Angus Taylor says he criticised One Nation ‘with a heavy heart’
Opposition leader Angus Taylor addressed questions regarding his strong criticism of One Nation, emphasizing that his main focus remains on "attacking a rotten Labor government."
Taylor spoke on 2GB this morning about his speech last week, in which he warned that Australia faced an "eternity of pain" if One Nation won government.
Taylor stated he made those remarks with "a heavy heart," elaborating:
"90% of that speech, 95% of that speech, was against Labor and how they’re wrecking this country … I know many of the good people I want voting for us have been supporting [One Nation] …
They do not have a plan for the future of this country, they’re a one-person show …
We need a plan and a team that can get this country out of the economic crisis. I firmly believe that Matt Canavan and myself and our teams are the ones who can do that."
University of Melbourne academic tells royal commission of his fear when office was occupied by pro-Palestine students
Professor of physics at the University of Melbourne, Steven Prawer, testified before the royal commission into antisemitism that he feared a "terrorist attack" after pro-Palestine student activists occupied his office.
On 9 October 2024, approximately 20 pro-Palestine students, wearing keffiyehs, hoods, and masks, occupied Prawner’s office for about 90 minutes. The protest was against his involvement with the university’s partnerships with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where Prawer serves as the academic lead for a joint PhD program. Two protesters were expelled and two suspended following the incident.
"When a Jewish person with some experience of what happens in Israel sees a masked person … This is a classic terrorist pose very familiar to most people … This was only one year after the atrocities in Israel and so I was very perturbed. I had no idea at that stage if it was a protest, if it was a terrorist attack."
Prawer described the protesters’ claims that the university was complicit in genocide due to its partnerships with Israel as "ridiculous." Following the occupation, university security was increased and swipecards were required to access his office.
The fourth block of hearings, held in Melbourne this week, is examining the experiences of Jewish students and academics, including university responses to combating hate.
Baghsarian’s family still ‘devastated’
Detective Superintendent Andrew Marks said the family of Chris Baghsarian remain "devastated" by their loss but find some comfort in the progress of the investigation.
"They are somewhat comforted by the results that we’ve achieved at this stage."
NSW police detail new charges after Chris Baghsarian’s death
NSW police provided updates on further charges related to the death of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian in Sydney in February.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Marks revealed that a 32-year-old man, initially arrested on an unrelated charge in February, was suspected of involvement in Baghsarian’s kidnapping. This individual was re-arrested on 8 July and charged with intention to ransom, occasioning actual bodily harm, and murder. He has been refused bail and is scheduled to appear in court on 17 July.
Marks also noted the involvement of an offshore organised crime network allegedly linked to a contract to kidnap another elderly person, separate from Baghsarian.
"I’m not going to go into specifics of where they’re located or who they are. Other than to say that we are investigating that link and we are continuing to investigate those that are responsible took out a contract to kidnap an elderly person.
We will continue to investigate that and bring those responsible that brought that contract to be, to be held to account for that."
Marks expressed confidence that the main individuals involved in Baghsarian’s death have been arrested.
Nolan fans are embarking on epic journeys to see The Odyssey the way he wants them to
Fans of director Christopher Nolan are travelling great distances to view his adaptation of The Odyssey in one of the few remaining IMAX 1570 cinemas worldwide, Nolan’s preferred format.
Nolan has long advocated for IMAX 1570 film, the highest-resolution film format available. However, as most cinemas transitioned to digital over a decade ago, only 41 cinemas globally can project this format, including the IMAX in Melbourne, Australia.
Ahead of The Odyssey’s release this week, fans from countries such as Turkey, Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, and the United States are journeying to Melbourne to experience the film in this format.
600 trombonists attempt world record
Following a story covered yesterday, video footage is now available showing over 600 trombone players attempting to set a world record for the largest ensemble of the instrument.
More on Peter Falconio … police hope new photos will jog memories in long investigation
Northern Territory police have reopened evidence boxes to reveal previously unseen photographs from the investigation into the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio and the attempted abduction of his girlfriend, Joanne Lees.
Tuesday marks the 25th anniversary of Falconio’s disappearance, an event that remains one of Australia’s most notorious and culturally significant crimes, with unresolved questions for his family.
Released images include the orange Kombi van the couple was travelling in and photos showing cuts and grazes sustained by Lees during her ordeal.
Another photograph shows evidence markers along a desert highway lining a dark red stain on the bitumen.
Super funds slow on customer support, mystery shopper test finds
A mystery shopper test of superannuation funds reveals ongoing systemic customer service issues, according to a consumer advocacy group.
The Australian Associated Press reports that the sector has criticized the study’s methodology, asserting improvements have been made following a critical review highlighting delays in death benefit payments.
The report, released by Super Consumers Australia, found that call centres of 20 major super funds provided inconsistent and unempathetic support, often failing to meet basic expectations.
The consumer group engaged Customer Service Benchmarking Australia to pose as prospective customers, members facing financial hardship, or family members of non-English speaking customers during calls.
The average customer experience score was 49.9% from a sample of 1,000 calls, with no fund exceeding 55%, well below the 80% “green zone” indicating optimal performance.
The Super Members Council criticized the study’s approach, noting that mystery shoppers were not actual members and calls could not proceed beyond member verification, a critical step to prevent scams and fraud.
Dolphin deaths spike in South Australia after algal bloom decimates food sources
Long-term data indicates a spike in dolphin deaths on South Australian beaches in 2025, with mortalities during a severe algal bloom reaching the highest level in 12 years.
At least 70 carcasses of common and bottlenose dolphins were found across South Australia last year, with an additional 20 reported in 2026, including the recent death of a well-known Port River dolphin named Zoom.
Many dolphins found in Gulf St Vincent, a large marine area west of Adelaide heavily affected by the bloom, were severely emaciated.
George Miller remembers Sam Neill as ‘comprehensively an amazing person’
Acclaimed director George Miller shared his reflections on the late Sam Neill, who passed away yesterday at age 78.
Miller expressed shock at Neill’s death, noting he had been "really, really well." He said:
"He was such an exemplary human being. We saw him as an actor and we got to know him as an actor. The world did. But what was so amazing about him is that he was comprehensively an amazing person. …
He lived life very, very fully, basically with an enormous amount of wisdom ultimately."
Miller highlighted Neill’s passion for storytelling in both New Zealand and Australia.
"He was, you know, part of the global industry, but never, never pretended he was from anywhere else. He’s one of those people that at heart, I guess he was a Kiwi, but Australia, he had significant influence on Australian cinema, and globally."
Sydney man charged with murder after 74-year-old man was allegedly assaulted on his morning walk
A Sydney man has been charged with murder following the death of a 74-year-old man who was allegedly assaulted during his morning walk in the city’s south-west last weekend.
NSW police reported that emergency services were called to Yennora after a man was found unconscious. Paramedics treated the man before transporting him to hospital in critical condition. Investigators believe the victim was on his regular morning walk when the assault occurred.
After inquiries, police arrested a 45-year-old man and charged him with murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder. He was refused bail and is due to appear in local court today.
Minister says government waiting to see ‘what happens’ after Trump threat of 20% Strait of Hormuz tariff
Kristy McBain, the federal minister for emergency management, stated the government is awaiting developments following US President Donald Trump’s threat of a 20% tariff on all cargo shipped through the Strait of Hormuz.
McBain said the government continues to call for de-escalation amid renewed tensions between the US and Iran and noted Australia is well-positioned regarding oil reserves after securing increased shipments this year. Speaking to RN Breakfast, she said:
"We really need to see some restraint here and constructive engagement to prevent further escalation …
We’ll wait to see what happens here. … We know that there needs to be an agreement that is struck and one that lasts, because otherwise it is Australian households and consumers who ultimately end up paying the price. But we’ll continue to play our part here and continue to call for that de-escalation."
‘It can happen very quickly’: eSafety commissioner says organised crime groups use AI to perpetrate sextortion
Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety commissioner, detailed findings from a report indicating that sextortion perpetrators are typically overseas organised criminal groups. Speaking to ABC News, she said:
"They do a lot of research. They know who your followers are, who your parents and families might be. They’re increasingly using generative AI to create avatars or personas that are not real people or voice cloning. It can happen very quickly. …
Once you take your clothes off, they capture that and immediately start sextorting you."
Inman Grant explained that high-pressure tactics are used to "isolate and panic young people" to coerce payments, causing severe emotional distress and sometimes suicide. She advised:
"Sometimes they feel like their life is over. One of the key tips we give them is to disclose, disclose, disclose. You won’t be surprised that it’s an underreported crime."
She added that the eSafety agency is collaborating with social media companies after finding many platforms are overwhelmed by bad actors "literally colonising" their spaces.
Young men report more ‘sextortion’ than any other age group, Australia’s online safety watchdog says
A recent report by Australia’s online safety regulator identified "significant gaps" in how major tech platforms address online sexual extortion and child sexual exploitation amid rising reports of abuse.
The findings come from eSafety’s latest transparency report, which reviewed responses from companies including Apple, Meta, Google, Microsoft, Snap, Discord, and WhatsApp.
Between July and December 2025, eSafety received over 2,000 complaints of sexual extortion. Men aged 18 to 24 made the most complaints, approximately 800, while younger teenagers are increasingly targeted.
More cancer in young people, but survival rates improving
Young Australians are increasingly diagnosed with cancer, but survival rates are improving, according to the most detailed data available on the disease.
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released today also shows some improvements in cancer outcomes for First Nations people.
Although First Nations people are twice as likely to be diagnosed with cancers that have low survival rates compared to other Australians, the number of cases is declining.
Cancer incidence among First Nations people dropped from 342 cases per 100,000 people to 315 between 2011 and 2025, while mortality decreased from 148 deaths to 105.
Institute spokesperson Justin Harvey commented:
"This is the most comprehensive cancer data available for First Nations people to date."
"With a more complete picture of cancer outcomes, alongside more detailed information about geography and socio-economic status, it becomes possible to identify where disparities are greatest and where targeted action can make the biggest difference."
The analysis also confirmed a rise in cancer among younger people, particularly those in their 30s, driven mainly by increased colorectal and thyroid cancers.
Four more charged over alleged murder of Chris Baghsarian
Four additional individuals have been charged in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian in Sydney in February.
NSW police have now charged 11 men related to the case, including one alleged coordinator.
Baghsarian was abducted from his North Ryde home on 13 February, and his remains were discovered near a golf club in Pitt Town on 24 February.
Police stated Baghsarian was not the intended kidnapping target and was taken due to mistaken identity.
A 32-year-old man arrested in February on an unrelated matter was re-arrested on 8 July and charged with detaining in company with intention to ransom, occasioning actual bodily harm, and murder. He was refused bail and remanded in custody, with a court appearance scheduled for 17 July.
Last Thursday, a 22-year-old man was charged with detaining in company with intention to ransom, occasioning actual bodily harm, and murder.
On Monday morning, police arrested a 21-year-old and a 19-year-old man, charging them with being "accessory before the fact" to murder. The 19-year-old is due to appear in court today.
NT police release unseen photos from Peter Falconio murder investigation
Northern Territory police have revealed previously unseen photographs from the investigation into the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio and the attempted abduction of his girlfriend, Joanne Lees.
Tuesday marks the 25th anniversary of Falconio’s disappearance.
Bradley John Murdoch was convicted of Falconio’s murder but died on 15 July 2025 without admitting guilt or disclosing the location of Falconio’s remains.
The photographs show Lees shortly after the encounter with Murdoch on the Stuart Highway on 14 July 2001, appearing visibly shocked.
Another image shows Murdoch as photographed by police, staring directly at the camera.
Despite Murdoch’s conviction and life sentence, the investigation remains open pending the discovery of Falconio’s remains, according to NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole.
A $500,000 reward is still offered for information leading to the discovery of Falconio’s remains.
"No piece of information is too small; what may seem insignificant could prove critical in helping investigators finally resolve this case,"
Dole said.
