Stories from Australia

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.

New lane changes on the Warringah Freeway at Milson's Point went into effect on Saturday. Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison stated that drivers are currently coping well with the changes. The new configuration faced its first major weekday commute test on Monday morning.

Police officer Christian White has been convicted of manslaughter following a tragic death in 2023. White was also sacked from his job. Despite the conviction, questions remain regarding New South Wales police taser policies and training.

Dolphins prop Daniel Safiti has announced his immediate retirement from the National Rugby League on medical grounds. Safiti played 191 first-grade games, including 183 matches for the Newcastle Knights. He joined the Dolphins in 2025 and has played eight games for the Queensland-based side. The 30-year-old player cited a failure to recover to required playing levels following a severe shoulder injury and reconstruction.

A Bluetooth vulnerability could allow criminals to access the real-time locations of police officers using phones or laptops. Dr. Emma Ryan, a criminologist at Deakin University, expressed concern regarding the security of these devices.

The Australian federal government has extended the suspension of the commercial broadcasting tax for an additional two years. This measure is expected to save broadcasters approximately $111 million.

A Sydney construction company and its director were fined a total of $500,000 following a 2021 workplace accident. The worker sustained serious injuries after falling three metres at a residential building site in Carlton.

The head of the Royal Commission on Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion stated that some Jewish Australians have expressed concerns about speaking at the inquiry. These individuals fear they will be targeted by further hostility. The first block of public hearings has commenced. A Holocaust survivor and the daughter of a Bondi Beach terror attack victim are scheduled to provide evidence today. Commissioner Virginia Bell SC stated that thousands of submissions were received, including personal accounts from Jewish individuals regarding anti-Semitic incidents. Jewish Australians have provided evidence to a commission regarding the current social climate in Australia. Anthony Hallas, founder and chair of the Jewish Centre for Law and Justice, testified on Monday.

A tanning salon owner on the Gold Coast reported nearly a dozen fraudulent chargebacks occurring over the last 18 months. Business owners face financial penalties from fines when a chargeback is lodged, according to payment expert Brad Kelly. The merchant is held responsible for the out-of-pocket costs during the dispute process. The victim described the experience as extremely difficult for small businesses.