During his Australia visit on October 21, 2024, King Charles III faced protests led by lawmaker Lidia Thorpe accusing the monarchy of genocide and demanding a treaty. Despite the protests, Charles expressed joy in visiting and reaffirmed his affection for Australia, while the event continued smoothly with strong security and warm receptions from most attendees.

Qantas Airways has been ordered to pay almost $200,000 to three workers after unlawfully firing 1,700 employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. The High Court and Federal Court upheld that the Fair Work Act protects workers' rights, leading Qantas to expedite payments and engage with the Transport Workers Union for mediation.

The Business Council of Australia (BCA) has unveiled an urgent plan to tackle the nation's housing shortage as the election looms, highlighting a yearly shortfall of 64,000 homes. BCA Chief Bran Black urges immediate and extensive reforms from all levels of government, as high rents and unaffordable housing force some Australians to skip meals.

The NHMRC has proposed new, stricter limits for four PFAS chemicals in Australia's drinking water, aiming to address long-overlooked contamination issues. Final guidelines are expected by April 2025, with public consultation open until November.

WiseTech Global's shares plunged nearly 20% following serious allegations against CEO Richard White. The company announced a review due to investor fears over White's leadership amidst these personal controversies.

Cricket Australia has announced the 2025/26 Ashes series will open at Perth's Optus Stadium, breaking a 43-year tradition of starting at Brisbane's Gabba. This move, driven by superior facilities at Optus, marks a significant change as England prepares to challenge their winless streak in Australia under Ben Stokes' leadership.

Australia is investing $7 billion in air and missile defense systems through a new agreement with the U.S. to bolster its defense amid rising global tensions. The deal, featuring advanced SM-2 IIIC and SM-6 missiles, aims to enhance Australia's naval capabilities and deter potential threats, reflecting the government's commitment to national security.

Australia's fertility rate has plummeted to a record low of 1.5 babies per woman, well below the replacement rate of 2.1. Rising childcare costs, high housing expenses, and financial constraints are driving this trend, raising concerns about economic growth and the sustainability of essential services.

Red Metal Ltd has unveiled a massive 4.8 billion-tonne rare earths resource at its Sybella project near Mount Isa, Queensland, potentially introducing a new type of granite-hosted deposit. Early tests show promising metallurgy, signaling competitive costs and a focus on critical elements for EV engines, though recent bushfires have delayed some activities.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli will face off in the final election debate on Tuesday, just four days before polling day. With Crisafulli leading in the polls, key issues include cost of living, health, crime, and energy policies, as more than 20% of voters have already cast ballots.

Australia is consulting the public on new safety codes to protect children from online pornography and harmful content. If approved by the eSafety Commissioner, these codes will impact social media, messaging platforms, search engines, and ISPs, aiming to enhance child protection, empower parents, and ensure privacy and online safety.

Approvals for new multi-unit dwellings in New South Wales have plummeted to a decade low, exacerbating Sydney's housing supply crisis with over 12,000 homes stalled. Rising interest rates and construction costs have led to a surge in insolvencies among construction companies, prompting government consideration of a financing guarantee program to support the industry.

Victoria aims to build 800,000 homes by 2030, facilitated by zoning changes around transport hubs to ease approval processes. However, rising costs, labor shortages, and interest rate hikes are slowing new apartment construction, with experts urging a focus on inner and middle-ring suburbs to meet demand efficiently.

Australia triumphed 18-0 over Tonga, but showed inconsistency due to new player combinations and limited practice time. Coach Mal Meninga plans to maintain the same spine for their critical upcoming match against New Zealand, emphasizing stability and continuity.

Australia's cost of living crisis is driving 4.4 million people to downsize their social circles and reduce gatherings. Younger generations, especially Gen Z and millennials, are most affected, with many ending friendships due to financial pressures.

Australia's Telethon in Perth has set new fundraising records, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praising the community's generosity and encouraging them to aim for over $80 million this year. Major contributions from the government, philanthropists, and corporations underscore Telethon's vital role in supporting medical research and improving health outcomes for vulnerable children.

Independent candidate Jacqui Scruby is poised to win the Pittwater by-election, signaling a shift in voter sentiment towards community independents. Scruby's lead over Liberal Georgia Ryburn underscores the diminishing margins for traditional parties and the growing appeal of strong, local candidates.

The Victorian government, led by Premier Jacinta Allan, is launching 50 new activity centres to boost housing density near key transport links, as part of her 'more homes, more opportunities' strategy. While aimed at addressing housing affordability and appealing to younger voters, the plan has sparked local opposition and criticism from Opposition Leader John Pesutto for limiting residents' choices.

The Business Council of Australia is pushing a $10 billion federal plan to combat the housing crisis by increasing home construction and cutting costs. The proposal includes incentivizing states to reform regulations, abolishing stamp duty, and enhancing workforce mobility, aiming to meet the Albanese administration's goal of 1.2 million new homes by 2030.