Wells refers expenses to parliamentary watchdog – as it happened This blog is now closed The Guardian - AU · Dec 8, 2025
How important is the ATAR? 30% of Year 12s who go to uni don’t use it Year 12 Students across Australia will receive their ATARs this week and next. It’s a significant moment, with the ATAR often dominating media coverage of schooling at this time of year. The Conversation · Dec 8, 2025
Illegal tobacco is messing up economic data. That won’t stop until it’s managed like alcohol Most Australians have probably noticed the proliferation of tobacconists and “convenience stores” in the last few years. These stores aren’t making much from the limited offerings on public display. Rather, their profitability comes from under-the-counter sales of untaxed tobacco and illegal vapes. The Conversation · Dec 8, 2025
Australia falls behind providing life-saving care Significant advancements in medical technologies are improving patient outcomes, but Australia is at risk of falling behind as it undervalues new technology. AAP · Dec 8, 2025
Avo go at this: Aussie exports fuel hopes for new year Australians are expected to eat 5kg of avocados per person in the new year, as bumper harvests and export demand boost optimism across the agricultural sector. AAP · Dec 8, 2025
All Blacks to host Ireland at Eden Park fortress as 2026 home fixtures confirmed New Zealand will also host Australia at a ground where they have not been beaten for more than 30 years The Independent UK · Dec 8, 2025
'Sit back and enjoy': Barty pumped for summer of tennis Keeping a keen eye on Australia's generation next, retired tennis great Ash Barty says it's vital for emerging stars to learn as much from losses as wins. AAP · Dec 8, 2025
"We're going to be watching really closely" – politicians around the world are taking inspiration from Australia's social media ban As Australia implements its strict age verification regime, worldwide politicians are taking notes. So, which country will be next to kick off teens from social media apps? TechRadar · Dec 8, 2025
Is Australia banning Discord? Australia isn’t banning Discord yet, but future updates to its social media law could change that for under-16s as the government reviews more platforms. Tom’s Guide · Dec 8, 2025
Is Australia banning Roblox? Australia isn’t banning Roblox yet, but future updates to its social media law could change that for under-16s as the government reviews more platforms. Tom’s Guide · Dec 8, 2025
Account closures and restrictions are angering racing punters but there is an answer The minimum bet rule model is there in Australia for all to see and the Gambling Commission should act now The Guardian - UK · Dec 8, 2025
Is England’s failing Ashes campaign the end for Brendon McCullum’s Bazball project? Brendon McCullum has transformed England’s Test team from where he found them, but their struggles in Australia will not be solved simply by the ‘courage’ that his coaching instils The Independent UK · Dec 8, 2025
The Future of Pool Care: How Automation Is Transforming Backyard Living in Australia Australia has always had a deep connection to water — from sun-soaked beaches to suburban backyard pools that become the centre of family life. But as the pace of everyday living accelerates and environmental conditions become more unpredictable, pool owners are rethinking how they maintain their space. Traditional pool care… inkl · Dec 8, 2025
New Ping Wedges And A Prototype Putter: Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen's Crown Australian Open Winning WITB In an epic finish, Neergaard-Petersen claimed a maiden DP World Tour title at the Crown Australian Open, using a full Ping set-up to earn the win in Melbourne Golf Monthly · Dec 8, 2025
The Guardian - AU · Dec 8, 2025 The social media ban will leave young Australians in the dark on news and politics. It’s not fair So many teenagers learn about the big stories through TikTok and Instagram. They won’t suddenly turn to newspapers and TV bulletins
The Guardian - AU · Dec 8, 2025 Australia’s bushfires were held at bay by five wet years — but experts warn the country is ‘ready to burn’ Blazes in NSW and Tasmania have already led to a firefighter losing his life and close to 40 homes being destroyed as an ominous fire season begins
The Guardian - AU · Dec 8, 2025 How is Australia’s social media ban affecting you and your family? Tell us about your experience of the social media ban for under-16s in Australia and how it is affecting you or your children
The Guardian - AU · Dec 8, 2025 Boy, 15, clears Snapchat’s visual age check ahead of Australia’s social media ban taking full effect Sydney teen, who used fake date of birth when creating account, asked to verify age through selfie before Wednesday’s ban begins
The Guardian - UK · Dec 8, 2025 McCullum’s ‘overprepared’ Ashes remark may prove England’s Bazball epitaph Australia’s superior basics have shattered expectations and pushed the broader philosophy into the spotlight
The Guardian - AU · Dec 8, 2025 Gabba dramas show why pink-ball Tests are here to stay – and could save the format Fluctuating conditions and nuances are helping to shakeup five-day cricket with on-field excitement and more eyeballs
Golf Monthly · Dec 8, 2025 'The Top Players Should Want To Compete In Prestigious National Opens, But So Many Don't Seem Bothered. It's A Sad State Of Affairs' In this week's Inside The Ropes, the Golf Monthly team debate how to elevate the Australian Open...
Cycling News · Dec 8, 2025 Jack Haig signs for Ineos Grenadiers as Sam Welsford also appears to be at team's training camp Australians could both be riding for British team in 2026 as roster nears completion
Tom’s Guide · Dec 8, 2025 Has Australia's social media ban been delayed? Australia's under-16s social media ban kicks off on December 10. Despite pushback, there's no delay, and platforms like Meta are already complying.
Space · Dec 8, 2025 Sun unleashes intense X-class solar flare, triggering radio blackouts across Australia The powerful X1.1 solar flare from sunspot region 4298 sparked strong radio blackouts on the sunlit portion of Earth at the time of eruption.
International Business Times UK · Dec 8, 2025 Social Media Content Creator Documents Australia's Bushfire While on a Floating Picnic Table — Shares Update on the Blaze Michael Drake captured Australia's devastating bushfires on a floating picnic table as wildfires swept through New South Wales' Central and Mid North Coasts amid extreme heat and strong winds on 6 and 7 December 2025.