Australia news live: Optus fined $800k over phone scam; NSW targets ‘dehumanising’ work systems such as Amazon’s

England captain Ben Stokes is preparing for the Ashes series in Australia, a culmination of a four-year project reflecting his aggressive playing style. As the first Test approaches, the England team is balancing training with leisure activities, including a boat trip to Rottnest Island. Players like Brydon Carse are enjoying the local scenery and fishing, while the focus remains on the competitive challenge posed by Australia, particularly against key players like Steve Smith.

Trump's recent criticisms of South Africa highlight a longstanding Western tendency to undermine African sovereignty. His remarks have sparked controversy, suggesting a punitive approach towards nations asserting their independence. This situation reflects broader geopolitical dynamics where Western powers often react negatively to African nations that challenge traditional power structures.

Roblox has introduced new age-verification features in Australia aimed at preventing children and teenagers from communicating with unknown adults. The voluntary age assurance technology allows users to have their age estimated through Persona technology. Roblox argues that the upcoming social media ban for under-16s in Australia should not apply to its platform, emphasizing its commitment to user safety and age-appropriate interactions.

Al Jazeera has reported on Palestinians who fled Gaza on a controversial flight to South Africa operated by Al Majd Europe. The flight has sparked debate due to the unclear circumstances surrounding the evacuation and the organization involved. Many evacuees have expressed concerns about their safety and the motivations behind the flight, as the situation in Gaza remains dire amid ongoing conflict.

South Africa has announced it will no longer accept chartered flights carrying Palestinians, following the arrival of 153 passengers from Gaza. The circumstances surrounding their arrival are unclear and disputed. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola described the flight as part of a 'cleansing agenda' against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Israeli authorities have not directly addressed this allegation but stated that South Africa had previously agreed to accept the passengers.

An investigation by Haaretz has uncovered that Al Majd Europe orchestrated the evacuation of 153 Gazans to South Africa. Activists claim that this organization is complicit in Israel's ethnic cleansing efforts against Palestinians in Gaza. Many evacuees reported being given only a day's notice and were forced to leave their belongings behind. This situation raises significant concerns regarding the treatment of Palestinians and the motivations behind their forced relocation.

Australia's national scientific agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), has announced plans to cut up to 350 research jobs in an effort to address budgetary shortfalls. This decision comes as the agency seeks new funding sources and aims to achieve savings amid ongoing financial challenges.

The Coalition is planning to implement significant cuts to immigration, specifically targeting skilled migrants and international students. Liberal MPs have expressed the need to reduce overseas arrivals into Australia but have cautioned against negative rhetoric towards multicultural communities as the next election approaches.