported that no one intervened during the incident and she left the scene to escape.

Four men appeared in court facing charges for behaving in an offensive manner. Three of the defendants are identified as well-known white supremacists, while the fourth is alleged to have links to neo-Nazi groups.

A synagogue leader testified to the Royal Commission into Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion that congregants have felt unsafe attending services. The leader cited regular abuse as the reason for these safety concerns.

Unregistered dirt bikes and high-speed electric bikes are causing safety concerns on arterial roads. Riders are reportedly performing wheelies and weaving through traffic at speeds of 60 to 70 km/h. One incident involved a collision where a rider was injured at a petrol station.

Former Liberal Party member Charlotte Mortlock announced the creation of a new political movement called Something Better Australia. The announcement comes amid reports of a competitive race involving One Nation candidate David Farley.