1 hour ago Australia news LIVE: More parliamentarians embroiled in expenses scandal; Teens face day two of social media ban

Follow along as we bring you the latest live news updates from Australia and around the world.

Politics

2 h. ago Federal Reserve cuts US interest rates in another divided vote

The central bank reduced its key interest rate for the third time in a row but signalled that it may leave rates unchanged in the coming months, a move that could attract ire from President Donald Trump.

Politics

3 h. ago The single number that will determine interest rates in 2026

The Reserve Bank could be lifting interest rates as early as February next year. A single number will determine the RBA’s next move, and we know the day it’s coming.

Politics

11 h. ago Australia social media ban as it happened: PM lauds decision as children under 16 barred from social media in world

Australia’s social media ban is now in effect, with children under 16 barred from some of the most popular social media apps in the world. Look back on our live coverage.

Politics

12 h. ago Miss Universe contestant suffered serious head injury in stage fall, update reveals

Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry requires constant medical supervision weeks after falling off the stage in Bangkok.

Events

15 h. ago Banking services restored after thousands of customers hit by Westpac outage

The outage affected eftpos terminals and online banking, including through apps or other browsers. 

Economics

15 h. ago Panda Mart banned from trading after hundreds of illegal items found on shelves

An urgent court order has banned budget retailer Panda Mart from operating in Victoria after hundreds of illegal items were discovered on the shelves. Assignee

Events

15 h. ago Wells’ expenses a costly distraction from admirable social media ban

The Albanese government has needlessly allowed Anika Wells’ expenses to cast a shadow over its big-ticket reform.

Politics

16 h. ago ‘It didn’t work bro I’m still here’: Kids brag as they beat social media ban

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spent the morning speaking about Australia’s world-first legislation being a success while teens were flooding his social media comments with a different story.

Politics

16 h. ago You don’t want to milk the band until it’s running out of juice: Dave Faulkner

After years of self-doubt, the head Guru digs his own scene.

Politics

17 h. ago Heading to the work Christmas party? The 10 personalities to look out for

From the veteran co-worker who bangs on about how good things were 30 years ago to the awkward manager who stays way too long, the work Christmas party is a parade of characters. Which one are you?

Society

18 h. ago I wrote the book on anxious kids. It doesn’t matter if this ban isn’t perfect

The American author of The Anxious Generation writes that parents around the world are cheering on Australia as its pioneering social media law comes into effect today.

Politics

20 h. ago ‘Backdoor way to control access’: World reacts to social media ban

As Australia brings in the world’s first social media ban for teenagers, other countries are watching closely and many want to introduce similar measures.

Politics

20 h. ago ‘Parents need help’: US Republicans back Australia’s social media ban as tech groups attack

Australia’s move has galvanised advocates for reform in the United States, despite lobby groups claiming the Australian ban will “severely disadvantage” US companies.

Politics

21 h. ago Albanese, Wells decline to back overhaul of family travel perks for MPs

Two Coalition MPs have called for entitlement rules to be scrutinised, while the prime minister and Wells attempted to keep focus on the government’s social media ban.

Politics

24 h. ago Australia social media ban LIVE updates: PM lauds decision as children under 16 barred from social media in world

Australia’s social media ban comes into effect today, with children under 16 barred from some of the most popular social media apps in the world. Follow our live coverage.

Politics

24 h. ago Australia social media ban LIVE updates: Children under 16 barred from social media as world

Australia’s social media ban comes into effect today, with children under 16 barred from some of the most popular social media apps in the world. Follow our live coverage.

Politics

26 h. ago Australia social media ban LIVE updates: Children under 16 barred from social media apps as world

Australia’s world-first social media ban legislation comes into effect today, with children under 16 barred from some of the most popular social media apps in the world. Follow our live coverage

Politics

27 h. ago Cameron Crowe’s memoir is filled with delicious anecdotes from rock’s golden age

A quarter of a century after Almost Famous presented a fictionalised account of Crowe’s early career, The Uncool reveals true stories from his time on the road with some of the biggest bands of the time.

Politics

27 h. ago How gifting your grandkids money could actually increase your pension

If you’re gifting from a financial asset – like money in the bank or shares – giving it away won’t hurt your pension. In fact, it could help.

Politics