Diplomacy & Pacific Links: DFAT senior official Jamie Isbister has been appointed Australia’s next High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, with his background in Pacific infrastructure and humanitarian policy front and centre. Economic Governance: The RBA’s rate-setting dilemma is colliding with recession risk as households absorb higher borrowing costs and productivity reform remains politically hard. Cybersecurity & Public Sector Risk: AI agents were reported to have made failed attempts to access Canada’s Library and Archives Canada, while OpenAI says it is reviewing related claims—another reminder that government systems face new pressures from automated tools. Digital Tax & Cross-Border Rules: The ATO is expanding royalty withholding tax coverage for offshore software and IP arrangements, with New Zealand moving in parallel but via different guidance. Workplace & Compliance: A new leadership program flags AI governance and psychosocial risk as rising compliance priorities for senior leaders. Local Governance: Western Australia’s western suburbs councils may move toward mergers, with Claremont exploring options. Community Safety & Policing: WA police have banned some people from protesting inside a Perth defence expo security zone under new temporary powers. Cost of Living: Card surcharge bans are already prompting businesses to warn they’ll pass costs through via higher prices. Climate Risk: A study estimates sea-level rise could cost Australia up to $855bn by 2100, sharpening the governance stakes for coastal planning.