Stories from Australia

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has opened a voluntary redundancy round that is expected to result in hundreds of job losses. The move comes amid discussions regarding funding cuts and efficiency measures. One commentator noted that these cuts occur despite an Interim Royal Commission report indicating an increased threat level in counter-terrorism. Critics argue the cuts are poorly timed given the increased threat level identified in a recent interim Royal Commission report. This measure will be included in next week's budget, which focuses on spending restrictions and savings. Liberal MP Aaron Violi stated the government is adopting an idea previously warned about by the opposition. The opposition claims they warned the Labor government before the last election that the bureaucracy was expanding too rapidly.

The Coalition plans to focus on housing policy to address difficulties faced by young people. Median house prices in Sydney have exceeded one million dollars, which is impacting affordability.

Transport for New South Wales has conducted a trial of noise camera technology designed to detect vehicle noise levels. The cameras are capable of capturing audio in addition to video and still photography.

Emergency services are responding to a hazardous material incident on the Hume Freeway in Glenrowan. The status of the incident is currently listed as responding.

A Sydney tribunal ordered New South Wales upper house MP Mark Latham to pay fellow MP Alex Grenich $100,000 in compensation.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers stated that housing will be the primary focus of the upcoming federal government budget. The budget is scheduled to be handed down in just under two weeks. This announcement follows the release of the Interim Antisemitism Royal Commission report.

An interim report has raised questions regarding counter-terrorism funding and coordination. The report noted that specific answers regarding the assessment of a recent event have not yet been obtained.

Authorities announced that Kumanjai, a baby, has been found safe and well. Senator Jacinta Nampagimpur Price, the child's aunt, commented on the situation. The Northern Territory Chief Minister stated that the current priority is locating 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis.

An interim report from a Royal Commission revealed that an Australian Jewish group warned the government of an attack days before a mass shooting in December. The shooting occurred on a beach during a Hanukkah celebration and killed 15 people.

An inquiry into anti-Semitism in Australia is recommending stronger policing and anti-terrorism capabilities. The commission follows an attack last December that killed 15 people celebrating Hanukkah.