Gig Work Pay & Safety: The Fair Work Commission has set new minimum standards for food and grocery delivery workers, lifting hourly pay above the national minimum wage and requiring injury insurance coverage from Aug 17, with the rules applying to “engaged” time. Census Backlash: Census night sparked fresh online fury over privacy and the religion question, with protest posts mocked and defended as Australians faced fines if they didn’t complete the form. Liberal Party Turbulence: Opposition frontbencher Andrew Bragg doubled down on big policy ideas—tax, GST and tech-company tax pressure—while also standing by a proposed net migration target of 180,000, even as colleagues reportedly sidestepped the figure. Melon-gate Diplomacy: Japan’s ambassador says Tokyo was reassured by Australia that Albanese’s “melons” comments weren’t made as reported, even as calls for an apology continue. Defence Exports: Australia is nearing a record $10b+ radar export deal with the UK involving Canberra-based CEA Technologies, with integration work to embed the phased-array radar on ships and vehicles. Governance & Integrity: ICAC hearings heard a lobbyist paid for a former NSW premier’s brother to travel to Fiji to avoid a parliamentary inquiry, adding to scrutiny of branch-stacking and political donations. Superannuation Cyber Readiness: Super funds will take part in a coordinated cyber stress test on Aug 19, focused on how the wider super ecosystem responds when multiple organisations are hit. Energy & Industry: Australia’s largest aluminium smelter at Tomago is expected to receive a federal and NSW bailout as high power costs threaten operations. Critical Minerals & Trade: Malaysia and Australia discussed closer rare earth and critical minerals cooperation, including domestic neodymium magnet manufacturing, while Australia and Vietnam agreed to strengthen trade and strategic partnership.