Stories from Australia

Former special adviser Dennis Richardson raised concerns regarding how authorities scrutinized the gunman before last year's terrorist attack. Richardson questioned if early intelligence assessments were thorough and if the gunman was reassessed in subsequent years.

Former Senator Nick Sherry has been elected president of the Tasmanian Labor Party. The election occurs as the party begins to re-establish its branch leadership. Sherry and former Senator Doug Cameron previously served as administrators in 2022.

Law enforcement sources are investigating allegations of sex offences involving Desi Freeman. The investigation includes allegations of sexual exposure. Detectives are reportedly in contact with one alleged victim.

Australia will spend $13 billion to purchase 48 HIMARS high-mobility artillery rocket systems and US-made VRLS-M precision strike missiles with a 500 km range.

A whistleblower has raised concerns regarding a no-forfeit agreement requirement in the women's Super League. The identity of the whistleblower is being kept confidential due to fears of repercussions.

Tourists are cancelling trips to small outback towns in mass due to uncertainty regarding Australia's fuel supply. Lachlan Ford reported that caravans typically move north and west during the winter months for the peak tourism season.

Reverend Bill Cruz paid tribute to Reverend J Bassick, who has died at the age of 82. The tribute included mentions of his family, fans, and friends.

Veteran AFL administrator Brian Cook will serve as interim chief executive following the sacking of the previous CEO after seven months in the role. The club is expected to hold a media conference to discuss the leadership change.

Northern Beaches Hospital has officially returned to public hands. All 490 beds at the hospital will be transitioned into public control, funded by New South Wales taxpayers. The facility has operated under a joint private and public partnership with Healthscope since its opening in 2018. Healthscope entered receivership in May 2025 with more than $1 billion in debt. More than 1,800 medical professionals at the hospital are now New South Wales health employees following the return to public ownership. The facility in Frenchs Forest previously operated via a partnership with Healthscope. Access to private services at the hospital will remain available until mid-2027. The transition follows public calls to end the private partnership led by the parents of Joe Massa, a two-year-old who died after receiving treatment there.

A new 50-metre pool is scheduled to open soon in Kananara. The town has been without a swimming pool since 2024. Katrina Jowett from the Kananara Croc Swim Club noted the lack of facilities has been difficult for local families.