Shekhar will take up the role on July 27, joining ANU at a time when the university is seeking to strengthen its engagement with prospective students, international partners and communities in Australia and overseas.

He joins ANU from the University of South Australia, where he served as Pro Vice-Chancellor: International and played a senior leadership role during the merger of UniSA and the University of Adelaide.

Shekhar brings more than 20 years of experience across universities, vocational education and training, education technology and purpose-built student accommodation.

ANU Acting Provost and Senior Vice-President Professor Joan Leach welcomed the appointment, saying Shekhar would help lead a coordinated approach to student engagement and global connection.

“Rishen joins ANU at an important moment as we deliver our new strategy for engaging with prospective students, partners and communities in Australia and around the world,” Professor Leach said.

“He will deliver a coordinated and ambitious approach to future student engagement, international recruitment and global connection, while staying focused on the distinctive story and mission of Australia’s national university.”

According to ANU, the Pro Vice-Chancellor role is part of the university’s senior leadership structure and is responsible for helping define the university’s international outlook and future student cohort, including international recruitment, student mobility and strategic education partnerships.

During his time at UniSA, Shekhar led portfolios covering international marketing and recruitment, global partnerships and business development, international government engagement, learning abroad, transnational education, admissions and compliance, and Navitas embedded pathway operations.

Before returning to the university sector, Shekhar was Business Development Director at StudyLink Asia Pacific, where he worked with universities, TAFE institutes and private education providers on cloud-based admissions, agent management and customer relationship management systems.

He also led the global deployment of the StudyLink Connect platform to a network of more than 1,000 education agents.

A former international student himself, Shekhar has also held senior sector leadership roles outside his university positions. He is a Senior Fellow and twice-elected Board Member of the International Education Association of Australia, serves on the board of St Ignatius’ College Adelaide, is an invited member of the IDP Connect ANZ Advisory Panel, and is a former executive member of the Australian Universities International Directors’ Forum.

ANU’s International and Future Students Division works to attract prospective students from Australia and overseas, manage domestic and international recruitment campaigns, and build relationships with education agents, schools, parents and sponsors.

Shekhar said he was looking forward to joining ANU in its 80th year and helping tell the university’s story more widely.

“I’m excited to be joining ANU in its 80th year with its rising QS rankings and excellent graduate employment outcomes in the recent QILT surveys,” Shekhar said.

“The core work of my role, leading the International and Future Students division, will be us collaborating across the University and telling our amazing story across Australia and the world.”

Shekhar said international education remained central to preparing graduates for a changing world and strengthening collaboration between nations and cultures.

His appointment comes as Australian universities continue to navigate major shifts in international education, student mobility, migration policy and global talent competition.

ANU said Shekhar’s appointment reflected its focus on future student engagement, international recruitment and building stronger global connections.

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The unnecessary controversy erupted after the MEA clarified that an Indian passport is primarily a travel document and not conclusive proof of citizenship, igniting intense debate on social media, with Opposition leaders and anti-government activists questioning how citizens are expected to establish their citizenship if even a passport is not considered definitive proof.

BJP leader Amit Malviya defended the government’s position, saying the MEA had not introduced any new rule and had only restated a long-settled legal position, pointing to a 2013 Bombay High Court ruling which held that citizenship must be established through a combination of documents — birth certificates, parents’ citizenship records, school records, electoral roll entries, and passports among others. Critics remained unconvinced.

Congress leader Dr Shashi Tharoor has called the MEA’s clarification a “distinction without a difference, meaningless to the average citizen,” arguing that it creates “an absurd legal paradox.” Writing on the occasion of Passport Seva Divas, Tharoor pointed out that Indians undergo gruelling police verifications and document checks precisely because the state demands concrete proof of citizenship before granting a passport — making it self-defeating to then declare that the same document does not prove citizenship.

Tharoor also noted that the Supreme Court has already ruled that Aadhaar is merely proof of identity and residence, not citizenship, leaving millions of Indians holding world-class biometric documents that are legally deemed conclusive of nothing. “This leaves millions of Indians in a bizarre administrative limbo where they possess world-class biometric and state-issued documents, yet none are legally deemed ‘conclusive’ proof of their nationality within their own borders,” he wrote.

His solution is practical and specific: amend the legal framework to make both passport and Aadhaar valid, conclusive proofs of Indian citizenship unless explicitly cancelled by the state. To address the complication that Aadhaar is currently issued to non-citizens resident in India for 182 days, Tharoor proposes that UIDAI introduce a visually distinct Aadhaar card — featuring, say, a visible diagonal red stripe — specifically designated for non-citizens, thereby allowing a standard citizen’s Aadhaar to serve as unambiguous proof of nationality. “By clearly demarcating the two categories, the state can safely mandate that carrying either a standard citizen’s Aadhaar or a valid passport is compulsory and sufficient proof of citizenship for all Indian nationals at all times,” he wrote, calling for a “common-sense legislative overhaul” to end what he dismissed as a “fatuous controversy.”

For Indians who have taken up or are in the process of taking up Australian citizenship, the MEA’s statement arrives at a particularly sensitive moment. As the MEA controversy swirled online this week, a far more practical question was being asked in the Melbourne Facebook group Indians in Melbourne by a community member who had just received Australian citizenship:

“After receiving citizenship, to return the Indian passport, can it be handed over to a relative who is returning back from a visit here so that they can formally hand it over to the Passport office back in India, or does it need an in-person appointment?”

The answer, based on current VFS Australia guidelines, is an unambiguous no. Applicants must submit their application to the VFS Centre of the Mission or Consulate having consular jurisdiction over their place of residence and provide a copy of valid address proof.

The surrender must be processed in Australia — not through a Passport Seva Kendra or Regional Passport Office in India — as the application is tied to the applicant’s Australian address. For those unable to visit in person, applications can be sent by post or courier, with no appointment required. Attempting to hand the passport to a departing relative risks administrative complications and could delay the Surrender Certificate needed for the OCI application.

Under the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955, dual citizenship is not permitted, and keeping, acquiring, or travelling on an Indian passport after acquisition of foreign citizenship constitutes an offence under the Indian Passport Act, 1967, attracting penalties.

The collection and delivery process of renunciation and surrender of passport and citizenship applications in Australia has been outsourced to VFS Global. The process requires the original Indian passport, a copy of the Australian passport, an Australian citizenship certificate, and photographs. Fees are approximately AUD 147 for post-2010 cases or AUD 32 for pre-June 2010 cases, not including VFS service charges. Once processed, the Consulate cancels the Indian passport and issues a Surrender Certificate as official proof that Indian citizenship has been renounced — a document essential for the next step: applying for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.

India launched the digital e-OCI system effective from 1 May 2026, featuring the e-OCI card with digital tracking, biometric consent, and faster processing. Applicants complete the online application form on the Government of India OCI portal at ociservices.gov.in, note down the Application Registration Number, upload all supporting documents, and then submit the physical application through VFS Global — the Consulate does not accept OCI applications directly. Processing typically takes four to six weeks. All applications must be made at the respective VFS offices in Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide.

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Earlier this month the University of Sydney launched an investigation into allegations miniature spy cameras were used to record and distribute exam content online.

At the same time, the UK’s national examinations regulator warned smart glasses, smartwatches and concealed earpieces are emerging threats for unis.

Chief regulator of qualifications Sir Ian Bauckham noted technology was “changing fast”:

There are smartwatches that we are increasingly seeing on young people and they are fully internet connected […] And I understand that in the pipeline there are even things like smart glasses […]

There is a renewed emphasis on having in-person exams in response to AI. University administrators have traditionally regarded in-person, invigilated exams as the most reliable way of ensuring students don’t cheat.

But the rise of these new wearable technologies could undermine this approach.

So what can Australian universities do in response?

A new generation of tech

Cheating in examinations is of course not new. Students have long relied on handwritten notes, information hidden on clothing, or materials accessed during bathroom breaks.

In 2022, a Spanish law student even gained media attention after engraving tiny notes onto plastic pens for an exam years earlier.

However, new types of wearable technology are changing how students can cheat.

Among the most significant developments are AI-enabled smart glasses with built-in microphones and cameras.

These can display AI-generated text, process spoken language and analyse written materials. They can be hard to distinguish from everyday glasses.

Research suggests even when images captured by smart glasses were blurry and warped, AI could still extract enough information to answer some exam questions correctly.

Alongside covert recording devices, micro earpieces are also available, allowing answers to be relayed to candidates.

Screen-enabled pens can also display and generate text, allowing users to access notes while appearing to use a normal pen.

Meanwhile, smartwatches remain a cheating risk. They can store notes, display text discreetly, and in some cases connect to other devices, the internet and AI chat functions.

As a 2026 paper by Australian researchers noted, transparent wearable AI – particularly AI-enabled smart glasses – are difficult for exam invigilators to detect.

How widespread is the issue?

We do not yet have robust data on Australian usage of smart devices for cheating.

But in the United Kingdom, the exam regulator reported 2,225 cases involving mobile phones and smart devices for tertiary and senior school exams in 2025. This accounted for 44.3% of all cheating cases.

China is also grappling with the issue. This month, its Ministry of Education warned bringing smart devices to exams, including smart glasses, counts as cheating.

Numerous Chinese provinces also introduced tighter exam security measures at the same time, including mandatory inspections of candidates’ glasses, manual checks and a wider rollout of smart security gates. These are electronic screening checkpoints that detect banned devices.

In Japan, covert recordings in 2024 prompted universities to take stricter security measures for exams.

What can we do?

In Australia, some universities have banned smart devices in supervised exams.

However, smart devices cannot be addressed through traditional invigilation alone.

Universities need to update policies to explicitly address smart glasses, AI earbuds and other wearable technologies. Invigilators require training to recognise devices. For example, thick-framed smart glasses, active indicator lights, concealed earpieces and screen-enabled pens.

Universities may also need to consider having exam rooms monitored by device screening technology, and secure storage procedures for prohibited items. While such systems involve upfront costs, they are already being used in China. This suggests the technology is commercially available and operationally feasible in universities.

Other changes are needed

Assessment design also needs to evolve. Exams that focus primarily on memorisation are more vulnerable to cheating than those requiring critical thinking, problem-solving and application of knowledge.

Universities should also improve systems to collect data on technology-enabled cheating. This will allow policies to be guided by evidence.

At the same time, institutions must avoid creating inequitable surveillance practices. Intensive scrutiny of glasses and hearing aids and what students are wearing may discriminate against students with disabilities, chronic health conditions and religious dress requirements. So universities face the challenge of balancing academic integrity with inclusion and accessibility.

Undermining academic integrity

If students are cheating on exams and unis don’t realise, the consequences extend beyond individual cases of misconduct.

Public trust in university qualifications may be weakened. As the UK regulator noted,

you end up with grades for qualifications which are no longer reliable, no longer trustworthy.

The challenge for higher education is not simply preventing cheating. It is ensuring assessment remains valid, credible and equitable in a world where AI and other technology is increasingly embedded into everyday devices and learning.

Meena Jha, Associate Professor, College of Information & Communication Technology, CQUniversity Australia

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Ilott joins Cricket ACT from Visit Victoria, where he is Director of Strategy and Planning, leading organisational strategy, corporate planning and performance frameworks.

His appointment follows the departure of Olivia Thornton, who left Cricket ACT to take up the role of CEO at Tennis NSW after what the organisation described as a transformative period for the game in the ACT.

Ilott has held senior roles across Visit Victoria, the Victorian Government, Cricket Victoria and Crown Melbourne, with experience spanning strategy, governance, infrastructure, economic recovery programs and stakeholder engagement.

During his time at Cricket Victoria, he worked in government relations and infrastructure engagement, helping build partnerships and support the development of cricket facilities and programs.

Cricket ACT Chair Greg Boorer said Ilott’s experience across sport, government and major organisations made him well-suited to lead the organisation.

“Anthony is a highly accomplished leader with a deep understanding of the intersection between sport, government and community,” Boorer said.

“Anthony has demonstrated a consistent ability to deliver complex strategic outcomes, secure significant investment, and build strong, enduring stakeholder relationships.”

Boorer said Ilott’s direct experience in cricket, combined with his record in organisational transformation, would support Cricket ACT’s next phase of growth.

“This positions Cricket ACT exceptionally well as we continue to expand participation, strengthen pathways, and enhance the role cricket plays across the ACT community,” he said.

“We are focused on ensuring cricket continues to thrive at all levels, from grassroots participation through to high performance, and Anthony’s leadership, vision and collaborative approach will be critical in achieving this.”

Ilott said he was honoured to take on the role and excited to help grow cricket across the region.

“Cricket has a unique ability to bring people together, and I am passionate about building on the strong foundations already in place,” Ilott said.

“My focus will be on strengthening participation across all levels of the game, supporting clubs and volunteers, enhancing pathways for players, and ensuring cricket remains inclusive, accessible and sustainable for future generations.”

He said collaboration with Cricket Australia, local clubs, government and community partners would be central to the organisation’s success.

“I look forward to working with Cricket Australia, local clubs, government and community partners to unlock new opportunities, invest in facilities and programs, and further elevate cricket’s impact across the ACT,” he said.

Cricket ACT said the appointment reflected its focus on governance, strategic growth and delivering better outcomes for players, clubs and the wider community.

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Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, from Rochdale, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court after being convicted of assaulting police officers PC Lydia Ward and PC Ellie Cook, as well as a member of the public, during the incident at Terminal 2 in July 2024.

The confrontation gained widespread attention after footage showing part of the incident was shared online. Prosecutors later presented additional CCTV footage to the jury showing events leading up to the arrest, including Amaaz allegedly headbutting a Starbucks customer and attacking officers who responded.

The court heard Amaaz initially resisted arrest before launching what prosecutors described as a “prolonged and unprovoked” attack.

PC Ward, who suffered a broken nose in the assault, told the court the incident had left a lasting impact.

“What you did was cowardly,” she said in a statement read during sentencing.

She said she had been “blindsided” by the attack and described the moment she was punched as one in which she feared for her safety.

PC Cook said the incident had caused significant emotional trauma and led her to give up her role as a firearms officer.

“I am traumatised by the incident and what you did that day,” she said.

“It pains me to say this, but because of what you have done to me, I have decided to give up being a firearms officer.”

The court heard Amaaz had argued he acted in self-defence during the confrontation.

However, Judge Neil Flewitt KC described him as the aggressor, saying the assaults were “prolonged and unprovoked”.

The sentencing follows the conclusion of a separate legal process involving allegations that a police officer kicked Amaaz while he was on the ground. The matter remains subject to an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said officers had responded to a report of a man being assaulted at the airport and were met with violence while carrying out their duties.

“Our officers were responding quickly to precisely the sort of outrageous criminal behaviour that rightly offends the public.”

He said assaults on police officers were “sadly all too common”, with dozens of officers attacked every week across Greater Manchester.

The court case concluded after two juries were unable to reach verdicts on allegations relating to a male police officer involved in the incident, with prosecutors deciding not to pursue a further trial.

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Fiji’s Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations said two individuals allegedly carried out unauthorised recruitment activities in Vatukoula and Martintar, Nadi, falsely claiming to represent Top of the Crop, a legitimate Australian employer participating in the PALM scheme.

According to the Ministry, the pair allegedly collected money from members of the public while offering overseas employment opportunities, despite having no authority to recruit or act on the company’s behalf.

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh said the government was treating the matter seriously and would continue working with law enforcement agencies to protect Fijians seeking overseas employment.

“The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme is a government-to-government arrangement between Fiji and Australia that is carefully managed through approved recruitment processes,” Minister Singh said.

“Fijians should be wary of anyone claiming to offer overseas jobs or requesting payments outside these official channels.”

Following reports of the alleged scam, Ministry officials, together with the Fiji Police Force, intercepted a gathering of about 80 people at a church hall in Martintar. The two individuals were taken in for questioning.

A formal police report has been lodged at Namaka Police Station, with the Criminal Investigation Department now investigating the matter. The Ministry is also collecting statements from people believed to have been affected.

Minister Singh urged job seekers to verify all overseas employment opportunities directly with the Ministry before making payments, submitting personal documents or accepting job offers.

He also encouraged anyone who believes they may have been targeted by the alleged scam to come forward and assist investigators.

The Ministry said it would continue working closely with the Fiji Police Force, Australian authorities and PALM scheme partners to safeguard the integrity of Fiji’s labour mobility programmes while supporting the ongoing investigation.

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Federal Education Minister Jason Clare introduced a bill to parliament on Thursday that will see universities face new caps on domestic student numbers.

At the same time, the government will fund additional student places. It says this will add up to 230,000 new commencing students over the next decade. This is to help attract more students from poorer families and regional and country areas.

How the tension between caps and growth plays out in practice will determine the success of Clare’s policy agenda.

How does domestic student funding work?

The bill’s biggest change modifies how universities are funded for “Commonwealth supported students”. This describes how the federal government subsidises the costs of a student’s study.

Almost all domestic undergraduates and a large proportion of postgraduates are Commonwealth supported students.

The bill does not change the underlying per student funding rates. These remain a combination of a Commonwealth contribution paid by the government and a student contribution (commonly paid through a HECS-HELP loan).

And the high Job-ready Graduates fees for arts, business and law students will remain in place.

But the way universities receive this funding will change.

What is changing?

Under the current system, each public university receives a maximum basic grant amount that covers Commonwealth contributions in higher education courses. For 2026, these add up to A$7.75 billion.

From 2027, universities will receive a maximum allocation of student places rather than a maximum dollar amount. This allocation will be made by the new Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC), within a total number determined by the minister.

Additional uni places

The education minister will also decide each year the total number of Commonwealth supported places for the next year. He must do this by June 30 each year for the following year.

Clare says he will add 16,000 places in each of the next three years. This represents 2.6% of all the Commonwealth supported places in 2024 (the last year for which we have official figures).

The new tertiary education commission will then decide how to allocate these places between universities.

What are ‘over-enrolments’?

Under the current system, the federal govenrment’s funding for university places is capped but the number of places is uncapped. This means if universities choose to accept student-contribution-only funding, they can take additional students. These extra students are known as “over-enrolments”.

The proposed system will cap over-enrolments for each university at either 5% above its original allocation of places or 750 places, whichever is lower. If universities exceed their over-enrolment cap they will lose the student contribution revenue for those extra students.

No official figures show the scale of over-enrolment. But documents released under a Freedom of Information request show that in 2024 nine universities delivered student places worth 5% or more above their maximum funding.

Over-enrolment risks

Over-enrolment policy is the most controversial change in the funding bill.

Clare says he wants to end what he calls a “hunger games” system, under which popular universities take students he believes should attend other institutions.

But over-enrolment provides flexibility in the current system. It lets universities make offers to prospective students without worrying too much about the funding consequences. In most cases, putting additional students in existing courses does not cost a lot of money. The student contribution can cover it.

Under the proposed new system, universities will be more cautious about making enrolment offers. Nervousness about over-enrolments will likely drive student numbers down below what they could have been.

Over-enrolment and university missions

In a new paper I coauthored, my colleague and I interviewed university leaders about over-enrolment.

The vice-chancellor of a regional university told us their university was the only one available for local students preferring on-campus study. With their mission to serve their community, they tried to accommodate demand even when it led to over-enrolment. Another deputy vice-chancellor from a university with a strong focus on disadvantaged students similarly said they over-enrol rather than reject applicants with a good chance of success.

Under the new system, the Australian Tertiary Education Commission will try to forecast demand, including from equity students, and reflect this in its allocation of places to universities. The commission can go back to the education minister and ask for more equity student places if it underestimates demand.

But this process is bureaucratic. The minister’s June 30 deadline to allocate places for the next year comes before we know the number of applications for that year. This is the first major demand indicator. Many other variables will remain only rough estimates in June. This includes how many current students will re-enrol and how many applicants with offers will accept them. This last figure won’t be known until the summer offer rounds are over in the following year.

The bill allows for late revisions, but the minister may not enjoy his summer holidays being interrupted by bureaucrats who realise they have miscalculated demand.

Funding for Indigenous students

The new funding bill preserves demand-driven funding for Indigenous students in bachelor degrees or medical courses. This means that if an Indigenous student qualifies for a university place they can have one and it will be supported by the federal government.

This operates outside the caps on student places. The bill also gives the minister a new power to make additional courses demand driven. Explanatory documents issued with the bill suggest nursing and teaching could be possible examples.

Keeping expectations modest

With this bill, the government is talking big about future enrolments and how they will “open those doors of opportunity wider”.

But on their own figures, the number of new places in the next few years will only be small increments.

The government’s restrictions on over-enrolments will limit growth across the whole sector, but especially at currently over-enrolled universities.

Policies introducing both greater bureaucratic control and enrolment growth seem to be at least partially contradictory. Total enrolments probably will increase, but not by as much as would have been possible with a more flexible system.

Andrew Norton, Professor of Higher Education Policy, Monash University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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As per report, Kawsar Abbas, 54, appeared relieved as Chief Magistrate Lisa Hannan granted her bail at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday afternoon, with supporters in the courtroom reacting to the decision.

Abbas and her daughter Zeinab Ahmad, 31, were charged in May with slavery-related offences after returning to Australia with family members of former Islamic State fighters.

Prosecutors allege Abbas travelled to Syria with her husband, Mohammad Ahmad, and their children around January 2015 to join ISIS.

It is alleged that in 2017, Mohammad Ahmad purchased a teenage girl, who prosecutors claim was held as a slave and subjected to repeated rape and assault.

Abbas is accused of agreeing to the purchase, possessing a slave and participating in slave trading. Prosecutors allege she treated the girl poorly and threatened her with violence, although she was not accused of physically assaulting the victim.

During the bail hearing, police argued Abbas posed a risk to the community and raised concerns about the possibility of her spreading extremist ideology if released.

Defence barrister Peter Morrissey SC argued Abbas did not support ISIS and said strict bail conditions could address any concerns.

Chief Magistrate Hannan determined the risk could be managed through stringent conditions and granted Abbas bail.

Her daughter Zeinab Ahmad was denied bail in a separate hearing last week.

Abbas is expected to face further court proceedings as the slavery-related charges continue.

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Addressing reporters outside Parliament House, the former Victorian Liberal leader emphatically denied the allegations and said CCTV footage had vindicated him. “There is no ambiguity. I did not do what’s alleged,” Guy said.

“The CCTV proves this, it did from the start, and Victoria Police agree.”

Guy said Deeming owed him a public apology and warned he was considering legal action. “Moira Deeming owes me a public apology,” he said.

“I’m owed an apology by the Premier and Attorney-General. They can come to me the honourable and easy way, or a harder way. My wife, my sons, my parents, my brother, my cousins, my family who share my name deserve those apologies as well.”

Victoria Police confirmed late on Thursday that it had completed its investigation after Deeming reported the alleged incident, saying officers had determined there was “no offence detected”.

“Following a thorough investigation, it has been determined there was no offence detected,” a police spokesperson said.

The investigation centred on an interaction between Guy and Deeming at a Macedonian community event in Sunshine on 23 May.

Deeming alleged Guy had placed her in a headlock, while CCTV footage that later emerged appeared to show Guy briefly placing his hand on her back or shoulder while speaking with her in a crowded room.

Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said investigators relied heavily on the available video evidence.

“I think it’s safe to say it’s been explored, the investigation is complete, parties have been advised and we’re moving on.”

Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson backed Guy’s call for an apology, saying she was “devastated” by what her colleague and his family had experienced.

“I’m pleased Victoria Police has concluded the investigation and they found that there is no offence that has been detected,” Wilson told ABC.

“Matthew does deserve an apology, I think that is entirely reasonable that he has asked for that.”

She described Guy as “someone I call a friend” and said she intended to speak with Deeming when she returns from overseas.

Guy also criticised Premier Jacinta Allan and Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny, accusing them of prejudging the matter after they questioned the Liberal Party’s handling of the allegations.

He broadened his remarks to argue that men are too often presumed guilty before investigations are completed.

“Every Australian male probably over 40 seems to be blamed, scapegoated, not believed and now thrown under the bus,” Guy said.

“To Aussie males who are sick of this treatment, who are sick of not being believed, some of us in Parliament still have your back. I have your back.”

Guy was joined by his solicitor, Candice Almeida from Queenie Thompson Laywers, who said: “My client has endured immense personal and professional harm as a consequence of those allegations.”

“He hopes that the outcome serves as a reminder that allegations of this nature should be carefully investigated before conclusions are reached, and that every person is entitled to the presumption of innocence.”

The dispute has reignited tensions within the Victorian Liberal Party just months before the November state election, with internal divisions again threatening to overshadow the Coalition’s campaign.

Deeming has not publicly commented since police closed the investigation.

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With qualification scenarios finely balanced heading into kickoff, the Socceroos knew that avoiding defeat would guarantee advancement—and that approach ultimately shaped a controlled but conservative performance.

Australia spent much of the match managing possession and maintaining defensive structure rather than committing large numbers forward. While there were moments of attacking intent, particularly through wide play and midfield transitions, neither side was able to break the deadlock. The opposition also showed little urgency in pushing numbers forward, aware that a draw would also be sufficient for their own progression.

Despite the lack of goals, the result proved decisive. The single point earned ensured the Socceroos finished the group stage in a position strong enough to advance under the tournament’s expanded format, which allows multiple third-placed teams and the top two sides from each group to progress.

The draw extends Australia’s World Cup campaign into the knockout rounds, marking another important step in the nation’s recent international form. Attention now turns to the round of 32, where the Socceroos will face a higher-ranked opponent from another group in a win-or-go-home fixture.

While the performance may not have delivered attacking highlights, the outcome reflects the team’s ability to manage high-pressure situations and secure results when qualification is on the line.

As the tournament continues, Australia will look to sharpen its attacking edge and build momentum ahead of a challenging knockout clash, where the stakes will rise significantly.

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The investigation centred on allegations that Guy assaulted (Headlocked) Deeming during a Macedonian community function at the Sheldon Reception Centre in Sunshine West on 23 May. Deeming reported the matter to Victoria Police on 16 June after first raising the allegation with Opposition Leader Jess Wilson’s office.

In a statement released late Thursday, Victoria Police said:

“Police have concluded an investigation following reports of an assault at a function venue on Sommerville Road in Sunshine West on 23 May.”

The statement continued:

“It was reported a woman was assaulted by a man at the event… Following a thorough investigation, it has been determined there was no offence detected.”

The investigation concluded after police examined CCTV footage from inside the venue. As reported by The Australia Today, the footage contradicts Deeming’s allegation that Guy placed her in a violent headlock. Instead, the video shows the pair leaning towards each other while speaking in what appeared to be a noisy function room, with Guy briefly placing his hand on or near Deeming’s shoulder or upper back during the interaction.

Guy, who has consistently denied the allegation, welcomed the outcome.

“These claims were ridiculous and unsubstantiated, just as the police found,” he said.

Sources close to Matthew Guy have indicated he is now considering legal action for defamation.

Police did not interview Guy during the investigation, with the CCTV footage forming a central part of the evidence reviewed.

The matter has nevertheless intensified tensions within the Victorian Liberal Party, which has already endured prolonged internal divisions following earlier disputes involving Deeming and former Liberal leader John Pesutto. Several media outlets reported growing frustration among Liberal MPs over the complaint and its political fallout, although no formal party response had been announced at the time of publication.

Wilson declined to comment publicly while the police investigation was underway, saying those involved were entitled to due process and privacy. She is expected to address the matter following the conclusion of the investigation.

Deeming, who was overseas in London when police announced their findings, had not publicly responded to the outcome at the time of publication.

Her husband, Andrew Deeming, defended his wife on social media before the investigation concluded, writing that “as a husband, keep your f—ing hands off my wife.”

The police decision closes the criminal investigation but leaves the political ramifications for the Victorian Liberal Party unresolved, just months before Victorians head to the polls for the state election.

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A Pacific worker putting in 30 hours on an Australian farm, earning $937 and taking home just over $100 after deductions, as put to a Senate committee in 2022, became, for many people, a defining image of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. The Australian Workers’ Union built a campaign around workers earning over $800 but keeping under $100. The Immigration Advice and Rights Centre warned of workers left with $100 to $200 a week. In 2024, José Ramos-Horta said at the National Press Club: “A dormitory for eight people with bunks, turns out to cost a week $700 — it’s more expensive than Tokyo, so exploitative”. The idea that PALM workers keep little after deductions has shaped changes to the scheme more than any other.

The Pacific Mobility Labour Survey (PLMS) Wave One measured what participants earned after tax and deductions, what was deducted, and hours worked. Three caveats apply throughout. First, data are self-reported by workers. Second, the data relate to the scheme before the June 2023 reforms, showing things as they were then, not now. Third, none of what follows makes the worst cases less real: Aleki’s $100 week happened and the employer did not dispute the figure, instead citing a $30,000 “average annual net benefit”. Yet, the scheme cannot be reduced to its worst week, and the key questions are how common such problems are and where they fall.

Figure 1 shows that the typical (median) PALM worker reported $800 take-home pay after tax and deductions in the reference week. While most keep a substantial wage, about 4.8% (short-term: 5.1%; long-term: 2.4%) took home less than $200 — the floor recent reforms guarantee. Crucially, earnings here are from a single recall week, which means that the worst take-home and deduction-share figures (below) include atypical weeks (arrivals, quarantines, holidays, illness) when pay dips but fixed costs like rent do not, mechanically depressing the take-home amount and inflating the deduction share. Overall, however, campaigners have not invented the low-paid workers; rather, they have focused on the left tail in the figure below, and led with it.

Figure 1: Weekly PALM worker pay after tax and deductions

Source: PLMS Wave One, author’s calculations (weighted).

Deductions tell a similar story. While the median deduction share of post-tax pay is 12% (the average is higher, around 25% in our report, as deductions are concentrated in workers’ first months while airfares are repaid), 18% and 6% of workers reported that more than 30% and 50%, respectively, of their post-tax pay was deducted in the reference week. Note that these shares count only non-tax deductions, measured against post-tax pay. On a gross earnings basis, treating tax as an additional deduction, as workers themselves often do, deductions are higher (see note). Deductions are mostly the costs of being there (accommodation, transport to work and a share of international airfares), where the relevant arrangements are made by employers, who recover the costs, and usually no more, via deductions. These are all costs workers would have to meet anyway, except that if they did so directly they would generally face higher transaction costs, quality risks and information barriers. These in-country costs represent consumption to support workers’ own living standards, not random imposts on their wages (and some airfare costs do return to the Pacific).

Deductions vary widely based on the cost of participation. Figure 2 shows that, for the median ni-Vanuatu worker, deductions account for 10% of pay, while this figure is 16% for Tongans and 22% for I-Kiribati workers. Distance is mostly to blame. As employers contribute $300 towards return airfares and recoup the rest, a placement from an atoll in Kiribati or Ha’apai is much more costly for participants than one from Port Vila.

Figure 2: PALM deductions as a share of post-tax pay, by origin country, 2022—23

Source: PLMS Wave One, author’s calculations (weighted).

Even these figures understate the true cost of participation. If I add out-of-pocket costs, the median deduction share lifts from 12% to 16%. And as Wave One asks only about the last month, recurring costs like rent and transport are captured well, but lumpy airfares, often paid upfront, spread unevenly, or incurred pre-departure, are not.

Thus, “pay left after deductions” is a bit of an awkward metric. Much of what is deducted buys important real things and most workers would rather not arrange these things themselves. The real concerns are that some employers may overcharge and that some workers do not fully understand what they are paying for, two issues targeted by recent changes to the scheme.

Looking briefly across the Tasman, New Zealand’s Employment Court recently ruled (in Soapi v Pick Hawke’s Bay Inc [2025] NZEmpC 208) that deductions for accommodation, travel, insurance, airfares and equipment, which sometimes left workers with as little as $100 a week, and in some weeks nothing at all, breached the Wages Protection Act 1983 and the Minimum Wage Act 1983. Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme deductions must now only be for actual, reasonable and verifiable costs, consented to, and approved by Immigration New Zealand, with some reimbursed to workers. Rather than a fixed share of wages, accommodation charges are also now moving to a standardised, quality-based method set by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

PLMS Wave One covered RSE workers and allows us to, as we have done above with the 2023 PALM reforms, set that case against the data it responded to. The two schemes differ in settings, legislative frameworks and labour markets, so this is a broad comparison rather than a strictly like-for-like one. Figure 3 shows that realised deductions in New Zealand look much like those in Australia (a median 10% share and about 5% taking home under $200 in the reference week), except more universal (that is, fewer workers report no deductions). The squeezed minorities thus appear to be very much real on both sides of the Tasman, and policy responses are now also broadly similar, including likely impacts on employers and demand.

Figure 3: Worker realisations in New Zealand (RSE) and Australia (PALM), 2022—23

Source: PLMS Wave One, author’s calculations (weighted).

Work hours — which, besides occupation, are the main determinant of earnings — are something I have written about before but will say more about here, as this is important for thinking about that left tail. If we look at PALM workers who reported at least one week under 15 hours during their stay (which can be up to four years for long-term workers), some cases reflect one-off pandemic quarantines (especially for long-term workers with placements spanning border closures) but most reflect ordinary ebbs and flows (holidays, weather, sickness and part-weeks on arrival and departure). The genuinely demand-driven part — that is, weeks where the employer simply did not have enough work to give — appears to be around 6%, smaller for long-term workers on full-time contracts.

Figure 4: Why PALM workers experienced low hours, by stream, 2022—23

Source: PLMS Wave One, author’s calculations (weighted).

Where does this leave us? The problematic headline cases exist, but they are the exception rather than the rule. Most PALM workers keep a substantial wage after taxes and deductions, and reforms appear quite well targeted at the minority who might not. “Left with nothing” is the right description of a troubling minority but the wrong description of the scheme as a whole. Both, of course, can be true at once.

Like my last post, this post provides an example of what you can do with PLMS data. Wave One describes the scheme just before it was tightened. The question of whether the reforms actually worked is one that Wave Two, now in the field with updated data coming later this year, is carefully designed to answer.

Note: PLMS Wave One records only post-tax earnings, not tax or super, so I cannot reproduce a gross-earnings, tax-included measure sometimes used in New Zealand. Richard Bedford’s data puts this measure at about 29% of gross and suggests that self-reported data tend to understate recurring deductions, so the shares here are best thought of as a conservative lower bound.

Disclosure: This research was supported by the Pacific Research Program, with funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The views are those of the authors only.

Contributing Author: Ryan Edwards is an Associate Professor of Economics and the Deputy Director of the Development Policy Centre at The Australian National University.

This article appeared first on Devpolicy Blog (devpolicy.org), from the Development Policy Centre at The Australian National University.

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The investigation was launched by the Australian Federal Police’s National Security Investigations (NSI) team in October 2025 following reports of a series of antisemitic online comments and threats. Investigators allegedly linked several of the posts to a social media account operated by a man from Woodville Gardens.

Police allege the man posted threatening messages on social media between October 2025 and May 2026. During the investigation, officers also allegedly identified an image of a prohibited Nazi symbol on the man’s social media profile.

The AFP executed a search warrant at the man’s Woodville Gardens home on 24 June, where investigators allegedly found threatening social media posts on one of his electronic devices. The device was seized for forensic examination.

The man was arrested and charged with two counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, offences that carry a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment. He was also charged with one count of publicly displaying a prohibited Nazi symbol or giving a Nazi salute, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Simon Lalic said there was no place for hate-fuelled threats or intimidation in Australia.

“There is no place for hate or violence in the Australian community, and people deserve the ability to carry out their duties or live their lives without facing threats of harm because of race, religion, or ethnicity,” he said.

The AFP established its National Security Investigations teams in October 2025 following a rise in threats targeting Australia’s social cohesion, including incidents involving federal parliamentarians. The specialist teams investigate individuals and groups accused of promoting violence, hatred and intimidation, particularly where such conduct poses a risk to public safety or national security.

The man was granted bail and is scheduled to appear before the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on 1 October 2026.

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On Friday at midday AEST, the Socceroos will take on Paraguay in their final group stage match at the World Cup.

With a win or draw, Australia would qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament for only the third time in history.

Should they lose, the Socceroos could still sneak through to the next stage, but it will become much harder, coming down to points and the results of other matches.

Die-hard fans probably already booked leave from work to watch this game weeks ago. But for the majority of Australians now tuning in, they won’t have planned so far ahead.

Some will wish they had taken Friday afternoon off – or may even be tempted to call in sick for the day, and hope not to get caught.

What are the legal rules around asking for time off from work, especially this soon before kickoff? Can employers who suspect people of not being sick ask for a medical certificate?

And if Australia makes it through to play on at the World Cup, how far in advance should you be asking for time off – without breaking the rules?

Can I ask for time off at such short notice?

Yes, you can ask for time off at any time. But there’s no obligation on your employer to say yes, if their refusal is reasonable.

There is no national standard around the length of time you need to allow to ask for time off. But you do need to check to make sure if you’ve got any particular notice requirements for requesting leave in your workplace award or agreement.

The length of notice you give is a relevant factor in terms of your employer’s decision on whether to reasonably say yes or no.

Can I call in sick (if I’m not really)?

Before you think about calling in sick, it’s important to distinguish between the different kinds of leave you can ask for, for something like this Socceroos match: annual vs personal leave.

Annual leave: whether it’s watching sport or going to the beach, what you do with your annual leave is entirely up to you, as long as you’re not breaching other rules (such as not working for a competitor).

Personal leave: this is what you take when you’re not fit for work yourself, or you’re providing care or support to immediate family. The most common types of personal leave are sick leave, carer’s leave or compassionate leave.

If you’re planning to call in sick – you really do need to be sick.

Whether your employer can require you to have a medical certificate will depend on where you work, as different workplace awards or agreements can spell out different requirements for this.

But if your employer has a reasonable suspicion that your request for sick leave is questionable, they may ask to see a medical certificate to substantiate it.

How soon should I ask for leave for another match?

I would ask immediately (if the next game falls within your work hours).

It may be that other staff are also requesting leave for an event like the World Cup. Each employer has to determine how many of those requests they can actually approve, based on their operational needs.

Obviously some people may have planned well in advance for the World Cup. If they have already had leave approved, their employer may not have any capacity to grant any more leave requests.

Employers can’t refuse requests for leave unreasonably. But they do need to make sure they can keep running their business properly.

Asking for leave at the last minute will make it harder for them to say yes.

Risks of claiming the wrong leave

If you’re claiming personal leave when you’re not entitled to it, that would be misconduct. And that could lead to a disciplinary proceeding.

The outcome of any such proceeding would depend on what happened in a specific incident and a range of other factors, including whether you’ve had other disciplinary matters before. But dishonesty is not the best approach.

If you would like time off, be honest with your employer and ask what’s possible.

And make sure you ask for the correct type of leave. If you want time off to watch the Socceroos, that would be your annual leave, not personal leave.

After Australia won the America’s Cup in 1983, this was then prime minister Bob Hawke’s advice to employers. But ‘chucking a sickie’ can get you in trouble.

Striking the right balance

I have heard that some employers are planning to let their staff gather to watch the game on Friday lunchtime. In some workplaces, this match will be a chance for a festive, end-of-week get-together with colleagues.

But that’s obviously not going to be possible for many businesses or workplaces, where there are customers to serve or products that have to be made to certain deadlines.

Wherever you work, honesty is always the best policy.

Shae McCrystal, Professor of Labour Law, University of Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Addressing the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) State of the Nation Conference in Canberra, Albanese said Australia’s prosperity towards 2050 would be shaped by major global shifts including the clean energy transition, artificial intelligence, changing supply chains and regional partnerships.

“The Australia of 2050 will be defined by how we respond to this changing world.”

He said Australia had the opportunity to emerge from a period of global uncertainty as a stronger, fairer and more resilient nation by investing in innovation, manufacturing, energy security and international partnerships.

“Stabilising our relationship with China, deepening our investment in South East Asia, elevating our ties with India,” Albanese said, outlining key priorities for Australia’s engagement with the region.

The Prime Minister said Australia must “own our place” in the Indo-Pacific, describing it as the fastest-growing region in the world and emphasising the importance of partnerships with regional neighbours.

Australia and India have strengthened their relationship in recent years through the Australia–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, expanded trade cooperation and increased collaboration in areas including critical minerals, technology, education and security.

Albanese said the future economy would require Australia to combine its natural resources, skilled workforce and innovation capacity to create products and industries that meet global demand.

“We can build on our global leadership in clean energy and use it to power a new generation of Australian manufacturing.”

He also highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, saying Australia needed to ensure the technology supported economic growth while protecting social cohesion and national interests.

“The debate can’t be, is AI good or bad… you can’t stop progress. You’ve got to shape it or else it’ll shape us,” Albanese said during a question-and-answer session.

The Prime Minister said Australia’s challenge had historically been less about innovation and more about commercialising ideas, pointing to the need for greater cooperation between researchers, universities and businesses.

“We’ve got to stop [thinking] someone else, somewhere else will do it for us,” he said, arguing Australia needed to build more domestic manufacturing capability.

On productivity, Albanese said the government was focused on cutting red tape, improving skills, supporting research and development, and encouraging private sector investment.

He also defended the government’s economic reforms, including housing, tax and energy policies, saying governments had a responsibility to address long-term challenges rather than avoid difficult decisions.

“I’m in government to make a difference, not to just occupy the space.”

The Prime Minister pointed to Australia’s growing renewable energy sector, investment in battery storage and emerging industries as examples of how the country could create future opportunities.

He also addressed concerns about artificial intelligence affecting young workers, saying technological change would reshape jobs but also create new opportunities if managed correctly.

“You will get some change in workplaces. Some jobs that exist today will not exist in 10 years’ time, but there’ll be new jobs.”

Albanese said Australia’s multicultural workforce, international connections and regional partnerships were among its greatest advantages.

“There’s no country you’d rather be at the moment than Australia,” he said, highlighting the nation’s resources, skills base and global links.

The Prime Minister’s remarks come as Australia continues to deepen engagement with India across trade, investment, education, defence and people-to-people links, with both nations seeking to expand cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

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Speaking during the first reading of legislation to implement the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Peters said his party had uncovered evidence suggesting immigration settings were being changed in ways that specifically targeted Indian citizens.

In a statement posted on social media and repeated in Parliament, Peters said New Zealand First had warned for months that the agreement could lead to increased migration from India under existing policy settings. However, he claimed the government had since altered immigration rules in a way that applied only to Indians.

According to Peters, officials had advised ministers that the proposed changes could affect New Zealand’s bilateral relationship with India, damage the country’s reputation as a place to do business, and potentially expose the government to legal challenges.

He alleged the measures would include imposing labour market tests on Indian citizens that do not apply to citizens of other FTA partner countries, preventing Indians from applying for certain temporary work visas while already in New Zealand, restricting pathways for family members, and excluding some work experience from residency requirements.

“The Indian Government has the right to know about National’s intention to treat Indian citizens in a discriminatory manner relative to citizens of other FTA partners,” Peters said.

New Zealand First opposed the inclusion of migration-related provisions in the agreement and voted against the legislation. Despite that opposition, the bill passed its first reading in Parliament by 93 votes to 29, with support from the governing National Party, Labour and ACT.

Trade Minister Todd McClay rejected Peters’ claims, saying New Zealand First was “wrong” about the agreement.

“They’ve consistently failed to support important trade agreements that are in the best interests of New Zealand,” McClay said in a statement. “Whilst they are free to differentiate themselves in respect of the FTA, they should stop promoting misinformation for the sake of gaining votes.”

McClay has previously described the agreement as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity that would reduce tariffs on 95 per cent of current New Zealand exports to India, with 57 per cent becoming duty-free immediately.

He said the deal would provide exporters with greater access to India’s 1.4 billion consumers, help diversify export markets and contribute to the government’s goal of doubling export value over the next decade.

Labour also backed the legislation. Labour MP Vanushi Walters acknowledged the completion of the agreement and noted it built on work undertaken by the previous Labour government.

The debate highlights growing political divisions in New Zealand over the balance between trade liberalisation and immigration policy, with Peters arguing that any restrictions imposed on Indian citizens should also apply equally to nationals of other countries covered by New Zealand’s free trade agreements.

The India-New Zealand FTA is expected to deepen economic ties between the two countries, but Peters’ intervention has introduced a new point of contention by raising questions about whether Indians will face different migration conditions from citizens of countries such as China, Thailand and South Korea.

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The woman, identified as 54-year-old Sylvie Yasmina, was found with her children in a cramped and “extremely dilapidated” room during a police raid at their home in Bara, a remote town in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Police said the rescue operation was launched after one of Yasmina’s sons managed to leave the house and reach a local police station to report the alleged abuse.

Authorities said Yasmina and her children were found with visible injuries, including bruises on their bodies. They have since been moved to a women’s shelter in Peshawar while officials coordinate arrangements for their return to France.

According to police, Yasmina alleged that her husband, a Pakistani national, had “effectively imprisoned” the family after they moved from Australia to Pakistan in 2014.

The couple had married in 2003 and lived in Australia before relocating to Pakistan with their two older children. Yasmina claimed she had been cut off from the outside world after the move, while her three younger children, who were born in Pakistan, were never enrolled in school.

A senior police officer told BBC Urdu:

“She was not allowed to meet anyone, their two older children had missed their studies, while the three younger children were born in Pakistan and never enrolled in school.”

In her statement to police, Yasmina alleged years of violence and neglect, saying the family had been deprived of their freedom.

“We were deprived [of our] freedom, my husband didn’t take care of us the way he should as a husband and the father of my children. He beats us and put pressure on our lives on a daily basis.”

Police have arrested the woman’s husband, identified by authorities as Ahmad Khan, and an investigation is underway.

District police chief Waqar Ahmad said Yasmina had expressed a desire to return to France, with Pakistani authorities working with relevant officials and the French embassy regarding repatriation.

The investigation into the alleged abuse and the circumstances surrounding the family’s years in isolation remains ongoing.

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Responding to the appointment, Morrison said BLS International had built a strong reputation as a trusted partner to governments across multiple regions.

“BLS International is now a trusted partner to governments across multiple regions and continues to build a strong reputation for operational excellence and delivery of government-to-citizen services,” Morrison said.

“I look forward to supporting and contributing my insights to support BLS International’s plans for continued growth that will give governments better choices to meet the evolving needs of their citizens and international visitors.”

He added that the future of public services would require governments and their partners to combine innovation, security, efficiency and integrity while delivering a user-focused experience.

The appointment will see Morrison advise the company on strategic opportunities across government engagement, public-service transformation, technology adoption and international mobility, drawing on his experience in economic policy, trade, infrastructure and public administration.

BLS International said Morrison’s appointment comes at a time when governments worldwide are increasingly embracing digital technologies and citizen-centric service models to improve efficiency and accessibility.

During his tenure as Prime Minister, Morrison was a founding member of the Quad Leaders Dialogue alongside the leaders of India, Japan and the United States, and played a key role in elevating Australia’s relationship with India to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The company believes his experience in international relations and government engagement will support its efforts to expand partnerships and strengthen its position in the global citizen services sector.

BLS International Chairman Diwakar Aggarwal said Morrison’s appointment would provide valuable strategic insight as governments navigate rapid technological and institutional change.

“Governments around the world are undergoing rapid transformation driven by technology, changing citizen expectations and an increasingly interconnected global environment,” Aggarwal said.

“Mr Morrison’s experience in leading a major nation and managing complex public institutions provides valuable strategic insight for BLS International, which continues to partner with governments worldwide in delivering secure, efficient and citizen-centric services.”

Aggarwal said Morrison’s guidance would help the company deepen its understanding of government priorities, support innovation in service delivery and strengthen its long-term growth strategy.

Founded in 2005, BLS International has grown into one of the world’s largest providers of visa, passport, consular and citizen services. The company operates in more than 100 countries, partners with over 46 governments and has processed more than 360 million visa applications globally.

With a market capitalisation of more than US$1.2 billion and a workforce exceeding 60,000 people, BLS International said it is focused on harnessing emerging trends in digital government services and international mobility to improve the experience of citizens and travellers worldwide.

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Langhorne Creek-based Metala has spent years building relationships and navigating the complexities of the Indian market. The company’s perseverance has now resulted in stronger export volumes, with its Metala and Killibinbin brands gaining recognition among Indian consumers and hospitality businesses.

In late 2025, Metala secured a contract to supply wines for Air India’s business class service, giving the Australian brand exposure to premium travellers across the airline’s global network.

“The Australia-India free trade agreement has boosted confidence in Australian wines,” said Metala co-owner Guy Adams.

“India’s younger consumers are moving towards wine, and we can compete at the premium level. It has been slow and steady work, but we are now picking up volumes in India. The Air India deal gets us precisely where we need to be – right in front of our target customers.”

Owned by fifth-generation custodians Guy and Liz Adams, Metala is a historic vineyard in South Australia’s Langhorne Creek region. The 1,000-hectare property includes what the family describes as the oldest family-owned Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the world.

“Metala is an old brand – dating back to the 1960s – and our Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz helped to shape wine-drinking tastes in Australia today,” Liz Adams said.

“We are part of Australia’s wine-making history.”

The winery has expanded its presence across India, with its wines now available in eight states and union territories — Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Puducherry.

Sales in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa have been particularly strong as India’s middle class grows and younger consumers increasingly explore wine as part of changing food and lifestyle trends.

Guy Adams said India’s growing population and evolving consumer preferences made the country a significant opportunity for Australian wine producers.

“India has a huge population and a growing middle class,” he said.

“Palates are evolving as young people aspire to Western lifestyles, in terms of food and drink.”

Metala worked closely with Austrade and South Australian export advisers to understand the Indian market, identify opportunities and overcome regulatory challenges.

After almost two years of searching for the right partner, the company joined forces with specialist importer Sonarys, which has helped Metala navigate complex state-level regulations, labelling requirements and distribution networks.

The winery has also worked with influential figures in India’s wine industry, including Sonal Holland, India’s only Master of Wine, to strengthen brand awareness and connect with consumers.

Holland’s involvement through the India Wine Awards helped bring Metala wines to the attention of Air India, leading to the business class supply agreement after an 18-month assessment process.

“It took around 18 months of assessments, but in August 2025 we gained a contract to supply business class on Air India,” Liz Adams said.

Air India operates more than 1,200 flights each month to over 85 destinations worldwide, giving Metala access to a premium audience of international travellers.

“One of our biggest challenges is just trying to get our wine in front of people,” Liz said.

“Now, our target market can see and taste our wine on business class flights. This is a terrific opportunity, and it will build our brand in India.”

The company said the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has improved confidence among Australian wine exporters by reducing tariffs on premium wine and strengthening trade ties between the two countries.

Guy Adams said success in India required patience, commitment and relationship building.

“It’s all about perseverance,” he said.

“India is a relationships-based market. You need to go to India regularly, meet with representatives from the trade, retail and hospitality sectors, and take a long-term view.”

The next generation of the Adams family is also looking towards India as a key growth market.

“India will definitely be important to our future,” said Emily Adams, aged 23, who is already involved in the family business.

“There are lots of young people who are adventurous and tech-savvy. They are also aspirational — and that makes India a great market to be in.”

Metala’s experience highlights the growing opportunities for Australian exporters in India, where persistence, partnerships and a long-term commitment are proving essential to building successful business relationships.

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The three-day exercise, conducted from 17–19 June 2026 at the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Chennai, brought together search and rescue professionals from Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) member states, including representatives from the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).

Australia, as Chair of the IORA Working Group on Maritime Safety and Security (WGMSS), partnered with India to deliver the programme, which was facilitated by the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS).

The workshop focused on strengthening regional capability, improving interoperability and enhancing coordination during maritime emergencies. Participants took part in expert-led discussions, practical sessions and a tabletop exercise simulating real-world search and rescue scenarios.

The programme covered international SAR frameworks, including obligations under the 1979 International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue and relevant aviation search and rescue standards, while providing early-career SAR officials with practical experience in emergency response coordination.

Deputy Consul General Cameron Noble opened the workshop, with Consul General Silai Zaki and Bruce Soar, Assistant Secretary of the Indian Ocean and South Asia Maritime Branch, highlighting Australia’s commitment to maritime safety and regional cooperation.

The exercise also supported stronger professional networks among SAR practitioners across the Indian Ocean, enabling participants to share operational experiences and best practices.

Through joint training and collaboration, Australia and India are working to build safer maritime environments and strengthen collective responses to emergencies across the Indian Ocean region.

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The post Australia-India maritime partnership reaches new waters with search and rescue training first appeared on The Australia Today.

As per NZ Herald, the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) found that The Indian Taste Ltd and its former sole director, Krishna Khandelwal, failed to meet multiple employment obligations, resulting in significant wage repayments and penalties.

Under the ruling, the restaurant must pay nearly $200,000 in unpaid wages to seven affected employees, while Khandelwal has been fined $177,300 for his role in the breaches. A further $35,000 compensation payment will be shared among the seven workers.

The ERA found that employees were often required to work between 60 and 90 hours a week while being paid for only around 30 hours. Some workers were also required to work unpaid periods of up to two weeks when they first started at the business.

Labour Inspectorate migrant exploitation manager Sam Mills told NZ Herald that the workers were particularly vulnerable due to language barriers and limited knowledge of New Zealand employment laws.

“The workers were ruthlessly exploited for the personal gain of the company and its owner,” Mills said, describing the breaches as “persistent, deliberate and designed to extract labour at an unlawful discount”.

The investigation began after multiple complaints were received between March and December 2024. Authorities uncovered a range of violations, including failure to pay minimum wages, unlawful deductions, denial of holiday entitlements, charging premiums to secure employment and maintaining inaccurate wage and leave records.

ERA member Matthew Piper said Khandelwal had direct control over the company’s actions and benefited financially from the unlawful practices.

“As the shareholder of The Indian Taste, Mr Khandelwal received a financial benefit for his actions by underpaying workers and in doing so also failed to compete fairly with other businesses providing similar products and who complied with the law,” Piper said.

The authority found the exploitation had wider consequences for workers, with some forced into financial hardship, taking personal loans and borrowing money at high interest rates while struggling to support family members overseas.

Mills said the penalty served as a warning to employers who attempt to take advantage of vulnerable workers.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has encouraged workers who believe they have experienced unfair treatment to seek confidential support through its contact services.

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The post Indian restaurant ordered to pay nearly $400,000 after ‘ruthless’ exploitation of migrant workers first appeared on The Australia Today.

The new advisory group brings together experienced screen practitioners to provide strategic advice to SAFC leadership on diversity, equity, access and cultural safety, drawing on lived experience and industry expertise.

Devgan, filmmaker and founder of Mount Lofty Studios, the Australian Film Diversity and Inclusion Foundation and the Port Adelaide Diversity and Inclusion Festival, said he was excited to continue advocating for greater diversity and inclusion across South Australia’s screen sector.

“Excited to continue advocating for diversity and inclusion across the South Australian screen industry as part of the SAFC Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group (DIAG). Excited to work alongside the DIAG group.”

The DIAG members will advise on SAFC programs and initiatives, organisational governance, legal and regulatory considerations, and future opportunities to support the growth of a more inclusive screen sector.

The inaugural members of the group include documentary producer and director Katrina Lucas; visual effects producer and Rising Sun Pictures Vice President of Production Kacy McDonald; filmmaker and communications professional Marcus McKenzie from Access2Arts and Arts and Disability Network Australia; multidisciplinary artist Yasemin Sabuncu; and games programmer, technical artist and Towerpoint Games co-founder Emma Waters.

The SAFC said diversity in the screen industry remains a key priority under its Strategic Plan 2025–2028, recognising that social inclusion and economic success go hand in hand.

The advisory group will support the organisation in developing best-practice approaches and creating opportunities for diverse voices, talent and stories to thrive across South Australia’s growing screen industry.

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The post Indian-origin filmmaker Yogi Devgan joins South Australian Film Corporation’s diversity advisory group first appeared on The Australia Today.

The latest inflation figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics look, at first glance, like good news. The headline rate for May rose 4.0% over the past year, down from 4.2% in April.

After a long run of high inflation numbers and interest rate hikes, mortgage holders could be forgiven for hoping rate relief is on the way.

But don’t hold your breath. Look under the bonnet and the picture is far less comforting. The fall was largely driven by one thing — petrol — and the part of inflation the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) actually cares about hasn’t budged.

Why inflation matters

Inflation is measured by the consumer price index (CPI), which tracks the price of a typical basket of things Australian households buy.

The RBA has one main job here: keep inflation low and steady at around 2.5% on an annual basis. Its main tool is the cash rate, the official interest rate that flows through to your mortgage and your savings account. When inflation runs hot, the bank lifts that rate to cool spending down.

Fuel is the great troublemaker in these figures. Back in March, petrol prices jumped almost 33% in a single month after the Iran war squeezed global oil supplies.

Since then, two things have pushed oil prices down sharply: a tentative peace deal has let global oil prices fall, and the federal government’s decision to halve the fuel excise — the tax charged on every litre — is still keeping prices at the pump down.

Cutting through the noise

Cheaper petrol drags the headline number down; headline CPI actually fell 0.1% in the month. But it doesn’t tell us anything about whether the broader economy is cooling. It just tells us oil got cheaper.

Because petrol prices swing wildly, economists watch a steadier measure called underlying inflation, or the “trimmed mean”. This cuts out the biggest price rises and falls and shows what is left in the middle. Think of it as ignoring the loudest person in the room so you can hear what everyone else is saying.

And once you ignore the petrol, the room is still too noisy. Underlying inflation came in at 3.6% in May, up from 3.4% last month and still far above the RBA’s target.

Two kinds of price pressures

Economists often divide inflation into two types.

The first is “tradeables”: goods bought and sold around the world, like petrol, phones, televisions and cars. Their prices are largely set overseas. There’s not much the RBA can do about the global oil price, up or down.

The second is “non-tradeables”: things produced and used right here, like rent, a restaurant meal, a plumber’s call-out, a dentist’s appointment or school fees. Their prices depend on local demand and local wages.

The cheaper petrol that improved this month’s headline sits in the first bucket. The inflation that refuses to fade sits in the second. Rents (up 3.6%), insurance (up 5.5%), health (up 3.8%), education (up 4.8%) and eating out (up 4.0%) are still rising strongly.

That pressure is not being imported. It is homegrown, and it is being driven by Australians who are still willing and able to spend.

When inflation falls because of a global price move — cheaper oil, say — the RBA usually looks straight through it.

But when inflation stays high because of strong local demand, that is exactly the problem interest rates are built to fix. Higher rates leave households with less to spend, so demand cools and price pressures ease. A domestic inflation problem has a domestic solution — and a temporary discount on petrol does nothing to solve it.

This homegrown, services-driven inflation is also the kind the RBA watches most closely, even when it doesn’t say so out loud.

So a lower headline like today’s is not the green light for rate cuts that some will read it as. If anything, strong underlying inflation keeps another rate rise on the table.

Homegrown inflation is the concern

There is a sting in the tail. The petrol relief is temporary on both fronts. Global oil prices can turn again in a week. And the fuel excise cut was always meant to be short-lived — and it is now being wound back. This will push prices at the pump back up over the next month or two.

When that happens, the headline figure will bounce straight back up. The “good news” in today’s number will evaporate.

The only measure that will have told a consistent story throughout is the underlying one — and it has been flashing the same warning all along.

Last week, the RBA held the cash rate at 4.35%, after lifting it three times already this year. But it warned it stood ready to move again if inflation stayed high.

Soft headline inflation driven by cheap petrol is not the kind of sustained progress the RBA is looking for. My own cash rate tracker shows financial markets are not betting on relief any time soon.

Because when inflation is being made at home, a cheaper tank of imported petrol doesn’t change the cure.

Isaac Gross, Lecturer in Economics, Monash University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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The post Underlying inflation is still too high, keeping another interest rate hike on the table first appeared on The Australia Today.

The alleged incident is understood to have taken place at the Reception Centre in Sunshine on 23 May 2026, during a community dinner attended by several Liberal figures and community members.

Victoria Police confirmed the matter was reported to them on 16 June.
A police spokesperson told ABC, “The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, and police believe the people involved are known to each other.”

Before lodging the police complaint, the Liberal Upper House MP is understood to have approached the office of Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson with the allegation that a senior Liberal MP had ‘headlocked’ them at a community event in the last week of May.

The Australia Today is given to understand that Ms Wilson’s office later met with the accused MP regarding the allegation.

In the meeting, the senior Liberal MP has strongly denied the allegation, describing it as “fabricated”.

In their defence, the accused senior MP is understood to have obtained CCTV footage from the reception centre. Sources familiar with the footage say there were 38 working cameras at the venue, recording more than three hours of footage from the time both MPs entered the building until they left for the night.

The Australia Today did not see any evidence of the alleged assault visible in the provided footage.

The Australia Today has been told that both Victoria Police and Ms Wilson’s office were informed that the alleged assault occurred at about 8.33 pm. However, the CCTV footage shows that at that time, both the accused MP and the Liberal Upper House MP can be seen sitting at the same table with no conflict.

A witness who was present at the next table told The Australia Today they did not see any such incident during the time they were at the community event.

“I was there at the next table, and nothing like this happened while I was there,” the witness said.

The police complaint has triggered another internal crisis for the Victorian Liberal Party, just months before the November state election and during Ms Wilson’s attempt to present the Coalition as a united alternative government.

The allegation has prompted high-level discussions within the party and comes at a politically sensitive time for Ms Wilson, who has begun a five-week tour of Victoria to campaign on Labor’s record on debt, infrastructure blowouts and community safety.

Recent polling has shown declining support for the Allan Labor Government, giving the Coalition an opportunity to sharpen its election pitch. But senior party figures fear renewed internal conflict could distract from that message and push voters towards minor parties and independents.

Australia Today reached out to both MPs. Neither MP at the centre of the complaint is willing to come out publicly.

Victoria Police inquiries are continuing.

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The post Alleged headlock, CCTV footage and Liberal party in crisis: Police examine Upper house MP’s alleged dinner assault claim first appeared on The Australia Today.

New figures show visitor spending across Victoria increased by 6.5 per cent, with more than 2.9 million international visitors spending a record $10.5 billion in the state in the year ending March 2026 — an increase of 16.7 per cent compared with the previous year.

Acting Minister for Tourism Steve Dimopoulos said the record figures demonstrated the importance of tourism to jobs and economic growth.

“More tourists mean more spending at our cafes, restaurants and hotels, which creates jobs for Victorians across the economy.”

The latest data from Tourism Research Australia shows that China, New Zealand, India, the United Kingdom and the United States remain among Victoria’s most important international visitor markets.

Across Australia, the top five international visitor markets in the year ending March 2026 were New Zealand, China, the United Kingdom, the United States and India. Visitor spending improved across all major markets compared with the previous year, with the biggest proportional increases recorded from travellers from Hong Kong (up 47 per cent), the United Kingdom (up 35 per cent), Malaysia (up 34 per cent) and China (up 30 per cent).

China continued to be Australia’s largest source of international visitor spending, accounting for 29 per cent of total overseas visitor expenditure in the year ending March 2026. It was followed by the United Kingdom (7 per cent), the United States (6 per cent), New Zealand (6 per cent) and India (5 per cent).

In Victoria, Chinese visitors remained the largest contributors to tourism spending, with expenditure exceeding $3.6 billion, up 23.5 per cent. Spending from visitors from the United Kingdom rose by 37 per cent to $575 million, while spending from US visitors increased by 33.8 per cent to $430 million.

India also continued to be a key growth market for Victoria, with Indian travellers among the state’s top five international visitor groups, supported by strong links in business, education, family travel and cultural tourism.

Regional Victoria also benefited from the tourism surge, with international visitors spending $774 million across regional destinations, supporting wineries, hospitality businesses and iconic regional towns.

The national tourism recovery was reflected across all states and territories, with international visitor spending increasing compared with the year ending March 2025. Tasmania recorded the largest percentage growth, rising 36 per cent, followed by Queensland (35 per cent), the Northern Territory (27 per cent), New South Wales (18 per cent), Victoria (17 per cent), South Australia (16 per cent), and Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory (both up 12 per cent).

Melbourne continued to strengthen its position as Australia’s leading destination for interstate visitors, helped by major events including the Boxing Day Ashes Test, the Australian Open and the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. These events attracted tens of thousands of visitors who stayed longer to explore Victoria’s attractions, hospitality venues and regional destinations.

The upcoming NFL Melbourne Game is also expected to provide another boost to the state’s visitor economy.

The Victorian Government warned that future tourism growth could be affected by proposed opposition cuts, claiming reductions of $40 billion would put jobs and investment in the sector at risk.

Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements welcomed the record results, saying there were further opportunities to grow the state’s visitor economy.

“Setting a new record for the visitor economy is a terrific outcome for the state, and there are further opportunities to continue this growth, particularly in the intrastate market.”

The latest figures highlight the continued recovery of international travel and the growing contribution of overseas visitors to Victoria’s economy, with tourism supporting businesses, regional communities and thousands of jobs across the state.

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The post Indian tourists rank among Victoria’s top five visitor groups as total spending hits record $48.6 billion first appeared on The Australia Today.