Liberals ditch net zero, more Epstein docs, BBC exits

Liberals ditch net zero, more Epstein docs, BBC exits

Newswrap

It’s Friday! Here are the big stories from this week and some that you might have missed.

The big headlines:

  • The Liberal Party will walk away from their commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. After a lengthy debate, the leader of the party Sussan Ley made the announcement. However moderate Liberal party members can still publicly support net zero, and a future Coalition government will not pull out of the Paris climate accord.
  • Two top BBC executives resigned over biased editing of a 2021 speech by US President Donald Trump, which appeared in the Panorama program. The misleading edit appeared to show him encouraging the January 6 Capitol riot.
  • NSW police approved a neo-Nazi protest, which took place outside the State Parliament on the weekend, without informing the government. The protest saw more than 60 members displaying an anti-Semitic banner.

What else happened this week?

Menulog ceases operations, leading to job losses and market impact

image of food delivery app

Wikimedia

After 20 years, food delivery service Menulog will shut down in November, resulting in 120 job losses and reduced market competition. The Transport Workers Union said the closure would shock delivery workers who had been fighting for better conditions.

Typhoon Fung-wong devastates northwestern Philippines, killing 10 and displacing 1.4 million

Shutterstock

Typhoon Fung-wong has swept through the northwestern Philippines, causing devastation that has resulted in at least 10 deaths and displaced 1.4 million people.

Victoria proposes legislation to try 14-year-olds as adults for serious crimes

image of person in handcuffs

Pexels

The Victorian government proposes trying 14-year-olds as adults for serious crimes like home invasion, causing injury, and carjacking. This means these children could receive potential life sentences.

Indigenous activists storm the COP30 in Brazil

image of climate summit

Wikimedia

Indigenous activists forced their way into the COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil, demanding stronger protections for their lands and action against agribusiness, oil drilling and illegal logging.

More Epstein documents released in the US 

Shutterstock

The United States House Oversight Committee has released 20,000 pages of documents from Jeffrey Epstein's estate, including various emails and financial disclosures. They also include scans from Filthy Rich, James Patterson’s book on the convicted paedophile.

Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people file native claim over a large part of Melbourne

image of Melbourne on a map

Shuttershock

The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people have lodged a native title claim over much of Melbourne, reaffirming their rights to land and waters according to their traditional laws. Evidence demonstrates a continuous link through cultural ceremonies, caring for the environment, fishing, hunting, language and art.

South Australia rejects proposal to ban abortions after 23 weeks

image of notepad

Shutterstock

A proposal to ban abortions after 23 weeks in South Australia was rejected in the state's Upper House. It sought to restrict terminations to cases involving significant foetal abnormalities or to safeguard the life of the mother or foetus.

Two major Chinese gay dating apps removed from app stores following regulatory notice

Image of word in dictionary

Unsplash

Two of China’s most popular gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, have been taken down from the country’s app stores. This action follows a takedown notice from the Cyberspace Administration, China's online regulator and censor.

Victoria’s inquiry into women's pain highlights gender bias in healthcare

image of person in healthcare

Unsplash

Victoria’s Inquiry into Women's Pain reveals a dismissive and disrespectful healthcare system, based on "Caucasian male biology" and leading to worse outcomes for women and girls. The report highlights common issues like period pain, endometriosis and arthritis, and offers recommendations to address these gaps and improve access to proper treatment and support.

And now for some good news:

Grammy 2026 nominations announced

Shutterstock

The nominees for the 2026 Grammy Awards have been announced. Rapper Kendrick Lamar leads with nine nominations, followed by rapper GNX, singer Lady Gaga, producers Jack Antonoff and Cirkut, each with seven nominations. Other nominees include Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, SZA, Turnstile, and Tyler the Creator.

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