Multicultural Governance: Labor has appointed former Tasmanian Liberal premier Peter Gutwein to chair the Australian Multicultural Council, arguing rising right-wing rhetoric is fuelling hatred and vilification. Community Security: A royal commission heard Jewish community security groups are stretched to breaking point, with volunteers delivering over $9m in security at Victorian events in 2025 and warning funding is not keeping up with demand. Parliamentary Ratification: Fiji’s Vuvale Union funding package worth $1.57b from Australia will only start after Fiji Parliament ratifies the treaty, with scrutiny by a select committee before a final vote. Federal Court Transparency: The Albanese government is moving to block disclosure of Woodside ministerial meeting details ahead of a Federal Court fight over the North West Shelf gas project extension. AI & Speech Controls: A study reported by Meta’s oversight process says AI chatbots are more likely to refuse political criticism requests when they involve leaders or regimes where speech is restricted, raising concerns about AI extending censorship effects. Social Media Regulation: Medical researchers warn Australia’s under-16 social media ban could cause unintended harm by pushing teens into less regulated spaces. Modern Slavery & Corporate Accountability: KPMG Australia fined staff up to $180,000 after an audit leak probe found “unacceptable” misuse of confidential client information. Defence & Public Opinion: An UNSW Canberra survey found strong trust in the ADF’s ethics and roles, but support for closer ADF ties with allies fell sharply. Justice for Victims: Families of Australian teens killed in Laos methanol poisoning say charges are too lenient, with anger focused on the judicial process and expected penalties.