Australia’s AI Safety Institute Begins Testing Frontier AI Models
Australia’s Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (AISI) has commenced testing the latest AI models from commercial providers just one month after its establishment, according to Andrew Charlton, assistant minister for technology.
In a speech delivered at the AI safety forum in Sydney, Charlton outlined that Australia’s AI safety strategy involves evaluating both current AI applications—such as gaming, apps, chatbots, and AI medical scribes—and the newest models that may pose future risks.
He stated that the AI Safety Institute, under the leadership of Dr Kate Conroy, has "hit the ground running" and is actively testing frontier AI models in collaboration with technical partners.
AISI is also cooperating with regulators and agencies to address emerging AI capabilities, risks, harms, and trends.
Responding to calls for comprehensive AI legislation, Charlton emphasized that the government is utilizing existing laws for regulation:
"The government has chosen a whole-of-government approach to AI regulation. We have taken this approach because AI will affect every part of our government and society.
That is why, in the Albanese government, AI safety will be pursued through every relevant agency and regulator, across consumer law, therapeutic goods, workplace health and safety, and online safety, backed by laws that already exist and strengthened, where they need to be, with new powers and tougher enforcement.
That is not fewer rules. That is faster rules, applied by regulators who already understand their sectors."
The initial work undertaken by AISI includes assessing risks posed by AI agents capable of performing tasks on behalf of humans, alongside a separate project with CSIRO aimed at ensuring AI systems operate according to human intentions.
‘Pam the Bird’ Graffiti Artist Awaiting Low Tide to Descend
An Instagram account associated with the alleged "Pam the Bird" graffiti artist, currently perched atop the Bolte Bridge in Melbourne, indicates that the individual plans to come down "peacefully" at 12pm:
"Just waiting for the tide to get a little bit lower."
Media reports suggest the man accessed the tower via a door at its base, which is only reachable during low tide.
For context, here is a background article from when Richard White stepped down as CEO in 2024, and a 2025 news story detailing the resignation of four board members over "differing views" on White’s ongoing role.
WiseTech Chair Richard White Resigns
Richard White has stepped down as chair of WiseTech with immediate effect.
In an ASX announcement, WiseTech confirmed that Raelene Murphy has been appointed chair to replace White. He will remain on the board as an executive director and continue serving as the company’s "chief innovation officer."
White commented on the situation:
"Personal media attention is creating an unnecessary distraction from the strength of WiseTech’s business. At this time, the senior management team, Zubin and I should be singularly focused on the execution of the Company’s growth strategy.
As I have stated previously, I strenuously and unequivocally deny the recent allegations in the media. Further, I am conscious that personal attacks on me in the media that are unconnected to the performance of the Company nevertheless have the potential to encourage short selling activity."
Victoria Police Request No Drone Flights Near Bolte Bridge
Victoria police have not provided additional updates regarding the situation at Bolte Bridge but have requested that all drones cease flying in the vicinity.
In a press release, police stated:
"As you can imagine, this is a complex and dynamic situation and the safety of the man atop the bridge tower and our attending members is paramount."
On-Site Report from Melbourne’s Bolte Bridge
Australia’s Tania Lee reported from the Bolte Bridge, where a new "Pam the Bird" mural and a standoff with Victoria police are ongoing. She described the scene:
"Standing beside Ron Barassi Park beneath the Bolte Bridge, I have a clear view of the masked graffiti artist behind the freshly painted ‘Pam the Bird’ artwork. A small media contingent has gathered nearby, while across the mouth of the Yarra River the tower and riverbank where the artist gained access to the bridge are clearly visible.
Traffic on the Bolte Bridge is slow but continues to move. Emergency services and police remain on the restricted riverbank and on watercraft near the tower entrance, on standby.
A drone has periodically appeared near the top of the tower. During that time, I have seen the graffiti artist repeatedly emerge on to the upper ledge, sitting on the edge to take selfies. Police are attempting to locate the drone operator and determine who is flying it.
Over the past hour, the artist has also abseiled down the face of the tower twice, swinging across the concrete over the face of the large ‘Pam the Bird’ graffiti before climbing back up.
Passing motorists have been sounding their horns, apparently reacting to the spectacle unfolding high above the bridge."
Alex de Minaur Exits Wimbledon in Fourth Round
On a particularly hot day at Wimbledon, where several spectators required medical attention, Australia’s tennis contender Alex de Minaur was defeated in the fourth round, according to AAP.
De Minaur, who entered No 1 court with aspirations of reaching at least his first grand slam semi-final, lost to Italy’s Flavio Cobolli with scores of 5-7, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3.
The Australian No 1 and world No 6 appeared tentative against Cobolli’s aggressive style and lacked momentum. Additionally, a subpar first serve contributed to his defeat, ending Australia’s last singles hope in the tournament.
Higher-Income Australians Increasingly Using 5% First Home Deposit Scheme
Most first home buyers in Australia are utilizing the government’s 5% deposit scheme, with one in three new participants earning above the scheme’s previous income cap.
Economists warn that the influx of higher-income earners into the first home guarantee program has driven up property prices by increasing the purchasing power of buyers who might have otherwise entered the market without assistance.
The scheme, introduced by the former Coalition government, allows lower-income first-time buyers to borrow 95% of a property’s value with the government covering lenders’ mortgage insurance.
Last year, the Labor government removed income caps of $125,000 for single borrowers and $200,000 combined for joint borrowers, fulfilling a pre-election commitment.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy on China’s Missile Test
Pat Conroy, the defence industry minister, spoke on RN Breakfast, stating that the Chinese government had planned a long-range missile test for "some time" but informed Australia only a few hours before the launch.
"We’ve been very clear that we’re seeing the biggest military buildup in our region since World War II and it’s not being accompanied by sufficient transparency."
Conroy expressed his view that the missile launch was "more likely to be a coincidence rather than linked" to Australia’s recent defence agreements with Fiji, though he acknowledged that the Chinese government would need to address that question.
"This is something that can destabilise the region but it doesn’t take away from our efforts to implement what the Pacific leaders have called for, which is Pacific security to come from within the Pacific."
Taiwan Condemns China’s Missile Test as Destabilizing
Joseph Wu, head of Taiwan’s national security council, criticized the missile test, stating:
"It’s a provocation that destabilizes the #IndoPacific. #China just proved itself again to be a bully on the block."
