Australia News Live: New research reveals complexity of sponge-hunting technique in Australian dolphins

Some dolphins in Australia have a unique hunting technique where they place a sponge on their beak for protection while searching for food, according to a report in AP. A new study published in the journal Royal Society Open Science reveals that this behavior, passed down through generations, allows the dolphins to shovel through sharp rocks and rubble on the seafloor. This action stirs up barred sandperch, which they then eat, demonstrating a more complex foraging strategy than previously understood.

A group of prominent Australian environmental scientists is urging for a review of prescribed burning policies after a government-managed fire destroyed hundreds of trees in a vital ecological area, according to a report in ABC News. The call for change comes after official documents confirmed the damage within an ecological hotspot, prompting concerns about the unintended consequences of current hazard reduction strategies. This incident highlights the ongoing debate in Australia over how to balance bushfire mitigation with the protection of the country's unique biodiversity, a discussion that intensified following the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires.

A Chinese state-owned media organization has publicly praised current Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, while also delivering sharp criticism against a former prime minister, according to a report in News.com.au. The commentary highlights a contrast in Beijing's perception of the current Labor government's diplomatic engagement compared to the previous Coalition government's approach. The praise for Albanese is noted in the context of recent efforts to stabilize diplomatic relations between the two countries after a period of significant tension.

A policy change in Australia has made over 600,000 additional people eligible to donate blood, according to a report in SBS News. The reform relaxes previous restrictions which were based on a deferral period for men who have sex with men, moving towards criteria based on individual risk assessments. The national blood service, Lifeblood Australia, anticipates the change will result in an additional 24,000 plasma donors, bolstering the nation's supply.

General practitioners in several Australian states will soon be able to diagnose ADHD, a move intended to reduce long wait times for specialists, according to a report in ABC News. However, doctors are warning that patients will likely face out-of-pocket expenses for these services. Due to the complexity and length of ADHD diagnostic consultations, medical professionals state that the current Medicare rebates are insufficient to cover costs, making it unviable for most clinics to bulk-bill the appointments. This raises concerns about creating a two-tiered system where timely diagnosis may depend on a patient's ability to pay, even as access to subsidized medication may still require specialist involvement.

Health authorities have been forced to step in to ensure residents of an outback Queensland town have access to medical care after the community's only general practitioner resigned, according to a report in ABC News. The resignation of the sole GP, reportedly due to burnout, has created a critical healthcare gap, prompting an immediate response from the authorities to maintain essential services for the remote community.

More than 10 million illicit vapes have been seized by the Australian Border Force over the past year, federal Health Minister Mark Butler announced, ABC News says in a report. The seizures are part of a broader federal government crackdown on non-prescription vapes, which are considered illicit goods under Australia's import and therapeutic goods regulations.

A coronial inquest has begun in Tasmania to investigate the death of north-west footballer Brady James Hubbard, ABC says in a report. The court has been presented with evidence of "inconsistencies" among witness accounts detailing how Mr. Hubbard sustained his fatal injuries. During the proceedings, the deceased's uncle made a direct allegation in his testimony, telling the court he believes the football club "covered it up".

A significant rise in US inflation, reported as the fastest this year, has negatively impacted Wall Street stock prices, with the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) forecast to open lower in response, as per a report in ABC News. The expected fall on the Australian market reflects the influence of major global economic indicators and investor sentiment flowing from US markets.

Queensland's latest budget figures project the state will collect $1.78 billion from its duty on insurance premiums in the 2025-26 fiscal year, with revenue forecast to reach $2 billion by 2028-29, according to a report in ABC. The increase in revenue is attributed to the rising cost of insurance premiums rather than a change in the tax rate. Despite the significant income it generates for the state, Queensland's Premier has publicly labelled the tax as 'robbing people'.

Bradley Murdoch, the Australian man convicted for the 2001 murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio, has died, BBC says in a report. Murdoch was serving a life sentence for the high-profile crime, which occurred in a remote area of Australia's Northern Territory. His conviction in 2005 was notable as it was secured despite the victim's body never being found, relying on significant forensic and circumstantial evidence gathered by Australian authorities.

A basketball player is set to complete his return to professional basketball with the reigning NBL champions, the Illawarra Hawks, according to a report in ABC News. The player's comeback is significant as it will take place in the same city where he was the victim of a near-fatal one-punch attack. His return to the court follows a recovery from the severe injuries he sustained.

An anti-tank weapon that has been a part of the Australian military's arsenal for decades may have been causing brain damage to the soldiers operating it, according to a report in ABC News. The concern centers on the weapon's blast waves, which are now suspected of inflicting neurological injuries on service members. This issue highlights potential long-term health consequences for personnel who have trained with or used the weapon over many years of service.

Carlton midfielder Adam Cerra has successfully avoided a suspension for making contact with an umpire following a hearing at the AFL Tribunal, according to a report in ABC News. In contrast, Brisbane's Zac Bailey and North Melbourne ruckman Tristan Xerri were both unsuccessful in their attempts to overturn their respective bans. The tribunal's decisions mean Cerra is free to play, while Bailey and Xerri will serve their suspensions.

A woman from Melbourne has become the second person to be cryonically preserved at a facility in regional New South Wales, according to a report in ABC News. Her body is now suspended in liquid nitrogen with the hope that future scientific advancements might one day allow for her revival. The event highlights a significant regulatory gap in Australia, where cryonics is not recognized as a medical procedure and operates without specific legislation. This has prompted discussions among legal experts, bioethicists, and consumer advocates regarding the ethical implications, the need for government oversight, and consumer protection frameworks for the emerging industry.

Australia's red wine glut is expected to worsen as the country crushed more grapes this year amid falling consumer demand, according to a report in ABC News. The oversupply, or 'wine glut', is primarily driven by punitive tariffs of up to 218% that China imposed on Australian wine in late 2020, which effectively closed what was once the industry's largest export market. Despite recent diplomatic efforts by the Albanese government to stabilize relations and lift other trade barriers, the wine tariffs remain in place. This ongoing situation is causing significant economic pressure on growers and regional communities who face depressed prices and reduced profitability.

A walk-in vaccination service for children in the western Melbourne suburb of St Albans is being closed, The Sydney Morning Herald said in a report. The decision to close the clinic comes amid a recent reported jump in local cases of vaccine-preventable diseases. The service provided a crucial, easily accessible immunization point for children in the community.

A national weather forecast has been provided for Australia for Wednesday, July 16, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The report outlines the expected meteorological conditions across the country for the day.

New South Wales Police are hunting for a group of offenders who used a vehicle to smash through the storefront of a luxury store in Sydney's central business district, The Sydney Morning Herald says in a report. Following the ram raid, the suspects reportedly fled the scene in multiple stolen vehicles. An active investigation is underway to locate and apprehend the individuals involved in the incident.

An unusual on-field collision involving an umpire during the first quarter of the Carlton versus Brisbane Lions Australian Football League match has left prominent sports commentators perplexed, according to a report in The Age. The incident, which involved Carlton player Oliver Cowan, was described as bizarre. The collision has since become a topic of discussion among respected former players, who expressed confusion over the event.

New South Wales Police are hunting for a group of offenders who smashed through the shopfront of a luxury store in Sydney's CBD before fleeing in multiple stolen cars, The Age said in a report. The incident occurs amid a reported increase in property crimes, such as ram raids involving young offenders, that has been observed across several Australian states.

An annual meteor shower, often described as the best of the year, is expected to be visible soon, according to a report in Nine News. The event will not be widely visible across Australia, with only a limited number of people in specific locations likely to get a clear view.

Baby boomers in Australia are now the fastest-growing demographic of cryptocurrency investors, Nine News says in a report. An expert has issued a warning that this group should be particularly mindful of scams due to their increasing participation in the digital asset market. The trend highlights the growing exposure of older Australians to the risks associated with cryptocurrency investments.

An Australian tourist has been accused of damaging the museum display housing the historic Stone of Destiny in Scotland after allegedly claiming to be a clan leader with a right to the throne, according to a report in Nine News. The incident, which was reportedly filmed by another tourist, involved the Australian man allegedly insisting he had a rightful claim to the throne. The Stone of Destiny is a significant historical artifact used for centuries in the coronations of Scottish and, later, British monarchs.

Apple has enabled sleep apnea notifications on compatible Apple Watches for users in Australia, as per a report in Nine News. The new capability, integrated into the device's Sleep Tracking feature, is designed to identify breathing patterns that may suggest the condition. It functions as a wellness and awareness tool to prompt users to seek professional medical advice, rather than serving as a formal diagnostic device.

A conflict has emerged in Perth where residents on Jubilee Street are fighting against the city's plan to plant trees as part of a wider urban forest strategy, The Sydney Morning Herald says in a report. While the city's greening initiative reportedly has broad support, the affected residents are concerned the trees will eventually block their "million-dollar" views and potentially impact property values. The dispute highlights the challenge for municipal governments in balancing city-wide environmental goals with the specific interests of local property owners.

The ATP has released its tournament schedule for early 2025, featuring two key events in Australia, as per a report in AP. The Adelaide International 1 will take place from January 3-11, followed by the Australian Open in Melbourne, which is scheduled from January 5-26. The schedule also lists other international hard-court tournaments in the lead-up to and following the Australian events, including the ASB Classic in Auckland and opens in France and the United States.

A Qantas passenger has alleged receiving flea bites during a flight, for which the airline reportedly offered loyalty points as compensation, The Sydney Morning Herald says in a report. The incident occurs amid ongoing public and regulatory scrutiny of the airline over a series of controversies, including allegations of selling tickets for cancelled flights and persistent customer service complaints. Australia's competition regulator, the ACCC, is already conducting an investigation into some of the airline's practices.

Mental health insurance claims in Australia have nearly doubled over the past five years, a surge that experts say is pushing the nation's support systems to a "tipping point," as per a report in ABC News. The increase has led to criticisms that superannuation funds and insurance companies may be deliberately slowing down the claims process for individuals with a mental illness. The report highlights the significant strain this trend is placing on the country's overall health and disability support infrastructure.

A significant Victorian dairy farm owned by the Perich family's agricultural business has been acquired by a major Queensland-based egg producer, the Australian Financial Review said in a report. The transaction is noted as part of a broader trend of consolidation within Australian agriculture, which involves a structural shift towards fewer, larger agribusinesses and the reallocation of assets between different food production sectors.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics will test new questions on sexuality and gender with over 60,000 households this August. This trial is being conducted to assess the questions and methodology ahead of their potential inclusion in the full national Census in 2026.

New South Wales Member of Parliament and One Nation leader Mark Latham has denied allegations of domestic abuse and 'degrading' sex acts made by his former partner, ABC News says in a report. Latham, who currently serves in the NSW Legislative Council, publicly responded to the claims by calling them "comically false and ridiculous".

Vaping rates among Australian teenagers aged 14 to 17 have declined from 17.5% at the start of 2023 to 14.6% in April 2025, according to a report in The Guardian. The data was released by federal Health Minister Mark Butler, who stated the government believes the dangerous trend may have peaked and "turned a corner" after years of rapid growth.

A brief from Australia's Department of Social Services, recently obtained through freedom of information laws, warned Tanya Plibersek—now the Minister for the Environment and Water—when she was appointed social services minister in May 2022 that she faced an "uphill battle" to justify and prioritise the multibillion-dollar system, according to a report in The Guardian. The department, which manages a quarter of federal government spending, cited "rising geopolitical tensions and political polarisation" as creating an environment with an "increased risk of entrenched disadvantage" in Australia.

The New South Wales government, led by Premier Chris Minns, is releasing a housing 'pattern book' featuring eight pre-approved architectural blueprints for townhouses, terraces, and manor houses, according to a report in The Guardian. The designs, created by internationally recognized architectural firms, can be purchased for $1 with the goal of securing council approval within an expedited 10 to 20-day timeframe. This initiative aims to address housing affordability and boost construction by streamlining the design and approval process for new homes.

Former Australian Treasury Secretary Ken Henry has urged the Albanese government to prioritize fundamental environmental reforms, stating they must be passed before tackling other economic challenges, according to a report in The Age. Henry, who led the Treasury from 2001 to 2011, specifically pointed to the long-overdue overhaul of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. He argued that without successfully implementing these environmental protections, Australia should "stop dreaming" about its future economic prosperity, reframing environmental health as a foundational requirement for the economy rather than a competing interest.

A Western Australian state minister was branded a 'communist' by residents during a contentious public meeting in Perth concerning a public housing development, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The confrontation occurred as the minister engaged with neighbours about the government's housing plans, highlighting significant community opposition to the project.

A legal ruling concerning Australia's textile industry, or "rag trade," has significant implications for the Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG), the national safety net for unpaid worker wages, the Australian Financial Review said in a report. The FEG is a taxpayer-funded scheme that covers employee entitlements when a company becomes insolvent. The ruling has prompted concerns that the scheme could face increased costs, effectively covering corporate liabilities without a sufficient deterrent against business failures.

Western Australia's state-owned energy provider, Synergy, has overcharged customers receiving Centrelink payments by a total of $2.3 million, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The error affects a large number of vulnerable welfare recipients within the state. As Synergy is owned by the Western Australian government, the incident has led to scrutiny of the public utility's oversight, particularly during a national cost-of-living crisis.

Queensland's Premier has publicly stated that 'union interference' at a major construction site in Brisbane resulted in an additional $22 million in costs for the project, The Sydney Morning Herald said in a report. The Premier's claim directly links union activities to significant cost blowouts on the major build.

To combat its housing crisis, the New South Wales government is set to fast-track building approvals for eight pre-approved designs for houses, terraces, and townhouses, Australian Financial Review says in a report. This "pattern homes" initiative aims to bypass the standard, lengthy development application process with local councils, allowing for quicker construction. The policy is designed to increase housing supply and ease property prices in cities like Sydney, which is among the most expensive in the world for real estate.

Australian authorities have recommended testing for an additional 800 children for diseases, specifically sexually transmitted infections, following the arrest of a man accused of child abuse who had been employed at various childcare centers, according to a report in BBC. This public health measure is intended to identify any potential victims and ensure they receive necessary medical care. The case has prompted renewed scrutiny of the effectiveness of Australia's 'Working With Children Checks' and the regulatory oversight of the childcare sector.

Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann has lost an application for an interim restraining order against a Daily Mail reporter, according to a report in The Guardian. Lehrmann initiated the legal action in the Hobart magistrates court against Karleigh Smith, a senior reporter for the Mail. His lawyer alleged that Smith and a photographer had followed Lehrmann in a car.

A mother in Perth has been formally charged over the murder of her seven-month-old son, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The charge was laid by authorities in the Western Australian capital following the infant's death.

Hundreds of native birds, including corellas and pigeons, have been found dead in Melbourne's south-east in what is being treated as a suspected mass poisoning event, as per a report in ABC News. The incident has triggered an investigation by state authorities focusing on potential violations of animal cruelty and environmental protection legislation. The discovery has also sparked public health concerns regarding the unidentified substance and its potential risk to local residents, pets, and other wildlife.

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has sought to downplay the significance of Treasury advice that urged the government to consider tax increases, as per a report in 9News. The confidential advice was reportedly sent to journalists by accident, prompting a response from the Treasurer who is now managing the political fallout from the leak. The incident brings the government's fiscal policy and potential future tax changes into public focus.

The Victorian state government, led by Premier Jacinta Allan, will not act for several months on an independent cost-cutting review it received at the end of June, the Australian Financial Review says in a report. The delay was revealed by Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas. The review was commissioned to provide recommendations on how to reduce government expenditure as the state grapples with Australia's largest state debt.

A man has died in a remote area of Australia's Northern Territory after the helicopter he was in collided with a bird, forcing an emergency landing near a remote town, as per a report in News.com.au. The incident involved a mid-air collision that necessitated the landing.

An Australian business owner has suffered a 75% decline in revenue after their business's Instagram account was suspended, Nine News says in a report. The suspension reportedly occurred after the owner posted a three-second video showing three dogs looking out of a window, which the business owner described as innocent.

The Australian sharemarket surged to a new record high on Tuesday, with investor activity following positive gains in the US market, Wall Street, as per a report in News.com.au. The rise in the local market comes after a strong performance from US equities.

Australian unions are proposing new rules to hold company directors personally liable or face automatic disqualification if their companies repeatedly fail to pay worker entitlements, according to a report in the Australian Financial Review. The proposal targets directors who use the government's Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG) safety net scheme multiple times to cover unpaid wages and other benefits for employees of collapsed businesses. Unions argue this would create a stronger deterrent against corporate misconduct and protect both workers' rights and taxpayer funds used for the FEG scheme.

A man in Brisbane received a $1700 fine for a security breach after using a fake name to board an aircraft, News.com.au said in a report. His arrest was reportedly prompted by an alleged phone conversation about a bomb, which initiated a security response.

Fortescue has publicly criticised the Australian Tax Office (ATO), labelling its conduct as "aggressive, unreasonable, and not legally robust," according to a report in the Australian Financial Review. The company warns that the ATO's actions are jeopardising significant investments in Australia's renewable and decarbonisation projects. Fortescue claims this behaviour threatens to force investment capital offshore, creating a conflict with the federal government's green energy agenda amid global competition for such investment.

The political funding organization Climate 200 has announced it will cover the legal costs for 'teal' independent MP Nicolette Boele, according to a report in the Australian Financial Review. The funding is to defend against a legal challenge that has been mounted over her narrow victory in the federal electorate of Bradfield in Sydney. The challenge comes after what was described as a 'nail-biting' close result in the election.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed his government will proceed with an election promise to force the sale of Darwin Port's 99-year lease from the Chinese-owned Landbridge Group, despite potential diplomatic and economic retaliation from Beijing, the Australian Financial Review said in a report. The move addresses long-standing national security concerns regarding the strategic northern port, which was leased to Landbridge by the Northern Territory government in 2015. The decision signals a firm stance on protecting critical national infrastructure.

A former actor from the Australian television show 'Neighbours' will legally contest a criminal charge for allegedly performing a Nazi salute during a livestreamed event, according to a report in News.com.au. The actor intends to fight the charge and will reportedly mount a 'scientific' defense.

Following a seven-week trial in Australia, a jury has found one of three accused individuals guilty of murdering 19-year-old Charlie Gander in a case dating back to 2022, according to a report in ABC News. The trial centered on allegations that the teenager was kidnapped, murdered, and his body was subsequently burned. Prosecutors had argued the crime was an act of retribution, a motive the jury considered before delivering its verdict.

A prominent superannuation lobby group is calling on Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers to modify the 'Your Future, Your Super' performance test, as per a report in the Australian Financial Review. The group contends that the current annual benchmarks, a legacy of the previous Coalition government, are too short-term and make it less attractive for funds to make long-term investments in renewable energy and other productivity-enhancing infrastructure. This lobbying effort highlights the tension between the government's goal of protecting members' savings through strict performance standards and its commitment to achieving national net-zero emissions targets, which requires significant capital investment in green projects.

The owner of multiple retail shops in Hervey Bay, Queensland, has been ordered to close the businesses following raids that took place last month, according to a report in ABC News. During the enforcement action, authorities allegedly seized a significant quantity of illicit cigarettes, loose tobacco, and vaping products from the premises. This action is part of ongoing enforcement against the sale of illegal tobacco and vape products.

An Australian media crew was removed from a room during a high-level diplomatic meeting between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to a report in News.com.au. A security guard reportedly ushered a cameraman out moments before the Prime Minister finished his opening remarks, which took place before the official start of the proceedings. The meeting is a significant event in the ongoing efforts to stabilize the relationship between Australia and China.

Sydney FC came from behind to defeat Wrexham AFC 2-1 in a friendly match at Sydney's Allianz Stadium on Tuesday night, The Sydney Morning Herald said in a report. The A-League team's victory was sealed by 18-year-old academy product Joe Lacey, who came on as a substitute and scored the winning goal with a long-range curling shot. The match was played against the Welsh team, which has gained international attention due to its celebrity ownership.

Australian rugby player James O'Connor sustained facial bruising after an incident during a training session, The Age said in a report. The report specifies the injury resulted from a "training mishap" but does not provide further details on the circumstances.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has confirmed a change in the team's lineup, with Lachlan Galvin set to start in the No.7 jersey for the upcoming game against the St. George Illawarra Dragons, as per a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The decision places Galvin in the key halfback position for the National Rugby League match.

Sydney FC secured a 2-1 come-from-behind victory against Wrexham AFC in a friendly match at Sydney's Allianz Stadium on Tuesday night, as per a report in The Age. The winning goal was scored by 18-year-old academy product Joe Lacey, who sealed the win for the A-League team with a long-distance curling shot. The match featured the Australian side against the Welsh club known for its Hollywood ownership.

Land owned by developer Nicheliving, which entered administration last year, is now on the market to help pay down the company's tax debt, according to a report in The Age. The sale of the subdivided site, which was originally planned for a luxury townhouse development, follows the company's collapse that left more than 200 homes unfinished.

A fire disrupted a wedding in Sydney, breaking out as the newlyweds were making their entrance, The Sydney Morning Herald said in a report. The incident resulted in a memorable but unfortunate start to the couple's celebration, turning what should have been a grand entrance into an emergency.

A disagreement over the venue for the 2032 Olympic rowing competition has intensified, with World Rowing backing further investigation into a potential course near Brisbane while Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk reaffirms her government's plan to build the facility in Rockhampton, according to a report in The Age. The international rowing federation's preference is based on technical suitability and operational efficiency. The Premier's commitment to the Rockhampton site aligns with a broader political strategy to ensure the economic benefits of the Games are distributed to regional areas beyond South East Queensland.

A dispute has emerged over the location for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games rowing events, with World Rowing backing an investigation into a potential site near Brisbane, as per a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The international governing body for rowing favors a location closer to the main Olympic hub for logistical and operational reasons. However, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is standing by her government's plan to host the rowing events in the regional city of Rockhampton, approximately 600 kilometers north of Brisbane, as part of a commitment to regional development. This disagreement places the preferences of the international sporting federation in direct conflict with the political objectives of the Queensland state government.

A fire broke out during a wedding entrance in Sydney, disrupting the celebration for a newlywed couple, The Age said in a report. The incident marred what was meant to be a memorable moment for the couple and their guests.

A New South Wales coroner has determined that Zac Barnes, a teenager who disappeared in 2016 after being last seen running into bushland, died in "suspicious circumstances," according to a report in ABC News. Although his body has never been located, the coroner's finding has led to a recommendation for the state's unsolved homicide investigators to take over the case.

Amid a significant tourism boom, industry leaders on Australia's Gold Coast state that the region needs an additional 5,500 hotel rooms to meet current demand, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The increased demand, fueled by post-pandemic travel recovery and anticipation for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, has resulted in high hotel occupancy rates and growing public scrutiny of accommodation prices. This situation places pressure on both the Queensland State Government and the Gold Coast City Council to manage new development approvals and address infrastructure needs.

A doctor in Victoria has developed a new, less-invasive procedure using ultrasound to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, potentially helping patients avoid traditional surgery, according to a report in The Age. The technique, pioneered in the Australian state, is designed to reduce recovery times for a common condition that is often treated with more invasive operations. This development could have implications for reducing public hospital elective surgery waitlists, a significant issue in Australia's healthcare system.

Amid a tourism boom on Australia's Gold Coast, industry leaders state that an additional 5,500 hotel rooms are urgently needed to meet current demand, according to a report in The Age. The significant increase in visitor numbers has put pressure on existing accommodation, leading to scrutiny of rising hotel prices. This supply shortage is seen as a critical issue for the region's economic growth, especially with long-term demand expected to rise further due to the upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

Children in the Australian state of Victoria are consuming half of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods, according to a report in The Age. New research highlights that items such as chips, biscuits, and other processed snacks are a major component of children's diets, particularly in what is packed in their lunchboxes. This finding points to a significant reliance on convenience and processed items for children's meals.

New research has found that children in the Australian state of Victoria are consuming half of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The findings suggest that school lunchboxes are a significant source of these unhealthy items, often being packed with chips, biscuits, and other processed snacks.

A doctor in the Australian state of Victoria has pioneered a new procedure for carpal tunnel syndrome that uses ultrasound, offering a less-invasive alternative to traditional surgery, as per a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. This medical innovation is notable amid efforts to reduce post-pandemic elective surgery waitlists in Australia. While the procedure could improve patient outcomes and create cost efficiencies for the healthcare system, its widespread adoption and inclusion under the national Medicare scheme would require assessment by regulatory bodies.

The bodies of a man in his 70s and a woman in her 90s have been found in a home in Sydney, according to a report in Nine News. The deceased were located in different rooms of the residence.

A junior doctor accused of secretly recording colleagues in a staff toilet at Melbourne's Austin Hospital was also employed at a second major hospital, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. Ryan Cho was arrested last week after his colleagues at the Austin discovered a mobile phone that was allegedly being used to film them in a restricted staff bathroom. The revelation that he worked at another significant hospital has broadened the scope of the investigation and related concerns.

Australia's Federal Agriculture Minister, Julie Collins, has dismissed claims that she is avoiding farmers impacted by the planned ban on live sheep exports, according to a report in ABC News. The accusations arose as the minister provided new details about the government's $139 million transition package, which is designed to support the industry as it moves away from live exports. Collins maintains she is engaging with those affected by the policy change.

A New South Wales police officer, Mitchell Leslie, has been charged with possessing extensive child abuse and bestiality material, according to a report in ABC News. During a court proceeding, the prosecution alleged that Leslie was found in possession of "potentially over 200,000 images" of child abuse material. The officer has been arrested in connection with the charges.

A witness has told a supreme court jury that he unknowingly assisted in disposing of Hannah McGuire's body after her ex-partner, Lachlan Young, allegedly planned to drug her, as per a report in ABC News. The court heard testimony that Young's alleged plan was to "put her in her car and roll her down a hill." The evidence was presented during the ongoing trial into McGuire's death.

The police union in Australia's Northern Territory has issued a warning that a death or serious incident in custody is only a matter of time due to dangerous conditions within police watch houses, according to a report in ABC News. The union's alarm highlights concerns over the safety and state of these short-term detention facilities, which are used to hold individuals immediately following an arrest. This issue is particularly significant in the Northern Territory, which has the highest rates of Indigenous incarceration in the country and has faced previous scrutiny over its detention facilities.

Former finance executive Daniel Kirby has been jailed in Australia for dishonest conduct related to the collapse of his firm, Berndale Securities, The Sydney Morning Herald said in a report. The sentencing follows earlier public examinations into the company's failure, during which Kirby had stated that the business had borrowed money from underworld figures to pay for its legal fees.

Pathologists have been unable to determine a cause of death for 19-year-old Brunswick woman Isla Bell, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. This development follows the release of a toxicology report on her remains. In a related court proceeding, the man accused of helping to dispose of her body is seeking to have his electronic ankle monitor removed.

Australians with HECS debt are finding that their total balance has increased when checking the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website, despite the federal government's promised 20% discount, according to a report in ABC News. Tax and finance experts explain this is due to a timing issue in how the figures are applied. The annual HECS indexation, which increases the debt in line with inflation, was applied on June 1st. The government's promised discount, announced as a cost-of-living relief measure, is credited to accounts after this indexation, causing a temporary and confusing rise in the total debt shown on the ATO portal before the reduction is factored in.

The general manager of the Port Adelaide Football Club has condemned racist messages containing threats of sexual violence sent to one of its players over the weekend, according to a report in ABC. The general manager stated the references to sexual violence have taken toxic online trolling to "another level." He also expressed concern that the prevalence of sports betting is a factor in exacerbating the vitriol directed at players.

A South Australian woman, who had been waiting for a pacemaker and feared she might die due to a surgical delay, has now had her life-saving procedure scheduled for the upcoming week, according to a report in ABC News. The case highlights the issue of surgical wait times within the state's public health system, where a patient in need of a critical operation faced a period of uncertainty before the surgery was confirmed.

Socceroos coach Tony Popovic is keeping the national team selection open for teenage player Nestory Irankunda following his transfer from Bayern Munich to English club Watford, according to a report in ABC News. Popovic stated he is playing a "waiting game" with the young forward and will monitor Irankunda's progress at his new club before making a decision on his inclusion in the national team.

A woman in Sydney has been awarded $100,000 in a civil damages claim following a dog attack, The Sydney Morning Herald says in a report. The incident resulted in the woman's 11-year-old shih tzu having its front left leg amputated. The court's decision provides compensation for the harm and veterinary costs incurred from the attack.

A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for his involvement in a fatal shooting that occurred during a botched robbery in Central West New South Wales in 2021, as per a report in ABC. The incident was described as a "senseless and tragic" event and the robbery as "shambolic".

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a public safety warning that more than 34,000 recalled power banks are still in the hands of consumers, Nine News says in a report. The consumer watchdog stated that these devices pose a significant risk, with the potential to cause serious burns to users and damage to property. Despite a product recall being initiated over these safety concerns, a large number of the potentially hazardous items have not yet been returned.

Private Richard Norden has been posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, Australia's highest military honour, 57 years after he was killed in action, according to a report in ABC News. The award recognizes an act of extreme bravery performed in the face of enemy fire. This posthumous recognition is part of a wider national effort to review and acknowledge historical military service, particularly for veterans of conflicts like the Vietnam War.

A recent death from melioidosis in the Cairns and Hinterland region has brought Queensland's total fatalities from the disease this year to 35, ABC says in a report. According to Queensland Health, the latest death occurred within the past seven days. Melioidosis is an endemic bacterial disease found in soil and water in tropical northern Australia, with public health responses focused on environmental exposure risks and rapid clinical treatment.

A confirmed case of measles at a BHP iron ore mine in the Pilbara has put Western Australia's resources sector on high alert, ABC News says in a report. The discovery of the highly contagious disease has initiated a public health response, focusing on the risks posed to the large Fly-In/Fly-Out (FIFO) workforce that operates in the remote region. Authorities are now undertaking measures to prevent further transmission of the virus within the mine site and the wider community.

A review into the Queensland Police Service's workforce has determined that officers are overworked and suffering from burnout, according to a report in ABC News. Queensland's Acting Police Commissioner, Shane Chelepy, announced the findings, stating that staff require more support on the frontline. The review highlights systemic workforce issues within the service, adding pressure on the state government to address funding, staffing levels, and working conditions for police.

Chevron has acknowledged that gas from several of its closed oil wells on Barrow Island, a Class A Nature Reserve off the coast of Western Australia, is leaking and contaminating the area's surface and groundwater, according to a report in ABC News. The incident raises scrutiny on the long-term environmental management of historical fossil fuel infrastructure, particularly in ecologically sensitive locations. The contamination was confirmed by the company, which operates major gas facilities like the Gorgon LNG project on the same island.

Thousands of homes across regional and metropolitan Australia have been selected to participate in a pre-census test in August, according to a report in news.com.au. This trial run, managed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), is designed to test and refine collection methods, questions, and logistical processes. The goal is to identify and resolve any potential issues before the full, mandatory national census is conducted.

A proposed by-law to limit households to a maximum of two cats in a specific Australian council area has generated significant controversy among residents, as per a report in news.com.au. The proposal is part of a broader debate in Australia concerning responsible pet ownership, with proponents of such limits often citing the need to protect native wildlife from predation and address community amenity issues. The move has faced backlash from cat owners who are unhappy with the potential restriction.

A teenage girl is fighting for her life in a hospital after she was struck by an allegedly speeding car during an organised street meet in the Perth suburb of Burswood on Monday night, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The incident has left the girl with critical injuries, prompting a police investigation into the collision which occurred at the gathering of car enthusiasts.

A man has been found stabbed to death in the front garden of a luxury Australian home, according to a report in The Age. The property where the deceased was discovered is owned by the founder of a popular Australian skincare brand. Police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.