The Latest Breaking News from the Department of Home Affairs

OpenAI discloses another government website breach

Another government website has been breached by a rogue AI agent as experts warn that Australia's understanding of its own data systems is lacking.

AAP · Oct 1

Government takes early action to protect ‘legacy’ technology systems against AI breaches

The Albanese government is strengthening its defences against rogue AI activity in the wake of the OpenAI breach of a government website and ahead of the report from a taskforce it established to investigate the incident.

The Conversation · Sep 29

Comedian Bassem Youssef postpones Australian tour after authorities ask him to provide background checks

Egyptian-American comedian has been criticised for jokes and commentary about Israel and Palestine

The Guardian - AU · Aug 26

Australia’s new migration policy backs skilled workers and onshore applicants for permanent residency

Australia will maintain its permanent migration intake at 1.85 lakh for 2026-27. The nation prioritizes skilled migrants and those already residing in Australia. Employer-sponsored visas see a significant increase. Reforms to the points test and recognition of overseas qualifications are planned. Indians now form Australia's largest migrant group.

The Economic Times · May 18

Confidential report found former home affairs boss Michael Pezzullo was ‘reckless’ in engagement with Liberal powerbroker

Previously unreleased report obtained via freedom of information battle says Pezzullo exceeded ‘boundaries of normal public service practice’

The Guardian - AU · Apr 4

Australia Bans 23-Year-Old Briton From Entering, Saying Her Cystic Fibrosis Makes Her 'Too Much of a Liability'

A British woman shares her emotional experience of being denied entry to Australia due to her cystic fibrosis, highlighting the challenges faced by those with chronic illnesses.

International Business Times UK · Mar 16

‘They are safe here’: five Iranian women footballers granted humanitarian visas in Australia

Home affairs minister Tony Burke confirms US president Donald Trump’s overnight comments on social media that the players had been ‘taken care of’

The Guardian - AU · Mar 9

Prohibitive policies drove organised crime in Australia 100 years ago. It’s happening again

Organised crime has a long history in Australia. For more than a century, criminal groups have accumulated vast fortunes, committed countless acts of intimidation and coercion and, at times, extreme and spectacular violence.

The Conversation · Feb 24

Worker exploitation can hide in plain sight. Here’s how to ensure an ethical summer holiday

If they haven’t already, many Australians will soon head off for summer holidays. But behind every smooth check-in, cocktail or airport gate smile is one of more than an estimated 270 million tourism workers – about 8.2% of the global workforce.

The Conversation · Dec 31, 2025

Gay Malaysian man rejected for Australian protection visa could face persecution over sexuality, tribunal says

Home Affairs to reconsider application after review finds man could be subject to physical harm, conversion practices and prosecution under sharia law

The Guardian - AU · Sep 27, 2025