Australia's proposed Environmental Protection Reform Bill, aimed at overhauling the EPBC Act, is drawing significant criticism from both the Coalition and the Greens. While the Greens decry the absence of a 'climate trigger' and pro-business leanings, the Coalition expresses concerns over red tape and the balance of power, casting doubt on the bill's passage.
The New South Wales Parliament convened on October 23, 2025, to debate the rollout of renewable energy projects in regional areas, acknowledging significant community concerns. The session also saw the passage of the Crimes Amendment (Animal Sexual Abuse) Bill and the introduction of new legislation targeting organised crime reforms and criminal proceedings.
American aviation holding company Air T has agreed to acquire Australian regional airline Rex, aiming to bring it out of voluntary administration. The deal, subject to approvals, includes a financial restructuring with the Australian Government and plans to revitalize Rex's regional operations and Saab 340 fleet.
Jobs and Skills Australia's latest Occupation Shortage Driver Report 2025 highlights persistent, structural shortages in Australia's early childhood workforce. Challenges include significant training gaps for teachers and retention issues for child carers, with an estimated 21,000 additional professionals needed.
A Chinese Su-35S fighter jet released flares in close proximity to a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea on October 19. Australia has condemned the incident as 'unsafe and unprofessional' and lodged a diplomatic protest with Beijing, marking the latest in a series of such encounters.
Australia has heightened its focus on distracted driving, with increased enforcement of road safety regulations across all states and territories. While some reports of new explicit bans on eating, drinking, and vaping have been clarified by authorities, these activities can now lead to significant fines and demerit points if they cause driver distraction or loss of vehicle control. Penalties vary by state, with fines potentially reaching over A$1,500 and the use of advanced AI cameras for detection.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on October 20, 2025. Key agenda items include US tariffs on Australian steel and aluminum, broader trade relations focusing on critical minerals, and the future of the AUKUS security pact.
Anti-mass immigration rallies across Australia, particularly in Melbourne, turned violent on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Clashes between protesters and counter-demonstrators led to two police officers being hospitalized with injuries after being pelted with projectiles. Police deployed pepper spray and rubber bullets to control the volatile situation.
Australia is forecast to experience extreme October weather, with temperatures up to 15°C above average threatening heat records across South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales. Inland regions could see temperatures in the mid-40s, while the east coast faces severe thunderstorms, large hail, and damaging winds, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Australia has launched a public education campaign ahead of its new national 16-year age limit for social media accounts, set to take effect on December 10, 2025. The legislation, passed in late 2024, mandates social media platforms to prevent minors under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts, with penalties up to AUD $50 million for non-compliance.
Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has proposed new legislation to empower AUSTRAC to restrict or prohibit high-risk products like crypto ATMs. This move addresses concerns over their rapid proliferation and links to money laundering, scams, and other illicit activities, with Australia now hosting approximately 2,000 machines.
India has formally expressed concerns to Australian Minister Anne Aly regarding recent anti-immigration rallies in Australia that targeted the Indian community. During her visit to New Delhi, Minister Aly reassured India, stating that the divisive rhetoric from these rallies represents a minority extremist sentiment and emphasized Australia's commitment to multiculturalism and the valued contributions of Indian-Australians.
South Australia has been named the Best Event State at the 2025 Australian Event Awards and Symposium in Coffs Harbour. This marks the fourth time the state has received the national honour, recognising its outstanding calendar of high-quality events and significant contributions to the events industry.
An Australian soldier has tragically died following a vehicle rollover during a training exercise in north Queensland. The incident, involving an M113 armoured personnel carrier, occurred at the Townsville Field Training Area. Two other soldiers sustained injuries but have since been discharged. The Australian Army has grounded its M113 fleet pending an investigation.
Three Australian men, Darcy Francesco Jenson, Tupau Pada Midolmore, and Coskun Mevlut, have been formally charged with premeditated murder in Bali following the fatal shooting of Zivan Radmanovic and the wounding of Sanar Ghanim. The charges carry a maximum penalty of death under Indonesian law.
Australians accessed over $1.4 billion from their superannuation funds on compassionate grounds in the 2024/25 financial year. The withdrawals, primarily for medical treatments, have prompted warnings from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) regarding potential misuse for unnecessary or cosmetic procedures.
Australia's federal government has announced an increase in New Overseas Student Commencements (NOSC) limits for 2026, setting the National Planning Level at 295,000. This 9% rise, adding 25,000 places, prioritizes universities demonstrating strong engagement with Southeast Asia and investment in student accommodation. Regional institutions saw significant proportional growth, while the University of Sydney was the only one denied an increase.
All Energy Australia 2025, the Southern Hemisphere's largest clean energy event, will convene in Melbourne on October 29-30, 2025. Organized by RX Global and the Clean Energy Council, it expects over 15,000 attendees, 450+ suppliers, and 500+ speakers at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
All Energy Australia 2025, the Southern Hemisphere's largest clean energy event, will return to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from October 29-30, 2025. Organized by RX Global and the Clean Energy Council, the free-to-attend conference and exhibition is expected to draw over 15,000 industry professionals, 450+ suppliers, and 500+ speakers to discuss advancements in renewable energy.
The Victorian Coalition has announced its intention to repeal Australia's first formal statewide treaty agreement with First Nations peoples within 100 days if it wins the 2026 state election. Opposition Leader Brad Battin and Aboriginal Affairs spokesperson Melina Bath stated the treaty is not the best approach, proposing a new 'First Nations Victoria' department instead. The announcement comes as the Victorian Parliament debates the Statewide Treaty Bill 2025, drawing strong criticism from the current government and First Peoples' Assembly leaders.
