Child safety officer incorrectly assessed Elizabeth Struhs as ‘safe’ day after she was admitted to hospital in coma 14. October 2026 (10:08) Inquest into death of eight-year-old Queensland girl who was denied insulin by her religious parents told her case was complexGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA child safety officer incorrectly assessed Elizabeth Struhs as “safe” one day after she arrived at hospital in a coma and nearly died due to the neglect of her parents, a coroner’s court has heard.A Queensland coronial inquest heard evidence on Wednesday from one of the two child safety officers who ultimately decided to return the then six-year-old, who had type 1 diabetes, to the care of her parents at their home in Toowoomba. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ukrainian soldiers in combat have access to Starlink satellite internet restricted 14. October 2026 (10:05) Outage of terminals managed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX comes as Russia launches ballistic missiles at Ukraine without any advance warning from USUkrainian soldiers in combat have suddenly had their access to Starlink satellite internet terminals restricted as the Trump administration has increased pressure on Ukraine to halt long-range strikes on Russia’s oil industry immediately.The terminals, which are distributed and managed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, are a key component of Ukraine’s military operations and the sudden restrictions on the high-speed terminals on Tuesday evening led to the failure of several combat missions, said an adviser on military technology to Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Labor’s bill to cut private health insurance rebate blocked by Greens over pensioner carve-out 14. October 2026 (09:59) Almost 80,000 older Australians expected to end private health cover by 2028-29 as a result of Albanese government’s proposalGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLabor’s bid to cut the private health insurance rebate for over-65s has been blocked in parliament, with the Greens insisting they will withhold support unless pensioners receive a carve-out from the new rules.The proposed changes, which would take effect from April 2027, would save the federal budget $3bn. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
John Healey ‘targets tax crackdown on online marketplaces’ in first budget 14. October 2026 (09:42) Move aimed at firms such as Amazon and eBay could raise up to £1bn more for Treasury, says reportA tax crackdown on online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay that could raise up to £1bn more for the Treasury is reportedly being drawn up for John Healey’s first budget.The chancellor is said to be preparing to announce that online marketplaces will be made responsible for collecting tax owed by retailers selling on their platforms. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Video recording device found in cabin of HMAS Leeuwin navy ship in Cairns 14. October 2026 (09:19) Defence announcement comes after Jacqui Lambie tells parliament a camera had been found concealed in a women’s shower on boardGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA “video recording device” was found in the cabin of a Royal Australian Navy ship in Cairns, the defence department has revealed, just hours after senator Jacqui Lambie alleged in parliament that a camera had been found concealed in a women’s shower on the vessel.The department confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that a device had been found aboard the HMAS Leeuwin three days earlier. In a statement after Guardian Australia had contacted the department for response to Lambie’s allegations, a spokesperson said police were investigating, but did not reveal further details about where the device was located. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
