Guardian AU
Labor and the Coalition must force Pauline Hanson to ‘please explain’ her policies if they are to win back voters | Tom McIlroy
Pauline Hanson's One Nation has polled ahead of both major parties for the first time, signaling a serious erosion of support from the traditional two-party system. While hardened One Nation voters may be immune to policy scrutiny, analysts argue that first-time converts are persuadable — and neither Labor nor the Coalition is doing enough to expose the gaps in Hanson's platform. If the major parties want those votes back, they need to start asking One Nation to explain itself.
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Federal mines minister backs unions' right to strike at BHP
Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King has thrown her support behind workers threatening strike action at BHP's operations, declaring they deserve full compensation for their labor. Her comments put the government at odds with industry, as a peak body accused the workers of failing their colleagues and the broader economy. The standoff at Australia's largest port raises the stakes for supply chains and export revenues tied to the mining giant's output.
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Online racism is significantly impacting mental health, First Nations people say: ‘It’s like carrying a bully in your pocket’
Online racist content is taking a measurable toll on the mental health of First Nations Australians, with social media algorithms repeatedly surfacing harmful material directly to those it targets. The Australian Human Rights Commission is now pushing for a "digital duty of care" framework to hold platforms accountable for amplifying racist content. The case highlights a growing consensus that passive moderation is insufficient when the architecture of social media actively rewards inflammatory material.
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NT government axes controversial $1.1 million private midwife contract
The Northern Territory government has terminated a $1.1 million contract with a Darwin midwife who was prohibited from working unsupervised, ending an arrangement that drew serious concern from doctors for nearly a year. The decision raises pointed questions about how the contract was awarded in the first place and why it took authorities so long to act. The episode is likely to intensify scrutiny over procurement processes and oversight within the Territory's health system.
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Mother reveals 'constant fear' caused by childcare worker's abuse of son
A Sydney mother has opened up about the lasting psychological toll of her son's abuse at the hands of an out-of-school-hours care worker, describing her life as now defined by constant fear. The case has thrust the safety standards of childcare settings into sharp focus, raising urgent questions about worker screening and oversight. For families who entrust their children to these services daily, the account serves as a sobering reminder of how deeply institutional failures can fracture a family's sense of security.
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