Australian PM Albanese to invite Israeli President Herzog following anti-Semitic attack

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the creation of a special honours list to recognize acts of bravery in response to the recent terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, which resulted in multiple fatalities during a Hanukkah celebration. This initiative aims to honor those who demonstrated exceptional courage during the tragic event.

On Christmas Day, Australia is set to experience varied weather conditions, with Sydney expecting showers and a high of 23°C, Melbourne at a cooler 17°C, and Brisbane reaching a warm 34°C. The forecasted rain is likely to mitigate the risk of bushfires in major cities, although parts of Western Australia are under heatwave alerts with temperatures soaring into the low 40s Celsius.

Katie Allen, a former federal Liberal MP representing the Victorian seat of Higgins, has passed away at the age of 59, as confirmed by her family. Her tenure in Parliament lasted from 2019 until 2022, during which she garnered respect across the political spectrum. Tributes have been issued from notable figures including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Sussan Ley, reflecting her impact on Australian politics.

England's cricket team faces a critical moment as they prepare for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, seeking to salvage pride after a disappointing Ashes series against Australia, where they currently trail 2-0. Coach Brendon McCullum's strategies are under scrutiny as the team grapples with pressure and performance issues.

The New South Wales government has enacted contentious amendments to gun laws and granted police new authority to prohibit street protests for up to three months, following a lengthy debate. This legislation was introduced in response to the tragic mass shooting at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration, which resulted in at least 15 fatalities and numerous injuries.

The family of a police officer who was shot in the head during a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney, during a Hanukkah celebration is celebrating his return home as a miraculous recovery. The incident, which occurred on December 14, 2025, resulted in at least 15 fatalities and numerous injuries, shocking the local community.

Pablo Lemoine, the head coach of Chile's rugby team, expressed his concerns about the challenges facing rugby globally, particularly for developing nations, following the draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, where Chile will compete against powerhouse teams Australia and New Zealand. He emphasized the need for a broader vision that includes development programs and social impact beyond just the sport itself.