Stories from Australia

A Four Corners investigation revealed a major security flaw in thousands of tasers and body-worn cameras used by Australian police. The flaw allows criminals to detect and track officers, posing safety risks particularly to undercover personnel.

One Nation candidate Darren Hercus secured 24% of the primary vote in the Napian by-election on the Mornington Peninsula. Jess Wilson acknowledged the need for her party to improve performance ahead of the statewide election in November. Wilson stated the party needs to listen to voters following the results. The by-election took place south of Melbourne. Anthony Marsh of the Victorian Liberal Party secured the state seat of Napian in a regional New South Wales by-election. The victory follows a previous 48% vote share for the Liberals in the Mornington Peninsula seat four years ago. The win is described as a victory for the party's young leader, Jess Wilson. Milthorpe, one of 12 candidates vying for the seat, stated she has done as much as possible and it is now up to the voters. She noted that over 700 to 800 volunteers are actively working today.

Penrith secured a 18-16 victory over Manly Warringah at Western Sydney Stadium to consolidate its position at the top of the NRL ladder. Interim coach Kieran Four led the team through the match, which featured a six-all stalemate during much of the first half.

Police are offering rewards to solve the disappearance of Lauren Day, who went missing in October nearly 30 years ago. An inquest found Day was deceased after she was last seen driving a car with a tall male passenger.

A newborn baby was found dead inside a tent in Wagga Wagga on Saturday. Another baby is currently fighting for life in hospital. A 37-year-old woman is also receiving medical treatment following the discovery. Authorities were called to the scene at Wagga Beach. A local councillor stated the death is a result of a worsening housing crisis in the region. The woman is believed to have been sleeping rough at the time of the incident. Emergency crews located the body, and a second infant along with a 37-year-old woman, who had recently given birth, were taken to hospital in critical condition. Local councillor Richard Foley commented that the death is a tragedy and indicates the housing crisis is severe.

Reliance on welfare has surged among Australia's working-age population. Welfare reliance among the working-age population in Australia has surged.

The number of working-age Australians relying on welfare payments has surged, according to a report by Jeff Chambers in the Australian. The report raises questions regarding whether payouts for retiring public servants in the ACT are sufficient for long-term living.

The Queensland state government is opening six parcels of land at major ports to improve fuel security. Premier David Christopher Lee stated the sites will be used to build new private fuel storage facilities and refineries.

The Australian Ministry of Defence has released multiple reports regarding progress on the AUKUS and SSN-AUKUS submarine projects. Future plans include potential integration of US ballistic missiles onto Hobart-class destroyers for joint operations with the US Navy. Multiple key sub-projects have reportedly been established as the project moves into a new construction stage. The development aims to enhance Australia's long-range maritime capabilities and underwater surveillance. The strategy includes the deployment of attack submarines capable of launching ballistic missiles and conducting covert underwater operations to disrupt maritime energy and transport lines. The development focuses on enhancing Australia's undersea capabilities and potential long-range strike capacity. Analysts noted that while Hobart-class destroyers focus on air defense, close military cooperation with the U.S.

The Coalition has called for an independent inquiry into the governance and maintenance of town camps in Alice Springs following the death of Kumunjay Little Baby. More than 1,000 people reside in these town camps.