Australia News Highlights, 26 July 2025: Queensland community raises alarm over deadly swimming spot after 21 fatalities

The community surrounding a popular but dangerous tourism site in Queensland is expressing significant concern after a history of 21 fatalities at the location, ABC News says in a report. Despite its appealing appearance with turquoise waters, the swimming spot poses a lethal threat as swimmers who disregard warnings can be drawn into submerged subterranean caverns. The repeated tragedies have prompted calls from the local community for measures to prevent future deaths at the site.

The Victorian government's housing agency, Homes Victoria, is hiring an internal homebuyer to manage the relocation of thousands of residents from Melbourne's public housing towers, according to a report in ABC News. This action is part of the government's plan to demolish and redevelop the towers. The homebuyer's role will be to secure new housing for the displaced residents as the project proceeds.

A preliminary court hearing for four Mexicans charged in the deaths of Australian surfers Jake and Callum Robinson and American Jack Carter Rhoad was delayed again on Friday in the Baja California city of Ensenada, according to a report in AP. New hearing dates were set during the proceeding, which two of the accused attended in person while the other two appeared via video from prison. Relatives of the victims, who were reportedly on a surfing trip in the area, observed the hearing through a video connection.

A Canberra man has been sentenced to jail for stalking a woman, which included installing spyware on her phone to monitor her, ABC News said in a report. An Australian Capital Territory court heard that the man admitted to the act, but had previously denied it when the woman asked if he was tracking her, instead telling her she was paranoid.

A new photographic installation focusing on the fashion house Romance Was Born and its creators, Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales, is now on display at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, according to a report in ABC News. The exhibition at the national institution in the Australian capital features photographic works reflecting the iconic fashion brand.

An annual diversity and inclusion festival on the New South Wales Central Coast is now in doubt after the local council rejected its approval, ABC News said in a report. The Central Coast Council cited a scheduling conflict with the National Rugby League (NRL) grand final as the reason for the decision, despite the major sporting event taking place in a different city 80 kilometers away. The rejection of the LGBTQIA+ event has raised concerns about its future.

The White Hills Junior Football Club in Victoria is under scrutiny for allowing a parent who is a convicted sex offender to act as a time-keeper at a junior game, ABC News says in a report. Following the revelation, the Australian Football League (AFL) stated it wants to "protect" the club involved. This incident highlights significant concerns regarding child safety protocols and the vetting of volunteers within community sports organizations in Australia.

New South Wales Police have launched investigations into two separate public shootings that occurred overnight in Sydney, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The incidents, which took place in public areas, have prompted an immediate law enforcement response.

A woman has allegedly been stabbed by a colleague while at work in a Sydney hotel, as per a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The alleged assault occurred while the victim was on duty at the workplace.

The newly appointed head of the CFMEU's New South Wales branch is set to target government-funded apartment developments as part of a broader 'cleanout and reset' within the union, The Sydney Morning Herald says in a report. This strategic shift in NSW comes as the union's Victorian branch faces its own challenges, where ongoing factionalism is reportedly complicating similar efforts for an internal cleanout.

International fraudster Ahsan Ali Syed has been captured after being on the run for a decade, according to a report in The Age. Syed, who was known for a lavish lifestyle that included a private jet, a luxury Swiss apartment, and ownership of a Spanish football team, was apprehended following a lengthy international investigation. An Australian developer reportedly played a crucial role in providing information that led to his capture, marking a significant development in a long-running case of financial crime.

An investigation has uncovered that a cancer drug currently being administered to patients is based on faked data from a senior Australian scientist, The Sydney Morning Herald says in a report. The findings have raised significant concerns about the integrity of Australia's medical research, ethical conduct in academic institutions, and the effectiveness of regulatory oversight by bodies such as the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The case has prompted calls for government inquiries and heightened concerns about the potential erosion of public trust in the scientific community and the pharmaceutical approval process.

Southern Australia is experiencing its most widespread rainfall event in the last two years, providing significant relief from a severe and long-running drought, according to a report in ABC News. The precipitation is seen as a crucial development, with indications that the record drought conditions across the region are beginning to ease. Weather forecasts suggest that more rain is expected, potentially continuing the relief for the drought-stricken areas.

A man accused of fatally shooting a tradesperson in Australia allegedly recorded himself confessing to the murder hours after the incident, according to a report in News.com.au. The alleged recording reportedly features the man stating he had murdered someone.

An expletive-laden online rant from an Australian miner concerning the future of coal-burning has gone viral, attracting a response from Elon Musk, as per a report in News.com.au. The miner's commentary on the energy sector prompted Musk to reply simply with the words, "Look up."

An Australian music teacher is facing accusations of sexually abusing a teenage student, as per a report in News.com.au. The allegations include the teacher performing a lap dance for the girl. In response to evidence, which includes a photo of them kissing at the movies, the teacher has claimed it was a 'pretend kiss'.

The Australian government's special visa pathway for Palestinians from Gaza is experiencing a slowdown, with visa holders unable to enter the country, The Sydney Morning Herald said in a report. Despite some families obtaining the necessary Australian visas, they remain stranded due to the immense difficulties and restrictions involved in exiting the Gaza Strip. This logistical bottleneck, rather than Australian entry policy, is the primary reason for the slowing flow of refugees.

An investigation by ABC NEWS Verify has found that the Australian conservative lobby group Advance used unblurred, identifiable images of children without securing consent from their parents, ABC News said in a report. The group reportedly sourced the footage from the public YouTube accounts of various education organisations.

Australian business groups are advocating for a policy agenda focused on boosting productivity, with key demands including a separate, dedicated inquiry into tax reform, the reduction of regulatory 'red tape', and faster government approval processes for projects, according to a report in the Australian Financial Review. The push for a standalone tax inquiry aims to allow for a more focused and comprehensive approach to reform, separate from other measures, while the calls for deregulation and quicker approvals are framed as readily achievable ways to stimulate economic activity and growth.

An officer in the Australian army has left the Australian Defence Force after his security clearance was revoked, according to a report in The Guardian. The revocation, which was previously reported in February, followed an assessment by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) that the officer was not of "appropriate character and trustworthiness". This assessment was upheld by the Administrative Review Tribunal, which noted the officer told interviewers he did not view Israel as a foreign government and would share classified information with the Israel Defense Forces if asked.

Real estate agents in New South Wales are threatening renters with fees as high as $330 if they are not home to provide access for tradespeople. This practice is occurring despite there being no legal requirement for tenants to be personally present for such visits. The Tenants' Union of NSW received more than 2,100 inquiries about property access issues in 2024, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem. One renter reported being told on July 8, 2025, that she would face a $90 fee if she was not available during a specified window for a smoke alarm inspection.

Australian driver Oscar Piastri has secured the top qualifying position for the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, according to a report in AP. Driving for McLaren, Piastri set the fastest time of 1 minute, 40.510 seconds during the qualifying session on Friday. He will start ahead of Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen and his McLaren teammate Lando Norris for the race on Sunday.

Critics in Australia are calling for stronger lobbying regulations as no federal sanctions have been issued for almost three years despite more than a dozen breaches, according to a report in The Guardian. The federal government has reportedly classified these breaches as administrative. The situation is similar in the state of Victoria, where no lobbyist has been sanctioned in over a decade, prompting the state government to acknowledge a need for reform following warnings from its anti-corruption commission.

More than 80% of Tuvalu's population, totaling 8,750 people, has applied for a new visa lottery to migrate to Australia, according to a report in The Guardian. The program, considered the world's first "climate visa" scheme, was established under the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union treaty to provide a pathway for residents of the South Pacific island nation facing an existential threat from rising sea levels. The application period for the initial round of visas closed last Friday, with 2,474 family groups applying from Tuvalu's total population of 11,000.

Sussan Ley, the Deputy Leader of Australia's Liberal Party, has begun meeting with top executives to mend the party's relationship with corporate Australia, according to a report in the Australian Financial Review. The initiative follows a period where Opposition Leader Peter Dutton had publicly distanced the party from big business, particularly through criticism of what he termed 'woke capital'. Ley's meetings are aimed at re-establishing dialogue and rebuilding ties with the nation's business leaders.

In a rugby league match, Adam Reynolds intercepted a pass on his own 30-meter line and ran to score a try, as per a report in The Age. The play saw Reynolds successfully evade two pursuing players from the Parramatta Eels.

A man allegedly armed with a knife has been arrested after setting off flares inside a Perth shopping centre, The Age said in a report. The incident prompted a police response which resulted in the individual being taken into custody.

In a rugby league match, player Adam Reynolds scored a try after making an interception deep in his own territory, The Sydney Morning Herald says in a report. Reynolds reportedly caught the ball on his own 30-meter line and successfully evaded two chasing players from the Parramatta Eels to complete the scoring play.

After recently signing a new contract, Marcus Bontempelli was instrumental in the Western Bulldogs' fourth consecutive victory in the Australian Football League, kicking the team's fourth unanswered goal during the match, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald.

The opposition in South Australia is calling for the government to implement tougher penalties for housing trust tenants who are found to have deliberately damaged their homes, according to a report in Nine News. This call for stricter action, reported on July 24, addresses concerns about the destruction of public social housing properties in the state.

Criminals are using small payments, sometimes as low as $200, to recruit unsuspecting Australians as 'money mules' to launder illicit funds, according to a report in SBS. A major bank has indicated that many individuals who participate are unaware they are engaging in criminal activity. These schemes involve people receiving and then transferring money through their personal accounts at the direction of criminals. Despite a lack of awareness, individuals acting as money mules can face severe legal consequences under Australia's anti-money laundering laws, as authorities like the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and AUSTRAC continue to combat this form of financial crime.

The Department of Social Services has warned Minister Tanya Plibersek of a $3 billion backlog in debt owed by welfare recipients, according to a report in the Australian Financial Review. The department specifically alerted the minister to the "financial and reputational risk" associated with the outstanding sum.

Australian employer groups have strongly criticized a statement from ACTU Secretary Sally McManus that poor management is the cause of the nation's lagging productivity, according to a report in the Australian Financial Review. The employers described the union chief's comments as "misguided," "wrong," and a "distraction" from the real issues. This public disagreement highlights the ongoing tension between unions and business leaders over the causes of and solutions to Australia's persistent decline in productivity growth.

A new fleet of next-generation firefighting vehicles is set to be deployed in an Australian state as preparations begin for the upcoming bushfire season, according to a report in News.com.au. The new vehicles will be put to the test as the state's bushfire danger period officially commences. This initiative is part of broader efforts to bolster emergency response capabilities ahead of anticipated fire threats.

Australian asset management group Macquarie is facing increased pressure from its shareholders regarding its climate disclosures, according to a report in the Australian Financial Review. The heightened scrutiny on the company's climate-related reporting is occurring even as a global trend shows investors are pulling funds from investments linked to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria.

St. George Illawarra Dragons player Jaydn Su'A sustained an injury during a match after being subjected to an awkward, low tackle by Karl Lawton, according to a report in The Age. The tackle left Su'A in visible pain on the field.

A returning player for the Parramatta Eels is delivering a strong performance in the first half of their National Rugby League match against the Brisbane Broncos, according to a report in ABC News. The live coverage of the Eels versus Broncos game follows an earlier match where the North Queensland Cowboys defeated the St George Illawarra Dragons in Townsville.

Two executives from investor Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners have resigned from the board of SunCable, the massive Australian solar and battery project backed by billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes, according to a report in the Australian Financial Review. The departure of the two representatives comes as the ambitious renewable energy venture, which aims to construct one of the world's largest solar farms in the Northern Territory to supply power to Darwin and potentially Singapore, is in the middle of crucial efforts to raise capital for its development.

Nuno Matos has issued a company-wide directive at ANZ requiring staff to keep all presentations to a maximum of five pages, as per a report in the Australian Financial Review. In an email sent to all employees, Matos explained the new internal policy is intended to "ensure messages are focused" and that it "shows respect for everyone’s time." The move is aimed at streamlining internal communications and boosting productivity within the major Australian bank.

In Friday night's Australian Rules Football (AFL) double-header, Essendon's match against the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium was marked by significant injury issues for the Bombers, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. In the other game, the Sydney derby between the Swans and the GWS Giants, a Sydney Swans player was withdrawn from the match due to a concussion concern.

A court has heard a request to examine the actions of New South Wales police during the arrest of Indigenous woman Tammy Shipley, who died in custody in December 2022, according to a report in The Guardian. The argument presented to the court suggests the coroner should have jurisdiction to examine her arrest because officers allegedly failed to identify her "acute mental illness" at the time. Shipley was being held on remand at the Silverwater women’s correctional centre when she died.

Australia is currently hosting Exercise Talisman Sabre, its largest biennial joint military war games conducted primarily with the United States, as per a report in The Age. The exercise aims to enhance high-end warfighting interoperability and test capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains, reflecting the strategic goals of the AUKUS security pact and Australia's Defence Strategic Review. The operation also involves civilian agencies, such as Queensland police, to test whole-of-government coordination in complex national security scenarios amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

A penthouse apartment in the Royale Gold Coast building has set a new sale price record for an off-the-plan apartment, according to a report in The Age. The sale of the luxury residence was completed before the building's construction was finished, marking a significant transaction in the Gold Coast's high-end property market.

A man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the repeated rape of a seven-year-old girl at a daycare centre run by his wife in Point Cook, Victoria, Seven News said in a report. The sentencing comes amid broader public concern and scrutiny of Australia's childcare system, which is reportedly dealing with numerous abuse allegations.

UK-based production company AI Film has filed a lawsuit in Australia against actor Rebel Wilson, alleging she sabotaged her own directorial debut, "The Deb," according to a report in The Guardian. The legal action was filed this week in the New South Wales supreme court. AI Film accuses the Australian actor of deliberately undermining the film's release through alleged threats and defamatory claims, which the company states have caused it to suffer financial and reputational damage.

A 44-year-old woman has been charged in Brisbane, Australia, with stealing valuable items, including family heirlooms, from her elderly cleaning clients, Seven News said in a report. Authorities allege the cleaner pawned the stolen goods for cash at various shops across the city. The charges were laid following an investigation into the reported thefts from the vulnerable individuals.

Melbourne Airport will welcome Hong Kong Airlines as a new carrier following the signing of a new agreement, The Sydney Morning Herald says in a report. The deal comes as recent data reveals that residents of Victoria are travelling overseas in record numbers, indicating a significant increase in international flights from the state.

Dashcam footage from inside a vehicle involved in an alleged chase has captured the moment it crashed in one of Sydney's affluent suburbs, as per a report in The Sydney Morning Herald.

Australia's finance department has recommended lifting a government ban on PwC, deeming the firm "ethically sound" despite an ongoing police investigation into its past misuse of confidential Treasury information, according to a report in The Guardian. The Albanese government's finance minister is expected to consider feedback from senators before making the decision final. Even with the ban lifted, PwC will be unable to tender for government contracts until at least 2028 due to a non-compete clause from the sale of its government consulting business to Scyne Advisory at the height of the scandal.

An hour-long police chase occurred on the Bruce Highway in Queensland after two suspects allegedly fired shots from their vehicle, according to a report in Seven News. During the pursuit, the suspects are also accused of throwing a fire extinguisher and a tyre into the path of other cars. New details and footage of the incident have reportedly emerged.

St George Illawarra Dragons player Jaydn Su'A sustained an injury during a rugby league game after an awkward low tackle from player Karl Lawton, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The report states that the tackle left Su'A in significant pain on the field.

A 20-year-old man faces charges following an incident in Ipswich, Queensland, where he allegedly led police on a chase in a stolen Honda, according to a report in The Age. The pursuit concluded when the man was apprehended and arrested by police on a rooftop.

A major national disability employment provider in Australia has informed its staff that it has lost its federal funding, according to a report in ABC News. The provider supports more than 6,000 Australians living with a disability, and the cessation of federal funds creates uncertainty for the continuity of employment support for its clients. The development affects a significant provider within the country's Disability Employment Services (DES) sector.

Dashcam footage from inside a vehicle has revealed the moment of a crash following an alleged chase through one of Sydney's affluent suburbs, according to a report in The Age. The video shows the events leading up to the collision in the residential area.

The owner of a purple Lamborghini valued at $750,000, which gained notoriety on the social media platform TikTok, has publicly commented after the vehicle was stolen in an overnight heist in Australia, Seven News says in a report. The luxury car was reportedly taken in what is described as a daring theft. The owner had previously showcased the distinctive vehicle on social media, leading to it being dubbed the 'most famous Lambo in Australia'.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, the country's future queen, has arrived in Sydney to commence her university studies, Seven News says in a report. She is expected to spend the next three years studying at the University of Sydney. While her presence highlights Australia's profile as a destination for international students, it has no constitutional impact on Australia, which is a constitutional monarchy with King Charles III as its head of state.

A complex parking sign in Sydney has gone viral on social media, sparking a debate about the complexity of local regulations for Australian drivers, as per a report in Seven News. The incident gained public attention after a video circulated showing a driver spending nearly 10 minutes attempting to understand the various restrictions listed on the single sign. The widespread online reaction has led to discussions about whether it is Australia's most confusing sign, highlighting public frustration with complicated local council rules.

An Australian man, identified as Ahmad Akkouch, was found dead in his hotel bed in Thailand on Wednesday, Seven News said in a report. The death of an Australian citizen overseas typically involves consular assistance from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), which provides support to the family and liaises with local authorities. The investigation into the death is under the jurisdiction of Thai police.

A mother and her daughter have died following a car crash at Hat Head on the New South Wales Mid North Coast, Seven News says in a report. The victims were identified as Jendaya Stewart and her daughter Lillyannah. The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief from the family and community.

The Western Bulldogs are facing the Essendon Bombers and the GWS Giants are playing the Sydney Swans in key Australian Rules Football matches, as per a report in ABC News. The Bulldogs-Bombers game is significant for the ongoing finals race, while the Giants-Swans match is a notable rivalry event known as the 'Sydney Derby'.

Sussan Ley, in her capacity as the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, is actively working to mend ties with corporate Australia by holding meetings with the nation's top executives, according to a report in Australian Financial Review. This outreach campaign represents a shift from the previous stance taken by party leader Peter Dutton, who had strategically distanced the Liberal Party from big business. Ley's current efforts are focused on re-engaging with the business community to repair these relationships.

The future of an A$55 billion renewable energy project in Western Australia's Pilbara region is uncertain after its majority shareholder, BP, withdrew from the initiative, according to a report in ABC News. The project, focused on the large-scale production and export of green hydrogen, is now in question as BP was the lead developer. The withdrawal of the primary driving force behind the project's development and financing leaves a significant void for what was slated to be one of the world's largest green energy ventures.

Australia's strategy for the 2026 Women's Asian Cup will focus on engaging the country's diverse diaspora communities, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. Led by Women’s Asian Cup chief and former Matilda Sarah Walsh, the approach aims to capitalize on the estimated 5.1 million Australians who have family connections to the nations participating in the tournament. This strategy seeks to build on the public engagement success of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, which Australia co-hosted, by leveraging the nation's multicultural makeup to boost attendance and support for the event.

A former Australian Treasury boss has issued a warning that the argument for increasing taxes is "much, much stronger" now than it was in 2002, as per a report in news.com.au. The warning highlights that Australia's current tax system disproportionately penalizes young people, who face a heavy reliance on income tax while older generations benefit from untaxed wealth, particularly in housing. This call for reform is driven by growing fiscal pressures, including increased national debt, an aging population, and new government spending commitments, which have made the existing revenue model less sustainable.

Former Tasmanian Labor Member of Parliament and Miss Australia, Kathryn Hay, has received a suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of the emotional abuse and intimidation of her ex-husband, Troy Richardson, ABC said in a report. The case involving the former public figure concluded with the sentence, which means Hay will avoid immediate incarceration provided she adheres to court-ordered conditions.

Melbourne Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes is expected to return for the NRL finals after scans on his left shoulder revealed he does not need surgery, according to a report in ABC. The positive diagnosis provides a significant boost for the Melbourne-based club ahead of its finals campaign. The Dally M winner's availability was in doubt following the injury, but the scan results have cleared him for a return to the field.

A Queensland parliamentary committee has recommended that a bill aimed at allowing crocodile culling should not be passed by the state government, as per a report in ABC News. The proposed legislation, put forward by Katter's Australian Party to address public safety concerns in North Queensland, was rejected for a second time. The committee's recommendation effectively halts the bill, which sought to introduce measures like culling in response to perceived increases in crocodile populations and human-wildlife interactions in the region.

The New South Wales Liberal government has conceded that its proposed reforms to the workers' compensation system have been politically 'tainted' due to the influence of One Nation Member of the Legislative Council, Mark Latham, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The admission signals a significant legislative challenge for the government, which requires cross-bench support to pass bills in the upper house. Latham's involvement and specific demands have reportedly compromised the integrity and public acceptability of the proposed changes to the scheme that governs how employees are compensated for workplace injuries.

The Australian Capital Territory's Integrity Commission has found two former officials from the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) engaged in 'serious corrupt conduct' over the handling of a controversial $5 million contract, as per a report in ABC News. The finding by the public sector watchdog is a high-profile outcome for the commission. The investigation determined the misconduct was related to a specific contract that had previously faced scrutiny, and the individuals involved are no longer in their positions at the government-funded institution.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has binned data collected from 30,000 households after it failed to meet the independent agency's quality standards and was consequently never released, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The move comes at a particularly challenging time for the Australian economy, which is grappling with a cost of living crisis. The absence of this crucial household-level data can create difficulties for policymakers, including the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Treasury, who depend on such statistics for informed economic forecasting and policy decisions.

One of the most senior officers in the Western Australia police force has been charged with stalking, according to a report in ABC. The officer also faces a charge of illegally accessing a computer system. The report identifies the individual as holding a high rank within the state's police force.

The estimated cost for a new desalination plant on the Eyre Peninsula, planned for the outskirts of Port Lincoln, has risen by $140 million, bringing the total to $470 million, as per a report in ABC. The project's original budget was $330 million. The significant cost increase has been attributed to "global inflationary pressures" and a change in the plant's design.

A jury has been discharged in Australia after being unable to reach a verdict in the trial of Petford Training Farm founder Geoff Guest on child sexual abuse charges, according to a report in ABC News. The outcome, known as a hung jury, followed a week-long trial and more than 14 hours of deliberations. The charges against Guest dated back to the 1970s.

Australian retail giant Bunnings is entering the 'hyper-competitive' solar and home battery market, a move that comes as battery sales have surpassed solar panel sales for the first time in the country, as per a report in ABC News. This trend indicates a maturing market where homeowners, many of whom already have solar panels, are now seeking to add storage to maximize energy self-consumption and reduce reliance on the grid. The increased consumer demand is supported by government rebate schemes and rising electricity prices, signaling a significant mainstreaming of home energy storage solutions.

A doctor in Victoria, Australia, has lost an appeal against a suspension from practice that was imposed after it was found they had issued almost 200 false medical exemptions for COVID-19 vaccines and masks in a single week during the pandemic, ABC News says in a report. The dismissal of the appeal means the original disciplinary action stands, upholding the decision by medical regulatory authorities to suspend the practitioner for undermining public health orders. The case relates to actions taken during the "height of the pandemic" when such mandates were in effect across the state.

An investigation into the recruitment and supervision of senior doctors at hospitals in North Queensland has prompted a broader, statewide audit, according to a report in ABC. The expanded review will now examine the hiring practices for senior medical professionals across the entire Queensland public health system. This development follows initial findings from the more localized inquiry in the state's north.

Administrators investigating the finances of Brindabella Christian College in north Canberra have concluded the school was likely insolvent from 2021, according to a report in ABC News. The report states that during this period of suspected insolvency, the college spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on non-essential items, which included a robot dog and an overseas trip. These findings were detailed in an official report submitted by the administrators who have taken control of the school's affairs.

Queensland's largest prison, the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre, is undergoing final operational readiness tests ahead of its scheduled opening, according to a report in ABC News. The new state-run facility is a significant infrastructure project for the Queensland government. Preparations are being finalized, with the first inmates expected to arrive at the centre in September.

The Northern Territory is set to further privatise prison staff responsibilities, with the duties performed by private security firm G4S being expanded to support packed watch houses, as per a report in ABC. Department of Corrections employees have reportedly been informed that the private firm will take on additional duties previously handled by prison staff in an effort to alleviate pressure on the correctional system.

A public inquiry in Australia has heard testimony from council staffer Eddie Jackson about a lunch meeting with Ned Mannoun that occurred prior to the 2021 local government elections, The Sydney Morning Herald said in a report. Jackson testified that he did not believe his potential sacking from his role would be a topic of discussion at the meeting. The evidence was presented as part of an inquiry investigating alleged misconduct and governance issues within the local council.

A man and a woman have been found dead at a home in Dandenong North, a suburb in Melbourne's south-east, as per a report in Nine News. Police were called to the residence on Kaye Court shortly before 1:30 pm on Friday, where they discovered a deceased woman inside the house. An investigation into the circumstances of the deaths is currently underway.

New research has revealed a specific factor that can create a price difference of more than $1.3 million for homes in Sydney and Melbourne compared to neighbouring properties, Nine News says in a report. This finding highlights a significant variable that can dramatically push up house prices in localized areas, adding another layer of complexity to the housing affordability crisis in Australia's major cities.

A new habitat for elephants has opened at Australia's Werribee Open Range Zoo, featuring a swimming pool and ample space for the herd to explore, according to a report in The Age. The new exhibit also includes underpasses that allow visitors to walk beneath the elephants, offering a unique viewing experience.

A new elephant habitat has opened at Australia's Werribee Open Range Zoo, featuring a swimming pool and visitor underpasses, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The new enclosure provides the elephant herd with more space to explore and includes a large pool for swimming. The design also incorporates underpasses that allow visitors to walk underneath the herd for a unique viewing experience.

The musical 'Cats' is now touring Australia to mark the 40th anniversary of its first performances in the country, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The production is currently undertaking a national tour, bringing the long-running show to various cities.

Former barrister and police informer Nicola Gobbo is preparing to appeal a civil court decision from last month which ruled that she broke the law by informing on her own clients, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The legal challenge is the latest development in the ongoing fallout from the 'Lawyer X' scandal and is connected to a million-dollar compensation case.

The recently released, NRL-endorsed video game "Rugby League 26" has drawn significant complaints from both users and players, particularly from the NRLW, regarding its poor quality and inaccuracy, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The widespread dissatisfaction has prompted the Rugby League Players' Association (RLPA), the union representing the players, to intervene and take action over the issues with the game and the representation of its members.

A prominent Australian Wallaroos player is calling for changes within women's rugby union to prevent top talent from being recruited by the competing and better-resourced National Rugby League Women's (NRLW) competition, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The rugby union star stated it is the sport's "responsibility" to establish stronger professional pathways and conditions to keep its players from moving to the rival rugby league code. This appeal highlights the intense competition for elite female athletes in Australia and underscores the need for Rugby Australia to enhance its offerings to maintain competitiveness for future World Cups.

A junior doctor named Ryan Cho has been rearrested in Australia amid an expanding police investigation into alleged spying incidents, as per a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The case originated with the discovery of a mobile phone allegedly recording inside a toilet at Melbourne's Austin Hospital. Following Cho's initial arrest, police have reportedly widened their probe to encompass other major hospitals in Victoria, leading to the fresh charges against him.

A convoy of more than 80 trucks carrying over 6,000 bales of hay and straw from Western Australia is heading towards drought-stricken regions of South Australia, ABC News said in a report. This large-scale aid effort, organized by the WA farming community, aims to provide critical livestock feed to farmers in SA who are facing severe and prolonged drought conditions. The donation is intended to help South Australian farmers maintain their breeding stock and alleviate pressure caused by the lack of natural pasture.

A man has died in the Perth suburb of Embleton following a police incident overnight, according to a report in ABC News. The man suffered what was described as a medical episode just minutes after being tasered by police officers during an arrest. The circumstances surrounding the death will be subject to a police investigation and a mandatory coronial inquest.

Guy Green, the first person born in Tasmania to be appointed as the state's governor, has passed away at 87, ABC News said in a report. Prior to his vice-regal appointment, Green had a distinguished career in law. He is being remembered by colleagues as a champion of the Antarctic and for his contributions to public life.

Walkley Award-winning ABC journalist Peter Ryan has been remembered as a "wonderful human being" and a "lovely bloke" at a heartfelt funeral service held in North Sydney on Friday, according to a report in ABC News. The service served as a farewell to the respected journalist.

A community fundraising campaign has gathered more than $94,000 in under a week to support the family of a four-year-old girl tragically killed by a falling palm tree in Darwin, ABC News says in a report. The funds are intended to help the family navigate a period of "profound grief" following the incident, demonstrating a significant community rally around the bereaved.

Major Australian real estate firm Ray White is in high-stakes negotiations with its top agent, Josh Tesolin, over a potential separation, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The discussions are occurring while Tesolin is reportedly the subject of a conduct probe. For years, Tesolin has been celebrated as the company's highest-earning agent, but his future with the firm is now uncertain due to the ongoing talks and investigation.

Australian real estate company Ray White is in high-stakes negotiations regarding the future of its highest-earning agent, Josh Tesolin, which could lead to a possible split, according to a report in The Age. The talks are taking place amid a conduct probe involving Tesolin, who has long been recognized as the firm's top agent. The outcome of the negotiations remains uncertain.

An 18-year-old man involved in an armed gang fight that prompted a lockdown at Melbourne's Northland Shopping Centre in May will be released from custody, as per a report in ABC News. The court has ordered the man to complete community work as an alternative to further detention.

Following a "finals nightmare," NSW Swifts star attacker Helen Housby has stated the team's situation cannot get any worse, giving them a 'nothing to lose' mentality for future games, ABC says in a report. Housby's comments reflect the team's psychological state after surviving a significant setback in the Australian Super Netball competition, suggesting the pressure has now eased.

A scientific expedition in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands has recorded over 200 distinct species from just two litres of water, highlighting the rich biodiversity of the Australian external territory, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The research, part of an expedition funded by the private Minderoo Foundation, used environmental DNA analysis to create a metaphorical 'Tree of Life' that illustrates the vast and interconnected ecosystem in the Indian Ocean territory. This finding underscores the environmental significance of Australia's remote marine areas.

A Transperth bus driver who fatally struck 45-year-old father Praveen Matcha outside Perth's RAC Arena last month has avoided a jail sentence, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. The driver was sentenced for the crash that occurred while Matcha was crossing the road near the major venue. The court's decision resulted in a non-custodial penalty for the driver.