Fresh scrutiny over federal politicians’ expenses rules after pre-election change
Fresh questions are being raised about the expenses federal politicians are entitled to claim, after revelations that key rules governing travel allowances were altered just weeks before the last federal election. While Prime Minister Anthony
Surge in social media use replaces sport, reading and arts among Australian children
A dramatic rise in social media use among children and adolescents is reshaping daily routines and pushing aside key developmental activities such as sport, reading and music, according to a major new study by the
Optus fined $826,320 after major verification flaw allows scammers to steal customer identities and tens of thousands of dollars
Optus has been hit with a substantial $826,320 penalty after a serious security lapse allowed scammers to bypass customer verification processes and steal as much as $39,000 from individual victims. The Australian Communications and Media
Albanese issues ultimatum to Turkey over hosting COP31 Climate Talks
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has drawn a firm line in ongoing negotiations with Turkey over the hosting of next year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), ruling out any possibility of co-hosting the event. Speaking
Australian families face rising private health insurance premiums in 2026
Australian families may be set to pay significantly more for private health insurance in 2026, as premiums are projected to rise between 3.9 and 4.4 per cent. According to analysis by Money.com.au, this increase could
Criticism mounts over First Nations Ambassador Justin Mohamed’s $400,000 role
Controversy has erupted over the role and funding of Australia’s First Nations People Ambassador, Justin Mohamed, after his contract was extended and his annual salary increased to $400,000. Aboriginal academic and human rights lawyer Hannah
Speedway horror in Walcha: Car ploughs into crowd, nine injured, one critical
A speedway event in regional New South Wales descended into chaos on Saturday evening when a racing vehicle broke through a barrier and slammed into spectators, leaving nine people injured—one of them fighting for his
Greece hails Pierrakakis’ Eurogroup victory as a win for the nation — Implications for Australia–EU relations
Greece’s Minister for National Economy, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, received an overwhelmingly enthusiastic welcome from the parliamentary caucus of New Democracy after his election as President of the Eurogroup. His elevation to one of Europe’s most influential economic positions has been framed in Athens as a national milestone, extending beyond party lines
Gold mask, bronze helmets uncovered at ancient cemetery of Macedonian warriors
Archaeologists in northern Greece have uncovered a gold mask and bronze helmets from a vast ancient cemetery at Ahlada, near the town of Florina. In a statement Friday, the Culture Ministry said the most impressive
Archaeological Museum of Athens to host events on Antikythera Mechanism and the Moon
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens announced on Thursday that a total of four presentations on the Antikythera Mechanism and the understanding ancient Greeks had of the moon will be held in September, October, and
Greece to push for action on protecting cultural heritage at UN climate summit
Greece will present a proposal for coordinated action to protect cultural and natural heritage from the impact of climate change on Monday at the UN Climate Action Summit, taking place in New York City. Greek
Council of State rules “religion courses in schools only for Greek-Orthodox students”
`The Council of State ruled on Friday that religion courses in primary and secondary education schools are exclusively “Greek-Orthodox.” The ruling cancels the previous content of religious books as it was decided by SYRIZA Education
Plan to tax Airbnb, short-term rentals underway
The tourism ministry is considering imposing a tax on short-term rentals such as Airbnb on the grounds that it would establish equal treatment with hotel accommodations. As the daily Ta Nea has reported, sources say
Ruling ND still in ‘honeymoon period’, latest poll shows; 13.5%-point lead over main opposition SYRIZA
Ruling New Democracy (ND) continues what is apparently a “honeymoon period” after the July 7 election, with one of the first opinion polls of the new autumn season showing the center-right party with a 13.5-percentage
Leaked US strategy reveals Trump’s plan to break up the EU
A leaked US strategy reveals Trump’s plan to break up the EU, with a draft of a highly classified National Security Strategy (NSS) suggesting that the United States may be pushing for Austria, Italy, Hungary, and Poland to distance themselves from the European Union as part of a bold new
Australian activist alleges abuse in Israeli detention
Australian humanitarian claims physical abuse during Gaza aid mission detention An Australian activist, Surya McEwen, has alleged severe mistreatment while detained by Israeli authorities following an attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. McEwen, from
Tony Abbott urges UK to use Australian-style migration measures
Former Australian PM calls UK migrant arrivals a ‘peaceful invasion’ Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has sparked controversy by suggesting that the United Kingdom should adopt stringent measures similar to those implemented in Australia
Seven Australians released from Israeli custody, deported to Jordan
Seven Australian activists who were detained by Israeli authorities after being intercepted aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla have been released and deported to Jordan. The activists, who had been in custody since October 2, reportedly
Denmark to ban social media for children under 15
New law to require parental approval from age 13 Denmark is set to ban social media use for minors under 15, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced during the opening session of Parliament, in a move
New political deadlock for Macron – early elections loom on November 16
Elysée tells regional authorities to “prepare” as pressure mounts France is heading into another phase of political turmoil, with President Emmanuel Macron facing mounting pressure from both the opposition and the public — as well
End of passport stamps: EU launches new digital entry/exit system – what travellers need to know
From Sunday, October 12, third-country nationals travelling to Europe will encounter a new, fully digital border control system. The Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace traditional passport stamps with biometric registration, including fingerprints and facial recognition.
