Australian parliament pays tribute to Helen Haines as question time opens restrained
First published Mon, Oct 26
Australian federal politicians returned to parliament and united in tribute to independent MP Helen Haines, whose first words after waking were of concern for staff and bystanders. The Prime Minister, Angus Taylor and independent MP Allegra Steggall each paid tribute to Haines in the chamber. Question time opened on a restrained note.123
The Australian described the sitting as a sombre return, saying the attack on Haines echoes the death of Wilton 25 years on. ABC News reported that politicians vowed to honour Haines as parliament returned.45
New research cited in the day's coverage found one in three Australian households are experiencing food insecurity.1
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Albanese admits $6m Marrickville golf club grant was not for sewage fixes
First published Tue, Oct 27 · Updated Thu, Oct 29
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has admitted he was wrong when he said a $6 million grant for a golf club in his electorate was to fix sewage issues. Infrastructure Department officials rejected that claim, and the Prime Minister conceded the money was not intended to contain raw sewage.123
The grant went to Marrickville Golf Club, in the Prime Minister's own electorate. The correction came after officials contradicted the sewage justification he had given for the funding.124
The admission drew attention from outlets across the political spectrum, with The Daily Telegraph and The Australian reporting the Prime Minister was forced to concede his claim was "not correct". News24 reported he was forced to admit he was wrong about the $6 million golf club grant.567
The Australian framed the episode in blunt terms, saying the sewage had really hit the fan, while The Guardian reported the concession that the grant was not to contain raw sewage. Yahoo News Australia described the reversal as the Prime Minister's about-face on the $6 million grant.839
UPDATES
· New development
Attributed claim: The Australian reports that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is accused of misleading parliament over the $6 million Marrickville golf club grant.10
The Daily Telegraph reports that shadow treasurer Angus Taylor is demanding evidence from Albanese on the "sewerage" cash.11
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Ombudsman finds aged care assessment algorithm unreasonable and unfair, urges human override
First published Mon, Oct 26
The Commonwealth Ombudsman's inquiry into the Single Assessment System found that outcomes under the aged care assessment algorithm were unreasonable and unfair, and that the law must change to allow a human override of automated decisions. The watchdog urged that people be given a human touch to veto aged care decisions. The findings were published on Monday.123
The investigation criticised the algorithm-based tool used in aged care under the Labor government, with the ombudsman concluding that the law must be amended so a person can override a machine-made assessment. The Canberra Times reported the watchdog's call for a human veto over aged care decisions.134
SBS News reported that recommendations from the robodebt inquiry were not followed and that outcomes under the aged care algorithm were unfair, drawing a link between the automated assessment system and the earlier robodebt scheme.5
The inquiry's findings were carried by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, which listed the ombudsman's inquiry into the Single Assessment System among its notices on Monday. The Canberra Times and inkl both reported the watchdog's push for a human veto on aged care decisions.436
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Netanyahu claims election is being stolen as Israelis vote in knife-edge poll
First published Tue, Oct 27 · Updated Wed, Oct 28
Israelis voted in an election that outlets described as the most consequential in the country's history, with Binyamin Netanyahu fighting for his political survival. Tens of thousands of Israeli expatriates flew home to cast ballots, and the diaspora vote was widely seen as a factor in his prospects.123
On polling day Netanyahu made an explosive claim that the election was being stolen, as voters went to the polls. The Times reported that he pushed for an attack on Iran days before the vote, and that a rift opened between him and the IDF over the strike plans, to which Katz reacted.456
Palestinian citizens of Israel weighed fear against disillusionment as they voted, while Palestinians in Gaza were reported to expect little change from the outcome. The Guardian reported that 'Gaza's suffering has become campaign fodder' and that Palestinians fear the worst from the election.789
The election campaign largely bypassed Israel's deteriorating global standing, with The Times asking why the country's free-falling image was not a bigger issue for voters. Israelis were described as divided as the vote that could oust Netanyahu approached.310
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· New development
Israel's election ended in deadlock, with exit polls suggesting the blocs led by Binyamin Netanyahu and by Eisenkot were tied and set to fall short of a majority, leaving coalition talks to follow.111213
Netanyahu told supporters his party was still waiting for the "real" election results, and called for a right-wing government.1411
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Two high-speed trains collide in central Spain, killing at least 64
First published Wed, Oct 28
At least 64 people were killed when two high-speed trains collided in central Spain. Rescue operations were ongoing at the scene, and the death toll had risen to 64 by the time of the latest updates.123
The crash left a twisted mass of metal, and one account described the scene as an "apocalyptic" high-speed train crash. The collision involved two high-speed trains in the centre of the country.41
The Australian Financial Review's live news coverage carried the rising Spanish death toll alongside other stories, reporting that the number of dead had climbed.5
Also this week
Published earlier this week and since overtaken by bigger stories. Open one to read it in full.
Woman, 19, dies five days after drive-by shooting at Queensland pub as police probe gang linksA 19-year-old woman has died in hospital five days after she was shot in a drive-by shooting at a pub south of Brisbane, in Loganholme. Queensland Police are treating the death as a homicide and are investigating possible gang links to the attack.
Woman, 19, dies five days after drive-by shooting at Queensland pub as police probe gang links
First published Thu, Oct 29
A 19-year-old woman has died in hospital five days after she was shot in a drive-by shooting at a pub south of Brisbane, in Loganholme. Queensland Police are treating the death as a homicide and are investigating possible gang links to the attack.123
The woman had been fighting for her life after being shot in the head outside a boxing event in the Loganholme area. She was identified in earlier coverage while critically injured, and her family kept a bedside vigil at the hospital.45
Two gunmen remained at large after the shooting, and police had announced no arrests. Police said they did not expect retaliation for the Logan drive-by shooting.26
Video footage of the shooting incident emerged while the woman was still critically injured, and new footage and pictures showed the chaos inside the venue.78
The Guardian reported that police are investigating gang links as the woman, 19, died after the drive-by shooting at the pub south of Brisbane.1
Dairy farmer and former councillor James Hansen found dead in Fraser Coast floodwatersA 57-year-old man found dead in floodwaters on Queensland's Fraser Coast has been identified as local dairy farmer and former councillor James Hansen. His body was recovered as multiple storms and a days-long deluge battered southern Queensland.
Dairy farmer and former councillor James Hansen found dead in Fraser Coast floodwaters
First published Thu, Oct 29
A 57-year-old man found dead in floodwaters on Queensland's Fraser Coast has been identified as local dairy farmer and former councillor James Hansen. His body was recovered as multiple storms and a days-long deluge battered southern Queensland.123
More heavy rain is forecast for Brisbane, though flooding in the city is considered unlikely. The heaviest rainfall has been concentrated on south-east Queensland.4
The death came during a stretch of severe weather across the state, with storms hitting southern Queensland over several days.13
Australian tax chief concedes he 'jumped to conclusions' on credit card banThe head of the Australian Taxation Office has conceded he 'jumped to conclusions' over a controversial ban tied to credit card payments, admitting the agency made an error. The concession was reported across outlets on Thursday, with the tax boss described as a millionaire in one account.
Australian tax chief concedes he 'jumped to conclusions' on credit card ban
First published Thu, Oct 29
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
The head of the Australian Taxation Office has conceded he 'jumped to conclusions' over a controversial ban tied to credit card payments, admitting the agency made an error. The concession was reported across outlets on Thursday, with the tax boss described as a millionaire in one account.1234
The Age reported that the tax boss conceded he had 'jumped to conclusions' on the card ban, while news.com.au and news.com.au's later report carried the same admission of error. News24 described it as the ATO boss admitting a major mistake in a tax payment crackdown.3145
Yahoo Finance reported that the ATO was told to 'think about arrangements' beyond the credit card deadline, pointing to pressure to extend flexibility past the cutoff. The Daily Telegraph reported the tax boss admitted a massive error on the credit card ban.62
Attributed claim: Opposition figure Angus Taylor attacked Labor over what news24.com.au called the ATO tax payment fiasco, tying the agency's error to the government. The right-leaning outlet framed the episode as a political failure for Labor, while the centre-left Age and centre Yahoo Finance focused on the tax office's own admission and the call for alternative arrangements.736
South Australia's ICAC chief rules on bikie links to Torrens to Darlington road projectSouth Australia's Independent Commissioner Against Corruption has made a call on alleged bikie links to the Torrens to Darlington road project, the state's biggest road build. The commissioner's decision was reported as political pressure mounted on state ministers over the same project.
South Australia's ICAC chief rules on bikie links to Torrens to Darlington road project
First published Wed, Oct 28
South Australia's Independent Commissioner Against Corruption has made a call on alleged bikie links to the Torrens to Darlington road project, the state's biggest road build. The commissioner's decision was reported as political pressure mounted on state ministers over the same project.12
Ministers have deflected responsibility for the bikie connection, and one minister avoided a direct answer when asked what the government knew. The opposition and media pressed the government on who was aware of the links and when.34
The episode has drawn attention to the powers of a watered-down anti-corruption commission now handling a full-scale political scandal. The road project, known as T2D, sits at the centre of the dispute.52
Separately, a history of political scandal and corruption in New South Wales was revisited in reporting on the state's record of graft.6
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell resigns, citing threats and a smear campaign against her familyRedland City Mayor Jos Mitchell resigned, saying she faced threats, accusations and harassment and that her family had been targeted in a smear campaign. She cited "relentless intimidation" and alleged threats, vandalised cars and attacks on her family. The Courier Mail reported the resignation leaves the council facing a Christmas by-election and further chaos.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell resigns, citing threats and a smear campaign against her family
First published Wed, Oct 28
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell resigned, saying she faced threats, accusations and harassment and that her family had been targeted in a smear campaign. She cited "relentless intimidation" and alleged threats, vandalised cars and attacks on her family. The Courier Mail reported the resignation leaves the council facing a Christmas by-election and further chaos.1234
Attributed claim: Accounts of the resignation differ. Brisbane Times and The Age reported that at a press conference the council said the mayor had not resigned, quoting "Up until two seconds ago, I had not had contact." Other outlets reported the resignation as settled, with news24.com.au linking the exit to a pay scandal and 7NEWS reporting alleged threats, vandalised cars and attacks on her family.5673
The resignation follows a period of conflict inside the council, described in coverage as involving abuse, leaks and "drone spies." The Courier Mail tied the mayor's departure to the drone allegations and said the fallout would produce a Christmas by-election. SMH.com.au reported the mayor's exit but said it was not the end of the council saga.849
Mitchell's statement described a campaign against her family as well as pressure on her as mayor. The Age reported she cited "threats, accusations and harassment" as the reason for quitting, and 9Now reported she resigned after "relentless intimidation" and threats.123
Greens leader David Shoebridge proposes $21-a-week tax cut funded by $22b resources levyNew Greens leader David Shoebridge used an address to the National Press Club to propose a new tax cut and a welfare boost, declaring he would pursue "rivers of gold" from the resources sector. The package is pitched as a $21-a-week tax cut, framed by the party as relief for "everyday people" against the 1%.
Greens leader David Shoebridge proposes $21-a-week tax cut funded by $22b resources levy
First published Tue, Oct 27
New Greens leader David Shoebridge used an address to the National Press Club to propose a new tax cut and a welfare boost, declaring he would pursue "rivers of gold" from the resources sector. The package is pitched as a $21-a-week tax cut, framed by the party as relief for "everyday people" against the 1%.12
The cut would come through raising the tax-free threshold, with the party promising tax cuts for all except the resource sector. The Greens are demanding a $22 billion tax lift on resources to pay for the cuts to workers.342
Serbia's Vučić concedes election defeat as student-led movement ends 14-year ruleSerbian President Aleksandar Vučić has conceded defeat to a student-led opposition movement in Serbia's election, ending his party's 14-year grip on power. The result was reported across outlets on Monday, with celebrations following later in the week.
Serbia's Vučić concedes election defeat as student-led movement ends 14-year rule
First published Mon, Oct 26
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has conceded defeat to a student-led opposition movement in Serbia's election, ending his party's 14-year grip on power. The result was reported across outlets on Monday, with celebrations following later in the week.1234
The student-led movement's victory was described as a seismic result, with Vučić ousted by a movement built around students rather than an established party. Serbia woke up to a new political reality after the vote.567
Attention has turned to what comes next: who will serve as prime minister and when a government will be formed. Crowds celebrated in Serbia as the ruling party lost its hold on power.8910
Attributed claim: Outlets framed the result in sharply different terms. The Economist, a centre-right outlet, called Vučić Serbia's autocrat losing to a bunch of students, while ABC News reported plainly that the Serbian president had conceded defeat to the student-led movement.71
Lula defeats Bolsonaro in Brazil runoff to win re-election as Trump criticLuiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been re-elected president of Brazil, coming from behind to win the runoff against Jair Bolsonaro. Outlets described the result as a historic win and a surprise comeback, with NDTV calling it a record fourth term for Lula. Lula has been characterised in coverage as a critic of US President Donald Trump.
Lula defeats Bolsonaro in Brazil runoff to win re-election as Trump critic
First published Mon, Oct 26
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been re-elected president of Brazil, coming from behind to win the runoff against Jair Bolsonaro. Outlets described the result as a historic win and a surprise comeback, with NDTV calling it a record fourth term for Lula. Lula has been characterised in coverage as a critic of US President Donald Trump.1234
Bolsonaro said it was "impossible to concede" the election result after the runoff, according to The Guardian's live coverage. The declaration came as the result of the runoff was confirmed in Lula's favour.5
Al Jazeera published key takeaways from Lula's win, treating the outcome as a historic result in the 2026 election. The Guardian's live coverage and The Age's report both centred on Lula's comeback from behind in the runoff.651
News.com.au carried a separate headline about "America First" and millions taking to the streets, published the same day as the Brazilian runoff results. The item ran alongside the Lula and Bolsonaro election coverage.7
Two gunmen at large after Loganholme drive-by shooting leaves woman, 19, fighting for lifeA 19-year-old woman was shot in the head in a drive-by shooting outside a boxing event near Brisbane, and two gunmen remain at large. Her family are keeping a bedside vigil at the hospital where she is fighting for life. Police say they do not expect retaliation for the Logan drive-by shooting.
Two gunmen at large after Loganholme drive-by shooting leaves woman, 19, fighting for life
First published Mon, Oct 26
A 19-year-old woman was shot in the head in a drive-by shooting outside a boxing event near Brisbane, and two gunmen remain at large. Her family are keeping a bedside vigil at the hospital where she is fighting for life. Police say they do not expect retaliation for the Logan drive-by shooting.123
Video footage of the incident has emerged as the woman remains critically injured. The shooting happened outside a boxing event in the Loganholme area, south of Brisbane.43
The Guardian described the shooting as 'horrific', while news.com.au reported the emergence of disturbing video as the 19-year-old fights for life. Police have not announced arrests, and the two gunmen are still being sought.43
