A 33-year-old man was wounded in his torso after an alleged assault in Bondi this morning, NSW police confirmed, proving that even the scenic coastal suburb isn't immune to a little pre-breakfast drama. Police were called to Bondi Road at 6:45am, with the incident occurring at a unit on Imperial Avenue. The man was assisted by helpful bystanders before paramedics took him to hospital in stable condition. A crime scene has been established, and police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
In other news that will surely dominate pub conversation, Peter V'landys is playing kingmaker of Australian TV as the NRL broadcast deal approaches. The outcome, expected in coming weeks, threatens to either end Foxtel's reign over Australian sport or quell Nine Entertainment's expansion. Years of ridicule about the NRL exceeding the AFL's $4.5bn deal from 2022 may be silenced, as a perfect storm - including V'landys and outgoing CEO Andrew Abdo meeting with broadcasters - propels the league toward an outcome few thought possible.
The Queensland LNP government faces accusations of operating a secret agenda dubbed 'project invisibility' by public servants, which allegedly systematically purges First Nations officials, policies, and programs from the public sector. Prominent Indigenous barrister Joshua Creamer claims the government is implementing an 'organised strategy' to eliminate, remove, and reduce the role of Indigenous people within government.
Meanwhile, Australians are borrowing personal loans in record amounts - $5.1bn in the first three months of 2026, according to ABS data - as living costs wipe out savings buffers. These loans can fund weddings, overseas trips, or home renovations, but also help pay off regular bills or other debts. You know, the fun stuff.
In Melbourne, six people were arrested after an alleged affray at Flinders Street Station on Saturday night. Witnesses reported up to 10 people, some allegedly armed with machetes, fighting in the concourse around 10pm. Four who boarded a train were arrested after protected service officers allegedly found them with machetes; another two were arrested nearby. A 17-year-old was treated for a laceration to his arm. A 22-year-old has been charged with affray, reckless cause injury, assault with a weapon, and possessing a prohibited weapon, and bailed to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court on 27 November. The remaining five - aged 13, 14, 15, and two 16-year-olds - were released pending further inquiries.
For Victorians, exciting news: Myki is going contactless on rail lines from today. Commuters on the Cranbourne-Pakenham, Frankston, Stony Point, Sandringham, Sunbury, Werribee, Williamstown, Bendigo, Gippsland, and Geelong V/Line services can now use a debit or credit card, smartphone, or smartwatch. However, the technology only supports full adult fares, so seniors, students, and healthcare card holders must keep their concession Myki cards if they want discounts. The Alamein, Glen Waverley, Belgrave, Lilydale, Mernda, and Hurstbridge lines switch on next Sunday. Trams and buses remain TBA - unless you use the Android version of Myki, which already allowed such payments.
Greens Senator David Shoebridge called for a longer inquiry into NDIS changes in the federal budget, telling ABC's Insiders that 'tens of billions of dollars are being taken away from families.' He criticised the Coalition, Labor, and One Nation for joining together to do a short inquiry due to report in June - 'what, late next week?' - and said the Greens are pressuring the government to wind back some existing grandfathered tax benefits.
Shoebridge also urged Australia to have a 'realistic' view of China, warning against going 'down a warpath with Washington' against China. He criticised the AUKUS program, arguing Australia doesn't need nuclear-powered submarines and should instead use underwater drones and crewed platforms for defensive purposes.
One Nation's housing policy confusion drew fire from Labor Minister Amanda Rishworth, who called it a sign of the party's 'chaos.' After Barnaby Joyce initially suggested the policy would force permanent residents to sell their homes, Senator Sean Bell clarified that permanent residents are unaffected. Instead, One Nation wants to ban foreigners and temporary visa holders from buying properties and give existing owners two years to sell up. Rishworth also took aim at Pauline Hanson for incorrectly claiming One Nation couldn't use the Parliamentary Budget Office to cost policies before the last election because it didn't have enough members.
The NSW government proposes extending Sydney Opera House outdoor hours, increasing maximum capacity from 5,000 to 6,000 for low/medium events and from 6,000 to 7,000 for major events. Late-night sound levels for major events will match earlier maximums, and event hours increase across all days. Minister for the Arts and Night-time Economy John Graham declared: 'No longer will noise levels at the Sydney Opera House forecourt be dictated by the bedtimes of the residents at 'the Toaster.''
Finally, the Liberals have appointed Nationals party director Lincoln Folo as their new top strategist, replacing Andrew Hirst after three elections. New Liberal president Tony Abbott praised Folo's 'extensive experience' and thanked Hirst for his 'sterling service,' including masterminding Scott Morrison's surprise 2019 win.