The victims were Sukhdeep Singh, 33, his wife Sukhvir Kaur, 29, and Gurpreet Singh, 38. Community leader Daljit Singh confirmed their identities and family backgrounds in an interview with The Indian Weekender.

All three were originally from Punjab, India.

Sukhdeep came from Goniana Khurd in Bathinda district and had lived in New Zealand for more than seven years, where he operated an NZ Post courier business. His wife, Sukhvir, was from Rauke Kalan in Moga district.

Gurpreet, a relative of the couple and their brother-in-law, came from Har Rai Pur in Bathinda district. He had been living in New Zealand for about three years and worked as an NZ Post courier van driver.

The crash occurred at about 10.15pm on Sunday, 8 November, on Great South Road in Takanini. The vehicle reportedly left the road and struck the BurgerFuel restaurant after the three had been returning from a Sikh temple.

New Zealand Police confirmed that all three occupants died at the scene. No one inside the restaurant was injured. The Serious Crash Unit attended, and an investigation into the circumstances of the crash is continuing.

The deaths have devastated the families in Punjab and the wider Punjabi community in New Zealand, with friends and community representatives now working to bring the three victims home for their final rites.

Singh said the families wanted the bodies repatriated to India. The release of the bodies was tentatively expected on Friday, 13 November, subject to the completion of formalities.

Provisional arrangements shared by Singh include washing and prayers on Monday, followed by an Ardas at South Auckland Funeral Services. The return of the bodies to India is tentatively planned for Tuesday, 17 November. These dates may change depending on the completion of the required processes.

Meanwhile, friends and community members have launched a fundraising appeal to help meet the costs of repatriation and provide financial support to the grieving families.

The Givealittle campaign, organised by Mandeep Singh Brar and a group of friends, says donations will help cover embalming, documentation, legal formalities, coffins, transportation and international repatriation expenses.

The organisers have appealed to people in New Zealand and overseas to contribute or share the fundraising page to help ease the financial burden on the families.

Donations can be made through the Givealittle appeal.

The Supreme Sikh Society and Central Sikh Association had earlier expressed condolences to the families and friends, describing the incident as deeply heartbreaking for the community. They said the community would be asked to assist following the police investigation.

As arrangements continue, members of Auckland’s Punjabi community are rallying around the families as they come to terms with the loss of three loved ones.

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The post Newlywed couple Sukhdeep Singh and Sukhvir Kaur, and brother-in-law Gurpreet Singh identified as victims of tragic Diwali-night crash first appeared on The Australia Today.

It is important to note here that ACMA’s regulatory remit does not extend to online news content in the same way it applies to broadcasting, leaving a significant gap in external oversight as audiences increasingly consume news through digital platforms.

The decision raises broader questions about accountability at Australia’s publicly funded broadcasters, particularly when complaints concern perceived bias, impartiality and the representation of multicultural communities.

The proposal was put forward by Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, who has argued that the existing arrangements do not provide sufficiently independent scrutiny of complaints about coverage of Israel and the Middle East.

Segal first raised the proposal during hearings of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion in July. She argued that the broadcasters were effectively acting as their own judges when assessing complaints about their editorial coverage and called for an external ombudsman or independent oversight mechanism.

In an updated report released in October, she reiterated the recommendation, arguing that the seriousness of concerns about the accuracy, impartiality and proportionality of reporting warranted more detailed independent examination.

However, the government has indicated it will not replace the existing ABC and SBS ombudsmen with the proposed external body. Communications Minister Anika Wells’ spokesperson thanked Segal for her work but said the government would consider the forthcoming Royal Commission report, expected in December, before deciding on further action.

The government’s position is that ACMA already provides an avenue for external review when complaints are escalated.

Both broadcasters have also defended their existing arrangements. The ABC describes its complaints framework as comprehensive, while SBS maintains that its independent ombudsman and external regulatory oversight provide adequate accountability.

But the debate should not be viewed exclusively through the experience of Jewish Australians or complaints about reporting on the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Indian and Hindu Australians have also raised longstanding concerns about what they regard as biased, one-sided or inadequate reporting by the public broadcasters. These concerns have included coverage of Hindu religious issues, attacks on Hindu minorities overseas, India’s political affairs and the portrayal of the Hindu community in Australia.

The scale of dissatisfaction was highlighted in the Australian Hindus 2024 survey. Almost 80 per cent of respondents rated the ABC’s reporting on Hindus as poor or very poor. Among respondents who had complained to the ABC, more than 86 per cent said they were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the response. The corresponding figure for complaints to SBS was also more than 86 per cent.

More than 80 per cent of respondents supported the appointment of an independent ombudsman for the ABC.

These figures represent the views of survey respondents rather than a nationally representative assessment of all Hindu Australians. Nevertheless, they point to a level of dissatisfaction that deserves serious consideration.

There are also documented examples of complaints concerning coverage of Hindu and Indian issues reaching the ABC Ombudsman’s Office.

In February 2024, the ABC received 275 complaints about its reporting on the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Among the concerns were the historical context surrounding the site, the representation of Hindu perspectives and the accuracy of aspects of the reporting. The ombudsman’s investigation found no breach of the ABC’s editorial standards.

In another case, the ABC received complaints about its Four Corners program, ‘Infiltrating Australia’, which examined alleged Indian government influence in Australia. Complainants raised concerns about impartiality and what they considered anti-Hindu sentiment. The ombudsman again found no breach.

Complaints were also lodged over ABC coverage of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, with complainants questioning whether the broadcaster had adequately reported the violence and whether its reporting gave sufficient weight to the experiences of Hindu minorities. The ABC’s subsequent review found no breach of its editorial standards.

The ABC’s own figures show that complaints about India and Indian politics have been a significant feature of audience concerns. Its January-June 2024 mid-year ombudsman update recorded that coverage of India and Indian politics accounted for 10 per cent of complaints during that period.

For communities that feel their concerns have repeatedly been dismissed, the existence of an internal complaints process does not automatically translate into confidence that their grievances have been adequately addressed.

The ABC and SBS are not ordinary private media outlets. They receive substantial public funding (over 1.5 billion dollars annually) and have specific obligations to serve Australia’s diverse population. Their responsibilities extend beyond reporting on multicultural communities to ensuring that those communities are represented fairly and that their experiences are not overlooked or distorted.

One does not need to be a rocket scientist to infer the pattern here. Biased reporting can have serious consequences for the well-being and security of the communities concerned, particularly when public broadcasters, armed with billions of dollars in taxpayer funding, have considerable power to shape public perceptions.

Despite India-born Australians having the highest median income of any population group in Australia, and among the lowest levels of criminality, negative perceptions of Indian Australians have increased significantly in recent years according to reports. Jewish Australians, who are also among the country’s most highly educated, highest-earning and law-abiding communities, have experienced a similar deterioration in public perceptions.

The correlation between the increasingly negative perceptions of these communities and what many regard as persistent editorial bias in publicly funded broadcasters is difficult to dismiss as mere coincidence and deserves serious scrutiny.

Ultimately, the test of a complaints system is not simply whether it exists, but whether Australians have confidence in its independence, transparency and capacity to address legitimate concerns.

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In a strongly worded public statement, Qereqeretabua said she was deeply embarrassed by reports of incidents involving children in Indigenous Fijian communities and questioned whether parents were providing adequate discipline and guidance at home.

“INDIGENOUS FIJIAN PARENTS, WHERE ARE YOU?” she wrote.

“As an Indigenous Fijian, I am deeply embarrassed about what is happening in our communities.”

She said reports of alleged stone-throwing incidents during Diwali, including attacks involving places of worship and public transport, should be a serious concern for parents.

The Deputy Speaker also raised concerns about reports of students vandalising classrooms, questioning the values and behaviour being encouraged at home.

“What are we teaching our children? Where is the discipline, respect and parental guidance?”

In a direct message to parents, she questioned whether they were paying sufficient attention to their children’s activities and behaviour.

“Parents, are your eyes more on your phones than your kids?”

Qereqeretabua also challenged those who speak proudly about their vanua (land and community), lotu (faith) and Indigenous culture to reflect on whether they are practising the values they promote.

Her comments also addressed calls for Fiji to become a Christian state.

“Sa rauta mada na viavia Christian State, look at your children and you, their teachers,” she wrote, urging people to examine their own conduct before making demands about the country’s religious identity.

The remarks have brought parental responsibility, cultural values and religious identity into the discussion surrounding alleged incidents during Diwali.

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A total of 1,037 candidates have nominated, including 734 for the 88-seat Legislative Assembly and 303 for the 40-seat Legislative Council, according to figures released following the close of nominations on Monday, 9 November.

The number is down from 1,194 candidates at the 2022 election, a reduction of 157, or approximately 13 per cent.

However, the decline has been concentrated in the upper house, where candidate numbers have fallen from 454 in 2022 to 303 this year.

The number of lower house candidates has barely changed, dropping from 740 to 734, suggesting voters will still face a wide field of candidates in individual electorates.

The Victorian Electoral Commission has published candidate lists for all 88 lower house districts and eight upper house regions, allowing voters to identify who is standing in their electorate and the order in which candidates will appear on ballot papers.

The election comes as Premier Ben Carroll seeks another term for Labor, while Opposition Leader Jess Wilson leads the Liberal-National Coalition’s campaign to end more than a decade of Labor government.

One Nation, the Greens, Victorian Socialists, Family First, independents and other smaller parties are also contesting seats.

Labor, the Greens, One Nation and Victorian Socialists have nominated candidates in all 88 lower house electorates, while the Liberals and Nationals are contesting seats across the state.

Some of the most crowded contests are in Melbourne’s established and rapidly growing suburbs.

Footscray has attracted 15 candidates, the highest number of any lower house electorate, while Prahran has 13.

Tarneit, Sydenham and Ripon each have 12 candidates, while Sandringham has just five.

In Melbourne’s west, Tarneit has emerged as one of the most crowded electoral contests.

Labor MP Dylan Wight is seeking re-election against Liberal candidate Venkat Ram Upparlapalle, the Greens’ A. Raheem Rifai and One Nation’s Walter Villagonzalo, among others.

The 12-candidate field also includes representatives of the West Party, Family First, Animal Justice Party, Victorian Socialists and The Republican, alongside other candidates.

In neighbouring Point Cook, Labor’s Mathew Hilakari faces Liberal candidate Raja Reddy and the Greens’ Ponraj Krishna Pandi, with candidates from One Nation and other smaller parties also contesting the seat.

The contests are taking place in communities experiencing continuing population growth, where housing affordability, transport connections, schools, healthcare and the cost of living are among the issues residents will be weighing as they consider their choices.

Across Melbourne’s outer south-east, Pakenham will be contested by Labor’s Alessandra Soliven, Liberal candidate Radmila Dyson and One Nation’s Victorian leader Warren Pickering, alongside other candidates.

The seat was narrowly won by Labor at the 2022 election and will have a new member following the retirement of Emma Vulin.

The election will also see a major change to the way Victorians vote for the Legislative Council.

Group voting tickets, which previously allowed political parties to direct preferences through registered arrangements when voters marked a single box above the line, have been abolished.

Under the new system, voters choosing to vote above the line must number at least five groups in their order of preference. Those voting below the line must number at least five individual candidates.

Political parties can no longer determine the onward distribution of above-the-line preferences through group voting tickets.

Electoral analysts have linked the reform to the smaller number of upper house candidates, as minor parties reconsider where to contest seats without the previous preference arrangements.

Election analyst Ben Raue reported that upper house ballot papers will have between 11 and 15 groups in each region, compared with more than 20 groups in most regions in 2022.

The changes represent one of the biggest differences between this election and the previous state poll.

In Western Metropolitan Region, candidates include Liberal Roshena Campbell, Labor’s Lizzie Blandthorn and Ingrid Stitt, along with candidates from One Nation, the Greens and other parties.

The region will elect five representatives to Victoria’s upper house.

For multicultural communities across Melbourne’s west, north and south-east, the growing diversity of candidates also reflects the increasing involvement of Australians from migrant backgrounds in state politics.

Candidates with Indian and other South Asian backgrounds are among those contesting lower and upper house positions, including candidates standing for major parties and smaller political organisations.

However, a candidate’s cultural background is only one aspect of the contest, with voters also assessing party policies, local commitments and the record of sitting representatives.

The 2026 election will determine all 88 members of the Legislative Assembly and all 40 members of the Legislative Council.

Early voting opens on Wednesday, 18 November and continues until Friday, 27 November.

Election day is Saturday, 28 November, with polling centres open from 8 am until 6 pm.

The Victorian Electoral Commission has urged voters to check their electorate and voting arrangements before polling day.

With nominations now closed and ballot positions determined, the final stage of the election campaign will focus on candidates presenting their policies and seeking support from voters across the state.

Voters can find the complete list of candidates for their lower house electorate and upper house region on the Victorian Electoral Commission website.

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The post 1,037 candidates, 128 seats: Victoria’s election field revealed; here are details first appeared on The Australia Today.

In her Remembrance Day 2026 statement, Wilson honoured the courage and sacrifice of generations of Australians who answered the call to serve, describing them as “ordinary Australians who showed extraordinary courage”.

She reflected on the men and women who left behind their families, friends and communities to serve their country, often without knowing whether they would ever return.

“Too many never did,” Wilson said.

She noted that behind every name on a war memorial was a life lost, a family forever changed and a community that continued to feel the impact of that sacrifice.

Wilson said Remembrance Day was an opportunity not only to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice but also to honour veterans who returned home carrying the wounds of war, both visible and invisible.

She also acknowledged the families who waited for loved ones, worried about their safety, endured loss and have carried their memories through generations.

Across Victoria, communities from regional towns to the heart of Melbourne are gathering to pay their respects to those who served.

Wilson said the occasion remained important because the peace Australians enjoy, the freedoms they cherish and the country they call home came at an enormous cost.

“We owe those who served more than our gratitude,” she said.

“We owe them a commitment to never take those freedoms for granted, and to ensure future generations understand the sacrifices made to protect them.”

Australians will observe a minute of silence at 11am on Remembrance Day to remember those who lost their lives in service, honour veterans and acknowledge the sacrifices made to protect the nation.

Wilson concluded her statement with the traditional words of remembrance: “Lest we forget.”

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The post Victorian Liberal leader Jess Wilson honours fallen Australians in Remembrance Day tribute first appeared on The Australia Today.

Community member Luckey Singh has identified the woman as Baljit Kaur and says she has died following the incident. He has also alleged that her husband was involved. However, Victoria Police has not publicly confirmed her identity, her death or the circumstances surrounding the stabbing.

The incident occurred at a home on Woodlee Street, Dandenong, at about 11.30 am on Friday, 6 November.

According to Victoria Police, emergency services found three people with injuries believed to be stab wounds.

A 28-year-old woman was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, while two men, aged 26 and 35, were transported to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The Dandenong Family Violence Investigation Unit is investigating the circumstances.

Police said the people involved were known to each other and that investigators were not looking for anyone else.

The police statement did not identify the injured people or confirm the nature of their relationship.

According to member of the local Punjabi community Lucky Singh, Baljit Kaur’s elderly parents are in India and are seeking assistance to obtain visas to travel to Australia for their daughter’s final rites.

Victoria Police has not announced any charges in connection with the incident or publicly identified a suspect.

Detectives are continuing their investigation and have appealed for witnesses and anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage from the area to come forward.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Wilson said the party would assess individual candidates before finalising preference recommendations, leaving room for exceptions to the Coalition’s broader approach.

“We have made the decision to put Labor, the Greens and the Socialists at the bottom of the ballot paper,” Wilson said.

She said the party was scrutinising more than 700 candidates, with decisions to reflect who was standing in each electorate.

The announcement establishes the Coalition’s general position as parties prepare their how-to-vote cards. The Australia Today understands that the Coalition would complete final preference decisions over the coming days.

One Nation welcomed the decision, while Labor accused Wilson of retreating from earlier assurances about deals with Pauline Hanson’s party. Premier Ben Carroll portrayed the announcement as a reversal of her previous position.

The confirmation came on the same day One Nation dumped its candidate for Preston, Franco Guardiani, over a social media post appearing to praise Adolf Hitler.

One Nation’s Victorian leader, Warren Pickering, condemned the comments and said people holding such views had no place in the party. One Nation also acknowledged that its candidate vetting needed improvement.

The developments place immediate attention on how the Coalition will apply its candidate assessments when settling its recommendations.

A preference recommendation can matter in a close contest, but voters retain control over where their vote goes.

The Victorian Electoral Commission says how-to-vote cards are suggestions only. For the Legislative Assembly, voters must number every candidate in their preferred order, starting with one. They can choose a different order from the card handed to them by a party or candidate.

If no candidate receives more than half the formal votes, the lowest-polling candidate is excluded and their ballot papers are distributed to the next available preference. That process continues until a candidate secures a majority.

Under that system, the Coalition’s recommendation could help One Nation in an electorate where the Liberal or Nationals candidate is excluded while One Nation remains in the count against Labor. Its effect would depend on the candidates’ finishing order and how voters number their ballots.

The final cards will show how the Coalition’s general position translates into recommendations in individual seats. Registration closes at noon on November 20, with the electoral commission publishing registered cards during the campaign.

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The post Jess Wilson confirms Coalition will preference One Nation ahead of Labor and Greens first appeared on The Australia Today.

The changes will begin in finance, procurement, people and marketing, with the first phase expected to take effect by mid-2027.

As per reports, Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson informed staff of the decision in an email on Tuesday, describing it as “hard news for some” and apologising for the uncertainty it would create.

She said the partnership was aimed at modernising the technology behind the airline’s operations, improving efficiency and responding to rapid changes in artificial intelligence (AI).

“The scale and speed of change in technology and AI is something none of us have seen in our lifetime,” Ms Hudson wrote.

“It is changing what our customers expect from us and what you need from the tools you use every day, and leading businesses around the world, in aviation and beyond, are moving quickly. Standing still is not an option for us.”

Under the multi-year agreement, some services currently handled by Qantas corporate teams will move to Accenture, with most work to be delivered by its teams in India and some in Australia.

The airline said the partnership would redesign and simplify parts of its corporate functions, with automation and AI expected to transform some services further over time.

“We expect around 850 roles to be affected over the coming years, with the first changes expected to be in place by mid-2027,” Ms Hudson said.

She added that the decision was not a reflection of employees’ contributions or commitment and said Qantas would seek to redeploy as many affected staff as possible.

“We need to reinvent the processes, platforms and data behind our business so we can innovate faster and deliver a better, more connected experience for our customers and our people.”

Qantas said the partnership builds on its existing technology investment of more than $1 billion annually. The airline also pointed to its new Product Innovation Centre in Adelaide, which is expected to grow to more than 400 roles.

The company said it operates more than 1,000 legacy applications that were developed over decades and were not designed to work together.

Modernising these systems and connecting data, it said, would help simplify operations and accelerate the airline’s use of AI.

The announcement has drawn criticism from the Australian Services Union (ASU), which said it was meeting with Qantas members following the news.

ASU Assistant National Secretary Scott Cowen said the union had been discussing the proposed partnership with the airline for months and was surprised by the extent of the planned outsourcing.

“We were told at the time that there was no plan for 1,000 jobs to be offshored and yet today staff have been told by Vanessa Hudson that up to 850 jobs could be sent offshore,” Mr Cowen said.

“So this is really shocking news for our members.”

He said the union would work with employees to fight for every job, adding that most of the proposed cuts were expected to affect positions based in Sydney.

“We’ve seen time and time again through corporate Australia deals with global tech giants like Accenture suddenly there seems to be a mass need to be sending jobs offshore.”

Qantas has disputed claims that it assured the union no jobs would be moved overseas. The airline said it had discussed the potential for some roles to move to Accenture teams in India and Australia during meetings with the union in recent months.

It said there would be consultation with affected employees and the union, with a focus on redeployment opportunities, reskilling and retraining.

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The proposed next stage would cover swimming pools, change rooms, community sporting venues, hospitals, aged care facilities and services supporting victim-survivors of family violence.

Premier Ben Carroll said the move was aimed at protecting people’s privacy in places where they should be able to feel safe from being secretly recorded.

“We’re banning smart glasses in places you’d never want to be recorded,” Mr Carroll said.

“Smart glasses make it impossible to tell when somebody is filming you. The law needs to catch up. So we will ban them from places you’d never want to be recorded like playgrounds, swimming pools, and change rooms.”

He added: “Tech has changed, so must our laws.”

“Creeps shouldn’t be able to secretly film kids at Saturday sport.”

The announcement builds on the Victorian Government’s earlier decision to restrict smart glasses and covert filming devices in schools from the start of the 2027 school year.

Under the policy, taking effect from 27 January 2027, smart glasses and covert filming devices will be prohibited on Victorian government school premises and at school-organised activities, including off-site events.

The restrictions will cover students, staff, parents, carers, contractors, volunteers and other visitors at government schools. Student restrictions on personal electronic devices, including smart glasses, will also apply across government, Catholic and independent schools.

Deputy Premier and Education Minister Gabrielle Williams said the government was setting clear rules for every Victorian school.

“We’re setting clear rules across every Victorian school – making sure students can focus on learning, and families can feel confident their children are in a respectful and safe school environment,” Ms Williams said.

“Smart glasses have no place in our classrooms or on our school grounds.”

Labor has also pledged to extend the adult restrictions to non-government schools through legislation if it wins the election.

The latest commitment comes as councils across Victoria introduce or consider restrictions on smart glasses in public facilities.

The City of Yarra and the City of Melbourne are among councils that have taken steps to restrict the devices in recreation facilities, including pools and other community spaces.

The growing debate reflects concerns that camera-equipped glasses can resemble ordinary eyewear, making it difficult for people to know when they are being recorded.

However, the proposed restrictions also raise questions about accessibility, with smart glasses providing useful assistance to some people with vision or hearing impairments. Existing school rules allow limited exemptions where the technology is required as a reasonable disability adjustment.

Labor’s proposed expansion would make the regulation of smart glasses a broader privacy and public-safety issue beyond the school environment.

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The Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand has shared the heartbreaking news with the community, saying the three deceased belonged to Punjab.

New Zealand Police confirmed that all three occupants of the vehicle died at the scene following the crash on Great South Road at approximately 10.15pm on Sunday, November 8.

In a statement issued on Monday, November 9, police said emergency services were called after a vehicle left the road and struck a building.

“Sadly, all three occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene. No one inside the building was injured.”

The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is continuing.

Police also confirmed that formal identification processes were underway and expected to take some time.

Daljit Singh shared the news in a statement, describing the deaths as deeply heartbreaking for the community.

“We are sharing deeply heartbreaking news for the community,” the statement said.

“We cannot share their specific details or any other information at this moment.”

The statement said the families had requested that the bodies of all three deceased be returned to India.

“In accordance with the families’ wishes, the bodies of all three will be sent back to India, and we are currently in contact with the family members.”

The society also extended its condolences to the bereaved families and friends, saying the wider community would be asked to assist once the police investigation was complete.

“On behalf of the community, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends during this time of grief. Once the police investigation is complete, the community will be asked for assistance.”

The deaths have brought grief to the Indian community in New Zealand, particularly as the crash occurred on the eve of Diwali, one of the most significant festivals celebrated by Indian communities.

The victims’ identities and further details about the circumstances of the crash have not been publicly confirmed. Police have urged that formal identification and investigation processes be allowed to continue.

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The post Three Indian nationals from Punjab killed in South Auckland crash on eve of Diwali first appeared on The Australia Today.

Liberal candidate for Western Metropolitan Region Roshena Campbell announced the $300,000 commitment for the SMVS Swaminarayan Temple in Tarneit, condemning vandalism directed at Victoria’s religious communities as unacceptable.

Temple trustee Biren Joshi told The Australia Today the community was stressed, upset and angry after the latest incidents.

Mr Joshi said the temple had been targeted 16 times in seven years, including before major Hindu festivals. He alleged the attacks were deliberate and religiously motivated.

Statements issued by the Hindu Council of Australia and the Australian Hindu Temples Council date the latest incidents to Saturday, 31 October, and the early hours of Saturday, 7 November.

Both organisations said the temple’s power lines were deliberately cut ahead of Diwali celebrations scheduled for Sunday, 8 November.

Mr Joshi criticised what he described as an indifferent response from the state government, saying practical support had remained negligible despite the community repeatedly raising its concerns.

His criticism concerned the response to the attacks before the latest temple-specific funding pledges.

Victoria Police has not stated investigative findings, a motive or any arrests at the time of publication

The Australian Hindu Temples Council said the incidents formed part of a history of theft, vandalism and intimidation stretching back to 2015.

According to the council, previous incidents included smashed security cameras, a stolen entrance gate, a switchboard being set alight, a firebombing and a vehicle being driven through the temple’s wall.

The Australia Today reported in 2022 that the temple had experienced more than 10 incidents in three years, with families concerned about the safety of children attending religious and language classes.

Australian Hindu Temples Council president Kulwant Joshi said the damage had consequences beyond the cost of repairs.

“This is a place of worship, not a target,” he said in the council’s statement.

“Our devotees, women, children and elders among them, should not have to weigh their safety against their faith.”

The council called on Victoria Police to investigate the pattern as suspected targeted or bias-motivated offending, provide visible patrols and appoint a named liaison officer to give the temple regular updates.

It also urged government authorities to fund security infrastructure and monitoring, and called on Wyndham City Council and local parliamentarians to assist with surveillance, lighting and access security.

Council secretary Shan Pillai said the community wanted sustained action.

“We have reported every attack, installed cameras, and asked politely, year after year. Patience is not the same as acceptance,” he said.

Labor’s member for Tarneit, Dylan Wight, has also announced a $200,000 security commitment if the government is re-elected.

Mr Wight told Australia Today that the security improvements would be determined in consultation with temple management.

The competing election pledges follow mounting concern from temple representatives and Hindu organisations over repeated damage at the premises on Davis Road in Mount Cottrell, in the Tarneit area.

The Hindu Council of Australia’s Victorian chapter separately condemned the repeated incidents in a statement.

President Gurpreet Verma said,

It said women, children and older devotees were increasingly concerned about attending the temple. The council alleged that nobody had been identified or held accountable despite repeated reports to police, and called for a thorough investigation.

Mr Wight, in his statement, condemned the cutting of power lines on 31 October and acknowledged the community’s frustration.

“No community should have to continually repair damage to their place of worship or fear for their safety when coming together to celebrate their faith and culture,” he said.

He also acknowledged the financial and emotional toll of the repeated incidents.

Shadow Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Affairs Evan Mulholland condemned the damage in a statement dated 8 November.

He said the community had paid thousands of dollars to reconnect electricity after the first incident, only for the supply to be cut again before Diwali.

“No faith community in Victoria should have to live like this,” Mr Mulholland said.

“Families, women and children deserve to feel safe at their place of worship.”

The temple-specific pledges come after Premier Ben Carroll announced a broader proposed Temple and Gurdwara Safety Fund worth more than $11 million, including $1 million earmarked for Sri Durga Temple in Deanside.

That fund, announced on 1 November, is a Labor election commitment conditional on re-election at the 28 November state poll. The original announcement did not identify an allocation for SMVS.

The latest commitments give SMVS worshippers specific security funding promises from both major parties. The community organisations are also seeking police action, regular updates and practical protection to prevent further attacks.

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The Victorian Liberals and Nationals have announced they will introduce Aidan’s Law if elected on 28 November, requiring courts to specifically consider attacks on good Samaritans as an aggravating circumstance when sentencing offenders.

The proposal follows calls for stronger legal protections from Aidan’s mother, Natalie Becker, whose son died on 6 March 2026 after intervening to help a 14-year-old boy allegedly being assaulted and robbed at Mernda railway station in Melbourne’s north.

Aidan, a security guard at The Alfred Hospital, was returning home from work when he witnessed the confrontation.

According to Victoria Police, the young man stepped in to protect the schoolboy and attempted to lead him away from danger. He was subsequently followed and allegedly attacked by a group using fists, kicks and edged weapons.

Despite efforts by bystanders and emergency services, Aidan died at the scene.

Four people were subsequently charged with murder and armed robbery in connection with his death. Three teenage defendants pleaded not guilty to murder in August, with their matters transferred to the Supreme Court. The allegations remain subject to court proceedings.

The tragedy prompted an outpouring of grief across Melbourne, with thousands gathering at Mernda railway station for a candlelight vigil in Aidan’s memory.

A memorial plaque was also unveiled at the station in June, recognising his courage and sacrifice.

Under the Coalition’s proposed legislation, Victoria’s Sentencing Act 1991 would be amended to explicitly require judges and magistrates to consider whether a victim was attacked while acting as a good Samaritan.

Although courts can already take such circumstances into account, the Coalition argues the absence of a specific statutory requirement fails to adequately recognise the seriousness of attacks on people attempting to protect others.

The proposed change would apply at sentencing following a conviction. It would not create a separate criminal offence or automatically impose a fixed additional penalty.

Wilson said Aidan’s actions demonstrated extraordinary courage and should lead to lasting legislative change.

“Aidan’s courage should never be forgotten, and his legacy should be a law that stands up for people who stand up for others,” Wilson said.

“Every parent hopes that if their child is ever in danger, someone will be brave enough to step in and help.

“That’s exactly what Aidan did. He saw a young boy in trouble, stepped in to protect him, and never made it home.”

Wilson said the young man’s death had devastated his family and raised serious questions about how the justice system recognises people who put themselves at risk to help others.

“Aidan was just 22 years old and had his whole life ahead of him. His family should be planning his future, not mourning his loss,” she said.

“What happened to Aidan was heartbreaking. But we have an opportunity to make sure something good comes from this terrible tragedy.”

“If you’re brave enough to stand up for someone else, the law should stand up for you.”

Shadow Attorney-General James Newbury said the proposed legislation would provide clearer direction to courts when dealing with attacks on people attempting to prevent violence.

“Aidan’s Law will send a clear message that attacks on people helping others must be taken seriously by the courts,” Newbury said.

“Victorians should never have to think twice about helping someone in danger because they’re worried about becoming a victim themselves.”

Newbury also criticised the Victorian Labor Government’s approach to sentencing reform, arguing that changes could be introduced without waiting for another comprehensive review.

“We don’t need another review to recognise that people who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others deserve the full backing of the law,” he said.

The announcement comes as the Victorian Government undertakes a broader review of the Sentencing Act.

The review, announced in May 2026 and funded through the state budget, is being conducted by the Sentencing Advisory Council. It will consider how sentencing laws can better reflect community expectations, support victims and improve consistency across the justice system.

Importantly, the government’s review specifically includes sentencing outcomes for offences against people intervening to stop violence.

The council is expected to deliver its final recommendations to the Attorney-General in mid-2028, with public consultation scheduled to begin in April 2027.

The Coalition argues that victims and families should not have to wait until that review is completed for the proposed protections to be introduced.

However, the reform would not guarantee a particular sentence. Courts would still need to consider the circumstances of each offence, the offender and other applicable sentencing principles.

The announcement adds another criminal justice proposal to the Coalition’s election platform, with law and order becoming a major issue ahead of Victoria’s 28 November election.

For Aidan Becker’s family, the proposal offers the possibility of a lasting legal recognition of the young man’s actions on the day he died.

The Coalition says it wants his name to become associated with a principle that people who put themselves in danger to protect others deserve specific recognition under Victorian sentencing law.

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Premier Ben Carroll said learning a language could help young people maintain connections with their heritage while opening up future opportunities.

“Learning a language doesn’t just help young people stay connected to their past – it can unlock their future,” Carroll said.

“Labor will always back our Indian community.”

He added that Victoria’s multicultural community speaks hundreds of languages and every student should have the opportunity to study the language they want, irrespective of where they live.

“Every Victorian student should have the opportunity to study the language they want, no matter where they live.”

The commitment aims to remove barriers for students whose local schools do not offer the language they wish to study, particularly those living in regional and rural communities.

Under the proposal, the VSL would expand its online language programme from the current 17 VCE languages to all 44 modern VCE languages from 2028.

This would allow students to study Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali and Tamil online, regardless of whether their local school offers these subjects.

Labor has also committed to exploring the possibility of making Sanskrit available to Victorian students.

More than 16,000 Victorian students are studying a VCE language this year, while around 800 currently access online language classes through the VSL.

The proposed $43 million investment would increase the school’s capacity to deliver online classes and provide thousands more students with access to language education, regardless of where they live.

Minister for Education Gabrielle Williams said the investment would improve access to language education, particularly for students in regional and rural communities.

“By investing in the Victorian School of Languages, we’ll give more students better access to language education – particularly in regional and rural communities.”

The announcement forms part of Labor’s education commitments ahead of the Victorian election.

The government has contrasted the proposed investment with what it describes as a $40 billion cuts agenda from a Liberal–One Nation Coalition, arguing that reduced education funding could put language programmes at risk.

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Quan Liu, also known as Christine, was sentenced to two years and six months’ imprisonment on Friday, 6 November 2026. The sentence will be served in the community under an Intensive Correction Order (ICO), and she must complete 120 hours of community service.

Liu, who was earning $275,000 a year as the government agency’s CFO, used the taxpayer-funded flights to travel to China six times over 14 months between 2022 and 2023 to visit her elderly parents.

According to court reporting, she sought business class travel because she believed the roomier cabin would reduce her risk of contracting COVID-19 and passing the virus to her parents. She was also concerned about the possibility of being placed in a quarantine camp under China’s strict pandemic restrictions.

The court heard that her fear of COVID-19 influenced her decisions, particularly during the first two trips, and remained a factor throughout the offending.

Liu pleaded guilty to dishonestly obtaining a financial gain from a Commonwealth entity and an offence relating to facilitating the unlawful entry of a non-citizen into Australia. The latter offence concerned falsified official documents used to secure an Australian business visa for her cousin.

The offences were prosecuted under section 135.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) and section 234(1)(c) of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), respectively.

Judge Ross Hudson said Liu had abused the position of trust placed in her by the Australian public and that the sentence needed to deter others from similar conduct.

“This is a jail sentence but you’re servicing that jail sentence in the community.”

In deciding that the sentence could be served through an Intensive Correction Order, the judge considered her genuine regret and remorse, ongoing rehabilitation, lack of prior criminal history and the potential impact of full-time imprisonment on her mental health.

The court also heard that Liu had been experiencing the onset of a major depressive illness when she committed the offences and had since received psychological assistance.

Her conduct was described as lacking sophistication or complexity, with the judge also taking into account the exceptional circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges of being separated from her elderly parents.

Liu lost her position at Tourism Australia, where she had worked for about five years, after the conduct was discovered. She repaid $36,000 to the organisation when asked and was ordered to repay the remaining amount of approximately $13,000.

AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said the misuse of public funds undermined confidence in government processes and institutions.

“Those entrusted with public resources have a responsibility to act with integrity, and the AFP will not hesitate to investigate conduct which may breach this trust.”

He said fraud against the Commonwealth was not a victimless crime, as money diverted for personal gain could otherwise be used to deliver services to the Australian community.

The AFP encouraged the public to report suspected fraud, corruption and other serious misconduct to help protect public funds and maintain confidence in government institutions.

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The post Former Tourism Australia executive avoids full-time jail over $50,000 flight fraud and visa offence; ordered to complete 120 hours of community service first appeared on The Australia Today.

The fatal stabbing occurred on Frederick Way shortly before 8.10pm on Friday, 6 November, after the two delivery riders allegedly confronted a man suspected of tampering with their bicycles.

According to reports, the alleged attacker stabbed one rider multiple times in the chest and wounded the second man once. Emergency services attended the scene and performed CPR on the first victim, but he died at the scene.

The second rider, a man in his 30s, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The victim has not yet been formally identified. However, a witness who knew him told the Herald Sun that he was a father of two whose children were in China.

“He was working all day here, trying to feed his family. He delivered food to me before. I know this guy. I can recognise his face,” the witness said.

The witness described the incident as deeply distressing, saying he had never expected such violence in Australia.

Footage shared on WeChat reportedly showed a man collapsing against a restaurant wall as another person tried to help him. A bystander could be heard calling for towels to apply pressure to the wound while another person asked for an ambulance.

Other HungryPanda riders reportedly chased the alleged attacker towards a nearby bus station in an attempt to apprehend him, but he escaped while still carrying a knife.

Victoria Police established a crime scene between Queen Street and A’Beckett Street, with Homicide Squad detectives investigating the circumstances surrounding the stabbing.

On Saturday morning, detectives arrested a 51-year-old Footscray man in connection with the incident. He remains in custody and is expected to be interviewed by police.

Police have said they are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident. Investigations are continuing.

HungryPanda said it was deeply saddened by the death and extended its condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones.

The food delivery company said it had established a dedicated response team and was contacting the family to offer assistance and support.

“The safety and wellbeing of every delivery rider remain among our highest priorities,” the company said, adding that it was also providing guidance and support to its rider community.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of food delivery workers. A recent survey of 250 delivery riders and drivers by law firm Slater and Gordon found that 65 per cent were concerned about their safety while working.

Half of those surveyed said they were worried about being assaulted while working, including 34 per cent who identified risks while in their vehicles and 25 per cent at customers’ premises or food collection locations.

Among motorcycle riders, 52 per cent expressed concern about assault while picking up or delivering food.

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The post Delivery rider and father of two stabbed to death in Melbourne; 51-year-old man arrested first appeared on The Australia Today.

In the video, Roberts refers to concerns reportedly raised by truck drivers in Western Australia and Queensland about Indian migrants allegedly obtaining heavy vehicle licences too easily or operating without the required licences.

The issue was discussed during a Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee hearing on 9 February 2026, when representatives of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) were questioned about unlicensed and inadequately trained drivers.

During the hearing, Roberts asked whether particular nationalities or ethnic groups appeared more frequently in reports involving unlicensed or untrained drivers.

He said he had heard from truck drivers in Western Australia and Queensland that “a lot of Indians are getting licences very easily – or not getting licences”, while acknowledging that the concerns were anecdotal.

NHVR representative Rosie told the committee that the regulator’s risk-based approach was ethnicity-agnostic. She said the regulator had not identified a particular ethnic profile among higher-risk operators, with enforcement action based on operator behaviour and assessed safety risks.

The NHVR acknowledged an increase in concerns involving unlicensed or inappropriately licensed drivers and said it was undertaking surveillance and targeted operations to address compliance issues.

However, responsibility for driver licensing rests with state and territory authorities. The regulator said jurisdictions were examining ways to improve consistency in training and qualification requirements.

The hearing also discussed the employment of overseas workers in the transport sector. While employers can recruit migrants to address workforce shortages, new arrivals must still meet Australian licensing requirements before driving heavy vehicles.

The NHVR said it was also working on improved data matching across agencies, including linking Australian Business Numbers with driver risk profiles to strengthen monitoring of operators.

The debate comes as Australia’s road transport industry continues to face a significant shortage of truck drivers.

Industry estimates have put the shortfall at about 28,000 drivers, while a substantial proportion of the existing workforce is approaching retirement age.

An ABC report in January 2026 highlighted the industry’s ageing workforce, with almost half of truck drivers aged 55 or older, raising concerns about the need to attract and retain new workers.

At the same time, Indian and Punjabi truck drivers have reported experiencing racism and intimidation while working on Australian roads.

An ABC investigation published in January 2026 documented accounts of racist abuse, death threats, spitting and racial slurs directed at Indian truck drivers, including abuse broadcast over UHF radios.

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The post “Many Indian immigrants are obtaining truck licences too easily or operating without them,” recalls One Nation senator citing concerns raised by truck drivers first appeared on The Australia Today.

Vickrum Digwa, who was originally sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years, had challenged the sentence as “manifestly excessive”. However, Attorney General Ellie Reeves referred the case to the Court of Appeal, arguing it was “unduly lenient”.

As per local media reports, Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr, sitting with Mr Justice Nicklin and Mr Justice Wall, quashed the original minimum term and replaced it with 25 years.

After deducting 175 days spent in custody on remand, Digwa must serve a minimum of 24 years and 190 days before he can be considered for parole.

Digwa was convicted of stabbing Nowak several times with a large dagger during an attack in Belmont Road, Southampton, on 3 December 2025. Nowak, who was 18, was from Chafford Hundred in Essex.

In its ruling, the court said the original sentence did not adequately reflect the seriousness of the murder, particularly the repeated use of a large dagger with intent to kill and the conduct that followed the stabbing.

Lady Chief Justice Carr said the original sentence had understated the “deliberate cruelty, additional suffering and obstruction” that followed the attack.

She said that although the sentencing judge had been entitled to start from a minimum term of 15 years, a significant increase was required because of the use of the large weapon.

The court also considered Digwa’s conduct after the stabbing, including filming Nowak as he lay dying and misleading emergency responders.

Digwa had told police that Nowak attacked and racially abused him. The trial judge found his allegations of racism to be a lie. However, the Court of Appeal said it was unnecessary to determine whether the allegation was false because its assessment of the appropriate sentence remained unchanged even if that finding was left out of account.

The court also stressed that the fact that carrying a religious blade may have been lawful did not lessen the seriousness of its subsequent use to kill.

Digwa, who was 22 at the time of the murder, had been carrying a small kirpan around his neck and a larger dagger in a sheath, associated with the Nihang Sikh tradition.

The Attorney General’s representative argued that the original sentence failed to account adequately for the aggravating circumstances, including the use of the dagger, attempts to obstruct justice and the involvement of Digwa’s mother in concealing evidence.

Digwa’s mother, Kiran Kaur, 53, was jailed for three years in July after being convicted of assisting an offender by removing the knife from the murder scene. She abandoned her appeal against her sentence shortly before Thursday’s hearing.

The Court of Appeal also refused Digwa permission to appeal against his sentence, ruling that it was not arguable that the increased minimum term was manifestly excessive.

Nowak’s family described the decision as an important step towards justice but said no sentence could bring their son back.

They added that their fight for justice was far from over and said they would support an independent rapid review being carried out by Alex Chalk.

Attorney General Ellie Reeves welcomed the ruling, saying the brutality and cruelty of the case had horrified her and that her thoughts remained with Nowak’s family.

Digwa has separately applied for permission to appeal against his murder conviction. That application will be considered independently.

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The post Vickrum Digwa gets 25-year minimum jail term for Henry Nowak’s murder as mother Kiran Kaur is jailed for concealing the large dagger first appeared on The Australia Today.

Organised by Asialink in partnership with Johnson Partners, the Asian-Australian Leadership Awards celebrate the achievements and leadership of Australians of Asian heritage across a range of fields, including media, education, business, science, medicine, arts and community advocacy. The 2026 Media category finalists also include WIN News weather presenter and journalist Bo Jeong, Heidi H. of Launch Story and Play School presenter and writer Leah Vandenberg. The winners will be announced at a gala dinner in Sydney on 12 November.

Dr Sarwal’s recognition reflects a career spanning academia, journalism, research, writing and publishing, with a particular focus on Australia–Asia relations, migration, cultural identity and the experiences of diaspora communities. An accomplished scholar and author, he has published several books, including Labels and Locations, South Asian Diaspora Narratives, The Dancing God and The Celestial Dancers. His work has explored the intersections of culture, migration, gender, performance and identity, contributing to a deeper understanding of the connections between Australia and South Asia.

He has also co-edited several significant publications on Australian studies and international relations, including Bridging Imaginations: South Asian Diaspora in Australia and Enriched Relations: Public Diplomacy in Australia-Indian Relations. His more recent literary and translation work includes I Will Take You to the Colony of the Chamars and Other Poems, bringing the socially conscious poetry of legendary Hindi poet Adam Gondvi to English-speaking readers. Through his academic and publishing work, Dr Sarwal has consistently championed cross-cultural understanding and given wider visibility to voices and narratives that often remain underrepresented.

As co-founder of The Australia Today, Dr Sarwal has also played an important role in building an independent digital multicultural media platform that has become an influential voice in Australia’s media landscape. Established in 2021, the publication has grown its readership and reach through coverage of Australian public affairs, multicultural communities, international developments and Australia–Asia relations. Its editorial approach, commitment to independent journalism and focus on stories that connect communities have helped establish its distinctive place in the Australian media ecosystem.

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The post The Australia Today Co-Founder and well-known scholar Dr Amit Sarwal among finalists for 2026 Asian-Australian Leadership Awards first appeared on The Australia Today.

The survey, published by the Herald Sun, puts the Liberal Party on 31 per cent, One Nation on 23 per cent and the Greens on 14 per cent. Another 10 per cent of respondents favour other parties or independents.

Conducted by News Corp Australia’s Growth Intelligence Centre, the poll adds to evidence that Labor faces a difficult battle to retain government after 12 years in office.

The survey questioned 1,289 voters between October 19 and November 1 across two weekly waves. Its weighted effective sample was 887, with a reported margin of error of 3.3 percentage points.

While One Nation’s one-point advantage over Labor is too narrow to establish a clear lead, the figures show the government struggling to attract first preferences as the campaign enters its final weeks.

Labor’s position contrasts sharply with its 2022 election result. Victorian Electoral Commission figures show the party secured 37.03 per cent of first preferences and won 56 lower house seats. A primary vote of 22 per cent would represent a decline of about 15 percentage points.

The Lighthouse poll also found a substantial difference in voters’ assessments of the two major party leaders.

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson recorded a net favourability rating of plus nine, compared with minus 21 for Carroll.

According to the Herald Sun’s report, only 23 per cent of respondents approved of the government and believed it deserved re-election.

The survey also suggested Labor’s remaining supporters were less certain about their voting intentions than those backing its opponents.

Among respondents intending to vote Labor, 47 per cent said they were “very” certain of their choice. That compared with 59 per cent of Coalition supporters and 64 per cent of One Nation supporters.

Separate research from Roy Morgan reinforces the picture of a government under electoral pressure.

Its October 26–29 SMS survey of 3,610 Victorian electors put the Coalition on 29.5 per cent, Labor on 22.5 per cent, One Nation on 22 per cent and the Greens on 12.5 per cent.

On a two-party-preferred basis, Roy Morgan recorded a Coalition lead of 56 per cent to Labor’s 44 per cent. Labor’s primary vote was unchanged from its earlier October survey, while the Coalition gained 3.5 percentage points.

The polling comes as Labor directs digital advertising towards electorates traditionally regarded as strong territory.

The Herald Sun’s analysis of Google advertising spending identified Dandenong, Kalkallo, Cranbourne, Werribee and Point Cook among seats receiving substantial attention. Carroll’s electorate of Niddrie was also being targeted.

The newspaper reported that Dandenong and Kalkallo were held on margins of 18.3 and 16.5 per cent respectively, placing them well outside the usual marginal-seat battleground.

Monash University political scientist Associate Professor Zareh Ghazarian told the Herald Sun that the spending suggested concern within Labor about defending its heartland.

“To be spending money in Dandenong or Kalkallo – these are on very big margins and normally wouldn’t even be in any discussion about being lost,” he said.

Advertising spending does not establish that a seat will change hands, but the reported targeting indicates Labor is investing campaign resources across a broad defensive front.

The final result will depend on individual electorate contests and preference flows. Under Victoria’s preferential voting system, lower house candidates must secure an absolute majority after preferences are distributed where necessary.

Roy Morgan has cautioned that the highly contested nature of several seats and the challenge posed by One Nation mean a Coalition majority remains uncertain despite its polling advantage.

Victorians begin voting early on Wednesday, November 18, ahead of election day on Saturday, November 28.

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The post Carroll’s election nightmare: Labor crashes to 22 per cent, Liberals take commanding primary vote lead first appeared on The Australia Today.

The NSW Government and NSW Police announced the reward on Friday as detectives continued an international search for the 25-year-old.

Pele is the subject of four outstanding warrants relating to offences including murder, shooting with intent to murder, conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to kidnap and supplying commercial quantities of prohibited drugs.

Police allege he fled Australia in August 2023. Investigators believe he remains overseas, but his exact whereabouts are unknown.

State Crime Command detectives are working with the Australian Federal Police and international law enforcement agencies to locate him and bring him before the courts.

NSW Police and Counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley said the reward would support efforts to arrest one of Australia’s most wanted fugitives.

“The violence we have seen play out on our streets is horrific, even more so as innocent people have been caught up in it,” she said.

“Those allegedly orchestrating these sickening crimes think they can avoid justice by paying others to carry out violent acts, while they’re living large overseas. They couldn’t be more wrong.”

Catley said NSW Police were doing everything possible to bring those responsible to justice, backed by the government’s $250,000 reward.

State Crime Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree, appealed to anyone with knowledge of Pele’s movements or support networks to contact investigators.

“We know that fugitives rely on support networks, associates and others who may have knowledge of their whereabouts. Even the smallest piece of information could prove critical in locating Pele and facilitating his arrest,” he said.

Greentree said investigators would continue pursuing leads in Australia and overseas until Pele was apprehended.

“If you know where Anthony Pele is, or if you have information about his movements, associates or whereabouts since leaving Australia, I urge you to come forward.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through the NSW Crime Stoppers website.

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The post ‘Living large overseas’. Minister’s warning as $250,000 fugitive reward announced first appeared on The Australia Today.

The referral, made on 22 October 2026, follows opinions from four overseas medical specialists who have questioned aspects of the original medical conclusions that led to the woman’s conviction in 2021.

As per Awaaz, the woman, whose identity is suppressed and who is referred to as Zita, was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison after a jury found her guilty of injuring her eight-week-old daughter in Auckland in November 2018.

Her husband, referred to as Ravi, was acquitted.

The commission’s decision does not overturn Zita’s convictions or establish that she is innocent. It allows the Court of Appeal to reconsider the case in light of medical evidence that was not available to the original jury or the court during her first appeal.

It is reported that the incident occurred around Diwali in November 2018, when the couple were living apart following an argument over household responsibilities.

At 5.27 pm on 7 November, Zita sent her husband a message saying: “Baby is crying a lot, I don’t know what happened.” She sent the same message again nine minutes later.

It is further reported that the messages formed part of the prosecution’s case. Zita had reportedly made 296 calls and sent text messages to Ravi that day, including a threat to drink bleach.

After Ravi returned home, neighbours reported hearing a baby crying, a man yelling and a woman screaming.

The following morning, the couple took their daughter to a doctor, who suspected meningitis and called an ambulance.

At Auckland’s Starship Hospital, medical scans revealed bleeding around the baby’s brain, a fractured skull and multiple fractures involving her ribs and limbs.

Doctors concluded that the injuries were consistent with non-accidental trauma.

During the trial, a Starship radiologist testified that imaging showed 38 rib fractures involving 18 ribs, five leg fractures, two arm fractures and five toe fractures, as well as a skull fracture.

Doctors also identified bleeding around the brain and haemorrhaging in one eye.

Some fractures appeared to be healing, suggesting the injuries had occurred at different times. Prosecutors argued that Zita had inflicted earlier injuries in October and caused more recent injuries during the Diwali period.

The prosecution also relied on her role as the baby’s principal caregiver and alleged inconsistencies in her accounts.

Zita denied harming her daughter. Her defence questioned whether an underlying bone condition had been adequately excluded.

The baby had low calcium and very low vitamin D levels. However, a Starship specialist told the court that these deficiencies could not explain the injuries.

Four medical experts gave evidence for the prosecution, while no medical expert appeared for the defence.

Zita’s first appeal was dismissed in September 2022, with the Court of Appeal describing the medical evidence of non-accidental injury as overwhelming.

It is reported that the latest review followed efforts by former race relations commissioner Joris de Bres, who supported the family and brought the case to the attention of Newsroom journalists Melanie Reid and Bonnie Sumner.

The journalists obtained the child’s medical records and scans and sought independent opinions from overseas specialists.

The experts examined possible alternative explanations for aspects of the injuries, including complications associated with the baby’s difficult birth, vitamin D deficiency and underlying bone health.

Their reports raised questions about whether some of the original medical findings could have explanations other than deliberate injury.

The case also touches on wider medical debate surrounding abusive head trauma, historically associated with shaken baby syndrome, and the extent to which medical findings can reliably distinguish inflicted injuries from other possible causes.

The new opinions do not establish that the injuries were accidental. However, they challenge aspects of the medical evidence central to the prosecution’s case.

Acting Chief Commissioner Paula Rose said significant expert evidence had emerged that was unavailable to the original jury and the Court of Appeal.

The commission considered that the interests of justice required the convictions to be reconsidered.

Health New Zealand has previously said Starship stands by the expertise of its child-protection team.

The case has had profound consequences for the family.

Their daughter was removed from their care following the hospital investigation and subsequently lived in four foster homes.

Ravi was acquitted but was initially unable to secure custody of the child. The parents were also required to live separately under bail conditions.

In 2019, Zita’s father died in India, but she could not attend his funeral because her passport was held by the court.

The couple also terminated a second pregnancy that year, later telling RNZ they feared authorities would remove another child.

Zita had arrived in New Zealand in 2014, completed a business qualification and worked as a restaurant manager. Ravi joined her after their marriage in India.

Following her release from prison, Zita faced deportation proceedings, while Ravi’s immigration status also remained uncertain.

Her deportation was cancelled in early 2025 following intervention by Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk. She obtained a work visa in March 2025 but struggled to find employment because of her conviction.

In April 2025, the Family Court returned custody of their daughter, who was then six years old.

Despite regaining custody, the family continued to face difficulties rebuilding their lives. At the time of an RNZ interview, Zita was living with her brother, while Ravi and their daughter stayed with relatives.

The parents also spoke about the impact of their separation on their daughter’s connection with Indian culture and family traditions.

The Court of Appeal will now consider the new medical opinions alongside the evidence presented at the original trial.

The referral represents a significant development in a case that has kept the family apart for years, but it does not guarantee that the convictions will be overturned.

For Zita, the legal process has affected her freedom, employment prospects, immigration status and ability to live with her husband and daughter.

Speaking to RNZ in June 2025, she described her hopes for the future. “I’m not planning much because the last time I did, things didn’t end well,” she said.

“My only dream is to live with my husband and daughter as a family.”

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The woman was arrested following a joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and NSW Police Force, which began in December 2025 after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers discovered illicit drugs inside a shipping container declared as containing coconut water.

Police will allege the consignment contained 800 litres of coconut water mixed with liquid methamphetamine.

Investigators executed a search warrant at a unit in Macquarie Park, Sydney, on 4 September 2026, arresting the woman at the property.

Police allege the address was connected to the intended final delivery location of the shipment.

During the search, officers seized several digital devices, which are expected to undergo further forensic examination.

Police allege the woman was responsible for funding and coordinating the attempted importation.

She was charged with importing a commercial quantity of methamphetamine under section 307.1 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code. The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The woman appeared before the NSW Bail Division Court on 5 September 2026, where she was refused bail. She was scheduled to appear before the Downing Centre Local Court on 4 November 2026.

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Pauline Hanson, leader of One Nation, criticised the Federal Government following the announcement.

“David Jones, a beloved Australian icon and the world’s oldest department store, has entered administration after 188 years, putting 6,000 jobs at risk,” she said.

“Another Australian business buckling. More workers paying the price for Jim Chalmers’ budget and the Albanese Labor government’s economic mismanagement.”

As per AFR, the retailer’s board appointed insolvency firm McGrathNicol as voluntary administrators on Thursday morning, following the breakdown of negotiations with major landlords over unpaid rent and the future of its store network.

Separately, secured lender Hilco Capital appointed Christopher Hill, David McGrath and Joanne Dunn of FTI Consulting as joint and several receivers and managers.

The appointments follow months of financial pressure, mounting losses and unsuccessful efforts by the retailer to secure more favourable lease arrangements and exit underperforming stores.

David Jones chief executive Erica Berchtold and representatives of its private equity owner, Anchorage Capital Partners, are expected to address staff at the company’s Melbourne headquarters.

The retailer employs more than 6,000 people across Australia and New Zealand, with its 38-store network now facing an uncertain future. Reports suggest up to 26 stores could be affected as administrators and receivers assess options for restructuring the business.

Landlord negotiations collapse

The immediate crisis followed failed discussions with Scentre Group, the owner of Westfield shopping centres, where 17 David Jones stores operate.

Scentre said David Jones had not paid rent since 30 September and was in breach of its tenancy agreements.

The landlord confirmed it held $45 million in bank guarantees across its Australian and New Zealand portfolio, with its direct share amounting to $30 million.

Scentre chief executive Elliott Rusanow told news.com.au the company had offered Anchorage Capital Partners assistance that would have allowed David Jones to continue trading through the busy Christmas period, retain staff and address some of its loss-making tenancies.

However, he said the offer had been rejected.

David Jones had been seeking rent reductions and concessions from several landlords as it attempted to reduce occupancy costs and restructure its national store network.

The retailer spent $125 million on lease and rent costs in the 2025 financial year, alongside $153 million in finance costs.

Its financial difficulties have also affected suppliers, with several brands reportedly tightening credit terms, delaying stock deliveries or withdrawing products amid concerns about outstanding payments.

Store closures and jobs in focus

The administration process is expected to bring significant changes to the retailer’s operations, with store closures and job losses among the key concerns.

David Jones had reportedly been considering reducing its network from 38 stores to about 12, focusing on a smaller number of flagship and profitable locations.

Several stores in Westfield shopping centres had been under review, including locations in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Canberra.

The retailer has also experienced the departure or planned withdrawal of several major fashion and luxury brands.

Country Road Group, which operates Country Road, Witchery, Mimco, Politix and Trenery, has announced plans to reduce its concession presence across selected David Jones stores from early 2027.

Luxury labels including Dior and Gucci have also withdrawn some of their products, while Chanel has reduced its offering.

The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA), which represents retail workers, said its immediate priority was to protect as many jobs as possible and ensure workers received their full legal and financial entitlements if redundancies occurred.

SDA national secretary Gerard Dwyer told ABC the union was pursuing two key objectives: preserving employment wherever possible and protecting workers’ entitlements if positions were lost.

He also welcomed the Federal Government’s payday super reforms, saying they would help protect workers from losing up to three months of unpaid superannuation if a company collapsed.

Years of financial pressure

As per reports, David Jones has faced sustained financial challenges under Anchorage Capital Partners, which acquired the department store from South Africa’s Woolworths Holdings in 2023.

The retailer recorded a pre-tax loss of $95.5 million in the 2025 financial year, following a $74.1 million loss in the previous year. Sales also fell by almost nine per cent.

It also missed the 30 October deadline to lodge its 2026 financial accounts with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), with auditor PwC yet to sign off on the accounts.

ASIC had confirmed that David Jones remained under investigation in relation to its 2025 accounts.

The retailer had previously said its INSPIRE30 strategy was aimed at repositioning the business as an upmarket fashion destination, reviewing its store portfolio and adjusting trading arrangements with suppliers and brand partners.

However, the departure of major brands, mounting rental costs and competition from online retailers have added to the pressure on the historic department store.

The administration marks a major turning point for one of Australia’s best-known department store brands, founded in Sydney in 1838.

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The four countries confirmed their continued cooperation with the Fijian Government in a joint statement issued after the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, on 31 October 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen maritime connectivity, improve trade infrastructure and expand economic opportunities across the Pacific.

A key part of the partnership will see the United States Millennium Challenge Corporation support Fiji in developing a Port Strategic Development Framework, while Australia assesses the feasibility of a potential new transshipment port facility.

The proposed cooperation covers infrastructure modernisation at three key locations – Suva, Lautoka and Rokobili – as Fiji seeks to strengthen its position as a regional centre for maritime trade and logistics.

The Government of Fiji has welcomed the Quad’s continued commitment, saying the partnership could improve access to regional and international markets, strengthen trade competitiveness and create opportunities for business growth and investment.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka thanked the Quad partners for supporting high-quality infrastructure development aligned with Fiji’s national priorities and the wider Pacific region.

“Through continued cooperation, we can advance infrastructure development, support sustainable economic growth, strengthen regional integration and contribute to a more connected, resilient and prosperous Pacific,” Mr Ditoka said.

Australia’s support includes assessing the feasibility of a new transshipment port, which could strengthen Fiji’s capacity to handle maritime trade and improve regional shipping connections. The joint statement did not specify the proposed facility’s investment value, construction timeline or location.

The Quad partners also highlighted their wider infrastructure cooperation across the Indo-Pacific, noting that they have provided more than 2,000 infrastructure fellowships across the Pacific, Southeast Asia and South Asia.

The latest announcement reinforces the Quad’s engagement with Fiji on economic security, resilient infrastructure and regional connectivity, while supporting the country’s ambitions to expand its role in Pacific trade and logistics.

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The high-stakes operation, which concluded on 2 November, followed the hijacking of the Iranian fishing vessel Azini by armed pirates on 29 October. Working over 48 hours, the Indian Navy deployed a mission-ready warship and maritime reconnaissance aircraft to locate, track and contain the vessel.

Marine Commandos (MARCOS), supported by a precision airdrop from an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft, subsequently took part in the intervention. All 20 crew members were rescued safely, without casualties or injuries, according to India’s Ministry of Defence. The Navy also prevented the vessel from potentially being used as a mother ship for further pirate attacks on commercial shipping.

The Indian Navy is one of the largest and most powerful navies in the world and has conducted several anti-piracy operations in recent years. In January 2024, INS Sumitra rescued 17 Iranian fishermen from the hijacked vessel Iman before carrying out another operation within 36 hours to free 19 Pakistani crew members aboard Al Naeemi.

In February that year, INS Sharda secured the release of another 19 hostages, comprising 11 Iranians and eight Pakistanis, from the hijacked fishing vessel Omari. These operations demonstrated India’s willingness and ability to protect seafarers regardless of nationality.

In March 2024, the Indian Navy undertook an even more complex operation to liberate the Maltese-flagged merchant vessel MV Ruen, which had been hijacked by Somali pirates. After more than 40 hours of sustained operations involving warships, surveillance aircraft, drones and marine commandos air-dropped by an IAF C-17, all 35 pirates surrendered and the vessel’s original 17 crew members were rescued. The operation took place approximately 2,600 kilometres from India.

Another significant intervention came days later, when Indian naval forces rescued all 23 Pakistani crew members aboard the Iranian fishing vessel Al Kambar, which had been hijacked by armed pirates off Somalia. Nine pirates surrendered following an operation involving two Indian Navy warships. These successive missions underline the Navy’s capacity to respond to multiple maritime emergencies across an extensive operational theatre.

What makes these operations strategically significant is not simply the number of people rescued, but the military capability behind them. The deployment of warships, long-range maritime surveillance aircraft, drones, helicopters and elite special forces demonstrates India’s ability to coordinate complex missions far beyond its coastline. Sustaining such operations requires considerable logistical support, intelligence capabilities and the ability to maintain a continuous naval presence across distant waters.

The Indian Ocean is a critical artery of global commerce, connecting energy-producing regions of the Middle East with major economies in Asia and beyond. Securing these waterways has implications for international trade, energy supplies and regional stability. India’s repeated success in anti-piracy operations demonstrates its increasingly consequential role in global maritime security.

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