Productivity & Energy Policy: The Productivity Commission says Australia’s productivity is slipping as the system shifts from coal to renewables, urging governments to back efficient, cost-effective energy investment. AI Governance & Data Centres: Google’s Australia boss tells workers to “take a breath” about AI job disruption, as a Senate inquiry weighs data-centre spread and regulation. Defence Funding Fallout (UK): Armed Forces Minister Al Carns resigns over inadequate long-term defence investment, following John Healey’s exit and raising pressure on the UK’s AUKUS-linked posture. Financial Regulation & Housing Costs: Big banks signal mortgage-rate cuts in 2027, while markets still debate whether the RBA will hike again—an issue for household budgets and policy credibility. Corruption Oversight (Vic): Firefighter union boss Peter Marshall fights to block release of an IBAC corruption report, after courts rejected efforts to keep his identity secret. Children Online Safety (Canada): Canada introduces a bill to restrict social media access for under-16s and set safety duties for platforms and AI chatbots. Cybercrime & Law Enforcement: AFP warns a parliamentary inquiry that online-led organised crime is decentralised and hard to trace under current laws. Climate & Fire Readiness: Victoria’s fire agencies prepare for a potentially earlier, drier winter as El Niño conditions develop. Indigenous Land & Conservation: An Indigenous group takes long-term ownership of a major Murray-Darling wetland for conservation, backed by NGO fundraising. Renewables Market Outlook: A forecast projects global renewable energy spending nearing $2.5tn by 2033, driven by solar, wind, storage and grid upgrades.