Teenagers launch legal challenge over Australia's ban on social media for children

A watch dealer has been sentenced to just over five years in prison after defrauding 50 victims out of more than £1 million through a luxury watch scam. The fraudulent activities involved the sale of counterfeit Rolex and other high-end watches, leading to significant financial losses for the victims.

Former US Secretary of State John Kerry has urged Australia to adopt a more assertive stance towards the world's largest fossil fuel-producing nations as it prepares to take over the presidency of the upcoming UN climate summit, COP31. Kerry's call comes amid Australia's recent decision to cede hosting rights to Turkey, a move that has sparked disappointment among Pacific island nations hoping for a co-hosting opportunity.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced that salary-sacrificed pension contributions exceeding £2,000 will now incur national insurance charges, a move aimed at addressing fiscal challenges. This decision is part of a broader budget strategy set to be revealed on November 26, 2025, amidst ongoing discussions about the UK's economic stability.

Almost a third of individuals impacted by the 'loan charge' may see their debts eliminated as the government seeks to resolve a tax scandal associated with multiple suicides. This initiative reflects a significant shift in policy aimed at addressing the financial distress caused by the controversial tax measure.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced the introduction of a mansion tax on properties valued over £2 million as part of the UK budget aimed at addressing the ongoing cost of living crisis. This tax is expected to impact high-value homeowners significantly, contributing to the government's revenue stream.

Australia's gender pay gap has narrowed further in 2025, with women earning on average $28,000 less than men, according to a study by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. The report highlighted that Western Australia reported the largest pay gap, while Tasmania had the smallest, indicating improvements across all states.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a warning about the rise of online 'ghost stores' that exploit the Christmas and Black Friday shopping seasons to deceive consumers. These ghost stores utilize artificial intelligence to create convincing but fraudulent online shopping experiences, making it increasingly difficult for shoppers to identify scams.

Australia has reported a 2.2% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, equating to a decrease of 9.9 million tonnes, attributed largely to increased renewable energy generation, which now accounts for over 40% of electricity production. This marks the largest annual drop in emissions outside of the Covid-19 pandemic period, according to government data.