/qnotables25/ - ===Q Notables 2025===

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23860385 (160809ZNOV25) Notable: ‘Be brave’: Victims urge lawmakers to support release of Epstein files - The family of Virginia Giuffre has joined more than a dozen survivors in urging lawmakers to vote for the release of all unclassified Epstein files, ahead of a House vote on a bill requiring the Department of Justice to publish records tied to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Giuffre’s family says disclosure is essential for “identifying everyone involved” and ending what they describe as a “double standard of justice” that has allowed powerful figures to avoid consequences. The letter calls on Congress to “embody Virginia’s courage” and “be brave” when voting. The vote was triggered by a discharge petition signed by Democrats and several Republicans, despite President Donald Trump warning his party the bill is a “trap.”

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‘Be brave’: Victims urge lawmakers to support release of Epstein files

President Donald Trump, who had a friendly relationship with Epstein before an apparent falling out, has warned Republicans about supporting the bill, calling it a "trap."

scrippsnews.com - Nov 15, 2025

The family of Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epstein’s most prominent accusers, joined more than a dozen other women in signing a letter urging lawmakers to support the release of the full Epstein files.

The House of Representatives is expected to vote next week on a bill that would require the Department of Justice to publish all unclassified records, documents, communications and investigative materials tied to Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

Giuffre’s family has pushed for years to make the files public, arguing that releasing them is essential to identifying everyone involved and bringing accountability.

"Epstein and Maxwell’s crimes exposed a double standard of justice, where rich and powerful men and women evade repercussions. Despite years of work to bring them to justice, most of Epstein and Maxwell’s co-conspirators remain completely free, continuing to amass power and prestige, living without apparent shame," the letter states.

Giuffre died by suicide earlier this year, but the letter points to her bravery and compels lawmakers to channel that when they vote.

"Embody Virginia's courage. Be brave and stand for her, in her absence. Vote YES on the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Vote for justice, accountability, and the truth," the letter says.

The bill is only being voted on because of a discharge petition that received the necessary 218 signatures to force a vote. While the majority of signatures on the petition are Democrats, about a handful of Republicans also signed on.

President Donald Trump, who had a friendly relationship with Epstein before an apparent falling out, has warned Republicans about supporting the bill, calling it a "trap."

https://www.scrippsnews.com/politics/congress/be-brave-victims-urge-lawmakers-to-support-release-of-epstein-files

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26278946-survivors-letter-to-congress/

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23864543 (170903ZNOV25) Notable: AUKUS rejects suspicious applicants to protect nuclear secrets - One in 10 applicants for AUKUS nuclear-submarine roles is being rejected on security grounds as Australia tightens protections around top secret technology shared with the US and UK. Authorities have raised concerns about applicants with “dubious connections” to foreign governments, including some Chinese Australian and Indian Australian candidates whose ties extend beyond family and friends. ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess has warned that foreign agencies show an “unhealthy interest” in AUKUS, prompting strict clearance and “nuclear suitability” testing. Applicants have also been rejected over concerning social media activity. The project will ultimately require about 20,000 workers, from welders to nuclear specialists, supported by expanded STEM courses and thousands of new scholarships. Officials say security must be rigorous without excluding viable candidates as Australia prepares to acquire Virginia-class submarines from 2032.

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AUKUS rejects suspicious applicants to protect nuclear secrets

CAMERON STEWART - 16 November 2025

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One in 10 applicants to the AUKUS nuclear submarine project is being rejected on security grounds, including because they have suspicious links to China, India and other foreign countries.

The ramp-up in security checks as the first AUKUS-related cohorts of nuclear-trained workers progresses through the system has caused about 10 per cent of job applicants to be knocked back for a range of security-related reasons.

These include concerns about Chinese Australian applicants who are Australian citizens but who continue to maintain dubious connections in China which raise doubts about their suitability to enter the highly classified realm of the nuclear submarine project.

ASIO director-general Mike Burgess warned earlier this year that foreign spy agencies were taking an “unhealthy interest” in gaining access to military technology secrets shared through the three-nation AUKUS submarine pact.

Graduates of AUKUS-related nuclear training must be Australian citizens. They can be of Chinese, Indian or other foreign backgrounds – which traditionally make up a high proportion of STEM students – so long as their connections to these countries are limited to family and friends, rather than relationships with authorities who might seek to penetrate the AUKUS program.

Other applicants who have recently been rejected for employment with the AUKUS project include long-term Australian citizens whose social media history has raised red flags about their suitability and their commitment to the nuclear submarine project.

When applicants apply for sensitive jobs within the AUKUS submarine enterprise they are subject to both a defence security clearance assessment followed by a ­specific “nuclear suitability” test – an extra and highly confidential assessment to weed out potential risks to the program.

Watertight security across the AUKUS submarine project is essential given that Australia will share top secret nuclear technology with its fellow AUKUS partners, the US and UK.

But authorities say a balance must be struck between ensuring that security checks are rigorous without being so onerous that they rule out potentially good staff members for a project where ­nuclear-trained workers are in short supply.

Australia will eventually need an AUKUS submarine workforce of around 20,000 people as the country purchases nuclear-­powered submarines from the US in the early 2030s before building its own AUKUS submarines in Adelaide. These employees will range from large numbers of welders and shipbuilding tradespeople with a moderate degree of “nuclear awareness” up to a smaller, elite group of nuclear specialists with PHDS in nuclear engineering and similar qualifications. The government has ramped up the number of courses available in nuclear ­engineering and has created 3000 undergraduate STEM scholarships under the Propel: Australian Submarine Scholarship Program to focus on specialist AUKUS-­related STEM disciplines. It has also established 4000 commonwealth-supported places across 38 STEM courses.

“Australia is prioritising skills in submarine engineering, nuclear engineering and critical STEM disciplines because of the long lead times needed to develop these capabilities,” an Australian Submarine Agency spokesperson said.

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23864561 (170934ZNOV25) Notable: ‘Time to go home’: neo-Nazi who rallied outside NSW Parliament has his visa cancelled - The federal government has cancelled the visa of civil engineer Matthew Gruter after he took part in an antisemitic neo-Nazi rally outside NSW Parliament on November 9. Immigration Minister Tony Burke said visa holders are “guests” and those who “show hatred” can be told “it’s time to go home”. Gruter, identified by The Age and by anti-fascist researchers with the White Rose Society, has been photographed leading National Socialist Network training sessions and wearing a wristband inscribed with the Hitler Youth slogan “blood and honour”. Home Affairs said it will act against individuals who pose “behaviour of concern”. The case has reignited debate over NSW’s racial hatred laws, while police continue considering charges against participants in the protest.

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‘Time to go home’: neo-Nazi who rallied outside NSW Parliament has his visa cancelled

Michael McGowan and Patrick Begley - November 17, 2025

The federal government has cancelled the visa of a neo-Nazi who took part in an antisemitic rally outside NSW Parliament, declaring on Monday there was no room in Australia for guests who “show hatred”.

Civil engineer Matthew Gruter, one of 60-odd black clad neo-Nazis who staged a made-for-social-media rally outside parliament on November 9, could soon be forced to return to South Africa, following the visa decision. He has been living in Australia with his influencer wife for about three years.

“If you are on a visa you are a guest,” Immigration Minister Tony Burke said. “If you’re a citizen, you’re a full member of the Australian family.

“Like with any household, if a guest turns up to show hatred and wreck the household, they can be told it’s time to go home.”

The Department of Home Affairs had prepared a brief for the Albanese government to consider Gruter’s visa status after his identity was revealed by this masthead and anti-fascist researchers with the White Rose Society.

“The Australian government will continue to act decisively to protect the community from the risk of harm posed by individuals who choose to engage in criminal activity or behaviour of concern,” a Home Affairs spokesman said in a statement.

Gruter had been previously photographed leading training sessions for the National Socialist Network, an openly racist extremist group that has caught the attention of law enforcement and intelligence agencies. In photographs with his pregnant wife, he was spotted wearing a silver wristband reserved for the group’s leaders, inscribed with the Hitler Youth slogan “blood and honour”.

Multinational company Aurecon, which has been contracted by the Australian Defence Force and government agencies, did not respond to questions last week about whether Gruter remained employed by the company.

When the Herald contacted Gruter about his involvement in the rally, he responded: “Since when is loving and advocating for your own People [sic] a crime?”

The Home Affairs website states that those with cancelled visas may have a limited time to leave Australia. Those who stay on risk immigration detention and removal from the country.

Gruter cannot appeal to the minister for a reinstatement but may be able to seek a review by the Administrative Review Tribunal or a court.

The Herald has revealed the identities of a number of NSN members who took part in the “Abolish the Jewish Lobby” stunt held outside parliament.

They include Sydney Trains guard Cooper Stephens, who has since been stood down pending the results of an investigation, and Oscar Tuckfield, who infiltrated the NSW Young Nationals with other neo-Nazis in 2018.

Participants in the parliament house rally did not wear masks, although many chose to partially obscure their identities with dark sunglasses and hats. In social media posts about the group’s activities, most of their faces have been blurred.

The rally has ignited debate within NSW about the adequacy of the state’s new laws against inciting racial hatred and concerns about the group’s plans to register a White Australia political party.

NSW Police are still considering whether to charge participants in the protest, which was approved after the force declined to lodge an objection with the courts.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/nsw/time-to-go-home-neo-nazi-who-rallied-outside-nsw-parliament-has-his-visa-cancelled-20251117-p5ng2j.html

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23868369 (180841ZNOV25) Notable: Penny Wong backs China ties amid disinformation, ‘collapse of truth’ - Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Australia must work closely with China to safeguard the economy while strengthening defences against disinformation, foreign interference and cyber attacks that intelligence chiefs warn Beijing is deploying at scale. She said technologically enabled threats had created a “collapse of truth” and rejected the “false binary” that sovereignty and productive economic ties with Beijing are incompatible. Wong argued the government had stabilised relations “without compromising our interests”, even as officials warn of Chinese cyber intrusions, growing military pressure and efforts to influence the region. She also pointed to trade diversification, recent regional agreements and Australia’s middle-power diplomacy amid continued tensions, including PLA flares fired near an Australian aircraft.

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Penny Wong backs China ties amid disinformation, ‘collapse of truth’

BEN PACKHAM - 17 November 2025

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Foreign Minister Penny Wong has warned that Australia has no choice but to work closely with China to safeguard the economy and needs to harden its defences against disinformation, foreign interference and cyber attacks, which intelligence chiefs warn Beijing is deploying on an industrial scale.

Declaring a “permanent” ­deterioration in Australia’s security environment, Senator Wong argued that technologically enabled threats had led to a “collapse of truth”, undermining democracy and social cohesion.

But, in a forceful defence of the government’s China dip­lomacy, she condemned the “false” ­suggestion that Australia needed to choose between ­protecting its sovereignty and maintaining ­productive economic ties with Beijing.

“China is our largest trading partner, the world’s second-­largest economy and a key player on climate action,” Senator Wong told the Australian Institute of International Affairs in Canberra on Monday night.

“We still see economic integration as providing a critical incentive for peace, while managing potential vulnerabilities.”

The speech comes amid concerns that Australia is moving too slowly to ramp up the nation’s defence capabilities to counter China’s growing military might and its “grey zone” efforts to ­expand its influence and become the region’s dominant power.

It follows a stark warning by outgoing Office of National Intelligence director-general Andrew Shearer that Beijing is taking advantage of Australia’s preference for restraint to “distract and divide us … and chip away at our resolve”.

ASIO director-general Mike Burgess also sounded the alarm in recent days over an explosion in Chinese state-sponsored cyber attacks aimed at infiltrating the nation’s critical infrastructure systems, warning of potentially catastrophic consequences.

Senator Wong said the government had stabilised ties with China “without compromising on our interests”, and was prioritising dialogue with Beijing “at every level”, including between the ­nations’ militaries.

She said co-operating with China was essential, as the nation of 1.4 billion people would continue to play a major role in the region and the multilateral system Australia relied on.

“We should not be distracted by any false binary around this ­relationship – any claim that safeguarding our sovereignty is somehow mutually exclusive with productive economic ties,” Senator Wong said. “What we want is a relationship that allows us to ­co-operate and engage with China, while prosecuting our national interests and building security and prosperity in our region.”

Her push for a more nuanced understanding of Australia’s China relationship follows ­Anthony Albanese’s record-long visit to the country in July, when he said President Xi Jinping had given him “no reason” not to trust him.

Senator Wong compared China favourably with Russia, Iran and North Korea, saying ­Beijing would “continue trying to reshape the region according to its own interests”, while Moscow, Tehran and Pyongyang would “continue to sabotage and destabilise”.

At the same time, she warned Australia faced a surge in “disinformation, interference, transnational repression, cyber attacks and the unregulated use of AI” – all of which are being harnessed by Beijing to disrupt the rules-based order. “We are witness to a collapse of truth. False voices. Fabricated ­images. Manufactured narratives. Algorithms amplifying fiction masquerading as fact,” Senator Wong said.

She attributed the malicious behaviour to “others” who ­wanted to “tear at the fabric of our cohesion”.

A week after Beijing leveraged its rare earths monopoly to force a trade settlement with Washington, Senator Wong said “some states” were also seeking to “weaponise trade and undermine supply chains”.

“In the face of these challenges, resilience is a priority domain for government, and for a foreign minister – along with the region, relationships and the rules,” she said.

“The strength of our democracy and the trust in our institutions are central to navigating a world that is more divided, more contested and more insecure.”

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23868376 (180846ZNOV25) Notable: Analysis: Only one China, but two ways to talk about it – "To hear Penny Wong talk about China and then hear our intelligence chiefs talk about China, you might wonder whether they were speaking about the same country. When it comes to relations with Beijing, the Foreign Minister places herself firmly in the camp of the pragmatic doves… Wong is safe, cautious and measured in her criticisms of Beijing… By contrast, ASIO chief Mike Burgess and the outgoing Office of National Intelligence director-general Andrew Shearer have adopted the role of Canberra’s honest hawks… Burgess said he was aware of ‘one nation state - no prizes for guessing which one – conducting multiple attempts to scan and penetrate critical infrastructure’… Shearer said Xi Jinping’s dictatorship was waging a concerted campaign of military intimidation and state-sponsored hacking… Ever since China progressively removed the $20bn in unwarranted trade sanctions it slapped on Australia from 2020 to 2023, the Albanese government has pulled its punches rhetorically about the dark side of China’s behaviour in the region. This is what China wanted, of course, when it chose to remove its own sanctions. Wong wants this stabilised relationship to continue, and this is overwhelmingly in Australia’s interests. But we should also welcome the fact that our intelligence chiefs are willing to remind us no amount of polite diplomatic language can hide the reality that China’s relentless cyber war is a daily and ongoing threat to national security." – Cameron Stewart, The Australian

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Analysis: Only one China, but two ways to talk about it

CAMERON STEWART - 17 November 2025

To hear Penny Wong talk about China and then hear our intelligence chiefs talk about China, you might wonder whether they were speaking about the same country.

When it comes to relations with Beijing, the Foreign Minister places herself firmly in the camp of the pragmatic doves.

Wong is safe, cautious and measured in her criticisms of Beijing, wary of using any language that might disrupt the stabilised relationship since Labor came to power.

By contrast, ASIO chief Mike Burgess and the outgoing Office of National Intelligence director-general Andrew Shearer have adopted the role of Canberra’s honest hawks. In recent months both men have called out China in much more direct and blunt language than anyone in the Albanese government would dare. They variously portray China as a force for division inside Australia, a saboteur of Australia’s critical infrastructure and bully in the South China Sea.

Wong said in her comprehensive address to the Australian Institute of International Affairs that Australia has no choice but to work with China and there should be no “false binary” between protecting its sovereignty and pursuing good economic ties with China.

This is true but the tension between Canberra’s China hawks and doves is much more subtle than this. It is about what sort of language should be employed to call China out for its relentless cyber war on Australia, its military brinkmanship in the South China Sea, its hegemonic push in the Pacific, and its large espionage apparatus in this country.

Wong did offer some mild criticism of China in her speech, suggesting that it would “continue trying to reshape the region according to its own interests”.

She also said the government had told China it does not tolerate any unsafe conduct directed at the Australian military in the region, after several incidents this year.

But Wong chose not to include China when talking about countries that “continue to sabotage and destabilise”. She named only Russia, Iran and North Korea.

Understandably, Wong wants to foster good relations with Beijing and the use of inflammatory language for the sake of it can be counter-productive. But so can the use of overly safe language that all but gives Beijing a free pass on its bad behaviour.

Contrast Wong’s words in this speech with these by ASIO boss Burgess last week.

In a clear reference to China, Burgess said he was aware of “one nation state – no prizes for guessing which one – conducting multiple attempts to scan and penetrate critical infrastructure in Australia and other Five Eyes countries”.

Burgess warned that China could crash the nation’s financial, telecommunications and utilities systems in a “high-impact sabotage” event using its elite teams of state-backed hackers.

Speaking such plain truth got under the skin of China’s government, with Beijing lodging a protest about Burgess’s remarks. A Chinese spokesman said “in recent months, the Australian official you mentioned has repeatedly hurled attacks at China, spread disinformation and deliberately sowed division and confrontation”.

Maybe, but at least Burgess called a spade a spade. Similarly, the NI director Shearer said last month that Xi Jinping’s dictatorship was waging a concerted campaign of military intimidation and state-sponsored hacking against Australia and its closest partners and that it was vital to “be candid” about the threat.

Ever since China progressively removed the $20bn in unwarranted trade sanctions it slapped on Australia from 2020 to 2023, the Albanese government has pulled its punches rhetorically about the dark side of China’s behaviour in the region. This is what China wanted, of course, when it chose to remove its own sanctions. Wong wants this stabilised relationship to continue, and this is overwhelmingly in Australia’s interests. But we should also welcome the fact that our intelligence chiefs are willing to remind us no amount of polite diplomatic language can hide the reality that China’s relentless cyber war is a daily and ongoing threat to national security.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/only-one-china-but-two-ways-to-talk-about-it/news-story/e16fddc21fa6cc4664bf6963593c5888

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23873275 (190828ZNOV25) Notable: Kevin Rudd calls in the lawyers over mention in email to Jeffrey Epstein released by the US Congress - opening up his diary to prove 'cocktail party' never happened - Kevin Rudd has engaged a defamation lawyer after an unpublished draft of a Michael Wolff magazine article, emailed by Wolff to Jeffrey Epstein in 2015, claimed Rudd attended a cocktail party at Epstein’s home. Rudd’s spokesperson called the account “utterly false”, saying his diary shows three documented events on 22 September 2014 and no record or invitation for any Epstein gathering. Photos from those events were provided. Wolff dismissed the draft as never intended for publication. Additional documents show journalists later contacted Epstein to fact-check the draft’s claims. Rudd says he has “no recollection whatsoever” of meeting Epstein, though he was once involved in a conference call attended by Epstein in 2014, and attended another event Epstein was invited to in 2013.

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Kevin Rudd calls in the lawyers over mention in email to Jeffrey Epstein released by the US Congress - opening up his diary to prove 'cocktail party' never happened

CHARLOTTE KARP - 18 November 2025

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Australia's US ambassador Kevin Rudd has tapped a defamation lawyer to defend himself from any suggestion he met notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, rejecting as false a document that suggested they once attended the same cocktail party.

Rudd's name appeared in an email from veteran US journalist Michael Wolff to Epstein in 2015, which was revealed when the US House Oversight Committee released a tranche of documents from Epstein's estate last week.

Mr Wolff had written a lengthy feature about Epstein that was destined for the New York Magazine, but never made it to publication. The unpublished piece was sent to Epstein by Mr Wolff as a draft. Rudd's name appeared on page five.

It read: 'That evening, in the Epstein dining room (he rarely seems to use the rest of the house's 50,000 square feet), there is a small cocktail party, which includes the former Prime Minister of Australian (sic), Kevin Rudd, and Thorbjørn Jagland the head of the Noble Peace Prize Committee, who offers an affable, but general scathing, critique of U.S. diplomacy (and a brief defense of Obama's Peace Prize award) and to whom Epstein offers a ride back to Europe on his jet.'

Rudd, who chaired and vice-chaired the International Peace Institute between 2014 and 2023, previously accepted he was once involved in a conference call attended by Epstein in 2014, and attended another event Epstein was invited to in 2013.

But he has been at pains to express that he has no recollection whatsoever of ever meeting Epstein.

Contacted by the Daily Mail about the cocktail party report, Rudd's spokesperson doubled down and described Wolff's unpublished account as 'utterly false'.

The spokesperson said Rudd attended three events on the evening of September 22, 2014. Two events were photographically documented, and there was no diary record of a cocktail party.

'We are aware of an email exchange in 2015 which referred to utterly false allegations that Dr Rudd attended a cocktail party hosted by Jeffrey Epstein on 22 September 2014,' the three-page response read.

'In fact, Dr Rudd's diary records that he attended three separate events during the afternoon and into the evening of the date in question.

'In addition, we have no record of Dr Rudd even being invited to the reported cocktail party with Epstein, and we have no reason to believe that Dr Rudd ever met Epstein at any other time.'

They said Rudd attended a private meeting with Lichtenstein's Foreign Minister Aurelia Frick that evening, along with UN representative Christian Wenaweser, to discuss his new role as chair to the International Commission on Multiculturalism.

Rudd then chaired the inaugural meeting of the ICM's Ministerial Board, followed by a press conference to formally announce his appointment alongside Børge Brende and John Baird, according to the spokesperson.

He then attended the International Peace Institute's annual ministerial dinner on the Middle East with a range of foreign ministers from countries including Canada, Cyprus, Demark, Egypt, and Lebanon.

Photos of Rudd at the ICM press conference and the ministerial dinner were supplied.

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23873289 (190840ZNOV25) Notable: NSW government to bring in tougher laws to combat public displays of Nazi ideology - The NSW government will introduce stronger laws targeting public displays of Nazi ideology after a November 8 rally outside state parliament, where about 60 men in black held an “Abolish the Jewish lobby” banner and chanted “blood and honour”. Amendments to the Crimes Act will ban public conduct indicating support for Nazi ideology, including chants or slogans, with penalties of up to one year in jail or an $11,000 fine. Harsher penalties apply near synagogues, Jewish schools or the Sydney Jewish Museum. NSW Jewish Board of Deputies welcomed the changes. Police will gain new powers to order the removal of Nazi symbols and demand identification. Premier Chris Minns said clearer laws would help police navigate free speech and hate speech issues.

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NSW government to bring in tougher laws to combat public displays of Nazi ideology

abc.net.au - 19 November 2025

Police and courts will be given greater powers to combat public displays of Nazi ideology in NSW following a rally outside state parliament earlier this month.

The rally on November 8 featured two rows of men clad in black, displaying a banner calling to "Abolish the Jewish lobby".

The group of about 60 also chanted a slogan associated with the Hitler Youth, "blood and honour".

The government on Wednesday said it would amend the Crimes Act 1900 to ban conduct which indicated support for Nazi ideology without reasonable excuse and in public.

This includes banning the use of Nazi chants or slogans.

Displaying Nazi symbols is already banned in the state.

Under the reforms being introduced into NSW parliament on Wednesday, someone who engages in this conduct will face up to a year's imprisonment or a maximum fine of $11,000.

Stronger penalties — up to two years' imprisonment or a $22,000 fine — will apply to someone who commits this offence near a synagogue, Jewish school or the Sydney Jewish Museum.

NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley said police and courts would be given additional powers "to hold Nazi extremists to account for their abhorrent views".

"The deplorable stunt we saw outside NSW parliament has no place in our society. Nobody should be subject to this vile hatred because of their background or faith," he said.

"These tough new laws are complemented by the suite of legislation the government has already put in place to protect against racial vilification and hatred."

In a statement, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies President, David Ossip said the group "wholeheartedly welcome" the government's proposed changes.

"The Nazi ideology and the growth of white supremacist groups do not merely endanger communal safety and cohesion but are fundamentally subversive to the values and structures of our democracy.

"These amendments, should they pass into law, are a welcome step in ensuring that the despicable scenes witnessed outside NSW Parliament House are never able to be repeated."

Jail or fines for offenders

The bill will also introduce new powers allowing police to order a person to take down a suspected Nazi symbol.

Refusing without reasonable excuse will become an offence punishable by a maximum fine of $2,200 or imprisonment up to three months.

NSW Police will be able to order someone to reveal their identity, if the information is reasonably suspected to aid an investigation for an alleged Nazi symbol or Nazi conduct offence.

Many of the people who attended the rally outside of parliament had their faces covered.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said police had to make "finely balanced decisions in real-time".

"If you get it wrong, either way it has big implications, massive ramifications," he said.

"It could lead to the charge that the police have incorrectly arrested someone and breached their free speech opportunities.

"At the same time, you could have a naked display of racism on our streets, so we want to make sure and help the police with big bright lines so that it doesn't just come down to arbitrary judgements on a random Saturday afternoon."

Mr Minns said existing police powers requiring protesters to remove face coverings was an example of how the law could be used to target hate speech and racial vilification.

"It's meant that individuals that wanted to hide in the shadows and be a part-time Nazi have realised they can't, you're really going to have to stand up and expose yourself to your family, your friends and your community that you're part of this obnoxious organisation," he said.

South African Matthew Gruter, who attended the rally in Sydney, was taken to a detention centre on Tuesday after having his visa revoked and is expected to be deported.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-19/nsw-government-nazi-laws-amendment-parliament-rally/106025436

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23873299 (190847ZNOV25) Notable: Julie Inman Grant hauled before US judiciary committee over Online Safety Act - eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has been ordered to appear before the US House judiciary committee after chair Jim Jordan accused her of promoting “foreign censorship regimes” and being a “zealot for global takedowns”. Jordan said her enforcement of Australia’s Online Safety Act, including her attempt to block global access to video of the 2024 stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, “directly threatens American speech”. He also linked her to Stanford’s Cyber Policy Centre, alleging “collusion” with bodies involved in extraterritorial censorship. eSafety said it enforces Australian law only and accepts geoblocking as reasonable compliance. Critics such as Matt Canavan said Australia’s approach is angering countries with strong free-speech protections.

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Julie Inman Grant hauled before US judiciary committee over Online Safety Act

THOMAS HENRY and GEOFF CHAMBERS - 19 November 2025

The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, is set to be hauled before US congress to give evidence on Australia’s Online Safety Act and the implications of “foreign censorship regimes”.

In a letter written by Donald Trump ally and chairman of the US House judiciary committee Jim Jordan, Ms Inman Grant was labelled a “zealot for global takedowns” and was called to give testimony before the committee within two weeks.

“As a primary enforcer of Australia’s OSA and noted zealot for global takedowns, you are uniquely positioned to provide information about the law’s free speech implications – both in the US and abroad,” the letter read.

“Your expansive interpretation and enforcement of Australia’s OSA – including your claim of extraterritorial jurisdiction to censor speech outside of Australia – directly threatens American speech.”

The letter takes direct aim at the eSafety boss’ push to block online access to video of the 2024 stabbing attack of Sydney bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, which was contested by Elon Musk’s X because an effective global ban was deemed not to be a “reasonable” step under Australian law and would be “ignored or disparaged in other countries”.

It also drew links between Ms Inman Grant and the Stanford University Cyber Policy Centre – which recently became the subject of an investigation launched by the committee chaired by Mr Jordan – suggesting they “colluded … to facilitate Australia’s, and other global censorship regimes”.

“According to documents obtained by the committee, you recently gave the ‘keynote’ at a non-public event at Stanford University on September 25, 2025,” the letter reads.

“Other attendees and panellists included officials from some of the entities with the worst track records of extraterritorial censorship, including the European Union and Brazil.

“These close ties with Stanford are troubling given the university’s past efforts to facilitate US government censorship of lawful American speech.”

An eSafety spokesman said the body was an independent regulator focused on enforcing Australian laws and that the Online Safety Act did not mandate global removal of harmful content.

“Technology companies which supply services or display content to Australians must comply with Australian laws and are required to take reasonable steps to comply with eSafety notices issued under the OSA. In the case of removal notices, eSafety considers geoblocking to be a reasonable step,” he said.

“There’s nothing we’re doing that prevents American companies from displaying whatever they want to Americans.”

The body cited a recent case where the regulator accepted geoblocking of the murders of Charlie Kirk and others.

Nationals senator Matt Canavan claimed the government’s pursuit of tech companies and social media platforms “understandably angers other countries where free speech is constitutionally protected”.

“Australia’s eSafety Commissioner’s attempts to take down content globally has already been found to breach Australian laws,” he said.

Anthony Albanese is also moving to implement the News Bargaining Incentive, which compels large digital platforms to contribute to media outlets in Australia.

The government’s scrapped misinformation and disinformation bill also drew the ire of Mr Jordan, who last year declared the legislation could “pressure American companies to censor online speech outside of Australia, including in the US”.

In a letter written by the Republican stalwart last November, he said the proposal “disproportionately targets American companies and will harm free speech worldwide, including in the US”.

“There are serious concerns about how Australian authorities can continue to press for censorship and suppression of online speech outside of Australia’s borders,” he wrote.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/julie-inman-grant-hauled-before-us-judiciary-committee-over-online-saftey-act/news-story/b40ec98da9c21ab7e2a52f550cefabcc

https://x.com/shellenberger/status/1990897344142102575

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23877932 (200907ZNOV25) Notable: Victoria Police launch manhunt for synagogue firebomber who skipped bail - Victoria Police are searching for Angelo Loras, who failed to appear for sentencing after pleading guilty to firebombing the East Melbourne synagogue on July 4, causing $54,000 in damage while 20 worshippers were inside. Loras, who spent 134 days in solitary confinement on remand, was released on bail Monday after a magistrate described his treatment as “nothing short of disgraceful”. The Iranian-born offender, diagnosed with schizophrenia while in custody, was required to stay at an address provided by the Court Integrated Services Program (CISP), avoid the synagogue area and attend a corrections assessment. He did not appear on Wednesday, prompting the court to issue a warrant. Police said inquiries are underway to locate him.

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Victoria Police launch manhunt for synagogue firebomber who skipped bail

DAMON JOHNSTON and CLAREESE PACKER - 20 November 2025

Victoria Police has launched a manhunt for a self-confessed firebomber who failed to front court to be sentenced for torching the doors of a synagogue while 20 worshippers were inside.

Angelo Loras was only released on bail by a magistrate on Monday after pleading guilty to attacking the East Melbourne synagogue on July 4, causing $54,000 damage to its front doors and terrifying the Jewish worshippers inside.

Loras, who had spent 134 days in solitary confinement on remand since his arrest, did not front court on Wednesday for his sentencing and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

“Confirming this warrant is active and as with any warrant, police will make inquiries to locate the person,” a police spokesperson told The Australian on Thursday.

On Monday, a magistrate released the 35-year-old on bail ahead of his sentencing describing his time spent in solitary confinement as “nothing short of disgraceful”. Loras had pleaded guilty to charges including reckless conduct endangering life and criminal damage by fire.

The Herald Sun reported earlier this week that it was revealed in court that the Iranian-born Loras had been suffering from undiagnosed schizophrenia for some time and his condition had improved significantly since he had been put on medication while behind bars.

“The continuing detention of Mr Loras in solitary confinement is nothing short of disgraceful … and I have determined it is not appropriate for him to continue to have any further period of incarceration,” magistrate Malcolm Thomas said.

Loras was bailed under strict conditions, including to stay at an address provided by the Court Integrated Services Program (CISP), not attend within 100m of the synagogue, and attend a community corrections order assessment on Wednesday morning.

Loras was due to be sentenced in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon, however proceedings were adjourned to a later date as the court instead ordered a warrant for his arrest.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/victoria-police-launch-manhunt-for-synagogue-firebomber-who-skipped-bail/news-story/98afc9146013b059da1a4da70e36b480

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23877973 (200936ZNOV25) Notable: Jeffrey Epstein asked for Katherine Keating’s number in newly released emails - Newly released 2011 emails show Jeffrey Epstein asked Katherine Keating for her phone number and location months after requesting that former prince Andrew arrange a dinner with her. Emails from the House Oversight Committee show Ms Keating shared the foreword to Paul Keating’s book 'After Words' with Epstein and others, signing off “Katherine X”. Epstein replied, “Are you here?”, later adding, “Send me your phone number.” Separate messages show Epstein asking Andrew to invite Ms Keating to dinner with Woody Allen, with Andrew later saying he was “on the Keating case”. Ms Keating said the dinner was a large social event with prominent media figures. There is no suggestion she was involved in or aware of any criminal conduct.

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Jeffrey Epstein asked for Katherine Keating’s number in newly released emails

New details have emerged about the emails between convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Katherine Keating, the daughter of former PM Paul Keating, after a dinner with disgraced royal Andrew.

Zoe Smith - November 20, 2025

Convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein asked Katherine Keating for her phone number and location in a number of emails sent in 2011 months after he asked former prince Andrew to organise a dinner with her.

Emails released by the US House Oversight Committee show Ms Keating, the daughter of former Australian PM Paul Keating, sent Epstein and others the foreword to her father’s book After Words in 2011.

“Dear Friends, I wanted to share with you the foreword to my father’s new book After Words,” Ms Keating said, as reported by the Daily Mail.

“He truly is an inspiration and so is his writing... I will be sure to send you a copy, it’s a brilliant read. I trust this email finds you well.”

She signed off with “Katherine X”.

Epstein replied to the email asking, “Are you here?”

Ms Keating responded: “In NY. You?’

Epstein replied: “Send me your phone number.”

Her comments follow the release of separate emails that revealed Epstein personally asked former prince Andrew to organise a dinner with Ms Keating in 2011 when she was 29.

The exchange, dated February 2011, began with Epstein writing to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, saying “Would you ask Katherine Keating if she would like to come for dinner with Woody Allen next week in New York?”

Former prince Andrew replied with a simple, “Will do”, The Mail on Sunday reported.

Two days later, as the former prince’s 51st birthday approached, Epstein followed up with another message: “What will you do tomorrow? Sorry I cannot be there as you get older.”

Andrew responded with: “Having a very quiet day. But a dinner party in the evening. On the Keating case.”

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last month, Ms Keating, now 44, confirmed that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who has been stripped of his titles over his links to Epstein, had organised the dinner with Epstein.

“It was a large social event. A sizeable chunk of NY society was there, including [American broadcasters] Barbara Walters, Charlie Rose and Katie Couric,” she said.

“At the time, I had only lived in NY about 10 weeks, and was happy to accept the odd social invitation.”

Two months earlier, Ms Keating had been photographed waving goodbye to Prince Andrew outside Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse after another dinner hosted by the financier.

There is no suggestion that Ms Keating was involved in or aware of any criminal behaviour by Epstein or his circle.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/jeffrey-epstein-asked-for-katherine-keatings-number-in-newly-released-emails/news-story/72a08942058f4827676f574e4ee7b2ce

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15303949/jeffrey-epstein-katherine-keating-australia.html

https://journaliststudio.google.com/pinpoint/search?collection=7dbcadbc29e33678

https://journaliststudio.google.com/pinpoint/search?collection=7dbcadbc29e33678&q=katherine%20keating&p=1

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23887892 (221017ZNOV25) Notable: Neo-Nazi figure Joel Davis among three arrested over alleged threats made to politicians, PM - The AFP has arrested three men over alleged threats to federal MPs, including neo-Nazi National Socialist Network member Joel Davis. Police allege Davis used an encrypted app to share a “menacing message” urging group-chat members to “rhetorically rape” Wentworth MP Allegra Spender after she condemned an NSN rally. A 29-year-old Tamworth man was charged over alleged threats to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, while Victoria’s Stefanos Eracleous was arrested for alleged threats to senator Lidia Thorpe. The AFP says threats to parliamentarians have surged 63 per cent in four years, warning extremist groups are actively eroding social cohesion. Davis was refused bail.

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Neo-Nazi figure Joel Davis among three arrested over alleged threats made to politicians, PM

Anton Rose - 21st November 2025

Three men have been arrested by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) after allegedly threatening federal MPs and public office holders.

One is neo-Nazi and National Socialist Network member Joel Davis, who has been charged by the AFP's National Security Investigation team with using a carriage service to encourage hate towards a federal MP.

Without identifying Mr Davis, AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Matthew Gale said police would allege the man shared a "menacing message" on an encrypted app "encouraging abuse and hate to be directed towards his MP".

"We allege the message was sent following the MP's condemnation of a National Socialist Network protest in Sydney earlier this month," he said.

In a Telegram message last week seen by the ABC, Mr Davis invited members of a group chat to "rhetorically rape" federal independent Wentworth MP Allegra Spender after she spoke against a Sydney rally he spoke at.

At the time, Ms Spender said she was "not easily intimidated" but was "shocked" by the comments and had referred the threats to the AFP.

A 29-year-old man from Tamworth has been issued with a court attendance notice for January for allegedly sending threats online to an "Australian high office holder", believed to be Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Stefanos Eracleous, 32, was arrested in Victoria on Friday morning in relation to alleged threats to federal senator Lidia Thorpe and was scheduled to face court next week.

Combating those 'seeking to damage social cohesion'

Acting Assistant Commissioner Gale said two federal MPs and one "high office holder" were allegedly the targets of the messages.

He said the AFP was "very concerned" about a rise in threats to politicians.

"Threats against federal parliamentarians is a significant issue for us," he said.

"The year-on-year increase that we're seeing, in relations to threats, it's at 63 per cent over the past four years.

"In the financial year 2024 to 25 we've seen upwards of 951 referrals of threats to parliamentarians."

Assistant Commissioner Gale declined to elaborate on the alleged background, associations or motivations of the Tamworth and Victorian men, but said the arrests put groups like the NSN "on notice".

Police sources have told the ABC two of the three men are believed to have neo-Nazi links.

"These three incidents are examples of the challenges we face in combating those who are seeking to damage our social cohesion," Acting Assistant Commissioner Gale said.

"There are current and emerging individuals and groups who are eroding our country's social fabric by advocating hatred, fear and humiliation, and the AFP once again is putting them on notice."

Davis was 'encouraging a wide audience to engage in violence'

Appearing in Sydney's Bail Division Court on Friday afternoon, Mr Davis's lawyer, Liam McKibbin, said the neo-Nazi identity needed to be free to care for his pregnant partner.

"His partner who he lives with in Bondi is nine months pregnant," he said.

"Her due date was yesterday. They had a home birth planned with a midwife."

Mr McKibbin said the police case was "strong" but argued Mr Davis's alleged message "didn't include any violence".

Prosecutor Kristen Wakefield said the alleged message made the victim fear for the safety of her and her family.

"It was encouraging a wide audience to engage in the violence against the victim," he said.

"As the prosecution noted, it [Telegram] has a wide audience."

Magistrate Daniel Covington was told Mr Davis lost his job in the retail sector "not of his own choice" last week.

Mr Covington denied Mr Davis bail and adjourned his case to be heard again next month.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-21/nsw-neo-nazi-men-arrested-threats-joel-davis-mps/106036268

https://www.theage.com.au/national/neo-nazi-leader-joel-davis-arrested-by-afp-at-bondi-20251120-p5nh85.html

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23887925 (221032ZNOV25) Notable: Neo-Nazi's bank accounts frozen as private sector moves to cut off group's funding pipeline - Neo-Nazi organiser Jack Eltis has had his bank accounts frozen as private companies move to choke off funding to the National Socialist Network (NSN). ME Bank cancelled his accounts under rules preventing services used to “defame, harass or threaten” or “promote violence”, with Eltis saying it is the third time he has been “debanked”. NSN leader Thomas Sewell has been removed from nine banks. Stripe – a major global payment-processing platform – also withdrew services, blocking online donations and forcing supporters to send cash by post. NSN has been barred from crowdfunding sites and from using Telegram recruitment bots. Despite this, the group is pursuing political registration under the proposed party name “White Australia”.

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Neo-Nazi's bank accounts frozen as private sector moves to cut off group's funding pipeline

Amy Greenbank and Michael Workman - 21st November 2025

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The Neo-Nazi organiser of an anti-Jewish rally outside NSW parliament has had his personal bank accounts frozen, as private-sector companies quietly move to cut off the group's financial pipeline, frustrating its ability to fundraise and recruit.

While federal and state governments, police and national security agencies grapple with how to respond to the National Socialist Network (NSN), the ABC can reveal several financial institutions and service providers have acted independently to restrict the flow of funds to the white supremacy group.

Jack Eltis, a 28-year-old part-time air-conditioning mechanic from north-west Sydney and the NSN's third-in-command, discovered on Monday that his bank accounts had been cancelled.

He told supporters he was unable to use his cards or withdraw cash.

"All my cards fully frozen, debanked again from another bank," he said

A message from ME Bank, which Mr Eltis posted online, stated: "An internal decision has been made to no longer maintain your products or services with ME … that decision is final."

The ABC has independently verified the Bank of Queensland-owned institution did terminate his accounts.

Its terms and conditions allow the bank to close accounts used to "defame, harass or threaten any person … or promote violence against any person".

Mr Eltis told the ABC it's the third time he has been "debanked" and the leader of the NSN in Australia, Thomas Sewell, had been expelled from nine separate banks.

The NSN has also been unable to solicit donations through its website since late October, after multinational payment processor Stripe withdrew its services.

A spokesperson for Stripe said the firm did not work with entities that "engage in, encourage, promote, or celebrate unlawful violence toward any group based on race".

NSN supporters are now asked to send cash in envelopes to a PO Box.

"We don't have that much money. No-one is really getting paid," NSN spokesperson Joel Davis told the ABC on Wednesday.

Mr Davis was arrested by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on Thursday.

The AFP had been investigating him over comments he made to members of a group chat about a federal MP who had criticised the Sydney rally.

NSW NSN leader Mr Eltis said the group had also been blocked from using for-profit crowdfunding sites to fundraise directly for the organisation, and Telegram had rejected attempts to use a bot to recruit men on its platform, citing policy breaches.

(continued)

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23887991 (221107ZNOV25) Notable: Streaming platform Twitch to be included in under 16s social media ban - Twitch will be added to Australia’s under-16s social-media ban after eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant ruled that its livestreaming functions make it a platform designed for user interaction rather than gaming alone. From December 10, Australians under 16 will be barred from opening accounts, and Twitch says existing under-16 accounts will be deactivated over the following month. Pinterest is excluded, with eSafety deeming it primarily for image curation. The ban covers Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Snapchat, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Kick and now Twitch, and companies that fail to take “reasonable steps” face fines of up to $50 million. Coalition critics say the late additions reflect “sloppy, last-minute policy work”.

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Streaming platform Twitch to be included in under 16s social media ban

Maani Truu - 21 November 2025

Twitch, a streaming platform popular with gamers, will be included in the federal government's contentious social media ban for children and teenagers.

Less than three weeks out from when the ban is due to come into force, eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant revealed the platform would join Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and others on the list of age-restricted social media sites.

While the laws include an exemption for platforms that have the "sole or primary" purpose of gaming, the eSafety commissioner found Twitch's streaming features meant it was primarily designed to encourage user interaction.

"Twitch is a platform most commonly used for live streaming or posting content that enables users, including Australian children, to interact with others in relation to the content posted," a statement posted to the eSafety website said.

A Twitch spokesperson said no underage users would be permitted to sign up for a Twitch account as of December 10, and any Australian users under 16 would have their accounts deactivated in the month afterwards.

The platform requires all users globally to be at least 13 years old and for non-adult users to be supervised by a parent or guardian, they added in a statement.

The online watchdog also revealed that Pinterest, a platform where users compile boards of images, would not fall under the ban as it is "more commonly used by individuals collating images for inspiration and idea curation".

Under the government's world-leading ban, due to come into force on December 10, platforms will be required to ensure anyone under 16 is barred from opening accounts.

The list of platforms currently includes Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Snapchat, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Kick and now Twitch.

A spokesperson for Communications Minister Anika Wells said the list of platforms covered by the ban "remains dynamic" but there are no further assessments planned before the December 10 deadline.

"Our historic law simply aims to provide Australian children with a reprieve from the persuasive pull of platforms," the spokesperson said in a statement.

"We are not chasing perfection, we are chasing a meaningful difference in the lives of young Australians."

Social media companies that fail to take "reasonable steps" to get children and teenagers off their platforms will face fines of up to almost $50 million.

Shadow Communications Minister Melissa McIntosh labelled the timing of the announcement, so close to the deadline, "sloppy, last-minute policy work the eSafety Commissioner and government should have done months ago".

"It is alarming that at ten seconds to midnight, the communications minister is announcing additional platforms to the social media age minimum," she said.

"Legislation for this ban was put in place last year, parents will be scratching their heads with the constant changes taking place."

Earlier this week Meta — which owns Facebook and Instagram — revealed it would start purging underage users in two weeks, before the ban officially begins.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-21/twitch-included-in-under-16s-social-media-ban/106036398

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23891573 (230917ZNOV25) Notable: Albanese joins world leaders to defy Trump on climate change, free trade – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined most G20 leaders in backing a declaration supporting the Paris climate agreement, net zero emissions by mid-century and free trade, despite opposition from US President Donald Trump. Albanese said it was “a very positive sign that the world wants to get on with co-operating” and that Australia would act in its “national interest”. The declaration reaffirmed commitments to “intensify efforts” to limit global warming, with leaders endorsing net zero “by or around mid-century”. Trump’s administration labelled the move “shameful”, accusing hosts of breaking consensus. Albanese said Australia would not be deterred, adding: “We have an interest in action on climate change… and in free and fair trade.” The statement highlights growing global alignment despite US resistance.

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Albanese joins world leaders to defy Trump on climate change, free trade

Matthew Knott - November 23, 2025

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Canberra: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and fellow world leaders have stared down opposition from US President Donald Trump to issue a declaration at the G20 summit in South Africa backing the Paris climate change agreement, endorsing net zero climate emissions by the middle of the century and praising free trade.

The federal government also released more details about Energy Minister Chris Bowen’s upcoming role as head of negotiations for the next round of global climate talks, as it surprised environmentalists by signing up to a voluntary statement calling for a plan to eventually phase out fossil fuels.

Trump boycotted the G20 conference in Johannesburg following months of accusations that South Africa was discriminating against minority white Afrikaners.

A senior Trump administration official branded it “shameful” that South Africa had forged ahead with a leaders’ declaration despite US opposition to the text, saying it undermined the G20 model of consensus.

Albanese said it was a “good thing” that all summit participants had been able to agree on a communique as he returned to Australia for the final parliamentary sitting week of the year, which is set to be dominated by debate about environmental reform laws.

He told reporters that “it’s a very positive sign that the world wants to get on with co-operating, and it’s a very positive statement going forward”.

Asked whether signing up to the statement could damage Australia’s relationship with the United States, Albanese said: “Australia, as a sovereign state, makes decisions based upon our own national interest.

“Australia has an interest in action on climate change. We have an interest in trade, we’re a trading nation. One in four of our jobs is dependent upon trade. So there’s nothing unusual about supporting free and fair trade.”

In the 30-page statement, the leaders said they recognised “the urgency and seriousness of climate change” and reaffirmed the Paris Agreement’s goal of holding the increase in global average temperatures to well below 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels.

“We reiterate our commitment and will intensify our efforts to achieve global net zero greenhouse gas emissions/carbon neutrality by or around mid-century,” the leaders said.

The statement will probably intensify domestic debate about whether the Coalition has put itself at odds with most of the international community by scrapping its goal of achieving net zero by 2050.

Trump has referred to climate change as a hoax and withdrew the US from the Paris Agreement when he returned to the White House in January.

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23895384 (240824ZNOV25) Notable: Top cop Krissy Barrett to talk to global police chiefs on tackling tobacco smugglers and neo-Nazis – Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett will seek international cooperation to combat illicit tobacco trafficking and extremist groups, including neo-Nazis, at the Interpol General Assembly in Morocco. Barrett said organised crime linked to illegal tobacco is fuelling violence and social harm, while extremist networks are undermining social cohesion. She will urge global police chiefs to share intelligence, expand asset-tracing efforts such as Interpol “silver notices,” and counter hate-based extremism. The AFP has recently targeted neo-Nazi figures and illicit tobacco networks, including alleged kingpin Kazem Hamad. Barrett said Australia’s demand for illicit goods continues despite cost-of-living pressures, and that cooperation with Pacific and global partners is essential to disrupt criminal supply chains and prevent organised crime from exploiting regional vulnerabilities.

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Top cop Krissy Barrett to talk to global police chiefs on tackling tobacco smugglers and neo-Nazis

GEOFF CHAMBERS - 23 November 2025

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The nation’s top cop, Krissy Barrett, will draft global police chiefs to help fight back against illicit tobacco traffickers fuelling domestic criminal ecosystems and neo-Nazis creating hatred, as she says the cost-of-living crisis has not stopped “Australia’s insatiable appetite” for dangerous drugs.

Ahead of her first overseas trip as Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Ms Barrett told The Australian she would seek support from international police agencies to hunt and respond to illicit tobacco traffickers and Nazi supporters who are “undermining social cohesion”.

Ms Barrett, who replaced Reece Kershaw as AFP chief on October 4, will hold talks this week with more than 20 law enforcement agency heads and meet with Five Eyes policing counterparts at the four-day Interpol General Assembly in Morocco.

The AFP Commissioner confirmed she would ask police chiefs in the Middle East and Asia to “help crack down on the illicit tobacco trafficking, which was not only fuelling criminal ecosystems in Australia but also bankrolling other illegal activities committed by organised crime”.

Amid warnings from the AFP and ASIO director-general Mike Burgess about the rise of the National Socialist Network, Ms Barrett will also raise the threat of neo-Nazis with European police chiefs dealing with a similar scourge.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke last week cancelled the visa of South African national Matthew Gruter, who participated in a demonstration outside the NSW parliament where NSN supporters held up an anti-Semitic banner and chanted the Hitler Youth slogan “blood and honour”.

Ms Barrett said she would “ask relevant partners to share more information about hate groups, including Nazi supporters, and to provide advice from their lessons learned over the years”.

“Safeguarding Australia’s social cohesion is a key priority, and the AFP will disrupt and act against offenders who damage our social fabric and create hatred, division and violence targeted at marginalised communities,” Ms Barrett said.

The AFP, which established a new federal investigations team in September targeting individuals harming social cohesion, in recent weeks has arrested neo-Nazi sympathisers who threatened or harassed federal MPs.

As federal, state and territory police, Austrac and security agencies battle to disrupt and dismantle Australia’s ballooning illicit tobacco trade, the AFP will recommit to working with Italy and other countries in trialling silver notices, which trace and recover criminal assets across the world.

The AFP, which has assessed 119 silver notices from 28 countries and identified more than $55m in assets and transactions that tracked through Australia, recently distributed its first silver notice targeting assets of a person accused of dealing in illicit tobacco products.

Organised crime gangs, which are engaged in firebombings and turf wars, have ruthlessly carved-out a multibillion-dollar black market as Australians purchase illicit tobacco. The black market has flourished as the federal government’s world-leading tobacco excises drive up the costs of cigarettes.

One of the AFP’s most wanted targets is Kazem “Kaz” Hamad, the exiled Middle East crime boss considered the kingpin of Australia’s illicit tobacco underworld trade, who was deported to Iraq in 2023. Hamad, suspected of conspiring with the Iranian regime to orchestrate the anti-Semitic firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, has been branded by the AFP as a “national security threat”.

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23895400 (240832ZNOV25) Notable: How Epstein used a private detective to dig dirt on Australian victim Virginia Giuffre - Newly released US Justice Department documents show Jeffrey Epstein’s long-time private investigator proposed using Epstein’s links to Prince Andrew and British intelligence networks to gather damaging information on Australian survivor Virginia Giuffre. In a 2015 email, the investigator suggested exploiting intelligence connections to access phone records, associates and personal background, then hiring someone in Australia to discreetly probe her reputation to undermine her credibility. The files indicate Epstein routinely used investigators and lawyers to intimidate victims and scrutinise their private lives to deter them from speaking publicly. While there is no evidence the specific proposal was acted upon, the material illustrates a broader pattern of efforts to discredit and pressure Giuffre after she accused Epstein and powerful associates of sexual abuse.

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UK police investigate Andrew’s ex-close protection officers over Virginia Giuffre

MARIO LEDWITH, The Times - 24 November 2025

British police officers have spoken to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former close protection officers over claims that he asked one of them to obtain personal information about Virginia Giuffre.

The Metropolitan Police, the UK’s largest police force, is reportedly seeking emails, phone records and the notepads of officers who worked with the former Duke of York to establish if a case should be taken forward.

Email correspondence emerged last month prompting claims that the King’s younger brother had sought information to smear his accuser Giuffre, 10 years after she was allegedly made to have sex with him.

In an email from 2011, he told Ed Perkins, the late Queen’s deputy press secretary: “It would also seem she has a criminal record in the [United] States ... I have given her DoB [date of birth] and social security number for investigation with [redacted], the on duty ppo [personal protection officer].”

It is not known how taxpayer-funded officers from the Met’s SO14 Royalty Protection Group reacted and whether any information was obtained.

However, if officers did act on Andrew’s information then this could amount to misconduct. The family of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April aged 41, said she did not have a criminal record.

The episode emerged days before Andrew was stripped of his titles by the King and asked to leave his home at Royal Lodge amid continuing allegations over his friendship with the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew continues to deny the allegations against him. The Met is said to have spoken to two former close protection officers as part of its inquiries into the episode while seeking further information.

A source told The Sun: “As part of the initial examination of the case, officers are currently trying to establish what material is available. They are actively seeking to find emails and communications from Andrew’s royalty protection team, as well as their notebooks.”

The email to Mr Perkins was sent shortly before the picture of Andrew with his arm around Giuffre, a victim of Epstein’s sexual trafficking of young women, was first published by a UK newspaper.

During his notorious BBC Newsnight interview, Andrew said he had “no recollection” of meeting her and suggested the image could be fake.

Giuffre claimed she was introduced to Andrew during a six-week trip to Europe in March 2001. She alleged she had sex with him on three occasions, including when she was 17, which he has denied.

Her memoir, Nobody’s Girl, was released posthumously in October. It included her claims against Andrew, who she described as being “entitled – as if he believed having sex with me was his birthright”.

Legal experts claimed a request about Giuffre from Andrew to a close protection officer would suggest there was “a breach of her right to privacy”.

Giuffre filed a legal case against Andrew in New York in 2021. He settled out of court in 2022, though denied the claims. It was reported that he paid Giuffre $US12m.

Andrew has faced renewed pressure to address his relationship with Epstein after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he should be prepared to share information with the US congress. Democratic members of the House oversight committee wrote to him requesting that he sits for a deposition. Andrew did not respond by the November 20 deadline.

Asked whether Andrew should give evidence, the Prime Minister said: “In the end that will be a decision for him. But my general position is if you have relevant information you should be prepared to share it.”

The Met said: “We are considering whether any further assessment or review is necessary.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/the-times/uk-police-investigate-andrews-exclose-protection-officers-over-virginia-giuffre/news-story/d5c16071cc2f3edf0ab480a5c3d81ae0

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23895404 (240838ZNOV25) Notable: Kevin Rudd cops ‘earful’ from Trump trade tsar over content quotas for streamers – Australia’s ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, has been warned by US trade representative Jamieson Greer that proposed Australian content quotas for streaming platforms could trigger trade tensions. During a closed-door meeting in Washington, Greer criticised plans requiring major streamers to invest in local content, saying the policy could cause “a lot of heartache”. The proposal would compel platforms with more than one million Australian subscribers to spend a share of local revenue on Australian productions. The Albanese government argues the measure supports the domestic screen industry, but US officials view it as discriminatory. The dispute adds to broader US concern over Australia’s regulation of tech companies and media markets.

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Kevin Rudd cops ‘earful’ from Trump trade tsar over content quotas for streamers

BEN PACKHAM and JACK QUAIL - 24 November 2025

Australia’s ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd has copped an “earful” from Donald Trump’s trade tsar Jamieson Greer over the Albanese government’s proposal to force streaming platforms to invest in Australian content through new quotas.

Mr Greer, the US trade representative, vented over the planned laws during a closed-door meeting with Dr Rudd in Washington late last week, The Australian can reveal.

“It’s got potential to cause a lot of heartache,” a source familiar with the meeting told The Australian.

The laws, which are expected to be tabled in parliament this week, will require streaming platforms with at least one million local subscribers, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, to spend 10 per cent of their local expenditure or 7.5 per cent of their domestic revenue on Australian-made programming.

The move is designed to bring international streaming services into line with free-to-air broadcasters, which have long been required to air Australian drama, documentaries, films and children’s programming under their broadcast licences.

The backlash comes amid growing frustration from US tech companies over the government’s forthcoming age restrictions for social media platforms and its media bargaining incentive, which would compel tech giants to pay for Australian news content.

Dr Rudd did not respond when contacted by The Australian about the meeting.

The federal government argues the new content quotas will help support Australia’s film and television industry as on-demand streaming becomes the dominant form of in-home entertainment.

According to technology research firm Telstye, Netflix is the most popular streaming service in Australia, with 6.4 million subscribers, followed by Amazon Prime Video with 5.1 million paying customers, and Disney+ at 3.3 million.

The government’s decision to push ahead with the obligations on streamers comes after the quotas were shelved in the lead up to the May election, amid concerns that the legislation could further fracture trade relations with the United States.

Mr Trump has been an ardent critic of countries that impose higher taxes or extra regulations on US tech companies, warning that he may retaliate to end what he views as discriminatory policies.

Posting in August to his own social media platform, Truth ­Social, Mr Trump pledged to “stand up to countries that attack our incredible American tech companies”, singling out digital taxes, digital services legislation and other regulations of digital markets.

“Unless these discriminatory actions are removed, I, as President of the United States, will impose substantial additional tariffs on that country’s exports to the USA,” he wrote.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/kevin-rudd-cops-earful-from-trump-trade-tsar-over-content-quotas-for-streamers/news-story/e2edafea48cb16e60d1f8a545f258442

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23895425 (240847ZNOV25) Notable: Taiwan asks to join AUKUS, warns on China coercion – Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to Australia, Douglas Hsu, has urged Canberra to consider including Taiwan in AUKUS’s second pillar, warning that China’s military activity and economic coercion pose growing regional risks. Hsu said Beijing’s naval operations, cyber activity and pressure tactics showed the need for stronger cooperation among like-minded partners. He argued Taiwan could contribute advanced capabilities in areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. While acknowledging Australia’s “One China” policy, he said collaboration short of formal membership was possible. Experts cautioned AUKUS is not designed for expansion, but said practical cooperation with Taiwan could still deepen. Hsu warned that appeasement only emboldens Beijing and urged stronger collective deterrence.

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Taiwan asks to join AUKUS, warns on China coercion

Michael Read - Nov 24, 2025

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Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to Australia is urging the Albanese government to include the island in the AUKUS security pact, as he warned China’s coercive behaviour and military activity in the Pacific should ring alarm bells.

Douglas Hsu, Taiwan’s top representative in Australia, also warned that Chinese-made electric cars posed cybersecurity risks and said Beijing was trying to project military force across the region.

“Last year, they launched long-range missiles into the South Pacific, and earlier this year they sent naval vessels surrounding Australia,” Hsu told The Australian Financial Review, referring to a Chinese naval taskforce’s circumnavigation of Australia in February and March.

“I don’t think they have any business ties with Antarctica. So why do they send their naval ship here in this region? I think that is the way they are showcasing their defence capacities, and that is certainly alarming to all the countries in the region.”

Taiwan’s top envoy in Canberra is styled as the head of its economic and cultural office rather than an ambassador because Australia’s “One China” policy precludes formal diplomatic ties with Taipei, even as it maintains separate trade, cultural and other unofficial exchanges with the island.

Conceding it was a sensitive topic, Hsu said the Taiwanese government had expressed interest in joining Pillar II of AUKUS given the island’s capabilities in high-end technology, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

“With the capacity of Taiwan in manufacturing, we believe that we have the strength working with other countries, especially in AUKUS Pillar II, to advance those defence and technologies to the next level, so we believe that Taiwan can be helpful,” he said.

Pillar II of AUKUS – the technology stream of the pact – commits Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States to jointly accelerate the development of advanced capabilities including quantum computing, artificial intelligence, undersea warfare and hypersonic missiles.

Taiwan is not looking to acquire nuclear-powered submarines – the key component of Pillar I – having just launched its first locally made diesel submarine last year.

AUKUS ‘not a club’

While countries including Japan, New Zealand and Canada have expressed interest in joining Pillar II, Lowy Institute non-resident fellow Jennifer Parker said there appeared to be a general view across both the Australian and British governments that AUKUS was not a club that could be joined.

“That’s not to mean that countries can’t collaborate with AUKUS partners on key elements … and I think that’s the way ahead for AUKUS Pillar II. Bring in other countries who have specific skill sets in those areas under investigation to collaborate more broadly than the three partners,” she said.

Even if joining Pillar II were possible, Parker said admitting Taiwan was unrealistic given Australia adhered to a “One China” policy and did not even have a defence attaché in Taipei.

“The way you may achieve similar benefit is by encouraging the Taiwanese and Australian defence industries to work together from a civil standpoint,” she said.

“There are a lot of lessons Australia could learn from Taiwan, and a lot that Taiwan can learn from Australia, and in some ways that relationship would benefit from the work Australia is doing on AUKUS Pillar II.”

Any move to expand AUKUS Pillar II to include Taiwan would anger China, which claims the self-governing democratic island as part of its territory.

China has a stated goal of its military having the capability to take Taiwan by force if necessary by 2027 – a deadline that is seen by experts as more of an aspirational goal than a hard war deadline.

Defence Minister Richard Marles declined to comment.

(continued)

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23895442 (240858ZNOV25) Notable: MPs told switch off phones amid China delegation security threat – Australian MPs and staff were warned to power down phones and connected devices during the visit of China’s third-ranking leader Zhao Leji, amid fears of state-sponsored cyber espionage. An internal parliamentary alert warned that “internet-connected devices including phones, tablets and laptops should be powered down,” citing risks that visiting officials could include cyber operatives. Officials said phones could be exploited because “a single compromised device can give continuous insight into movements, contacts and authentication data”. Opposition figures said the advice was “a stark reminder” of the cyber threat posed by Beijing. Security agencies also prepared for protests outside Parliament, while experts warned such measures were necessary because “phones are now part of the battlespace”.

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MPs told switch off phones amid China delegation ‘security threat’

BEN PACKHAM - 24 November 2025

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A visit to Canberra by China’s No. 3 leader has sparked a warning over Beijing’s state-sponsored hacking, with MPs and staffers in Parliament House told to switch off their phones and internet-connected devices during his time in the building.

The chairman of China’s National People’s Congress, Zhao Leji, will meet Anthony ­Albanese in his office on Tuesday morning, after attending an ­official dinner at Parliament House on Monday night.

In an email to MPs and senators marked “sensitive” and “do not distribute further”, the ­Department of Parliamentary Services urged additional precautions amid fears members of Mr Zhao’s delegation could include state security personnel with cyber capabilities.

“There may be intermittent disruptions to Wi-Fi access during the periods outlined above,” DPS’s security division warned.

“Within the identified areas, internet connected devices including phones, tablets and laptops should be powered down.

“Where devices must be used, please ensure phones and iPads are updated with the latest software version and placed in lockdown mode, and laptops should have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth switched off.”

The instruction follows a warning from ASIO director-general Mike Burgess over an explosion in Chinese state-sponsored cyber attacks aimed at infiltrating the nation’s critical infrastructure networks.

Similar precautions were taken during last year’s visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, when “burner phones” were also issued to key government ministers.

Mr Zhao is one of Xi Jinping’s most trusted lieutenants, and is expected to use his visit to complain about the Australian Defence Force’s regular operations in the South China Sea, which have infuriated Beijing.

Mr Albanese is expected to raise the actions of Chinese fighter jets in response to such activities, including multiple incidents this year in which flares have been fired at RAAF surveillance aircraft in international airspace.

Opposition cyber security spokeswoman Claire Chandler said the latest security warning was “a stark reminder of the ­reality of the cyber threats we’re facing”.

“It’s incredibly concerning that parliamentarians and their offices are expected to go to extreme lengths like locking down or shutting down devices and disabling Wi-Fi just to protect our data in Parliament House during this visit from Zhao Leji,” she said.

“We’ve already seen CCP-linked cyberattacks on parliamentarians, including myself.

“It’s fair to expect all parliamentarians to be vigilant about their own cybersecurity, but the measures in place today go far beyond what’s usually expected for a visiting delegation.”

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23900198 (250829ZNOV25) Notable: Hate criminal sentenced to house arrest for anti-Semitic attacks motivated by money, not hate – A Sydney man who carried out anti-Semitic arson and graffiti attacks in the eastern suburbs has been sentenced to 11 months of house arrest after a court found his crimes were financially motivated rather than ideologically driven. Thomas Stojanovski, 21, pleaded guilty to multiple offences linked to the firebombing of cars and vandalism in Woollahra but was found not to hold anti-Semitic beliefs. The court accepted he acted for money to fund drug use and had no prior criminal history. He received an intensive corrections order including community service and a fine. Jewish community leaders criticised the outcome, warning the attacks caused widespread fear and trauma despite the ruling on motivation.

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Hate criminal sentenced to house arrest for anti-Semitic attacks motivated by money not hate

WILL SEITAM - 25 November 2025

An arsonist involved in setting fire to cars and plastering anti-Semitic slurs across a Jewish neighbourhood in Sydney’s eastern suburbs has been sentenced to 11 months of house arrest.

Judge Scott Nash, at Sutherland Local Court, found Thomas Stojanovski held no anti-Semitic beliefs and his crimes were not motivated by racial hatred.

“(I cannot find) beyond reasonable doubt the offending was partially or wholly motivated by a hate towards a group of people to which the defendant believed the particular racial or ethnic origin belonged,” said Judge Nash.

“Although there was a degree of planning and organisation … I cannot find beyond reasonable doubt Stojanovski had any prior knowledge of the nature of the attacks.”

The 21-year-old’s face fleetingly broke into a seemingly wry smile when his sentence was handed down as he sat beside family members and his legal counsel.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said on Tuesday: “There will be much commentary on whether tougher sentencing is needed to punish and deter racially motivated crimes, given their impact far beyond those directly affected and the potential for such attacks to result in serious injury or death.

“The Woollahra attack had a devastating impact on the local community and on Jewish Australians. It introduced the crime of anti-Semitic firebombing to our shores culminating in the horrific summer attacks by the Iranian regime and organised crime that targeted businesses, synagogues and homes.”

The court cited Stojanovski’s substance abuse disorder, lack of criminal history and positive rehabilitation prospects as mitigating factors on his sentence, originally proposed to be 14 months imprisonment, saying there was compelling evidence he held a “high degree of remorse”.

Stojanovski appeared relaxed upon leaving as he shook hands with his lawyer.

Stojanovski must regularly report to a police station, undertake 84 hours of community service and pay a $750 penalty to his victims as part of his 11-month “intensive corrections order”.

While Judge Nash found no dispute or doubt the “abhorrent” graffiti depicting the phrases “f..k Israiel [sic]” and “PKK coming” were anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli, the court ruled he was not motivated by hate but by money.

“I accept his reason was financially motivated … and was not to fund an extravagant lifestyle but to fund illicit drugs,” said Judge Nash.

Stojanovski was promised a financial reward of $1000 by his co-accused and was experiencing financial difficulties, the court heard.

Judge Nash acknowledged the significant public and community interest in the case and said Stojanovski’s case served as a reminder “there is simply no tolerance for this type of offending”.

Stojanovski was arrested in November last year at his southern Sydney home a week after the attack, and charged with 21 offences including 14 counts of destroying or damaging property, three counts of entering land with intent to commit an indictable offence and two counts of destroying property using fire.

His co-accused Mohammed Farhat was sentenced earlier this month to one year and eight months in prison, but his imprisonment was commuted to end on December 6.

Judge Nash found Mr Farhat was the primary instigator behind the attacks committed in Woollahra, pulling the strings and accordingly received a heavier sentence.

Stojanovski’s crimes form one part of a slew of anti-Semitic attacks that rocked Sydney over the summer.

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies chief executive Michele Goldman said on Tuesday: “During the ‘Summer of Terror’ of 2024–25, our community woke to the most horrific scenes. Buildings were graffitied, cars were burned, and people were terrorised in their own streets. No Australian should ever fear for their safety in their own country.

“Holding perpetrators accountable sends a clear message that racist hate acts like anti-Semitism will not be tolerated.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/hate-criminal-sentenced-to-house-arrest-for-antisemitic-attacks-motivated-by-money-not-hate/news-story/00a597f869dad7643c75d66ad37416da

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23900213 (250839ZNOV25) Notable: ‘Factional warrior’ meeting with PM shows easing ties – A visit to Canberra by China’s third-most senior leader, Zhao Leji, has been interpreted as a sign of improving relations between Australia and its largest trading partner. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met Zhao on Tuesday, marking another high-level exchange following Premier Li Qiang’s visit earlier this year. Experts say Zhao’s presence signals stabilisation after years of diplomatic strain. Australian National University’s Graeme Smith described Zhao as a “factional warrior” with deep influence inside the Chinese Communist Party, noting his past leadership of the powerful Organisation Department. The visit followed the lifting of major Chinese trade restrictions on Australian exports and came amid heightened security, with MPs warned to take precautions during Zhao’s time in Parliament House.

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'Factional warrior' meeting with PM shows easing ties

Andrew Brown - November 25 2025

A meeting between the prime minister and one of China's highest political leaders is a further sign relations between Australia and its largest trading partner are thawing, experts say.

Anthony Albanese held talks in Canberra on Tuesday with the chairman of China's Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji on the final day of the senior official's four-day visit to Australia.

The visit by Chairman Zhao, China's third-highest political leader, was met with protests and security warnings to MPs during a visit to Parliament House on Monday.

Senior fellow at the Australian National University's department of Pacific Affairs Graeme Smith said the visit was consequential for relations between Australia and China.

"It's significant, we don't often get the big guy over here," Professor Smith told AAP.

"He's a significant figure in terms of the jobs he's had in the past.

He was the former head of the Organisation Department, which is probably one of the three most powerful organisations in China.

"If you were going to characterise him in the Australian sense, you'd call him a factional warrior."

The visit from Chairman Zhao followed a visit to Australia by Chinese Premier Li Qiang in June.

Tensions between China and Australia have thawed in recent years, with billions of dollars worth of trade bans on Australian exports being lifted following a diplomatic stand off between the two countries.

"The relationship looks like it's it's more stable than it's been for quite some years," Prof Smith said.

The chairman's visit to Canberra prompted protests out the front of Parliament House ahead of the visit.

Much of the visit was shrouded in secrecy, with the chairman not making any public remarks during the trip.

Ahead of his visit to Parliament House, politicians and staffers were given a list of security measures to follow.

"Suites and offices adjacent to the delegation movements may wish to ensure doors and blinds are closed during the visit for privacy," the security warning said.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/9119953/factional-warrior-meeting-with-pm-shows-easing-ties/

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23900231 (250854ZNOV25) Notable: Trump administration orders US embassy to collect data on migrant crime in Australia – The Trump administration has instructed its embassy in Canberra to collect data on crimes and human rights abuses involving migrants, as part of a broader global effort it says is aimed at confronting “mass migration”. A senior US State Department official said the policy was intended to warn allies that large migrant intakes, “particularly of a culture that’s radically different”, could fuel social and economic instability. The move extends to other countries including Canada and New Zealand and forms part of a broader review of migration, diversity and human rights policies. Canberra said the issue had not been raised formally. The US also plans to refocus its annual human rights reporting to scrutinise diversity policies and migration impacts.

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Trump administration orders US embassy to collect data on migrant crime in Australia

Michael Koziol - November 25, 2025

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Washington: The Trump administration will collect data on crimes and human rights abuses committed by migrants to Australia as part of its global drive to combat mass migration, which it describes as “an existential threat to Western civilisation”.

The intervention into domestic affairs goes beyond illegal immigration and seeks to caution Canberra that a significant intake of migrants, “particularly of a culture that’s radically different from Australia’s”, can lead to political and economic instability.

A senior State Department official said the administration had instructed diplomats at its embassy in Canberra to “begin collecting data and reporting on migrant-related crimes and human rights abuses facilitated by people of a migration background”.

Similar cables were sent last week to all US embassies in Europe, as well as Canada and New Zealand. The governments of these countries were not consulted beforehand, but the US embassies have been instructed to contact them and offer to “help”.

The senior State Department official, who spoke on condition of not being named, said the US government was concerned a large influx of migrants could strain markets, naming Australia’s housing crisis as an example.

“Beyond that, we want to caution the Australians,” he told this masthead. “We love the Australian people … We just want to warn our friends that if you import a rapid number of individuals of any background, particularly of a culture that’s radically different from Australia’s, without any sort of mechanism for diffusing the impact, that can lead to political unrest, that can lead to economic instability.”

The official said that while illegal immigration was “the elephant in the room”, the Trump administration was concerned about mass migration more broadly.

“You have to have some common sense about that,” he told this masthead. “You also have to understand the limitations ... and the security concerns that come with mass migration, and what happens when you import a substantial number of people into a very tight, particular area.”

A spokesperson for the Australian government said the Trump administration had not raised the matter with Australia.

“Australia is a pluralist nation, we welcome different races, religions and views, united by respect for each other’s humanity and for each other’s right to live in peace,” the spokesperson said.

Australia admits 185,000 permanent migrants a year, mostly skilled workers. Net overseas migration, which includes temporary workers, international students and visitors, is falling rapidly from a post-COVID high of 538,000 in 2022-23. It has now dropped to about 316,000, lower than forecast.

But Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has pledged to unveil a policy that would further cut the intake, amid a hot-button debate over immigration and population.

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23904277 (260836ZNOV25) Notable: Anthony Albanese has a secret China chat, as Xi Jinping’s Donald Trump call sparks Taiwan fears – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held undisclosed talks in Canberra with China’s third-ranking official Zhao Leji as Beijing signalled Taiwan would be central to its dealings with US President Donald Trump. The meeting, described by the government as a “private conversation”, came as Xi told Trump that Taiwan’s “return to China” was central to Beijing’s post-war vision. Chinese media said Trump acknowledged the issue’s importance, while the White House did not mention Taiwan. Opposition figures accused Albanese of secrecy, while officials reiterated Australia’s position against unilateral change to the status quo. Analysts warned the exchange could unsettle regional allies and embolden Beijing, amid heightened security concerns during Zhao’s visit.

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Anthony Albanese has a secret China chat, as Xi Jinping’s Donald Trump call sparks Taiwan fears

BEN PACKHAM - 25 November 2025

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Anthony Albanese held secret talks with China’s No.3 leader in Canberra on Tuesday as Xi Jinping positioned the future of Taiwan as a central issue in his improving relationship with Donald Trump.

The chairman of China’s National People’s Congress, Zhao Leji, met with the Prime Minister in his Parliament House office, and the government refused to provide a readout of the meeting.

Mr Zhao – one of the Chinese President’s most trusted lieutenants – was on an official “guest of government” visit to Australia, but Mr Albanese’s office argued details of such meetings were only disclosed for leader-to-leader ­engagements.

The dismissal of the talks as a “private conversation” came as Mr Xi told Mr Trump in a Tuesday morning (AEST) phone call that Taiwan’s “return to China” was key to Beijing’s vision of the post-war international order.

Mr Xi, who initiated the call, ­argued China and the US had “fought side-by-side against fascism and militarism” during World War II, and they should work together to safeguard those achievements, according to Beijing’s readout of the conversation.

Chinese media said Mr Trump also affirmed that the US “understands the importance of the Taiwan issue to China”.

The leaders agreed Mr Trump would visit Beijing in April, while Mr Xi would travel to the US later next year.

The US President declared on his Truth Social network after the call: “Our relationship with China is extremely strong!”

The White House readout of the call made no mention of any discussion of Taiwan, saying the leaders spoke about the war in Ukraine, fentanyl and soybeans.

It followed a flare-up in tensions between Beijing and Tokyo after Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, warned that any Chinese invasion of Taiwan would trigger Japan’s involvement in the conflict.

Mr Trump and Mr Xi called a truce in their long-running trade war during talks in South Korea in October, when the issue of Taiwan was not discussed.

There are fears Beijing is now seeking to use the thaw in relations to undermine the Western consensus that the island must remain a self-governed territory.

Unlike his predecessor Joe Biden, Mr Trump has avoided stating whether the US would intervene militarily if China were to invade Taiwan.

Mr Zhao, whose visit sparked an official warning about Chinese state-sponsored hacking, travels the world as a top Chinese Communist Party envoy.

Sussan Ley said Mr Albanese’s refusal to provide a readout of his discussion with Mr Zhao was an attempt to “hide from scrutiny”.

“The Albanese government has become the least transparent in modern Australian history,” the Opposition Leader said.

“At a critical time for regional security, Australians should have assurances the Prime Minister is speaking up for the national interest in these important meetings. By refusing to reveal what was discussed, what confidence can Australians have that he is raising the issues that matter most to them?”

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23904289 (260844ZNOV25) Notable: OPINION: Asking to join AUKUS an opportunist move by the island of Taiwan – "According to a report by the Australian Financial Review on Monday, Douglas Hsu, the chief representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia, is urging the Albanese government to include the island of Taiwan in the AUKUS security pact between the US, Britain and Australia. He claimed that the Taiwan authorities had expressed interest in joining Pillar II of AUKUS. It is worth noting that Taiwan's demand came against the backdrop of the ongoing spat between China and Japan triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent erroneous remarks regarding the Taiwan question. Takaichi claimed that a "Taiwan contingency" could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, sending wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatists. By seeking to join AUKUS and warning against "coercive behavior" from the mainland, Taiwan is embarking on an opportunistic path to stage a political stunt, according to Chinese experts the Global Times interviewed. Taiwan's petty calculations regarding joining AUKUS reflect its malicious intention of seeking more room and external support for "independence" on the international stage. However, "Taiwan independence" separatists should recognize that there is no room for reckless actions. The notion of "Taiwan independence" is not a viable political option, it is something that must be decisively opposed. Attempting to rely on joining AUKUS for external support will prove futile, as it will not provide the security guarantees that "Taiwan independence" forces desire. Furthermore, the future of AUKUS itself is uncertain, with an ongoing US review of the pact casting doubt on its stability. Engaging in political stunts is merely self-deception that will lead to embarrassment for "Taiwan independence" secessionists. They should abandon any illusions of relying on external powers and recognize the reality that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an integral part of it." – The Global Times

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OPINION: Asking to join AUKUS an opportunist move by the island of Taiwan

Global Times - Nov 26, 2025

According to a report by the Australian Financial Review on Monday, Douglas Hsu, the chief representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia, is urging the Albanese government to include the island of Taiwan in the AUKUS security pact between the US, Britain and Australia. He claimed that the Taiwan authorities had expressed interest in joining Pillar II of AUKUS.

It is worth noting that Taiwan's demand came against the backdrop of the ongoing spat between China and Japan triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent erroneous remarks regarding the Taiwan question. Takaichi claimed that a "Taiwan contingency" could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, sending wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatists.

By seeking to join AUKUS and warning against "coercive behavior" from the mainland, Taiwan is embarking on an opportunistic path to stage a political stunt, according to Chinese experts the Global Times interviewed.

Now on the island of Taiwan, anxiety over its security is growing amid increasing uncertainty about support from countries like the US. The authorities of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) therefore need to demonstrate its ability to integrate Taiwan into the security network of the US, UK, and Australia, Chen Hong, director of the Australian Studies Centre of East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Chen also pointed out that the timing of Taiwan's request to join AUKUS also coincided with Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, visiting Australia. This suggests that Taiwan's move may be intended to sow discord in China-Australia relations, which have seen notable improvement over the past three years.

Noticeably, Chinese experts believe there is little chance that Taiwan will be included in AUKUS. The three countries - the US, Britain and Australia - would invite significant trouble if they were to approve Taiwan's request to join. Such a move would represent a deviation from the one-China principle, which serves as the political foundation and essential prerequisite for the establishment and development of diplomatic relations between China and these three countries. Allowing Taiwan to join AUKUS would be perceived as crossing China's red line. China's reactions following Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi's erroneous remarks have demonstrated its firm resolve regarding the Taiwan question.

Taiwan's petty calculations regarding joining AUKUS reflect its malicious intention of seeking more room and external support for "independence" on the international stage. However, "Taiwan independence" separatists should recognize that there is no room for reckless actions.

The notion of "Taiwan independence" is not a viable political option, it is something that must be decisively opposed. Attempting to rely on joining AUKUS for external support will prove futile, as it will not provide the security guarantees that "Taiwan independence" forces desire. Furthermore, the future of AUKUS itself is uncertain, with an ongoing US review of the pact casting doubt on its stability.

Engaging in political stunts is merely self-deception that will lead to embarrassment for "Taiwan independence" secessionists. They should abandon any illusions of relying on external powers and recognize the reality that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an integral part of it.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202511/1349056.shtml

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23904295 (260853ZNOV25) Notable: Social media age ban faces High Court challenge as government vows not to back down – Australia’s under-16 social media ban is being challenged in the High Court, with the Digital Freedom Project arguing it breaches the implied freedom of political communication. The group says the laws are “grossly excessive” and amount to a “direct assault on young people’s right to freedom of political communication”. Two 15-year-olds are named as plaintiffs, saying the ban “silences” young voices and treats teens as incapable of navigating online spaces. Communications Minister Anika Wells said the government would not be “intimidated”, declaring it stood “on the side of parents, not platforms”. She said the laws were about protecting children, not “big tech”. The Coalition, while backing the ban, warned of “unintended consequences”.

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Social media age ban faces High Court challenge as government declares it will not be 'intimidated' by legal threats

Jake Evans - 26 November 2025

Australia's social media age ban is being challenged in the High Court on the grounds it restricts young teens' implied right to freedom of political communication.

Advocacy group Digital Freedom Project announced on Wednesday that proceedings had been filed in the High Court challenging the looming ban on Australians aged under 16 from platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube.

The group claims the new laws, which are due to take effect on December 10, are "grossly excessive" and trespass on the "constitutional right of freedom of political communication".

Digital Freedom Project president John Ruddick, a Libertarian Party member of the New South Wales upper house, said the ban was "disproportionate" and outsourced parental responsibility to the government and "unelected bureaucrats".

"This ban is a direct assault on young people's right to freedom of political communication," he said in a statement.

Noah Jones and Macy Neyland, who are both 15 years old, are named as plaintiffs in the legal challenge as "representative" members of the cohort impacted by the ban.

Noah said young teens were the "true digital natives" who "want to remain educated, robust, and savvy in our digital world".

"We're disappointed in a lazy government that blanket bans under-16s rather than investing in programs to help kids be safe on social media," he said.

"They should protect kids with safeguards, not silence."

Macy said young people were the "voters of tomorrow" and should not be banned from expressing their views.

"If you personally think that kids shouldn't be on social media, stay off it yourself, but don't impose it on me and my peers," she said.

Communications Minister Anika Wells appeared to address the case in Question Time on Wednesday, saying the federal government remained "firm" in its commitment to implement the laws.

"Despite the fact that we are receiving threats and legal challenges by people with ulterior motives, the Albanese Labor government remains steadfastly on the side of parents, and not platforms," she said.

"We will not be intimidated by threats. We will not be intimidated by big tech on behalf of Australian parents. We stand firm."

The implied right under Australia's constitution emerged in the 1990s when the High Court held that citizens must be able to engage in political communication to inform their electoral choices.

The implied right to this freedom is not absolute and can be subject to reasonable restrictions.

A challenge to Australia's social media age laws on the basis that they restricted political communication was one of three legal options initially floated by lawyers acting for Google, which wrote to Ms Wells in July, urging the government not to include YouTube in the ban.

Google's lawyers claimed the age limit would prevent young adults under the age of 16 from having an account and being able to "contribute to political communication by posting videos on YouTube and by making comments on those videos".

Despite this legal threat, a special exemption previously carved out for YouTube was dropped, and the platform was deemed to be in the scope of the ban.

Although the Coalition voted in favour of the social media age limit a year ago, opposition communications spokeswoman Melissa McIntosh on Wednesday expressed concern about the laws.

"The Coalition did support the ban, but ever since then … coming into this role, I've questioned whether it's going to work or not," she said.

"I think there's a high risk of failure on this."

Ms McIntosh said she was "not surprised" by the legal challenge to the ban.

Asked if she reserved the right to withdraw support for the social media ban if there were "unintended consequences" a month or so into the rollout, Ms McIntosh said: "of course".

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-26/australia-social-media-ban-faces-legal-challenge/106056528

https://www.digitalfreedomproject.org.au/

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23904324 (260924ZNOV25) Notable: Virginia Giuffre’s family at war over who gets Andrew’s multimillion-dollar payout – The family of Virginia Giuffre is preparing for a Supreme Court battle in Western Australia over her multimillion-dollar estate after she died intestate in April. Giuffre, 41, accumulated wealth through victim compensation funds and civil settlements, including an estimated $12 million payout from Prince Andrew, who denies wrongdoing. Her estranged husband, Robert Giuffre, may be legally entitled to a share, despite claims she wanted him excluded. Her half-brothers, Sky Roberts and Danny Wilson, are also seeking a portion and control of her unfinished charity, Speak Out, Act, Reclaim. Her two eldest children, Christian and Noah, have been appointed estate administrators. Disputes also extend to conflicting accounts of her death and family tensions over public statements.

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Virginia Giuffre’s family at war over who gets Andrew’s multimillion-dollar payout

Relatives go to court over fortune amassed from victim compensation funds and civil lawsuit settlements

Victoria Ward and Connor Stringer - November 26, 2025

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Virginia Giuffre’s family is readying for a courtroom showdown over her multimillion-dollar estate.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s sex abuse accuser took her own life in April but died “intestate” – without a formal will.

Her closest relatives are now preparing to go to battle over her legacy, with a case management hearing scheduled at the Supreme Court of Western Australia in Perth on Friday.

Giuffre, who was 41, amassed a fortune through victim compensation funds and civil lawsuit settlements relating to the years of abuse she suffered at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein.

This includes the bulk of an estimated $12m (£9m) payment she received from the former Duke of York to settle the claim brought against him in 2022. Andrew has always vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

Under Australian law, her husband, Robert Giuffre, who filed for divorce two months before she died, could be entitled to up to a third of her estate.

But at about the same time that he began divorce proceedings, Ms Giuffre is said to have sent an email to her lawyer stating that she did not want him to have any of her money.

Her two half-brothers, Sky Roberts and Danny Wilson, have hired a lawyer to challenge his right to the funds.

Ms Giuffre’s paternal aunt, Kimberley Roberts, told The Telegraph that the half-brothers were seeking a notable chunk of the estate.

“We don’t believe they have a right to it,” she said. “The estate should go to her children only.”

The brothers are also said to want to assume control of Ms Giuffre’s charity, Speak Out, Act, Reclaim, which she did not manage to get off the ground before she died.

Up to $3m of the settlement paid by Andrew was ring-fenced for the charity and is still being held in an escrow account managed by a third party.

But other family members are against the half-brothers’ involvement and would rather it was run by experts in the charity sector.

In June, it emerged that Ms Giuffre’s two elder children, Christian, 19, and Noah, 18, who live with their father, had successfully applied to the court to be appointed administrators of the estate.

The pair published a public notice in the Western Australian Government Gazette calling for creditors to apply.

The split in the family ranks stretches to disagreement about how Ms Giuffre died, with sources on both sides expressing frustration over the tearful television interviews given by various family members “seeking pity”.

“I know they’re trying to get as much press as they can get,” one source said of Ms Giuffre’s brother, Sky.

“I’m not really happy about what he’s doing, and I’m not really happy about any of this stuff that’s happening.

“He wants the whole family to say it’s suicide, without question.”

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23921057 (300639ZNOV25) Notable: ‘I wouldn’t move to Victoria’: Pauline Hanson speaks at Melbourne anti-immigration rally – One Nation leader Pauline Hanson addressed a crowd at an anti-immigration rally in Melbourne’s CBD, declaring she would “never move to Victoria” and pledging to run One Nation candidates in the 2026 state election. Speaking at the Put Australia First protest, which also featured a video message from banned UK far-right figure Tommy Robinson, Hanson criticised the Victorian Labor government and accused both major parties of failing voters. Counter-protesters briefly disrupted the rally before police intervened. The event coincided with the introduction of expanded police search powers allowing warrantless searches in designated areas. Authorities warned of disruption following previous violent clashes that left officers injured.

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‘I wouldn’t move to Victoria’: Pauline Hanson speaks at Melbourne anti-immigration rally

Roy Ward and Bridie Smith - November 30, 2025

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has addressed a crowd at an anti-immigration rally in Melbourne’s CBD on Sunday, promising to run candidates in next year’s state election.

At the Put Australia First protest, which also featured UK far-right activist Tommy Robinson via video, Hanson criticised the Victorian government, saying she would never move here. Robinson is banned from entering Australia.

A small group of counter-protesters interrupted Hanson’s speech with a loudspeaker, but they were roughly forced out by other protesters and police.

Hanson told the crowd not to fight and continued her speech.

“I’m not from Victoria and, to tell you the truth, I wouldn’t move to Victoria,” Hanson said.

“I’ll stay in Queensland, thank you very much.

“We have our problems there but when I see what the Labor Party has done to this state...and the Liberals have not been much better. They don’t fight. I see it all the time.”

She assured the crowd that One Nation would be running candidates in the Victorian election in November 2026.

Hanson’s speech came days after she created fresh controversy by wearing a burqa in the Senate last Monday. She was later suspended from the Senate for seven days.

On Sunday, counter-protesters had earlier gathered at the State Library on Swanston Street to protest the anti-immigration rally.

The Put Australia First demonstrators assembled in Flinders Street before marching to Flagstaff Gardens.

The two rallies coincide with the introduction of Victoria Police’s greater powers to conduct on-the-spot searches for prohibited weapons.

The new search powers were tested outside the State Library during the rally by counter-protesters. Six officers stopped a man wearing a grey hoodie to search his bag. A crowd gathered around chanting, “No justice, no ban. No racist police.”

The man’s bag was emptied on the forecourt and deemed safe.

Under the declaration, officers can conduct pat-down or wand searches of people without a warrant, search vehicles and force people to remove face coverings in the designated areas of the CBD, Southbank and Docklands.

The expanded powers will be in force until May 29, 2026.

During violent clashes between police and counter-protesters on October 19, police were assaulted with rocks, glass bottles and rotten fruit. Two officers were taken to hospital.

Two men have since been charged over their alleged involvement, while police are still seeking others involved.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/pauline-hanson-speaks-at-anti-immigration-rally-in-melbourne-s-cbd-20251128-p5nje5.html

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23921099 (300705ZNOV25) Notable: Iran condemns Australia's listing of IRGC as sponsor of terrorism – Iran has condemned Australia’s decision to formally list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism, calling the move “offensive” and politically motivated. The designation followed intelligence linking Iran to antisemitic attacks in Australia, including arson attacks on Jewish sites in Melbourne and Sydney. Tehran accused Canberra of acting at Israel’s behest and violating international norms, warning the decision damaged bilateral relations. Australia said the listing was necessary to deter foreign-backed extremism and protect community safety, describing the attacks as deliberate efforts to inflame social division. The move marks the first use of new federal powers enabling the designation of state-linked terrorist entities and follows Iran’s ambassador being expelled from Australia earlier this year.

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Iran condemns Australia's listing of IRGC as sponsor of terrorism as 'offensive and unjustified'

Matthew Doran - 28 November 2025

The Iranian Government has condemned Australia's formal listing of its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism as "offensive and unjustified", accusing the Albanese government of doing Israel's bidding.

In August Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and ASIO chief Mike Burgess revealed Iran was behind at least two antisemitic attacks in Australia.

Iran's Ambassador was kicked out of the country days later — the first diplomatic expulsion since World War Two — and legislation passed the parliament earlier this month allowing the government to designate the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism.

That happened on Thursday, with the IRGC becoming the first organisation to be listed under the new regime.

It prompted a sharp rebuke from Iran's foreign ministry in Tehran which labelled it "illegal, unjustifiable, and in violation of international rules and norms that safeguard a state's sovereignty."

"[Iran is] expressing its disgust at the compliance of certain Australian policymakers with the malicious policy of the genocidal Israeli regime in spreading lies against Iran," a statement said.

"This irresponsible action is a continuation of the Australian government's grave mistake on the basis of baseless accusations fabricated by the security agencies of the Zionist regime, which has turned the long-standing diplomatic relations between Iran and Australia into a bargaining chip in appeasing the occupying Zionist regime."

Hours after Mr Albanese and Mr Burgess revealed the Australian intelligence about Iranian involvement in the attacks, the Israeli government took credit for forcing Australia to act.

Although Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke rejected that claim, saying it was "complete nonsense."

In recent weeks, the Israeli spy agency Mossad took the unusual step of issuing a public statement detailing allegations about a senior member of the IRGC who was responsible for fuelling antisemitic attacks around the world, including in Australia.

The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasises that this political decision by the Australian government sets a dangerous and criminal precedent which has been influenced by the Zionist regime to divert global attention from the ongoing genocide in Gaza," the foreign ministry said.

"Therefore, it amounts to complicity between the players of this action and the criminals who are under investigation by the International Criminal Court."

That was a reference to the ICC arrest warrants issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes.

Listing 'an important deterrent'

On Thursday, the Australian government publicised its listing of the IRGC in response to the attacks on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne and the Lewis' Continental Kitchen in Sydney in 2024.

"These cowardly attacks on Australian soil were designed to undermine and sow division in our multicultural society, by targeting Jewish Australians to inflict harm and stoke fear," a statement from Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said.

"Listing the IRGC is an important deterrent and disruption to terrorist activity, and puts members of the public on notice that the IRGC is a state sponsor of terrorism under Australian law, and certain dealings with them are now criminal offences."

Tasmanian Liberal Senator Clair Chandler was the chair of a Senate committee which recommended listing the IRGC as a terror organisation three years ago.

"A long overdue but welcome action to hold this heinous entity to account, and a testament to the incredible advocacy of our Iranian diaspora in demanding this from government," the now shadow cybersecurity minister posted on X.

She earlier said the Albanese Government had been given enough evidence by Australian intelligence agencies to list the IRGC as a terror organisation, and claimed it had delayed doing so.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-28/iran-condemns-australia-listing-irgc-as-sponsor-of-terrorism/106075808

https://en.mfa.ir/portal/newsview/778922

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23921109 (300711ZNOV25) Notable: Jewish groups angered by push to remove religion from terror law definition – Jewish organisations and security experts have criticised a proposal to remove religion as a motivating factor in Australia’s terrorism laws, warning it would weaken counterterrorism efforts and obscure real threats. The push, backed by Muslim advocacy groups and the Australian Human Rights Commission, is being considered as part of a review of terrorism legislation. Critics argue most Australian terror plots since 2014 were religiously motivated, predominantly Islamist, and that removing religious motivation would hinder intelligence assessments and prosecutions. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, supported by security experts and opposition figures, says the change risks diluting protections against extremist violence. The government says it will consider the review’s recommendations next year.

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Jewish groups angered by push to remove religion from terror law definition

ELIZABETH PIKE - November 27, 2025

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A concerted push by Muslim groups and the Australian Human Rights Commission to remove religion as a motivation for terrorist acts has angered Jewish bodies and legal experts, who warn the move will undermine intelligence work while leaving communities exposed to attacks.

The outcry comes amid a review of the definition of “terrorism” by the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor, which has sought to update the criminal code for the first time since it was enacted after the September 11 attacks in a bid to reflect the changing threats Australia is facing.

But ASIO and the Albanese government have indicated they do not support the bid in their submissions to the review, having found that all but three of the 16 terrorist attacks in Australia since 2014 were religiously motivated, of which 12 were driven by “Islamist violent extremism”.

Concern about the slated reform mounted on Thursday after the government listed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as the first official state sponsor of terrorism under news laws that hold foreign entities responsible for attacks.

Iran’s foreign ministry denounced the listing on Friday morning AEDT as “an insulting and unjustified act” and a “violation of international legal rules and norms related to the national sovereignty of states”.

It also expressed “indignation at the adherence of certain Australian political officials to the harmful policy of the Israeli regime by spreading lies against Iran”.

Meanwhile a joint statement to the INSLM review from 15 Muslim groups, led by the Australian Muslim Advocacy Network, has called for “religion and ideology” to no longer count as a motivation for terrorist acts, arguing the current laws marginalise their faith communities.

The groups have also sought to withdraw the “threat” of terrorism, property damage and the intimidation of “sections of the public” as offences that can be pursued under the state’s terror laws.

As the review is finalised before being handed to Attorney-General Michelle Rowland for government consideration next year, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry warned the proposed reforms would water down the nation’s anti-terrorism laws.

Referring to its own submission to the review, the ECAJ, which represents 200 Jewish organisations across the country, said the changes would restrict authorities’ ability to prosecute terrorist acts.

It cited ASIO director-general Mike Burgess’s warning in February that anti-Semitism remained the “No. 1 priority” for his agency amid surging incidents of religious violence and terror plots, including the two attacks on a synagogue and restaurant that were orchestrated by the Iranian regime last year.

“A ‘one-size-fits-all’ motive or purpose would hinder the capacity of ASIO and the Australian Federal Police to draw links between individuals and groups which share distinct forms of motivation, and also to distinguish terrorism from other forms of politically ­motivated or hate-based violence,” the submission reads.

“(Motive) is the key component of what makes terrorism distinct from other types of crimes (and) every major allied framework, including the laws of the United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union and New Zealand, retain this element.”

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23921126 (300723ZNOV25) Notable: South Australia Liberals vow to call time on state Indigenous voice – South Australia’s Liberal opposition says it would repeal the state’s Indigenous Voice to Parliament if elected in March 2026, replacing it with a smaller advisory body. Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia argues the current model is costly, ineffective and has failed to influence legislation, citing low voter turnout and limited engagement. The voice, established under Labor, costs $2.5 million over four years and includes six regional bodies and a state council. Premier Peter Malinauskas has defended it as an election commitment and supports progressing to treaty and truth-telling. Liberals say they favour direct consultation but oppose the current structure, which they argue lacks accountability and public support.

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South Australia Liberals vow to call time on state Indigenous voice

DAVID PENBERTHY - 30 November 2025

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South Australia’s Indigenous voice to parliament would be ­repealed and replaced with an ­advisory body under a Liberal plan to wind back the controversial voice model, which is costing state taxpayers $2.5m over the next four years.

SA has the first legislated parliamentary Indigenous voice in Australia, but Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia told The Australian that, if elected in March 2026, a Liberal government would wind back its powers and revert to an advisory body.

Much of the cost of the voice is being driven by statewide elections for regional voices that make up the state voice. A one-off election held last year attracted only a handful of voters at some booths. While the next voice elections will be held concurrently with next year’s state election on March 21, the opposition believes the voice has already been shown to be a costly failure.

“We have struggled to find a single piece of legislation that has had meaningful engagement with the current voice under Labor, proving it is a defective model that won’t achieve practical outcomes,” Mr Tarzia said.

“A Liberal state government would reform the current version of the First Nations voice to re-­establish the Aboriginal affairs committee of the SA parliament and pursue a more representative and accountable model of ­engagement than Labor’s voice.”

Mr Tarzia said the Liberals had no issue with “direct dialogue ­between Indigenous leaders and parliament” and would ensure it continued, but not with the vast structure created by six regional voices and one state voice.

The current Liberal position is similar to that taken when the First Nations Voice Bill was ­debated by the SA parliament in 2023, with then leader David Speirs advocating an ­appointed Aboriginal representative body with the right to meet with cabinet at least twice a year.

The future of the voice has been the subject of debate among SA Liberal MPs, with some moderates worried that going too hard against it could cause a backlash in the few middle-class electorates the party still holds.

However, conservatives MPs and the party’s overwhelmingly conservative rank-and-file members believe that junking the voice should be a key slogan of the SA Liberals ahead of the March poll.

Aside from his comments to The Australian, Mr Tarzia has made no major public statements about the voice and has not yet tried to make it a campaign issue.

The Malinauskas government has signalled it will not only continue with the voice but pursue treaty and truth-telling as per a request by state voice delegates in a presentation to parliament two weeks ago.

State voice presiding member Danni Smith told a special joint sitting of parliament that with the voice now operational, the next step towards reconciliation was “truth-telling and treaty”.

“We believe that truth-telling and treaty are the next steps in South Australia’s journey toward justice and reconciliation,” Ms Smith told parliament. “Without truth, we cannot heal. Without treaty, we cannot move beyond words to agreement.

“The Uluru Statement from the Heart sets out the path of voice, treaty and truth. SA has achieved the first. Now we must walk together for the second and the third.”

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23930028 (020913ZDEC25) Notable: ‘His name shall be erased’: Andrew stripped of last remaining royal titles – King Charles has formally stripped Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of his final royal honours, cancelling his membership of the Order of the Garter and annulling his status as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order. The decision, published in The Gazette, states his appointment “shall be cancelled and annulled” and his name “erased” from the register. Andrew had already lost his HRH style and ducal titles following scrutiny over his association with Jeffrey Epstein. The move follows renewed political pressure and comes as British police review aspects of his conduct. The King’s decision removes Andrew from all royal orders, further severing his formal ties to the monarchy.

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‘His name shall be erased’: Andrew stripped of last remaining royal titles

Eric Williams - December 2, 2025

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been formally stripped of his last remaining royal titles.

King Charles formally “cancelled and annulled” his brother’s membership of the Order of the Garter in an official announcement at midday on Monday, London time, in the UK’s official public record, The Gazette.

The former Duke of York’s title as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order was also annulled, and his name was “erased” from the register of those holding the honours.

He was already stripped of his birthright to be a prince, the His Royal Highness (HRH) title and had his ducal title removed from the Roll of the Peerage by the King for his “serious lapses of judgment” over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted paedophile.

The entry in The Gazette reads: “The King has directed that the appointment of Andrew Albert Christian Edward Mountbatten-Windsor to be a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, dated 23 April 2006, shall be cancelled and annulled and that his name shall be erased from the Register of the said Order.

The Order of the Garter is the country’s oldest and most senior order of chivalry and the honour is awarded in recognition of public service – with recipients personally chosen by the monarch.

The Royal Victorian Order recognises service to the monarch and is also awarded personally by them.

Mountbatten-Windsor has for many years faced allegations that he sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre, a teenager at the time, after she was trafficked by Epstein. He denies the accusations.

The scandal threatens to further engulf him after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer suggested that he should testify to the US Congress over his links to Epstein.

Mountbatten-Windsor had failed to respond to requests to a summons from the Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee, which were made ahead of the publication of the Epstein files.

Until that point, Starmer had largely avoided commenting on Mountbatten-Windsor’s involvement with Epstein, in line with government protocol of not criticising the royal family.

But that changed after the Palace’s announcement on October 30 that Andrew would be stripped of his titles of prince and Duke of York, as well as his other titles as the Earl of Inverness, Baron Killyleagh and HRH.

Mountbatten-Windsor reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre, with no admission of guilt, in 2022. Giuffre, who took her own life in April, accused him of sexual abuse and rape.

Britain’s Metropolitan Police are “actively looking into” allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor asked his police protection officer – who is taxpayer-funded – to investigate Giuffre after obtaining her date of birth and social security number.

Mountbatten-Windsor’s association with Epstein – which included visits to the financier’s private island, Little St James – have plagued the former prince for over five years, having stood down from all royal duties in 2019 after his disastrous Newsnight interview.

He faces the prospect of having more details of his relationship with Epstein made public in the coming days.

US President Donald Trump signed a bill last month ordering the release of the Epstein files, after previously resisting pressure to publish the emails, which could include evidence of his own association with Epstein.

Trump changed his mind after congressional members of his own party began to join calls to release the files.

Mountbatten-Windsor remains a vice admiral in the Royal Navy despite the government pledging to remove the honorary rank.

He is set to move from Royal Lodge in Windsor to the King’s private Sandringham estate in Norfolk in the new year.

https://www.theage.com.au/world/europe/his-name-shall-be-erased-andrew-stripped-of-last-remaining-royal-titles-20251202-p5njzx.html

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5007398

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23934664 (030918ZDEC25) Notable: Government’s Islamophobia envoy backs calls to axe religion from terror definition – Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, has backed calls to remove religion from the legal definition of terrorism, telling Senate estimates he supports redefining terrorism as ideological or political rather than religious. His comments follow submissions from Muslim advocacy groups arguing the current wording unfairly targets Muslim communities. The proposal has drawn strong opposition from Jewish organisations, which warn it could weaken protections against antisemitic violence and limit prosecutions. The Albanese government and ASIO have indicated they do not support changing the definition, citing national security risks. The debate unfolded alongside tensions between government envoys addressing Islamophobia and antisemitism, with senators clashing over Israel, online extremism and community safety.

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Government's Islamophobia envoy backs calls to axe religion from terror definition

ELIZABETH PIKE and THOMAS HENRY - 3 December 2025

Australia’s leading adviser to the Albanese government on Muslim affairs says he supports axing religion from the definition of terrorism, backing in advocacy groups that have sought to water down the criminal code, to the outrage of Jewish communities.

The Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, told budget estimates on Tuesday that he endorsed removing religion as a motivation for terrorist acts, amid the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor review into whether the definition should be updated.

The comments came less than an hour after Australia’s anti-Semitism Envoy, Jillian Segal, rejected Greens senator David Shoebridge’s claims to the same committee that the government had suppressed “legitimate criticism” of Israel.

A tense back and forth over whether the government was doing enough to protect Jewish and Muslim communities led to the line of questioning, which followed reports from The Australian last week that revealed 15 Muslim organisations, led by the Australian Muslim Advocacy Network, had made a joint submission to the INSLM calling for “religion” to be scrubbed from terror laws.

Mr Malik told a parliamentary budget estimates hearing he supported the bid after he made his own submission to the review with a similar request.

“I feel the problem we face is that the Muslim community itself understands actions by individuals who are committing an act in terror as not to be from the religion, but (from) ideological and fringe elements,” he said.

“My submission tries to go some way to explain why these acts are not, indeed, religious acts.

“I would be (supportive of the change) … I would advocate that religious actions or motives would be removed from the definition and instead place politics or ideology.”

Mr Malik and Muslim groups say a definition of terrorism tied to religion unfairly discriminates against their faith communities. However, the Albanese government and ASIO have indicated they do not support changing the term as it could hamper intelligence capabilities.

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, representing 200 Jewish groups, has said the change would leave their communities exposed to attacks, while restricting the prosecution of terrorist acts.

Following further questioning from Liberal senator Leah Blyth at the hearing, Mr Malik said he had a direct line to Anthony Albanese and had met the Prime Minister at least twice since he was appointed to the independent envoy role last September.

According to the official description of his role by the Office of the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, Mr Malik is tasked with engaging with Muslim Australians and “advising the government on ways to combat Islamo­phobia” in his three-year term.

Ms Segal holds a similar role in regards to the Jewish community and combating anti-Semitism following her appointment last July.

During budget estimates on Tuesday, Ms Segal rebuffed suggestions by Senator Shoebridge that the government’s approach to tackling anti-Semitism captures legitimate criticism of Israel.

He attacked the envoy for failing to make a public statement on the recent neo-Nazi protest on the steps of NSW parliament, before claiming the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism recommended by the envoy and adopted by the Australian government “conflated” legitimate criticism of the state of Israel with anti-Semitism.

Ms Segal condemned the actions of the National Socialist Network and dismissed the suggestions, pointing to a clause in the definition that allows for criticising the state. She also pointed to a misunderstanding of “Zionism and settler colonialism” among younger Australians.

“The IHRA definition makes it very clear that legitimate criticism of Israel in the same form as you would criticise another state is not anti-Semitic,” Ms Segal said. “Some of the misunderstandings of our younger cohort of our community are coming from social media … That is a major challenge for us as a country to make sure what they are being fed through social media is not re­inforcing those misunderstandings.”

Following a series of questions from One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts about sharia law and the definition of Islamophobia, Environment Minister Murray Watt – standing in for Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke – accused him of asking Islamophobic questions in the Senate chamber on a “regular basis”.

He also accused Senator Roberts of having links to neo-Nazis, which the latter denied.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/governments-islamophobia-envoy-backs-calls-to-axe-religion-from-terror-definition/news-story/f5a412fb93300d8a8684b7c0bf458427

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23934739 (030945ZDEC25) Notable: Trump ‘seriously’ considering version of Australia’s superannuation system – US President Donald Trump has said he is considering adopting a version of Australia’s superannuation system, as part of efforts to boost the country’s declining birthrate and expand long-term household wealth. Speaking at an event announcing a US$6.25 billion philanthropic donation to fund savings accounts for children, Trump said the Australian model was being examined as a potential template for American workers. The proposal would sit alongside new “Trump accounts”, which provide government seed funding for children born during his second term. Australian superannuation has been promoted in Washington by the Albanese government and Ambassador Kevin Rudd as a major source of stable capital. US officials say the model could help broaden investment participation and long-term economic engagement.

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Trump ‘seriously’ considering version of Australia’s superannuation system

Michael Koziol - December 3, 2025

Washington: US President Donald Trump has praised Australia’s superannuation system and says he is considering adopting a version of it, implying it could be used to help lift the dwindling American birthrate.

Trump made the remarks at an event unveiling an unprecedented $US6.25 billion ($9.5 billion) donation from Michael and Susan Dell, of the Dell technology company, towards the bank accounts of millions of eligible American children.

The Dell gift would give $US250 to 25 million children under the age of 11 who live in areas where the median income is less than $US150,000 a year. It is designed to complement a separate $US1000 in seed funds that the Trump administration is giving to children born during his second term, in so-called “Trump accounts”.

Part of the rationale for these programs was to offer a sort of “baby bonus” to try to arrest the declining US fertility rate – a prominent concern among the MAGA movement.

When Trump was asked what else the administration was considering to lift the birthrate, he appeared to suggest the Australian superannuation system.

“We are looking at programs. There’s a certain Australian plan that people are liking and they’re talking about … not for children, necessarily, but it’s for people, working people,” he said, and turned to look at Michael Dell for confirmation.

Another reporter asked Trump to clarify that he meant the Australian retirement savings program, known as superannuation.

“That’s what they’re talking about, yep,” Trump said. “We’re looking at it very seriously. It has worked out very well, it’s a good plan.”

This masthead has asked the White House for further clarification.

The US already has a pension fund system called the 401k, into which employees can voluntarily make payments or opt into automatic payments by their employer.

The Australian government and ambassador Kevin Rudd have relentlessly promoted Australia’s superannuation system to American industry, investors and the Trump administration as a source of potential capital.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attended a special superannuation summit in February at the Australian embassy in Washington, where he said he was impressed by the reliable growth of Australia’s pension funds.

“I was struck by … the confidence that you have in the growth. It’s not what one might expect for Australia,” he said. One would have expected growth to be more dependent on the price of iron ore, he said.

Australia’s superannuation sector manages the fourth-biggest pool of pension funds in the world, and the US is the number one international destination for that capital.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers told the February summit that the super pool was “larger than the capital controlled by the sovereign wealth funds of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia – combined”.

The amount invested in the US is about $US400 billion and projected to reach $US1 trillion over the next decade.

Under the so-called Trump accounts program – a measure in the One Big Beautiful Bill – the US government will deposit $US1000 into a “trust fund” for each American child born from January 1, 2025 to the end of 2028.

The funds will be invested in a broad stockmarket index, and families and others can add up to $US5000 a year to each account. The money can’t be withdrawn until the child turns 18. Contributions can be made from July 4, 2026, the White House says.

Bessent, the Treasury secretary, said the accounts would start “a new age of capitalism and market interest for the whole country”.

“We are going to make sure that all American families have a stake in the success of the United States of America,” he said. “People who have a stake in the system and become more and more invested in the system do not want to bring down the system, they want to make it better.”

The Dell money would use similar infrastructure to the Trump accounts but would go to children born between 2016 and 2024, and is reserved for children from zip codes with a median household income below $US150,000.

https://www.theage.com.au/world/north-america/trump-seriously-considering-version-of-australia-s-superannuation-system-20251203-p5nke3.html

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23939105 (040852ZDEC25) Notable: Stand with us to fight scourge of hate, say Jewish leaders – Jewish community leaders have urged Australians to stand in solidarity following a surge in antisemitic incidents, marking a year since the arson attack on Melbourne’s Adass Israel synagogue. Speaking at the site, Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion said Australia had experienced an unprecedented rise in antisemitism, with 1653 incidents recorded in the past year, and called for stronger action from government. He criticised delays in implementing recommendations from the Special Envoy on antisemitism, warning the problem was worsening. International Jewish leaders joined commemorations, expressing solidarity and urging governments to act. The federal government has committed $30 million to rebuild the synagogue, which was destroyed in the 2024 attack.

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Stand with us to fight scourge of hate, say Jewish leaders

CAMERON STEWART - 4 December 2025

Stand with us, don’t leave us behind. Talk with us. Eat with us. Laugh with us. Get to know us. This is the plea to all Australians from the country’s Jewish community a year after the worst anti-Semitic attack yet, the torching of the Adass Israeli synagogue in Melbourne’s Ripponlea.

Gathered outside the burnt-out synagogue which stands as a symbol of the worst two years of anti-Semitism in the nation’s history, Daniel Aghion, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said hatred was not the Australian way.

“Our nation prides itself on its fair mindedness. What happened here a year ago, and has been replicated in other anti-Semitic incidents over the past year, is as alien to our national values as you can get,” he said.

“If you want Australia to remain the friendly, inclusive and welcoming place we all know it to be, then stand with us. Don’t leave us behind.’

“Contact your local Jewish synagogue or community and offer your support. Attend our events, try our food.

“Get to know us as Australians and as Jews.”

Mr Aghion said the key to dealing with the sort of anti-Semitism we have seen in Australia was “education and positivity”.

“Jews don’t have horns. I don’t hide them under my skull cap. I am an Australian. I was born in this city. I’m a proud Australian, and I’m a proud Jew and I am part of this country.”

In a show of solidarity towards Australian Jews on the anniversary of the synagogue attack, Jewish leaders from the seven countries with the largest Jewish populations paid their respects at the yet-to-be rebuilt synagogue.

But Mr Aghion also used the anniversary to criticise the Albanese government for its failure to implement the recommendations of the report of the Special Envoy on anti-Semitism Jillian Segal.

“We have a problem that is leeching into Australian society. It needs to be attacked, and it needs to be attacked hard and effectively, that is the only way to deal with anti-Semitism,’ he said.

“(But) five months later, the government has not implemented the (Segal) plan.

“It has not said what it will do, and it has not even responded. That is simply unacceptable. I call upon the government to provide its response to the strategic plan, particularly its emphasis on education and positivity.”

Mr Aghion was speaking after the release this week of an ECAJ report which revealed that Australian Jews had suffered a second year of unprecedented anti-Semitism, with the number of assaults, abuse, vandalism and hate messages totalling 1653 in the past 12 months, almost five times the level before the massacre of Israelis on October 7, 2023 and the war in Gaza.

Mr Aghion said Australia was leading the world in the percentage increase in anti-Semitic incidents. “Australia is leading an international race to the bottom. That is not the competition that Australia wants to win,” he said

Speaking ahead of an inspection of the burnt-out synagogue, Marina Rosenberg, a senior vice-president at the Anti-Defamation League in the US, said the world’s Jewish community expressed their solidarity and support for Australian Jews. “You are not alone in your pain, you are not alone in your resilience. We are here to show that we are together fighting this tsunami of anti Jewish hate that we’ve been seeing, not only here in Australia, but all over the world. We’re here to call on the Australian government, but also our governments, to do more, to do better and to act now before it’s too late.”

The federal government has pledged $30m to rebuild the Adass Israel synagogue, which is expected to be completed by 2029.

Peter Wertheim, ECAJ’s co-chief executive, said the synagogue attack had “cast a pall on Jewish life” in this country: “It is something that has unnerved so many people in our community because it is precisely what they thought they were getting away from (by coming to Australia).

“Even more disturbing was the subsequent revelation that it was an orchestrated act by a state actor, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp.

“(But) if the people who carried this out thought they would break the will of the Australian Jewish community they were spectacularly mistaken. It has galvanised and united our community like nothing before.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/stand-with-us-to-fight-scourge-of-hate-say-jewish-leaders/news-story/ca29c31a5d98cfd5896c7f058999b7f8

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23939113 (040855ZDEC25) Notable: Adass Israel Synagogue alleged arsonists in court days out from anniversary – Court proceedings against two men accused of firebombing Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue have been delayed until 2026 due to the volume of material still being assessed by investigators. Giovanni Laulu, 21, and Younes Ali Younes, 20, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court as prosecutors said a “significant” amount of evidence, including AFP-held material, CCTV, phone data and interviews with other persons of interest, had yet to be disclosed. The pair are accused of using petrol to set fire to the Ripponlea synagogue in December 2024, causing more than $20 million in damage. The magistrate ordered outstanding material be provided before March, with further hearings scheduled for April.

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Adass Israel Synagogue alleged arsonists in court days out from anniversary

Erin Pearson - December 4, 2025

Court hearings into the Adass Israel Synagogue firebombing will be delayed until 2026 due to a “significant” amount of material in the investigation remaining with the Australian Federal Police.

Days out from the one-year anniversary of the alleged attack, Werribee man Giovanni Laulu and Younes Ali Younes, of Meadow Heights, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Magistrate Wendy Bakos was told documents had been filed late and a large volume of disclosure material was still yet to be served on the pair’s lawyers.

This included a “very significant” amount of material held by the AFP, such as police interviews with other potential persons of interest who had not been charged, the court heard.

Other items included CCTV footage, investigation logs, information reports, phone intercepts and downloads and search warrant information.

Much of the material required an “assessment of relevance” to take place before the material was disclosed, the prosecution said.

David De Witt, acting for Younes, 20, who remains in custody at the Melbourne Assessment Prison, said all they currently had was a “vague list of categories of disclosure”.

Bakos ordered the material be provided before March, with the accused men to return to court in April.

“Get it together rather than serve things piecemeal,” she told the prosecution.

Other statements relevant to the case were sent to the defence lawyers late last month.

The magistrate was told Laulu, who was granted bail last month, had been “behaving” since his release from custody. He was asked to return to court for a bail review in February.

The 21-year-old was bailed with 22 conditions, including a ban on attending places of Jewish worship, during a court hearing in November.

Laulu and Younes are accused of using 100 litres of petrol to set fire to the synagogue in Ripponlea, in Melbourne’s south-east, about 4.15am on December 6, 2024.

The men allegedly drove to the site in a stolen Volkswagen then smashed their way into the synagogue using an axe before setting the building alight. The alleged attack caused more than $20 million in damage.

At the time of the fire, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as “an outrage”.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan met leaders from the Adass Israel congregation and pledged $100,000 to help rebuild the synagogue.

The matter will return to court in April.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/adass-israel-synagogue-alleged-arsonists-in-court-days-out-from-anniversary-20251204-p5nkte.html

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23939138 (040904ZDEC25) Notable: Australia says it has received AUKUS submarine review from US – Australia has received the United States’ review of the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine partnership and is assessing its findings, Defence Minister Richard Marles said. The review, launched by the Trump administration earlier this year, examined the trilateral pact between Australia, the US and Britain, which will see Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines under a program costing up to A$368 billion. Concerns were raised in Canberra after the review began, but President Donald Trump later signalled continued support for AUKUS during talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The review was led by US under-secretary Elbridge Colby, who has warned of constraints in American submarine production capacity. Australia is also restructuring its defence bureaucracy to accelerate delivery of major projects.

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Australia says it has received AUKUS submarine review from US

Kirsty Needham - December 4, 2025

SYDNEY, Dec 4 (Reuters) - Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia had received the United States' review of the AUKUS nuclear submarine partnership and is "working through it".

President Donald Trump's administration said in June it had launched a formal review into the AUKUS defence deal - worth hundreds of billions of dollars - that will allow Australia to acquire U.S. nuclear-powered submarines, and also involves Britain.

The review had sparked alarm in Canberra, but concerns were eased when Trump signaled his support for the programme in a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House in October.

"We are in receipt of the AUKUS review now. We're working through the AUKUS review, and we very much thank the United States for providing it to us," Marles told reporters on Thursday. "What's really important here is the United States is completely supportive of AUKUS."

The review was led by the Pentagon's Under Secretary Elbridge Colby, who said last year that submarines were a scarce, critical commodity, and U.S. industry could not produce enough to meet American demand.

AUKUS is Australia's biggest-ever defence project, with Canberra committing to spend A$368 billion ($240 billion) over three decades to the programme, which includes billions of dollars of investment in the U.S. submarine production base.

Australia announced on Monday that it will reorganise its defence bureaucracy, forming a Defence Delivery Agency that reports directly to ministers, to improve defence spending and speed up delivery of projects.

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/australia-says-it-has-received-aukus-submarine-review-us-2025-12-04/

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23939208 (040934ZDEC25) Notable: Australia’s social media lockout begins as teens face digital exile – (Video) Australia has begun enforcing its under-16 social media ban, with Meta starting to remove teenage users from Facebook and Instagram ahead of the December 10 deadline. About 500,000 accounts are expected to be affected as platforms are required to block new under-16 users and remove existing ones. YouTube has also confirmed compliance, though it criticised the policy as rushed and ineffective. Communications Minister Anika Wells said enforcement would take time, while the eSafety Commissioner warned not all accounts would disappear immediately. Concerns have been raised about impacts on vulnerable young people and migration to alternative platforms. An independent panel will assess outcomes, while companies face fines of up to $49.5 million for non-compliance.

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Australia’s social media lockout begins as teens face digital exile

David Swan - December 3, 2025

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Australian teenagers will wake to a new digital reality on Thursday when Meta begins systematically locking them out of Facebook and Instagram, marking the first wave of enforcement for the nation’s unprecedented social media ban.

Meta will block new accounts for those under 16 and revoke existing access from December 4, with all known underage users expected to be removed by December 10 when the law officially takes effect. Around 350,000 Instagram users aged 13-15 and 150,000 Facebook users will be affected, according to government figures.

The tech giant has already begun sending notifications to affected users. “Soon, you’ll no longer be able to use Facebook and your profile won’t be visible to you or others,” reads the message being delivered to accounts Meta believes belong to under-16s. Users are being urged to download their photos, videos and messages before permanent lockout.

On Wednesday, YouTube also finally confirmed it would comply with the ban, though the platform made clear its frustration with the legislation. “We deeply care about the safety of kids and teens on our platform,” YouTube Australia’s public policy senior manager Rachel Lord said, calling it “a disappointing update to share”.

YouTube will automatically sign out all users detected to be under 16, though they’ll still be able to watch content without logging in. This means children lose access to subscriptions, playlists and wellbeing features such as break and bedtime reminders.

Lord criticised the government, saying the ban “won’t keep teens safer online” and describing it as “rushed regulation” that “misunderstands our platform and the way young Australians use it”.

Despite the imminent deadline, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has set realistic expectations about what December 10 will look like. “I don’t expect that every single under 16 social media account will magically disappear,” she said in an interview for the Tech Policy Design Institute’s ‘Tech Mirror’ podcast.

Implementation will vary significantly across platforms depending on how effectively each company deactivates or removes underage accounts, she said. The eSafety Commission has launched an online hub with resources including fact sheets, action plans and practical guides on how to download Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat archives before accounts are deleted.

Communications Minister Anika Wells used a National Press Club address on Wednesday to warn there will probably be children under 16 with social media accounts for “some time” after December 10. With almost 86 per cent of Australian children aged between eight and 15 on social media, Wells said it would take time for the age assurance “sieve” to “filter out the existing accounts and stop new accounts from being created”.

“But our expectation is clear: any company that allows this is breaking the law,” she said.

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23939229 (040947ZDEC25) Notable: Ghislaine Maxwell to ask court to free her from prison – Ghislaine Maxwell has signalled she will seek her release from prison, with court filings showing she plans to file a habeas petition challenging her detention. Lawyers for the former associate of Jeffrey Epstein said she does not oppose the government’s bid to unseal grand jury records under new legislation, but warned that releasing the material could prejudice any potential retrial. Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for helping Epstein sexually abuse underage girls. The filing follows passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which directs the Justice Department to release case materials. Prosecutors are seeking court approval to do so, while Maxwell’s legal team argues disclosure could undermine due process if her challenge succeeds.

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Ghislaine Maxwell to ask court to free her from prison

ELLA LEE - 12/03/25

The imprisoned accomplice of the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein intends to seek her release, court filings show, throwing a wrench into the Justice Department’s bid to make public scores of records from her case.

Lawyers for Ghislaine Maxwell, the longtime Epstein counterpart, wrote in a letter filed Wednesday in federal court that she plans to soon file a court petition challenging her detention, a long-shot bid that, if successful, could result in a new trial.

They said Maxwell does not take a position on the government’s request to unseal grand jury transcripts, in response to the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act‘s passage, which was signed into law by President Trump last month.

But to do so could imperil a retrial if her challenge, called a habeas petition, prevails.

“Releasing the grand jury materials from her case, which contain untested and unproven allegations, would create undue prejudice so severe that it would foreclose the possibility of a fair retrial should Ms. Maxwell’s habeas petition succeed,” wrote David Oscar Markus, Maxwell’s lawyer.

Markus noted in the filing that she will file the petition pro se, which means on her own behalf and without a lawyer. The Hill requested comment from him.

Maxwell is serving 20-year prison sentence after she was found guilty of conspiring with and aiding Epstein in his sexual abuse of underage girls.

She’s housed in a minimum-security women’s prison located in Bryan, Texas, to which she was transferred from a federal prison in Florida about a week after Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump’s former defense attorney, interviewed her about Epstein.

The meetup came amid fury from Trump’s political base, after the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI issued a joint memo in July confirming Epstein died by suicide while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges and that he did not have a “client list,” two flash points for skeptics who have long claimed the government covered up the truth.

After months of pressure, Trump’s signature on the legislation began a 30-day clock for the DOJ to release the materials it possesses concerning Epstein. Prosecutors have asked federal judges overseeing the cases to release many of the files.

U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer previously denied DOJ’s bid to release the documents, but the most recent request cites the new law. A similar request was made to the judge who oversaw Epstein’s case.

The Trump administration has also since launched an investigation into Epstein’s past involvement with prominent Democrats and institutions, despite saying in its memo earlier this year that a “systematic review” did not uncover any evidence on which charges against “uncharged third parties” could be based. Trump is also named in the files.

Maxwell appealed to the Supreme Court and Trump administration to intervene in her case, but the justices declined to consider throwing out her 2021 sex-trafficking sentence in October. The president signaled the same month that he would “look into it,” though many have advised against a pardon.

https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5632033-ghislaine-maxwell-prison-sentence-challenge/

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/17318376/united-states-v-maxwell/?order_by=desc

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.539612/gov.uscourts.nysd.539612.815.0.pdf

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23947354 (061008ZDEC25) Notable: Departing Australian High Commissioner Stephen Smith defends tenure, hits out at ‘irrelevant’ critics – Outgoing Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Stephen Smith has defended his tenure, dismissing critics within the expatriate community as out of touch and arguing his reforms were necessary to modernise Australia’s diplomatic presence in Britain. Smith said Australia House had been refocused away from traditional social functions toward advancing strategic, economic and security priorities, including trade, defence cooperation and energy transition. His approach drew criticism from sections of the Australian community in London, who accused him of sidelining long-standing networks and events. Smith rejected those claims, saying his focus was on national interest outcomes, including strengthening ties under the Australia–UK free trade agreement. He said economic and strategic engagement had deepened during his tenure as he prepares to depart the post.

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Departing Australian High Commissioner Stephen Smith defends tenure, hits out at ‘irrelevant’ critics

JACQUELIN MAGNAY - December 05, 2025

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Australia’s most controversial High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Stephen Smith has taken a parting shot at his critics as he left his London post after reigniting Australia’s relationship with Britain.

But Mr Smith, a seasoned Labor politician who leaves the job just shy of three years, won’t be remembered for his razor sharp work on the free trade deal or tightening defence ties through AUKUS, but rather that he got off-side with nearly every significant Australian expat in London.

Mr Smith hit out at his detractors on Thursday, labelling them as has-beens and irrelevant to today’s world and suggested, figuratively, that their consumption at various events may required them to have assistance to get down The Strand after various functions.

An experienced former Labor minister for defence, trade and also foreign affairs, Mr Smith said: “The assertion that we don’t get on well with the Australian community is wrong. There are some people who have criticised me and they’re very entitled to their view who view the world differently from what the world is now and who think that social events which occurred in the 50s, 60s and 70s should continue to occur when they’re in Australia. Very many of the people who have criticised me come to the UK for a short period of time and then go back home.”

Various Australian-based groups in London have told The Australian that the incoming high commissioner Jay Weatherill has “significant work to repair the damage” in relationships between the Australian high commission and prominent Australians.

For key business leaders, networkers and friends of Australia, Mr Smith began his tenure by not inviting key expats – even some of the same political persuasion – to the 2023 Australia Day party within days of his arrival in the British capital. And he failed to win them over in the ensuing years – even though the plum posting is also a diplomatic one.

Central to the dispute was the use of Australia House, the lavish century-old marble headquarters of the high commission in The Strand in central London, which had traditionally been used by various Australian groups and foundations to promote Australian trade, networking, and mark significant Australian milestones, such as Australia Day, as well as events by Legacy, The Royal Flying Doctor Service, the Captain Cook Society, Indigenous repatriations, and welcomes to various Australian sports men and women.

Former South Australian agent general Bill Muirhead and businessman Philip Aiken have spoken on the record all year about how Mr Smith was “amputating the expat community” from Australia House.

A prominent British judge told me he was suddenly cut off the invite list for various functions, and he believed that anyone aged over 50 was deemed by Mr Smith to be irrelevant. A high profile Australian business entrepreneur said he had been “eliminated from many networking events that had proven to be valuable in the past”.

A top Australian economist, who gives advice to the UK Treasury, was scathing of Mr Smith’s dismissal of Australia Day and his apparent lack of understanding of the role the gala played in bringing together many facets of Australian life in London.

Others linked to the Britain-Australia Society, the Britain-Australia Society Education Trust and the Australia-UK Chamber of Commerce were similarly unimpressed.

One early suggestion of Smith’s was to turn the magnificent ground floor room of Australia House, used for many function events, into partitioned offices. This idea was met with widespread dismay and in the end didn’t happen, but several people said Smith’s promotion of it showed “he has no idea”.

Mr Smith told The Australian: “The days when people could use Australia House for networking and no more are gone. And the days when someone from Australia House had to walk an experienced Australian businessman at the end of their career down The Strand to look after them are also gone.”

When pressed about the businessman, Mr Smith said he was talking figuratively.

(continued)

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23947365 (061022ZDEC25) Notable: New police search for Dezi Freeman fails to find his body – A renewed police search in Victoria’s Mount Buffalo National Park has failed to locate the body of suspected double police killer Dezi Freeman. Taskforce Summit officers and specialist police, including cadaver dogs, spent five days searching nearly one square kilometre of dense bushland and caves near Porepunkah. Police said the operation focused on identifying evidence or Freeman’s remains, but no trace was found. Freeman has not been seen since allegedly fatally shooting two police officers in August. Investigators have now assessed more than 1,950 pieces of information linked to the case. Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien said police remained committed to locating Freeman and would continue targeted searches based on intelligence while maintaining a strong presence in the community.

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New police search for Dezi Freeman fails to find his body

DAMON JOHNSTON - December 05, 2025

A major new police search for Dezi Freeman in Mount Buffalo has failed to find the body of the suspected double police killer.

Taskforce Summit detectives and specialist police, including cadaver dogs, have spent the past week scouring dense thick bush in a targeted area close to Porepunkah.

Victoria Police confirmed on Friday that officers searched caves and bushland as they focused on less than one square kilometre of rugged terrain in the national park for the fugitive who has not been seen since he allegedly shot dead two police officers in August.

“Police have spent five days systematically searching 0.886 km2 in thick bush and heavy terrain, conducting line searches and clearing caves,” a police spokesperson said.

“No trace of Freeman has been located at this time.”

Police first searched this area on September 12 when they believed that Freeman was still alive, but this week’s search was focused on “identifying and locating evidence or the body of Freeman”.

Since Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart were gunned down in August, hundreds of heavily armed police have been hunting for Freeman, a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen who hated police.

“The devastating loss of Neal and Vadim has struck at the heart of Victoria Police and had an enormous impact on the Porepunkah community,” assistant commissioner Martin O’Brien said.

“I want to reaffirm to the community that Victoria Police remains committed to doing everything we can – using every available resource and the necessary capabilities – to locate Desmond Freeman.

“We will continue to conduct targeted searches such as this one based on intelligence. We will maintain a presence in the community, and we are determined we will see this to resolution.”

Police said detectives have investigated over 1950 pieces of intelligence, including information received from the public.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/new-police-search-for-dezi-freeman-fails-to-find-his-body/news-story/79c53d66c650b6a780d07e62c7b9d0ba

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23947408 (061056ZDEC25) Notable: Pentagon’s AUKUS review finds areas to put nuclear submarine pact on “strongest possible footing” – The Pentagon has completed its review of the AUKUS submarine partnership, saying it identified ways to strengthen the pact while reaffirming US support for the Australia–UK–US agreement. Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed Australia had received the review, which a senior US lawmaker said fully endorses AUKUS but highlights critical timelines that must be met. The review was launched to ensure alignment with President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda and follows concerns over US submarine production capacity. Officials said the agreement remains intact, including plans for Australia to acquire Virginia-class submarines and build its own fleet. Questions remain over industrial capacity, timelines and defence spending as the program advances.

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Pentagon's AUKUS review finds areas to put nuclear submarine pact on 'strongest possible footing'

Brad Ryan - 5 December 2025

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The Pentagon says its review into the AUKUS pact has identified areas to put it on its "strongest possible footing" — but the recommendations have not been released and might never be made public.

A congressman who has seen the review, however, says it "fully endorses" the Australia–UK–US pact, while also highlighting the "critical deadlines" all three countries must meet.

The comments follow Defence Minister Richard Marles's confirmation on Thursday that he had received the review and was "working through" it.

In a statement, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the review was complete.

"Consistent with President Trump's guidance that AUKUS should move 'full steam ahead,' the review identified opportunities to put AUKUS on the strongest possible footing," he said.

"This review is intended to inform the president and our allies as we move forward with the historic and ambitious AUKUS agenda."

The US's decision to review the pact, which Australia is banking on to replace its aging submarine fleet, was revealed in June. At the time, a US defence spokesperson said it was to ensure it lined up with the US president's "America First" agenda.

Joe Courtney, one of AUKUS's most vocal champions in Congress, said the review concluded the pact did align with America's national security interests.

"It is important to note that the 2021 AUKUS agreement has now survived three changes of government in all three nations and still stands strong," said Mr Courtney, a member of the House Armed Services Committee that had received the review.

"The statutory authority enacted by Congress in 2023 will remain intact, including the sale of three Virginia-class submarines starting in 2032.

"The report correctly determined that there are critical deadlines that all three countries have to meet. Therefore, maintaining disciplined adherence to schedule is paramount."

Ambitious targets

There are still big questions about the feasibility of the plan to arm Australia with nuclear-powered submarines, particularly under the ambitious timeline outlined by the AUKUS agreement.

The first part of the plan is for Australia to buy between three and five nuclear-powered submarines from the US, beginning in the early 2030s.

At least two of them would be second-hand Virginia-class submarines, but the deal says they would only be made available if the US did not need them for its own national security.

Right now, the US is not meeting its submarine-building targets.

The navy says the Virginia-class submarines need to be built at a rate of 2.33 a year to deliver on the deal.

But workforce and supply chain issues mean only about 1.2 are being built a year, according to the most recent data.

Under the plan, Australia would also build its own nuclear-powered submarines, incorporating technology still being developed by the three nations. But the first of those will not be complete until at least the early 2040s.

Mr Courtney said funding boosts in recent years meant American submarine yards were "now delivering tonnage output near all-time highs".

"The AUKUS report reaffirms that Congress and our Australian allies must continue that effort to achieve the goals of AUKUS," he said.

"Expanding the submarine workforce, supply chain and facilities to even greater capacity is the clear pathway to meet the demands of US submarine fleet requirements and those of our ally Australia."

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23947465 (061125ZDEC25) Notable: Defence ministers to meet after US review of AUKUS pact – Defence ministers from Australia, the United States and Britain will meet in Washington next week following the completion of a US review of the AUKUS submarine pact, which found the agreement aligned with American interests but highlighted critical delivery deadlines. The Pentagon said the review confirmed President Donald Trump’s “full-steam ahead” support for AUKUS while identifying areas to strengthen the partnership. The review comes amid concerns about US submarine production capacity and timelines for supplying Australia with Virginia-class boats. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the review affirmed the pact’s direction, while US lawmakers stressed the need to meet industrial and workforce targets. Talks will also cover advanced technology cooperation under AUKUS Pillar Two.

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>>137107

>>137108

Defence ministers to meet after US review of AUKUS pact

BEN PACKHAM and JOE KELLY - December 05, 2025

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The AUKUS submarine pact will enter a new phase at a trilateral defence ministers meeting in Washington next week after an “America First” review identified opportunities to improve the program and “critical deadlines” that must be met.

Defence Minister Richard Marles will attend the talks on Wednesday (AEDT) with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth and their British counterpart John Healey – the first time a three-way AUKUS ministers meeting has occurred under the Trump administration.

The Pentagon said the completed AUKUS review reflected Donald Trump’s “full-steam ahead” commitment to the program, while identifying “opportunities to put AUKUS on the strongest possible footing”.

Joe Courtney, a member of the House seapower subcommittee, said the review confirmed AUKUS was aligned to US ­national interests, while underscoring “critical deadlines that all three countries have to meet”.

One of the deadlines concerns US submarine production, which is running behind where it needs to be and could cause a future US president to veto the sale of at least three Virginia-class boats as agreed under the pact.

It is unclear if the review’s recommendations or final report will be made public, but The Australian understands it is “not a long” document.

The ministers’ meeting will consider the review, along with the progress of AUKUS’s “Pillar 2” technology partnership to develop autonomous, cyber, hypersonic and quantum technologies.

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the review report, which the Australian government has a copy of, was “realistic and clear-eyed about the challenges”.

“I’m pleased that this review confirms that AUKUS is full-steam ahead and we will engage constructively with its findings and its recommendations on how to improve AUKUS even further,” he said.

“So far, AUKUS is hitting every single milestone that we’ve set, and this review confirms that.”

The ministers’ meeting will follow annual AUSMIN talks on Monday between Mr Marles, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Mr Hegseth and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Mr Marles will also visit a Newport News shipyard that produces nuclear submarines for the US Navy.

He will visit Tokyo en route to the US for talks with new Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi and a visit to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Nagasaki shipyard that will produce Australia’s first three Mogami-class frigates.

The AUKUS review was led by the Pentagon’s defence policy chief Elbridge Colby – a noted AUKUS sceptic who had warned the deal could leave the US short of submarines in the event of a war with China over Taiwan.

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the exercise had identified ways to strengthen the security partnership but he did not spell out what the recommended changes were.

“The purpose of the review was to identify opportunities to strengthen AUKUS and ensure its long-term success, in alignment with President Trump’s America First agenda,” he said.

“The department will work in close consultation with its partners to develop options for implementing the review’s recommendations.”

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23951100 (070846ZDEC25) Notable: Virginia Giuffre’s estate is ‘worth $311,000’. Where are Andrew’s millions? – Court filings in Western Australia show the estate of Virginia Giuffre is valued at about $312,000, despite her receiving multimillion-dollar settlements linked to Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew. Giuffre, who died in April, had received at least $12 million from Andrew and further compensation through Epstein-related settlements. Her sons have lodged court documents stating the estate includes limited assets, while lawyers for other parties dispute that claim, pointing to property holdings, trusts and potential royalties from her memoir. The case centres on whether settlement funds were transferred, spent or held in trust, and whether an informal will reflects Giuffre’s intentions. Competing claims from family members and associates are before the court, with further hearings scheduled for February.

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>>137082

>>137091

Virginia Giuffre’s estate is ‘worth $311,000’. Where are Andrew’s millions?

Giuffre received $12 million from the disgraced former Duke of York and millions more from Epstein’s estate; now her family are at war over her will

Josie Ensor - December 04 2025

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Virginia Giuffre’s family has claimed her estate is worth just over $312,000 (£233,000), raising questions as to what happened to the $12 million in settlement money paid to her by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Giuffre, 41, died by suicide at her home in Western Australia in April without a will, igniting a bitter legal fight over assets which had been speculated to be worth as much as $22 million.

She received five settlement payouts in relation to Epstein’s sex trafficking from 2010 through to 2023, including $12 million from the former Duke of York and the late Queen Elizabeth II. Andrew has consistently denied any allegations of wrongdoing and the payment came with no admission of liability.

Despite receiving millions in compensation payments, Giuffre’s sons Christian, 19, and Noah, 18, have filed a claim in the Supreme Court of Western Australia stating that the estate is worth only A$472,000 ($312,000).

According to the newly released court documents, attorneys for Giuffre’s sons claim the estate includes an unspecified amount held in a family trust, a ranch in Neergabby near Perth, two cars, a horse, jewellery and the potential rights to royalties from Nobody’s Girl, her posthumously published memoir.

However, Giuffre’s lawyer, Karrie Louden, and her former carer and housekeeper Cheryl Myers, have filed a counterclaim suggesting the value exceeds what the sons are suggesting.

The Times has attempted to account for the millions Giuffre was rewarded and investigate what might have happened to the money.

As well as payouts from the royal family, Giuffre was awarded money through the Epstein Victims’ Compensation Fund in 2020. She won compensation in the range of $7 million from Ghislaine Maxwell and JP Morgan, Epstein’s bank, which paid out a total of $290 million to the late sex offender’s victims as part of a class-action lawsuit. Giuffre’s lawyers requested the details of each settlement not be disclosed as some were subject to non-disclosure agreements.

Much of Giuffre’s settlement money was believed to have been paid into the Witty River Family Trust, which was established in 2020 and lists Giuffre and her husband Robert as co-directors with equal shares. It has raised questions as to whether the millions given in compensation for alleged abuse may have been spent or transferred out of the trust to another bank account.

If a trust has co-trustees, the law usually requires unanimous decision-making unless the trust deed says otherwise. At the time Giuffre died on April 25, she was in the middle of divorce proceedings with her husband of 22 years.

In July, The Times revealed diaries and texts Giuffre sent to family and friends which alleged that Robert was “abusive” and “financially controlling” during their relationship.

In the diary she kept from January until her death, Giuffre expressed concerns that Robert would drink and gamble away money she wanted to be inherited by Christian, Noah and their teenage daughter, whose identity is being protected.

Giuffre suggested in legal documents that Robert, 49, a former mixed martial arts instructor, had not worked since 2017. She alleged in her diary that Robert had been “living off money I was awarded as a victim of trafficking”.

No representative for Robert was in court for last week’s hearing and he could not immediately be reached. He has previously said he would not comment on ongoing legal matters.

Robert did not initially seek to become an administrator of the estate when Christian and Noah did in June but had consented to their application which, if successful, would “preserve any entitlement” he had to the estate. Under Australian law, he could receive a third.

Robert has this week to decide whether he will join his sons in requesting to be made a joint administrator.

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23951125 (070856ZDEC25) Notable: Virginia Giuffre’s family ask: “Where are her missing millions?” – The family of Virginia Giuffre has raised questions over the whereabouts of millions of dollars she received in compensation linked to Jeffrey Epstein, after court filings in Western Australia valued her estate at about $472,000. Giuffre, who died in April, had received multiple settlements, including an estimated $12 million from Prince Andrew, as well as payments from Epstein and from a civil settlement involving Ghislaine Maxwell. Her sons, Christian and Noah Giuffre, are seeking control of the estate, while competing claims have been lodged by her estranged husband, Robert Giuffre, and by her lawyer Karrie Louden and carer Cheryl Myers. Disputed assets include properties, trust funds, and potential royalties from her memoir. The case centres on an alleged informal will, trust arrangements and whether funds were spent or transferred. Further hearings are scheduled.

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>>137110

Virginia Giuffre’s family ask: ‘Where are her missing millions?’

Relatives fear money given in compensation may have been spent or transferred

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Virginia Giuffre’s family have raised questions over a “significant amount of missing money” in the ongoing row over what is believed to be her multimillion-dollar estate.

Giuffre, who was 41, who is thought to have amassed an estimated $22m (£16.5m) fortune through victim compensation funds and civil lawsuit settlements relating to the years of abuse she suffered at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein.

This includes an estimated $12m (£9m) payment she received from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to settle a sexual abuse claim brought against him in 2022. Andrew has always vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

However, court documents filed in the legal battle over her estate in Australia on Friday value it at just $472,000 AUD (£233,000) – a legal threshold that dictates how assets in Australia are divided when there is no will. It may increase when more assets are discovered.

Her attorney and caregiver put the value at at least $501,000 (£240,000). It is not clear where the money has gone.

The administrators – in this case her two sons – will be responsible for ascertaining the true nature and extent of the assets and liabilities of the estate, a source involved in the dispute said.

They must then inform the court of their findings and what steps will be taken to gather those assets and preserve them.

According to the legal submissions, the estate is made up of business assets, jewellery, cars, a horse, and personal items recovered at the farm where she took her own life in Neergabby, north of Perth.

Giuffre’s family are understood to be privately concerned over the valuation of the estate and the potential that millions of dollars could be missing.

They are fighting to stop her husband, Robert Giuffre, who filed for divorce two months before she died, from receiving the money.

Giuffre claimed that her husband was controlling and, at times, banned her from being around other men.

“It’s about time that there is a spotlight on Robbie’s control over Virginia,” a source with knowledge of the proceedings told The Telegraph.

Much of Giuffre’s settlement money is thought to have been paid into the Witty River Family Trust. The trust was established in 2020 and lists Giuffre and her husband Robert as co-directors with equal shares.

If the trust had co-trustees, generally there must be unanimous decision-making about the money.

It has sparked fears that the money given in compensation may have been spent or transferred.

Mr Giuffre, a former mixed martial arts instructor, had not worked since 2017, Giuffre claimed.

Although Giuffre was separated from her husband of 22 years at the time of her death, under the state’s spousal law, he could inherit at least a third of her wealth.

Relatives and friends in Australia and the US have argued that she did not want her husband to benefit and changed her will after she accused him of domestic abuse. Her sons told a judge last Friday that they did not believe she was mentally fit enough to write a will at that time. Her husband has not commented.

He has previously been accused by Giuffre’s family members of having an erratic lifestyle.

“Hopefully, the court will order a full forensic audit of her estate” the source said, adding that if it is found that Mr Giuffre knew where the missing fortune is, “He [Robert] will certainly have some explaining to do,” the source said.

Giuffre’s younger brother, Sky Roberts, and her half-brother, Danny Wilson, have long challenged Mr Giuffre’s right to the money.

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23951156 (070915ZDEC25) Notable: PM brands social media ban a success before it starts – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared Australia’s world-first social media ban for under-16s a success ahead of its commencement, arguing it has already prompted national conversations between parents and children about online safety. The ban, taking effect this week, requires major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and X to block accounts held by users aged 13 to 15. Albanese acknowledged enforcement would not be perfect but compared it to age limits on alcohol, saying the policy aims to protect childhood development. Communications Minister Anika Wells defended international advocacy for the reforms and warned more platforms could be added. Critics, including the Coalition, questioned enforceability and compliance by tech companies. Platforms face fines of up to $49.5 million for failing to take reasonable preventative steps.

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>>137093

>>137102

PM brands social media ban a success before it starts

Grace Crivellaro - 7 December 2025

Anthony Albanese has already branded Australia's world-first teen social media ban a success while admitting its rollout "won't be perfect".

The ban takes effect on Wednesday - the deadline for social media platforms to restrict users aged between 13 and 15 from accessing their accounts.

The law applies to 10 platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and X, and is aimed at protecting children from online harms.

Mr Albanese said the ban was a "success already" because it has sparked conversations about social media between parents and children.

"This is a change that hasn't come from government," he told ABC's Insiders on Sunday.

"This is a change that has come from parents taking what is a personal tragedy and channelling that into wanting no other parents to go through the heartbreak they have experienced."

Labor has met repeatedly with parents including Emma Mason, the mother of 15-year-old Tilly, who took her own life after being bullied online.

Although the prime minister said the ban's rollout "won't be perfect", he compared it to liquor laws that prohibited anyone younger than 18 from buying alcohol.

"We've said very clearly that this won't be perfect, just like the chances are last night ... someone under 18 got a drink in a pub," he said.

"We want kids to have the opportunity to enjoy their childhood."

Communications Minister Anika Wells, who has come under fire for her $100,000 taxpayer-funded trip to New York to spruik the laws, warned the list of banned platforms could expand.

Ms Wells defended the trip in a gruelling 25-minute interview on Sunday, stating it was within government guidelines and had been "important to win allies" for the laws.

"We have had teens lose their lives and their parents bravely give up their own time to try and see reform around the world ... but we need allies for this to succeed," she told Sky News.

Several smaller apps are growing in popularity as children migrate to those not included in the ban.

They include Lemon8, which has agreed to restrict use of its app to those 16 and older as of Wednesday.

The coalition has ramped up its criticism of the ban, with Nationals leader David Littleproud unconvinced tech giants will comply.

"You've got to understand that these tech giants make a large portion of their advertising revenue from the fact that they have teenagers on their platforms," he told Sky News.

Platforms face up to $49.5 million in fines if they do not take "reasonable steps" to prevent under-16s from holding an account.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/pm-brands-social-media-ban-033852028.html

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23951171 (070922ZDEC25) Notable: Tech giants forced to blur porn and violence in world-first Australian social media ban – Australia will require major tech companies to blur pornographic and violent images and restrict under-16s from social media under new laws taking effect this week. The eSafety Commissioner’s code compels platforms, app stores and search engines to blur explicit content unless users verify they are adults, and to redirect searches about suicide or self-harm to support services. From December 27, platforms must also prevent children from accessing major social networks or face fines of up to $49.5 million. The reforms aim to limit accidental exposure to harmful material and reduce online addiction, while acknowledging enforcement challenges. Australia is the first country to impose such measures, drawing global attention and potential legal challenges.

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>>137093

>>137102

>>137112

Tech giants forced to blur porn and violence in world-first Australian social media ban

NATASHA BITA - December 05, 2025

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Tech giants have agreed to blur online images of pornography and violence just weeks after Australia’s world-first ban on children using of social media takes effect on Wednesday.

E-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has released new rules to protect children from “harmful age-inappropriate content’’, including suicide, pornography, extreme violence and eating disorders.

The industry-drafted code of conduct will require app stores, social media services, equipment providers, pornography sites and artificial intelligence services to blur pornographic or violent ­images until a user can prove they are over 18.

Apps and websites will also be required to redirect Australians seeking information ­relating to suicide, self-harm and eating disorders to appropriate mental health support services from December 27.

Ms Inman Grant said more children were accidentally seeing “lawful but awful’’ pornography and violent images. “This is about protecting our kids from accidental exposure to material they will never be able to unsee,’’ she said.

“From December 27, search engines have an obligation to blur image results of online pornography and extreme violence to protect children from this incidental exposure. Adults who wish to view that content can still click through to see it if they choose.’’

In a global test of the boundaries between censorship and child protection, Australia will bar 2.5 million children from the most popular social media platforms, including TikTok, Snapchat, Twitch, Instagram and YouTube, on Wednesday – and the world will be watching.

Will it work? Can the requirement for social media companies to verify that users are at least 16 – a digital age of consent – turn back time to a more innocent and carefree childhood? It might lead to litigation and a mass meltdown of angry and anxious kids, forced to go cold-turkey on their digital addictions. And given the propensity for children to outsmart adults when it comes to technology, the ban might not be effective.

Australia is the first country to legislate fines for social media companies that fail to ensure users are 16 or older, with a ban that has caught the interest of the European Commission, Malaysia, Indonesia and New Zealand.

The ban raises concerns about fraud, privacy and identity theft, as tech companies will be able to insist that all existing users – even adults – use facial age estimation, credit card or identity checks to verify they are over the age of ­consent.

A survey by global data platform PureProfile found that 84 per cent of Australian teachers support the ban – mainly to stop bullying – yet only 20 per cent feel it will be effective. While three-quarters of parents support the ban, two-thirds reckon their kids will find ways to circumvent it.

Death threats in response to regulation

Ms Inman Grant – who has received death threats over her attempts to regulate the internet – is adamant that what she describes as a “pause’’ on children’s use of social media is for the greater good.

“Of course we know that kids are going to try and circumvent the rules,’’ she said. “The burden is on platforms to prevent kids creating fake or impostor accounts, or using VPNs for ­location-based circumvention, or using generative AI or wearing a mask or a moustache.’’

Ms Inman Grant said that “I feel for those kids in the 13 to 15 age bracket, because there is going to be a transition from having that dopamine hit taken away’’.

“The best way they’re going to be able to connect with their friends is through group messaging platforms, or in real life,’’ she said.

Ms Inman Grant addressed the European Commission about Australia’s plans on Thursday night, after the European parliament voted to pursue a similar ban, and has met ambassadors from European countries to ­explain its implementation.

“All 27 countries are keen to know how it works, and each one will roll it out slightly differently,’’ she said. “We’re the first domino.’’

A group of 11 international academics, experts in social media, mental health and technology, will review Australia’s ban over the next two years.

“We’ll be looking at everything – are our kids sleeping more?’’ Ms Inman Grant said. “Are they ­interacting interpersonally more? Are they doing more sports? Are they reading books or playing board games, are they out in the fresh air? Are they taking less medication, whether it’s Ritalin or antidepressants, and are their NAPLAN (scores) getting better? We’ll also be looking at the unintended consequences.’’

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23951246 (070947ZDEC25) Notable: US allies that don’t step up ‘will face consequences’, Hegseth warns on eve of AUSMIN – US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned allies that those failing to lift defence spending would face consequences, as Washington pushes partners to contribute more to collective security. Speaking ahead of AUSMIN talks, Hegseth said the US sought balance in the Indo-Pacific, not confrontation, but insisted allies must meet new expectations, including spending around 3.5 per cent of GDP. He praised “model allies” that invest more and cautioned others they would lose favour. The comments come as Australia prepares for talks amid US pressure to accelerate defence spending, including under AUKUS. While President Trump has backed the submarine pact, US officials acknowledged major production delays and capacity constraints in American shipyards.

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>>137107

>>137108

>>137109

US allies that don’t step up ‘will face consequences’, Hegseth warns on eve of AUSMIN

Michael Koziol - December 7, 2025

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Washington: US allies that fail to increase defence spending and contribute to collective defence will face consequences, while those that step up will receive “special favour”, War Secretary Pete Hegseth said as he outlined the Trump administration’s approach to the Indo-Pacific.

Speaking at a major defence summit as Australian ministers fly to Washington for talks, Hegseth said the US did not seek confrontation in the region but a “balance of power” where all countries’ interests were respected.

That meant “respecting China’s historic military buildup”, while also being positioned strongly enough to deny any aggression, including along the First Island Chain.

“We’re not trying to strangle China’s growth, we’re not trying to dominate or humiliate them. Nor are we trying to change the status quo over Taiwan,” he told the Ronald Reagan National Defence Forum in California. “Our interests in the Indo-Pacific are significant, but also scoped and reasonable.”

The summit’s annual survey also found most Americans - 60 per cent, up from 48 per cent last year - support committing US forces to defend Taiwan in the event of an invasion.

Hegseth’s speech came less than 48 hours before he is due to meet Defence Minister Richard Marles for annual AUSMIN talks in Washington, along with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The secretary – who faced a difficult week amid accusations he presided over a war crime against survivors of a US attack on a suspected drug boat - reiterated the Trump administration’s call for US allies to lift their defence expenditure to 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product.

This was the “new global standard”, Hegseth said, and noted South Korea had pledged to join NATO members in reaching that number as soon as possible. He did not single out Australia but said: “We are optimistic that other Indo-Pacific allies will follow suit.”

“Model allies that step up - like Israel, South Korea, Poland, increasingly Germany, the Baltics and others will receive our special favour,” Hegseth told the Reagan conference. “Allies that do not - allies that still fail to do their part for collective defence – will face consequences.”

The US under Trump sought “real partnerships and alliances based on hard power, not just flags and fancy conferences”, he said. “Our allies are not children. They are nations capable of doing far more for themselves than they have. It’s time they stand up, and they are.”

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23954828 (080906ZDEC25) Notable: Christmas unplugged: Australian teen social media ban brings holiday headspace woes – Australia’s under-16 social media ban will take effect just before the summer school holidays, raising concerns about isolation and mental health impacts for teenagers. More than one million young people will lose access to platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube from December 10, coinciding with a six-week break from school routines. Mental health experts warn the timing may heighten anxiety, particularly for young people who rely on online spaces for social connection, identity or support. Youth services are preparing for increased demand, with helplines expanding staffing and clinics bracing for higher caseloads. While the government argues the ban will reduce harm from online content, advocates caution that unintended consequences, including loneliness and reduced access to support, must be closely monitored.

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>>137093

>>137102

>>137112

Christmas unplugged: Australian teen social media ban brings holiday headspace woes

Byron Kaye and Cordelia Hsu - December 8, 2025

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SYDNEY, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Sydney teenager Ayris Tolson believes the start of her first summer holiday under Australia's youth social media ban will be relatively easy as she spends time with family, but as the weeks drift by, she fears being alone and isolated.

From December 10, Australia will impose a world-first social media ban on under-16s, blocking them from TikTok, Alphabet's YouTube and Meta's Instagram.

More than one million under-16s will lose their accounts and nine days later break for the long December-to-January holidays when most of Australia shuts down until February.

"You're basically isolated for about six weeks during the school holidays," Tolson, 15, told Reuters. "As it continues on, I will probably feel more attached to social media. It's not such a good time."

Mental health experts say a rollout right before the longest school holiday of the year may worsen the shock for teenagers who rely on the technology for socialisation and won't have the grounding routines, or institutional supports, of school.

The cold turkey effect of no school and no socials will be especially pronounced for children in remote locations or minority groups like migrants and LGBTQI+ people, who lean more on the internet for connection with like-minded people, the experts say.

No quantitative studies show how many Australians under 16 use social media to access mental health services, but a 2024 survey by youth service ReachOut.com found 72% of those aged 16-25 use it to seek mental health advice and nearly half use it to find professional help.

"If you were at school, there would have been a lot of conversation and chatter around it; it's a shared experience," said Nicola Palfrey, head of clinical leadership at headspace, a government-funded youth mental health service.

"If you've got more time on your hands and you're in your head quite a bit, if you're feeling quite anxious or worried or sad, that's the sort of thing where time alone with your thoughts is not ideal. It's those people that are starting to feel concerned."

The Australian government has pitched the ban - which threatens platforms with a fine up to A$49.5 million ($33 million) - as beneficial to mental health since it will protect young people from bullying, harmful content and addictive algorithms.

At a conference this month, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said some young people in marginalised groups "feel more themselves online than they do in the real world", and should visit various exempted online spaces including those run by headspace.

The government will collect two years of data following the ban on its "benefits, but also the unintended consequences", she said.

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23954857 (080933ZDEC25) Notable: US piles fresh pressure on Australia over military spending – The United States has warned Australia it must lift defence spending as Washington sharpens expectations of allies ahead of AUSMIN talks in Washington. The Trump administration says it will no longer tolerate “free-riding”, urging partners to move toward spending 3–5 per cent of GDP on defence. Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong will face pressure from US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio amid heightened concern over China’s military activity and regional stability. While President Trump previously gave Canberra leeway, US strategy now emphasises burden-sharing, AUKUS delivery and Indo-Pacific deterrence. Australia maintains it will determine its own defence spending but acknowledges the strategic pressure is intensifying.

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>>137107

>>137109

>>137114

US piles fresh pressure on Australia over military spending

BEN PACKHAM - 7 December 2025

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Australia will face renewed ­pressure to increase its defence budget during high-level talks in Washington this week after the White House pledged a “determined” ­effort to get Canberra to spend more to help deter conflict in the Indo-Pacific.

Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong will meet US counterparts Pete Hegseth and Marco Rubio for the nations’ annual AUSMIN talks on Monday, local time, with concerns over China and critical minerals set to top the agenda.

The trip comes days after the Trump administration released its national security strategy, warning the US would no longer tolerate “free-riding” on American power. It said the US expected its allies to spend “far more” of their GDP on defence, adding that “in our dealings with Taiwan and Australia we maintain our determined rhetoric on increased defence spending”.

“The days of the United States propping up the entire world order like Atlas are over,” the strategy said.

Mr Hegseth, the US Defence Secretary, underscored the message in a speech on Saturday, saying NATO countries had agreed to spend 5 per cent of their GDP on defence, and the Trump administration wanted to apply the standard to its allies across the world. “In a few years, thanks to President (Donald) Trump’s visionary leadership, we will have our allies – which include some of the wealthiest and most productive countries in the world – once again fielding combat credible militaries and more state-revived defence industrial industries,” he said.

The strategy says the US’s primary strategic focus will be on preventing war in the Indo-­Pacific and warns Beijing that America “cannot allow any nation to become so dominant that it could threaten our interests”.

The renewed defence funding push comes after the US President gave Anthony Albanese some breathing room on the issue in their October meeting at the White House, declaring: “I’d always like more, but they have to do what they have to do. You can only do so much.”

The Prime Minister has declared Australia will decide its own defence budget, while indicating a potential increase in military funding next year from the current 2 per cent of GDP.

The AUSMIN talks come amid intense pressure on Mr Hegseth, who faces war-crimes allegations over an alleged “double tap” strike on a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean, in which two survivors of the first strike were killed by the second, and adverse findings that he put US personnel at risk by sharing sensitive military details on an unclassified system.

The meeting will aim to bed down the nations’ recent critical minerals deal and follows the Pentagon’s endorsement of the AUKUS pact in its recently completed “America First” review of the submarine program.

Mr Marles will discuss proposed improvements to AUKUS and “critical deadlines” that must be met at a trilateral meeting with Mr Hegseth and British Defence Secretary John Healey on ­Wednesday.

He will fly to the US from Japan, where he expressed concern during a meeting with counterpart Koizumi Shinjiro over the actions of a Chinese fighter jet a day earlier that locked its fire-control radar on Japanese aircraft in international airspace.

Mr Marles said Australian aircraft had experienced similar incidents in encounters with the PLA-Air Force and vowed to work with Japan to counter such conduct.

“We understand that there will be interactions between our respective defence forces and indeed the defence forces of China, but our absolute expectation is that those interactions are safe and are professional,” he said. “And we will continue to stand with Japan in working with Japan to assert the rules-based order in this region, and we will do it resolutely.”

Mr Marles and Mr Koisumi agreed to meet annually with their defence and intelligence chiefs for new enhanced bilateral consultations.

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23954869 (080940ZDEC25) Notable: Beijing plays victim after harassing Japanese planes – China has accused Japan of “misleading the international community” after Tokyo condemned dangerous encounters in which Chinese J-15 fighter jets twice locked fire-control radar onto Japanese aircraft near Okinawa. Beijing claimed Japanese jets were interfering with “normal” Chinese military activity, rejecting diplomatic protests and accusing Tokyo of escalating tensions. Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the actions were “extremely unfortunate” and demanded safeguards to prevent recurrence. Australia backed Japan, with Defence Minister Richard Marles saying Canberra would “stand with Japan” to uphold a rules-based order. The incident comes amid heightened pressure from Beijing over Japan’s stance on Taiwan and renewed regional tensions involving China, Japan and Australia.

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Beijing plays victim after harassing Japanese planes

WILL GLASGOW - 8 December 2025

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Beijing has accused the Japanese government of “misleading the international community” after Tokyo called out “dangerous conduct” by a Chinese J-15 fighter jet as the relationship between East Asia’s two biggest powers continues to deteriorate.

The latest incident saw Chinese People’s Liberation fighter aircraft at the weekend twice train fire-control radar on Japanese military jets in a two-hour period.

After Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles called the Chinese actions “concerning” and said Australia would “continue to stand with Japan”, Beijing tried to cast Tokyo as the aggressor.

“The facts are very clear: the greatest risk to maritime and air security lies in the frequent close-in reconnaissance and interference by Japanese fighter jets against China’s normal military activities,” a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said.

“Japan’s hype … is a distortion of the truth, an attempt to shift blame, an attempt to escalate tensions, and a misleading of the international community – all with ulterior motives.

“China firmly opposes this. We strongly urge Japan to immediately cease its dangerous actions that disrupt China’s normal military exercises and training activities, and to stop all irresponsible hype and political manipulation,” the spokesman said. Beijing added that it had “rejected” Japan’s diplomatic complaints about the military encounter “on the spot” and “lodged counter-representations”.

The Chinese government’s strong push back to public criticism about its military personnel follows the approach it has repeatedly used when challenged by the Australian government about the People’s Liberation Army’s conduct.

Speaking later, Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the incident was “extremely unfortunate” .

“We strongly protested to China and demanded measures to prevent any recurrence,” Ms Takaichi said in an interview with Japan’s TBS News.

“We will respond calmly and firmly,” she said.

Speaking on Sunday at a joint press conference with Mr Marles, Japan’s Defence Minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, said the Chinese pilots had engaged in “dangerous ­conduct”.

At the same press conference, Australia’s Defence Minister also called out China’s military conduct.

“We are deeply concerned by the actions of China in the last 24 hours. Australia and Japan work together to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Mr Marles said. “We understand that in the process of that, there will be inter­actions between different defence forces, but we expect those ­interactions to be safe and professional.

“And we will continue to stand with Japan in working with Japan to assert the rules-based order in this region, and we will do it resolutely,” he said.

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23959476 (090836ZDEC25) Notable: Day of ‘reckoning’ as Jacinta Allan apologises to Aboriginal citizens – Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has delivered a sweeping parliamentary apology to Aboriginal Victorians, acknowledging historic and ongoing injustices committed by the state and its colonial predecessors. Speaking as the Statewide Treaty Bill passed parliament, Allan described the moment as a “reckoning” and apologised for dispossession, child removals, cultural erasure and systemic discrimination, repeating “we say sorry” 14 times. The apology was supported by Labor, the Greens and independent Will Fowles, but opposed by the Liberals and Nationals, who nonetheless issued their own statement acknowledging disadvantage. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson framed the disagreement as one of policy approach, not recognition of harm. The legislation establishes a permanent First Peoples Assembly to advise government as treaty negotiations proceed.

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Day of ‘reckoning’ as Jacinta Allan apologises to Aboriginal citizens

PAIGE TAYLOR and LILY MCCAFFREY - 9 December 2025

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Victorian Labor Premier Jacinta Allan’s sweeping apology to Aboriginal people covers the state’s actions and inactions, “the colony that came before it” and an apology to those who did not live to hear her say it.

In a lengthy statement in the Victorian parliament on Tuesday, Ms Allan described the new statewide treaty legislation as a negotiation between equals and said: “Today this parliament becomes a place of reckoning.”

Ms Allan’s apology was endorsed in the lower house on Tuesday morning by all Labor MPs, Greens and independent Will Fowles.

All Nationals and Liberal MPs in the lower house opposed it, although new Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said this was a policy disagreement about the best method to reduce disadvantage, not a dispute that the disadvantage existed.

Ms Wilson issued a short apology on behalf of the opposition.

“To all Aboriginal Victorians listening today, I say this plainly: I see the injustice in our history. I see the disadvantage that still exists today, and I am determined that we must do better,” Ms Wilson said.

“We accept that this parliament and governments past has authored laws and policies that have hurt and caused injustice and disadvantage to Aboriginal Victorians. And for that, we say sorry.”

Ms Allan’s statement is an agreed element of the Statewide Treaty Bill that has passed both houses of state parliament and will become law on Friday.

The Premier evoked the memory of Kevin Rudd’s memorable 2008 apology to the Stolen Generation, when he famously repeated the phrase “we say sorry” three times in a short, powerful statement of fewer than 200 words.

While Mr Rudd’s apology was for the pain caused by past child removal policies that targeted Aboriginal children, Ms Allan’s apology was much broader and longer. She said sorry 14 times for a range of past wrongs. She said “better futures for many came at the expense of others”.

“To all the First Peoples in the gallery today, and to every community across this state – we say sorry,” Ms Allan said.

“For the laws, the policies and the decisions of this parliament and those that came before it – laws that took land, removed children, broke families, and tried to erase culture – we say sorry.

“For the tears shed in the dark, for the silence that shadowed their years, and for the childhood taken, never to return – for the Stolen Generations – we say sorry.

“For the violence committed under the banner of the state, and the colony that came before it, and for the neglect that allowed it to continue without consequence – we say sorry.

“For the laws that criminalised culture and punished survival — we say sorry.

“For the wealth built on lands and waters taken without consent, while First Peoples were locked out of the prosperity it created – we say sorry.

“For the silencing of language, and the erasure of words that carried knowledge older than the State itself – we say sorry. The loss of those languages is a loss for us all, for they held truths about this ancient land that we may now never fully understand.

“For the forced removal of families to missions and reserves, where culture was controlled, movement restricted and identity denied – we say sorry.

“For the policies that stripped First Peoples of the right to move freely, to marry without permission, to work for fair wages, or to live with dignity on their own land – we say sorry.

“For the laws and policies which removed First Peoples from their lands and allowed the sale of sacred sites without consent – we say sorry.

“For the laws that filled institutions disproportionately with First Peoples and made this seem ordinary – we say sorry.

“For the harm that was done, and for the harm that continues – we say sorry, with the resolve to work with you to address injustice in all its guises.”

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23964240 (100839ZDEC25) Notable: Australian teens defy world-first social media ban flocking to unregulated apps – Australian teenagers are bypassing the under-16 social media ban by migrating to lesser-known platforms such as Lemon8, Yope and Coverstar, which surged in downloads after restrictions took effect. The ban, introduced by the Albanese government and overseen by Communications Minister Anika Wells and eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant, targets major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube. Experts warn the shift could expose young users to greater risk, as many alternative apps lack robust moderation. Teenagers report using VPNs, false age declarations and parents’ accounts to evade controls. Researchers, including Curtin University’s Tama Leaver, say young users are rapidly adapting, potentially undermining safety goals. The government maintains platforms - not families - bear responsibility for enforcement, while monitoring migration patterns.

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Australian teens defy world-first social media ban flocking to unregulated apps

JARED LYNCH and JACKSON ROBB - 10 December 2025

Australia’s world-first social media ban for children under 16 has been met with immediate and widespread defiance, with teenagers downloading lesser-known, unregulated apps to stay connected with friends online.

TikTok’s sister app Lemon8 – owned by the same Chinese company ByteDance – soared to the top of the most downloaded apps on Apple’s App Store after the ban took effect on Wednesday.

Private photo messenger Yope was second most downloaded, followed by Coverstar – an app that advertises itself as ‘all the fun of TikTok without the hate’.

Tech experts have warned about potential evasion and the ban inadvertently pushing minors, seeking unmonitored social interaction, toward less-regulated, darker corners of the internet and apps that are not covered by the ban.

In online forums, many teens and technically adept users are already discussing easy workarounds, suggesting the ban may be more symbolic than effective.

The primary anticipated evasion tactics include the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to mask a person’s geographic location, making it appear as if they are accessing the service from an unrestricted country, and simply lying about their age during the account sign-up process.

The ban, designed to protect young people from overconsumption of social media content, has been implemented across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube.

Communications Minister Anika Wells has said the list of banned social media platforms would be “dynamic and agile”.

Peta Ware, 14, told The Australian “a lot of young people might use their parents’ accounts, their parents’ IDs even” to bypass the ban.

“They can use make-up to create wrinkle lines that can make you look a lot older,” she said.

She said she believed the big tech platforms being banned were “a lot safer because they are well known”.

Tama Leaver, professor of internet studies at Curtin University, shared similar insights from students he interacted with.

“They’ve all been sharing tips on how to tilt your head and suck your cheeks in and look a particular way that’s going to make you look three years older” he said.

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant has also said she would watch and respond to migratory patterns as users shifted to different platforms not impacted by the ban.

Coverstar currently sits at No.65 of the most popular free apps, with Yope at 50 and Lemon8 at fourth place on the Australian App Store.

Apps like Bluesky, Yubo, Wizz, Bump, Locket and Zigazoo were just some of many options that remain available to the under-16 population.

“Teens have made it pretty clear they want to stay on digital apps and be using digital affordances,” Professor Leaver said. “They’re very likely to keep migrating to the next platform that’s still available and that may well expose them to high levels of harm rather than reducing it.”

Alternative apps are also enlisting younger creators to help convert users to their platforms. Coverstar recently partnered with 14-year-old teen influencer, known online as @_heyitszoeyandmark, to promote the app to her underage audience.

As an outspoken critic of the ban, she challenged the government in a video that has received more than 500,000 views.

“This isn’t really about keeping kids safe, it’s about you having control,” she said.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/technology/teenagers-deploy-new-tools-to-overcome-social-media-ban/news-story/0ffae99fce9e78aac0bbc49c1d2393c2

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23964286 (100855ZDEC25) Notable: Australia social media watchdog sees common cause with US as age ban begins – Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant says the country’s world-first ban on under-16s using major social media platforms reflects a growing global push to rein in tech companies, rejecting claims it threatens free speech. As the ban takes effect, Inman Grant said many US parents support similar measures and that “technological exceptionalism” should not shield platforms from safety rules applied to other industries. She argued nations are entitled to protect children from harms linked to online content and addictive design. While US lawmakers have criticised the policy, she said cooperation with American agencies is growing, and international interest is rising. The law imposes fines of up to $49.5 million on non-compliant platforms, with enforcement driven partly by reputational pressure.

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Australia social media watchdog sees common cause with US as age ban begins

Byron Kaye - December 10, 2025

SYDNEY, Dec 10 (Reuters) - The regulator overseeing Australia's world-first teenage social media ban rejected the "technological exceptionalism" championed by mostly U.S.-based platforms and said a groundswell of American parents wanted similar measures.

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said Australia was entitled to restrict access to social media, just as it applied safety rules to any imported good, and added that many American parents had decried a lack of equivalent guardrails there.

The comments show the regulator framing the Australian law as a step toward a common goal and shrugging off complaints by some of the world's biggest tech firms and senior U.S. lawmakers who have called the Australian law, with its corporate fines of up to A$49.5 million ($33 million), a threat to free speech.

Ahead of Australia's law requiring social media platforms to block people under 16 taking effect on Wednesday, a U.S. congressional committee said it wants Inman Grant to testify, describing her as a foreign official challenging the First Amendment.

"I hear from the parents and the activists and everyday people in America, 'we wish we had an e-safety commissioner like you in America, we wish we had a government that was going to put tween and teen safety before technology profits," Inman Grant said in an interview at her office in Sydney.

"There's more that unites us than divides us," added Inman Grant, who is American-born and worked in policy roles at Microsoft and Twitter before becoming Australia's first internet regulator in 2017.

Already governments from Europe to Asia have said they plan similar steps to Australia amid rising concern about social media's links to bullying, body image problems and radicalisation, all fuelled by what Inman Grant called a "system to keep stickiness through outragement".

But the U.S. has bristled at attempted restrictions, with attempts by some states to impose an age minimum stalled by legal challenges. U.S. federal legislation which contains safety requirements for minors but no age minimum is yet to become law after three years.

That did not mean the U.S. would never follow Australia's lead regarding online safety, said Inman Grant, adding that she had worked in the past year with the Department of Homeland Security to help build tools to stop the spread of child sexual abuse material.

The Take It Down Act, a U.S. law banning artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump in May, "very much emulates what we've been doing here for eight years", Inman Grant said.

Regardless, she said, countries were entitled to impose safety standards on imported goods, from cars to medicine, and it was "technological exceptionalism" for platforms to say the same shouldn't apply to them.

"There is no other consumer-facing industry in the world where we don't expect them to make sure that there are safety standards," she said.

"This is Australia calling time on social media and the deceptive and harmful design features tethering our children to their platforms."

All 10 platforms covered by the ban - including Meta's Instagram, TikTok, Snap's Snapchat and Alphabet's YouTube - have said they will comply, but Inman Grant acknowledged the challenge enforcing the law if the platforms ultimately violate it.

That may not matter.

"In my experience...sometimes it isn't the regulation itself that is the impetus for doing the right thing," she said.

"It's often the reputational damage."

https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/australia-social-media-watchdog-sees-common-cause-with-us-age-ban-begins-2025-12-10/

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23964328 (100908ZDEC25) Notable: ‘Parents need help’: US Republicans back Australia’s social media ban as tech groups attack – Australia’s under-16 social media ban is drawing support from senior US politicians even as tech industry groups warn it could harm American companies. Republican Senator Josh Hawley and former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel backed the policy, arguing parents need help countering the influence of social media on children. Senator Bernie Sanders also welcomed Australia’s approach, though others cautioned about privacy and enforcement risks. Industry lobbyists warned the ban could set a global precedent that disadvantages US firms and restricts free speech. The policy has triggered debate in Washington, London and Europe, with governments weighing whether Australia’s model should be replicated.

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‘Parents need help’: US Republicans back Australia’s social media ban as tech groups attack

Michael Koziol - December 10, 2025

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Washington: Australia’s ban on social media for children has galvanised advocates for change in the United States, including a key Republican senator and potential Democratic presidential candidate who have backed the policy for adoption in the US.

At the same time, technology lobby groups have gone on the attack. One circulated a briefing paper that says the policy will “severely disadvantage US-based companies” and disproportionately isolate marginalised young people, including regional and LGBTQ teenagers.

Republican senator Josh Hawley, who sits on the Senate judiciary committee and is an advocate for harsher restrictions on social media, told this masthead American parents would welcome an Australia-style ban.

“I like it. I’ve supported age limits here in the US for kids on social media,” he said. “I say this as a parent … Parents need help, and they feel like they’re swimming upstream when everybody else has social media.

“My kids don’t have it, but they go over to somebody’s house and they have it – it’s difficult. An age limit for when kids can use social media would work. I think parents would welcome it.”

Hawley, who wrote a book called The Tyranny of Big Tech while in office, said he had been in contact with Australian stakeholders about the ban, but declined to say whom.

Barack Obama’s former chief-of-staff Rahm Emanuel, a potential contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, also threw his support behind the Australian world-first move, comparing it to banning phones in schools or regulations to reduce teen smoking.

“No child under the age of 16 should have access to social media,” Emanuel wrote on X. “When it comes to our adolescents, it’s either going to be adults or the algorithms that raise our kids.

“TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and others are too powerful, too addictive, too alluring and too often target our young kids. Parents cannot fight Big Tech alone.”

Emanuel – who is a former mayor of Chicago and was until this year the US ambassador to Japan – has said he is “in training” for a potential 2028 presidential run.

Veteran independent senator Bernie Sanders, who caucuses with the Democrats, told this masthead: “I applaud Australia for having the courage to understand the impact that social media is having on children.”

But asked if it was something he would support for American families, Sanders said: “That’s something I’d have to think about.”

Other Democrats were also uncertain about the idea. Senator Richard Blumenthal, who also sits on the Senate judiciary committee and participated in a hearing on online safety on Wednesday (AEDT), said age verification “doesn’t really work without really intrusive and strict methods of collecting information and then storing it – which could be problematic”.

Republican senator Ted Cruz pointed this masthead to an existing bill he is backing, the Kids Off Social Media Act, which would prohibit children under 13 from creating accounts. He said that was a more appropriate age cut-off.

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23964405 (100951ZDEC25) Notable: Justice department can release Ghislaine Maxwell court materials, judge says – A US federal judge has cleared the Justice Department to release extensive investigative records from the sex-trafficking cases of Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein, following passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Judge Paul A. Engelmayer ruled that grand jury transcripts, search warrants, financial records and investigative materials may be made public within 10 days, subject to redactions protecting victims. The ruling follows similar approval by a Florida judge and expands disclosure tied to Epstein’s network. The Justice Department said the law, signed by President Donald Trump, requires transparency. Maxwell, convicted in 2021 and serving a 20-year sentence, was a longtime associate of Epstein, who died in custody in 2019.

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Justice department can release Ghislaine Maxwell court materials, judge says

Records could be made public within 10 days under new Epstein Files Transparency Act

Associated Press - 10 Dec 2025

The justice department can publicly release investigative materials from a sex-trafficking case against Ghislaine Maxwell, the longtime confidant of Jeffrey Epstein, a federal judge said on Tuesday.

Judge Paul A Engelmayer ruled after the justice department in November asked two judges in New York to unseal grand jury transcripts and exhibits from Maxwell and Epstein’s cases, along with investigative materials that could amount to hundreds or thousands of previously unreleased documents.

The ruling, in the wake of the passage last month of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, means the records could be made public within 10 days. The law requires the justice department to provide Epstein-related records to the public in a searchable format by 19 December.

Engelmayer is the second judge to allow the justice department to publicly disclose previously secret Epstein court records. Last week, a judge in Florida granted the department’s request to release transcripts from an abandoned federal grand jury investigation into Epstein in the 2000s.

A request to release records from Epstein’s 2019 sex-trafficking case is still pending.

The justice department said Congress intended the unsealing when it passed the transparency act, which Donald Trump signed into law last month.

Three judges – two in New York and one in Florida – had previously refused an unusual department request to unseal grand jury transcripts.

The latest request, though, dramatically enlarged the files that the department said it planned to release to encompass 18 categories of investigative materials gathered in the vast sex-trafficking investigation.

Epstein, a financier, was arrested in July 2019 on sex trafficking charges, a month before he was found dead in a federal jail cell. The death was ruled a suicide. Maxwell was convicted of sex-trafficking charges in December 2021. She is serving a 20-year prison sentence. Maxwell, a British socialite, was moved over the summer from a federal prison in Florida to a prison camp in Texas as her criminal case generated renewed public attention.

In response to a request by the New York judges for more specifics on what it would release, the department said in recent submissions in Manhattan federal court that the materials would include 18 categories including search warrants, financial records, survivor interview notes, electronic device data and material from earlier Epstein investigations in Florida.

The government said it was conferring with survivors and their lawyers and planned to redact records to ensure protection of survivors’ identities and prevent the dissemination of sexualized images.

Tens of thousands of pages of records pertaining to Epstein and Maxwell have already been released through lawsuits, public disclosures and Freedom of Information Act requests.

Many of the materials the justice department plans to release stem from reports, photographs, videos and other materials gathered by police in Palm Beach, Florida, and the US attorney’s office there, both of which investigated Epstein in the mid-2000s.

Last year, a Florida judge ordered the release of about 150 pages of transcripts from a state grand jury that investigated Epstein in 2006. On 5 December 2025, at the justice department’s request, a Florida judge ordered the unsealing of transcripts from a federal grand jury there that also investigated Epstein.

That investigation ended in 2008 with a then-secret arrangement that allowed Epstein to avoid federal charges by pleading guilty to a state prostitution charge. He served 13 months in a jail work-release program.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/09/ghislaine-maxwell-epstein-court-files-doj

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/17318376/united-states-v-maxwell/?order_by=desc

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.539612/gov.uscourts.nysd.539612.820.0.pdf

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23968489 (110951ZDEC25) Notable: ‘Are we next?’: world reacts to Aussie social media ban – (Video) Australia’s decision to bar under-16s from major social media platforms has drawn intense global attention, with international media, governments and commentators assessing whether the policy could be replicated elsewhere. Major outlets including CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, the BBC and Al Jazeera covered the ban, while Malaysia signalled plans to introduce similar laws in 2026. European media and leaders, including EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, are monitoring its impact. The ban, which imposes fines of up to $49.5 million on non-compliant platforms, has also prompted debate in the US and UK over child safety, digital rights and enforcement. Some nations praised the move, while others questioned its feasibility and evidence base.

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'Are we next?': world reacts to Aussie social media ban

Tess Ikonomou - 10 December 2025

Australia's decision to boot children under the age of 16 off social media has dominated international coverage.

Platforms including Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat are now required by law to kick kids off, and face fines of up to $49.5 million if they fail to take reasonable steps to do so.

Malaysia has flagged it intends to follow suit with a similar ban in 2026, as global attention is drawn to the landmark reform.

The Asian nation's media outlets including Focus Malaysia and the Malay Mail referenced their government's own next steps.

The ban was leading a popular CNN weekday afternoon program, while being extensively covered by news sites.

USA Today wrote "Australia is first nation to ban social media for kids. Is the US next?"

Prestigious mastheads The Washington Post and New York Times also ran several stories in the lead up to its coverage of the age-restrictions coming into effect.

The BBC had live blog posts of the ban, with affected Australian children sending in their experience and thoughts of the new rules.

"As part of our coverage, we've asked teenagers across Australia to report for us on how they're feeling about the ban. We'll be bringing you their views throughout the day," a blog post reads.

Stories about the ban were the most prominent articles on the public broadcaster's website.

As debate rages in the UK about whether to implement a similar policy, Sky News ran segments exploring the "troubling lack of data behind Australia's social media ban for children".

Al Jazeera noted both parents and advocates rejoicing over the ban, while pointing to the looming High Court challenge the government's laws are facing.

In Europe, French outlets France 24 and Le Monde covered the rules, while Germany's Deutsche Welle also reacted.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has previously said she would be studying how Australia's laws would play out.

Singaporean daily The Straits Times considered whether Australia might set the precedent for other nations.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/next-world-reacts-aussie-social-054214177.html

https://x.com/TheLeadCNN/status/1998529738650816884

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23968505 (111002ZDEC25) Notable: Video: Reddit prepares challenge to Albanese’s social media age ban in court – Global online platform Reddit is preparing a High Court challenge to Australia’s world-first social media age restrictions, arguing the laws unlawfully burden political communication. The potential case, backed by senior barrister Perry Herzfeld SC and law firm Thomson Geer, would target legislation introduced by the Albanese Labor government and enforced by eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant. The ban raises the minimum age for social media use to 16 and carries fines of up to $49.5 million for non-compliance. Reddit, which has 3.7 million Australian users, says it does not collect age data and disputes being classified as a social media platform. The challenge would join a separate High Court action launched by the Digital Freedom Project, supported by NSW Liberal Democrats MP John Ruddick.

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Reddit prepares challenge to Albanese’s social media age ban in court

Sam Buckingham-Jones - Dec 9, 2025

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Global online forum Reddit is preparing to mount a high-stakes legal challenge to the Australian government’s world-first social media age limits, in a direct threat by a major tech company to one of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s headline policies.

The potential for a blockbuster legal showdown has emerged less than 24 hours before the Albanese government’s youth social media ban comes into effect on Wednesday.

The $US44 billion ($67 billion) technology platform has enlisted barrister Perry Herzfeld, SC, to run its case, backed by top-tier law firm Thomson Geer, according to two sources with knowledge of the challenge who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Reddit’s lawsuit, which could be lodged within days, is expected to be through the High Court of Australia, challenging the restrictions the social media ban imposes to teenagers’ implied right of freedom of political communication.

Herzfeld is a highly regarded silk and a top advocate on constitutional law. Thomson Geer, meanwhile, has repeatedly represented X (formerly Twitter) when challenging rulings by the eSafety Commissioner.

Reddit initially declined to comment, but on Tuesday morning said through a spokeswoman: “The only decision we’ve made is to comply with the law”. There is no guarantee it will file a challenge. Thomson Geer and Herzfeld did not respond to requests for comment.

After 12 months of preparation, consultation, millions of dollars in advertising campaigns and petitions by teens who plan mass-unfollows of the prime minister, the minimum age to hold a social media account will increase in Australia from 13 to 16 from December 10.

“You’ll know better than anyone what it’s like growing up with algorithms, endless feeds and the pressure that can come with that,” Albanese told school children in a recorded video message on Monday evening. “That’s why we’ve taken this step to support you.”

The prime minister has also written to all state and territory leaders thanking them for their support for the ban.

There are currently 10 social media platforms included in the new law: Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Snapchat, Twitch, Kick, X, YouTube and Reddit.

The law threatens penalties of up to $49.5 million for breaches and was passed with bipartisan support in November last year after a vigorous and emotional campaign to reduce the amount of harmful content children are exposed to online.

Reddit’s lawsuit would be the second challenge to the youth social media ban. The Digital Freedom Project, a campaign group led by NSW Libertarian Party MLC John Ruddick, lodged a case fronted by 15-year-olds Noah Jones and Macy Neyland with the High Court two weeks ago. It named the Commonwealth of Australia, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant and Communications and Sport Minister Anika Wells as defendants.

The Digital Freedom Project has likewise argued the ban trespasses on teenagers’ freedom of political communication. The group appears to be backed by donations from the public and is represented by barrister Matthew White, SC, and law firm Pryor Tzannes and Wallis.

Reddit, which has 3.7 million monthly Australian users, has far deeper pockets and a challenge would set the Albanese government up for a legal clash with big tech. If Reddit launches its case and succeeds, it would benefit all tech platforms caught up by the law.

In an interview on Monday ahead of the social media ban coming into effect, Inman-Grant said she was prepared for the possibility of further legal challenges.

“We know that some companies were briefing barristers,” she said. “Yes, I am prepared for that.”

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23968527 (111011ZDEC25) Notable: First climate migrants arrive in Australia from sinking Tuvalu in South Pacific – The first climate migrants from Tuvalu have arrived in Australia under a landmark bilateral agreement offering relocation as rising seas threaten the Pacific nation’s survival. More than a third of Tuvalu’s 11,000 residents applied for the program, which caps annual intake at 280 people to avoid workforce depletion. Among the first arrivals are a pastor, a dentist, and Tuvalu’s first female forklift driver, settling in South Australia, Victoria and Queensland. Australia says the scheme provides “mobility with dignity” while preserving cultural ties. Scientists warn that by 2050, rising seas could submerge much of Tuvalu’s main atoll, making relocation increasingly unavoidable.

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First climate migrants arrive in Australia from sinking Tuvalu in South Pacific

Kirsty Needham - December 11, 2025

SYDNEY, Dec 11 (Reuters) - The first climate migrants to leave the remote Pacific island nation of Tuvalu have arrived in Australia, hoping to preserve links to their sinking island home, foreign affairs officials said on Thursday.

More than one-third of Tuvalu's 11,000 population applied for a climate visa to migrate to Australia, under a deal struck between the two countries two years ago.

The intake is capped at 280 visas annually to prevent a brain drain in the small island nation.

Among the islanders selected in the initial intake of climate migrants is Tuvalu's first female forklift driver, a dentist, and a pastor focused on preserving their spiritual life thousands of kilometres (miles) from home, Australian government officials said.

Tuvalu, one of the countries at greatest risk from climate change because of rising sea levels, is a group of low-lying atolls scattered across the Pacific between Australia and Hawaii.

Manipua Puafolau, from Tuvalu's main island of Funafuti, arrived in Australia a fortnight ago. A trainee pastor with the most prominent church in Tuvalu, he plans to live in the small town of Naracoorte in the state of South Australia, where several hundred Pacific Islanders work in seasonal agriculture and meat processing jobs.

"For the people moving to Australia, it is not only for their physical and economic well-being, but also calls for spiritual guidance," he said in a video released by Australia's foreign affairs department.

Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo visited the Tuvaluan community in Melton, Melbourne, last month to emphasise the importance of maintaining strong ties and cultural bonds across borders as citizens migrate, Tuvalu officials said.

On Tuvalu's main atoll of Funafuti, the land is barely wider than the road in many stretches. Families live under thatched roofs, and children play football on the airport runway due to space constraints.

By 2050, NASA scientists project daily tides will submerge half of Funafuti atoll, home to 60% of Tuvalu's residents, where villagers cling to a strip of land as narrow as 20 metres (65 feet). The forecast assumes a one-metre rise in sea levels, while the worst case, double that, would put 90% of the country's main atoll under water.

CLIMATE VISAS OFFER 'MOBILITY WITH DIGNITY'

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the climate migrants would contribute to Australian society.

The visa offered "mobility with dignity, by providing Tuvaluans the opportunity to live, study and work in Australia as climate impacts worsen", Wong said in a statement to Reuters.

Support services are being established by Australia to help Tuvaluan families set up in the east coast city of Melbourne, Adelaide in South Australia and in the northern state of Queensland.

Kitai Haulapi, the first female forklift driver in Tuvalu, recently married and will relocate to Melbourne, population five million. In a video released by Australia's foreign affairs department she says that she hopes to find a job in Australia and continue to contribute to Tuvalu by sending money back to her family.

Dentist Masina Matolu, who has three school-aged children and a seafarer husband, will move with her family to the northern Australian city of Darwin. She plans to work with indigenous communities.

"I can always bring whatever I learn new from Australia back to my home culture, just to help," she said in a video statement.

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/cop/first-climate-migrants-arrive-australia-sinking-tuvalu-south-pacific-2025-12-11/

https://qresear.ch/?q=Tuvalu

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23968540 (111019ZDEC25) Notable: Australians to be forced to provide their social media to enter the US – Australians travelling to the United States will be required to disclose their social media accounts under proposed Trump administration rules expanding security checks for the Visa Waiver Program. The US Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection plan to mandate disclosure of five years of social media identifiers, alongside expanded data including phone numbers, emails, biometrics and travel metadata. The move follows an executive order by President Donald Trump to strengthen vetting standards. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia respected the US right to set entry rules. The changes, subject to public consultation and approval by the Office of Management and Budget, could lengthen processing times and increase scrutiny for travellers from Australia and other allied nations.

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Australians to be forced to provide their social media to enter the US

Michael Koziol - December 11, 2025

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Washington: Australian travellers will be forced to provide their social media details to US authorities to enter the country under the popular Visa Waiver Program, as part of new Trump administration rules for “enhanced vetting” of foreigners.

Applying for a visa waiver is also set to get more complicated, with authorities planning to collect far more detailed information including five years of phone numbers, 10 years of email addresses, IP addresses and metadata from electronically submitted photos, biometrics, and information about family members.

Australia is one of 42 countries with access to the Visa Waiver Program, allowing visitors to enter the US for 90 days by obtaining a waiver, known as the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), which is available quickly and costs only $US40 ($60).

A notice filed by US Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security overnight is seeking comment on a proposal that will require ESTA applicants to provide the names of their social media accounts for the past five years.

Currently, ESTA applicants may voluntarily provide their social media history, and are prompted for their Facebook profile, LinkedIn name, Instagram handle and Twitter/X identification – but it is not yet mandatory.

“CBP is adding social media as a mandatory data element for an ESTA application,” the notice filed overnight said. “The data element will require ESTA applicants to provide their social media from the last five years.”

It says the change is designed to comply an executive order from President Donald Trump in January, titled: Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.

That order compelled authorities to “re-establish a uniform baseline for screening and vetting standards and procedures, consistent with the uniform baseline that existed on January 19, 2021 [the last day of Trump’s first term] that will be used for any alien seeking a visa or immigration benefit of any kind”.

CBP will also add several “high-value data fields” to the ESTA application “when feasible”. These fields include: phone numbers for the past five years, email addresses for the past 10 years, IP addresses and metadata from electronically submitted photos, family member names, numbers, dates of birth, places of birth and place of residence, biometrics such as face, fingerprint, DNA and iris, and business contact details.

The changes are open to public comment for the next 60 days and must be approved by the powerful Office of Management and Budget, run by Trump appointee Russell Vought.

US immigration advisory firm Fragomen says that if the changes are implemented, visitors to the US should be aware they will be asked for a higher level of personal detail and become subject to a social media review.

“The increase in data collection could also mean that ESTA applicants would face an increased likelihood of being flagged for closer scrutiny and/or would experience longer waits for ESTA approval,” Fragomen says.

“The United States, like Australia, is a sovereign nation,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters in Canberra on Thursday.

“They have a right to set the rules which are there. And we give advice on Smartraveller to Australians travelling to destinations overseas about what are the expectations of particular countries … so we comply with laws. This is a decision that the United States is making. We recognise that.”

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Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/23968569 (111032ZDEC25) Notable: Australian travellers face huge data demands in proposed US visa changes – Australian travellers face tougher entry requirements under proposed US visa changes that would mandate extensive personal data collection, including five years of social media activity, biometric identifiers and family details. The US Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection propose expanding the ESTA system, replacing its current limited disclosure with demands for phone numbers, email addresses, IP data, biometric identifiers such as fingerprints, iris scans and potentially DNA. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the United States had the right to set its own entry rules. The proposal follows a Trump administration directive on enhanced vetting and is open for public consultation. Travel industry experts warn the measures could slow approvals and deter travel amid already falling visitor numbers.

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>>137129

Australian travellers face huge data demands in proposed US visa changes

ROBYN IRONSIDE - 11 December 2025

Australians planning US holidays face a tortuous application process under new entry requirements that extend to social media activity, family history and DNA.

Currently, travellers from certain countries including Australia can apply for electronic travel authorisation known as ESTA online before visiting the US at a cost of $US40 ($60).

The relatively straightforward process involves a passport upload and details of travel, health and criminal history; now, however, the Department of Homeland Security wants much more information.

Among changes outlined in a document titled “60-day notice and request for comments” is the requirement for applicants to provide details of social media use over the past five years, biometric data including fingerprints, an iris scan and DNA, and extensive family history extending to the names, addresses, dates and ­places of birth of immediate ­relatives.

The department also plans to close the ESTA website in favour of a mobile phone app, in an effort to enhance security and improve efficiency.

Anthony Albanese said as a sovereign nation, the US had the right to set the rules for entry. “This is a decision that the US is making,” the Prime Minister said in Canberra on Thursday. “We give advice on Smartraveller to Australians travelling to destin­ations overseas about what are the expectations of particular countries, for the US or other ­nations as well; so we comply with the laws.”

In the first instance, a second photograph or “selfie” of the applicant will be required in ­addition to the passport photo, to help verify identity.

Second, would-be visitors may have to hand over details of their social media presence from the past five years to determine their suitability for US travel.

Whether this will extend to the supply of user names and passwords for sites such as Instagram, Facebook and X is not yet clear.

Third, several “high-value data fields” will be added to the ESTA application seeking even more extensive personal information about the applicant.

These include personal and business phone numbers of the applicant from the past five years, personal and business email addresses from the past decade, IP addresses and metadata from electronically submitted photos, and family member names, addresses, phone numbers dating back five years, and dates and ­places of birth.

Finally, consideration is being given to adding a field for “biometrics” including face, fingerprint, DNA and iris.

It comes at a time when travel to the US from Australia is down on previous years, largely because of the exchange rate and expense of an American holiday.

Bureau of Statistics data showed in the year to September, Australian travel to the US declined 0.3 per cent compared to the previous 12 months.

Comment on the proposed changes is being sought by Customs and Border Protection over the next two months, but there is no specific timeline for implementation. The notice indicated comments should address whether the proposed collection of the extra information would have “practical utility” and sought suggestions “to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of information to be collected”.

Vialto immigration specialist Stacey Tsui said the changes were in line with what the US was doing in other areas but it was not clear “what the government was looking for”.

“If you attended a protest in the past, would that be a basis to deny your ESTA or your visa? That is not clear right now, but that is the fear,” she said. “Our recommendation for ESTA applicants is to apply early in advance; with more information being requested, it very well may take longer to get a decision. People should continue to be mindful of what they post on social media.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/aviation/australian-travellers-face-huge-data-demands-in-proposed-us-visa-changes/news-story/51eac0946a18d0fd4ab2622cdeab87b2

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/10/2025-22461/agency-information-collection-activities-revision-arrival-and-departure-record-form-i-94-and

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-12-10/pdf/2025-22461.pdf