Mencari Today's Rundown

Australia Faces Triple Policy Reckoning: Under-16 Social Media Ban Begins, Coal Extended to 2049, MPs' Travel Costs Under Scrutiny

Good morning, Australia! Today is December 11 and here is your news briefing! The Mencari readers receive journalism free of financial and political influence. We set our own news agenda, which is always based on facts rather than billionaire ownership or political pressure. Despite the financial challenges that our industry faces, we have decided to keep our reporting open to the public because we believe that everyone has the right to know the truth about the events that shape their world. Thanks to the unwavering support of our readers, we're able to keep the news flowing freely. If you're able, please join us in supporting Mencari. Join over 1000 readers. Sign up here. [https://substack.com/redirect/fcf17763-2d65-4c44-996f-3d64e4a6bfb9?j=eyJ1IjoiMW1xYmc5In0.tm5fjnLTSXJJvZWui_JEQm1kbvYFzxzMstZYoIcPfGI] We'd love it if you could share the email [https://substack.com/redirect/00e3e15f-c939-4d18-91e1-93607f89482f?j=eyJ1IjoiMW1xYmc5In0.tm5fjnLTSXJJvZWui_JEQm1kbvYFzxzMstZYoIcPfGI] with your friends! Just (copy the URL here. [https://substack.com/redirect/3f7305a2-4a57-41ee-ae15-a705dfb15413?j=eyJ1IjoiMW1xYmc5In0.tm5fjnLTSXJJvZWui_JEQm1kbvYFzxzMstZYoIcPfGI] Today's reading time is 7 minutes. - https://twitter.com/realmikosantos?utm_source=www.readmencari.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=banking-code-overhaul-10-000-more-small-businesses-gain-critical-financial-protectionsMiko Santos [http://htttps//tiktok.com/realmikosantos] Here’s what else you need to know to get going and get on with your day. 1. Social Media Ban: Day Two Australia’s world-first under-16 ban is live—TikTok’s axed 200,000+ accounts, but plenty of teens woke up to find nothing changed. PM Albanese says “success is the fact that it’s happening.” That’s... one way to define success. Kids are already migrating to apps called Lemonade and Yope. Whack-a-mole, anyone? 2. Coal Until 2049 AEMO dropped its 25-year energy roadmap. The headline? Coal’s sticking around another quarter-century, and the grid overhaul will cost $128 billion. Wind farm targets? Slashed. Renewables still “cheapest,” apparently—just not arriving as fast as promised. 3. Wells Expenses Scandal Communications Minister Anika Wells referred herself for an audit. The damage? $100k NY trip, $116k in Paris jaunts, husband flown to five MCG events, and a $1,000 Comcar bill for waiting during the tennis. “I work really hard,” she says. PM has her back. For now. 4. MP Travel Blowout It’s not just Wells. Nationals MP Andrew Willcox spent $80k+ flying his spouse to Canberra—seven times the average. Calls are growing to scrap or restrict family travel entitlements entirely. The pub test? Failing spectacularly. 5. Budget Warning Signs MYEFO drops next week. Deficit’s at $33 billion. NDIS running double GDP growth. Eighty percent of new jobs tied to government. Merry Christmas, Treasurer Chalmers. Stay informed on Australia's evolving political landscape with our comprehensive coverage of parliamentary developments and policy analysis. Follow us across all major podcasting platforms and social media channels for updates that matter. Your support keeps independent journalism alive! For more in-depth coverage on these stories and other news affecting Australia and the world, subscribe to readmencari.com. [http://readmencari.com] Support our independent journalism by listening to our podcasts on all major platforms and considering a subscription to help us continue delivering fearless reporting free from financial and political influence. As well as knowing you’re keeping MENCARI alive, you’ll also get: * Get breaking news AS IT HAPPENS - Gain instant access to our real-time coverage and analysis when major stories break, keeping you ahead of the curve * Unlock our COMPLETE content library - Enjoy unlimited access to every newsletter, podcast episode, and exclusive archive—all seamlessly available in your favorite podcast apps. * Join the conversation that matters - Be part of our vibrant community with full commenting privileges on all content, directly supporting Mencari's Stay with readmencari.com [http://readmencari.com]for continuous updates on these developing stories and more from across Australia, New Zealand, and the globe. Subscribe to our newsletter for daily briefings delivered straight to your inbox! MENCARI - Delivered fearless reporting to you is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Got a News Tip? Contact our editor via Proton Mail encrypted [https://www.readmencari.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#513c343f323023383f342622113a303f3630233e3e3734233f7f3024], X Direct Message [https://twitter.com/realmikosantos?utm_source=mencari.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=consumers-and-businesses-warned-of-potential-scams-following-crowdstrike-outage], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/micosantos/?utm_source=mencari.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=consumers-and-businesses-warned-of-potential-scams-following-crowdstrike-outage], or email [https://www.readmencari.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#95f8f0fbf6f4e7fcfbf0e2e6d5fef4fbf2f4e7fafaf3f0e7fbbbf4e0]. You can securely message him on Signal by using his username, Miko Santos. More on Mencari * Mencari [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe]—for breaking and updated news around Australia and the world. * Podwires Daily [https://www.joinpodwires.com/]—for providing news about audio trends and podcasts. * There’s a Glitch [https://redwiresau.substack.com/s/theres-a-glitch]—updated tech news and scam and fraud trends * Viewpoint 360 [https://theeveningpostaustralia.com/s/viewpoint-360] - An investigative report based on evidence , produced in collaboration with 360info. * Part8A [https://redwiresau.substack.com/podcast]Podcast features expert interviews on current political and social issues in Australia and worldwide. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readmencari.com/subscribe [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Australia launches world-first social media ban for under-16s as RBA holds rates, minister faces expenses scandal

Good morning, Australia! Today is November 27 and here is your news briefing! The Mencari readers receive journalism free of financial and political influence. We set our own news agenda, which is always based on facts rather than billionaire ownership or political pressure. Despite the financial challenges that our industry faces, we have decided to keep our reporting open to the public because we believe that everyone has the right to know the truth about the events that shape their world. Thanks to the unwavering support of our readers, we're able to keep the news flowing freely. If you're able, please join us in supporting Mencari. Join over 1000 readers. Sign up here. [https://substack.com/redirect/fcf17763-2d65-4c44-996f-3d64e4a6bfb9?j=eyJ1IjoiMW1xYmc5In0.tm5fjnLTSXJJvZWui_JEQm1kbvYFzxzMstZYoIcPfGI] We'd love it if you could share the email [https://substack.com/redirect/00e3e15f-c939-4d18-91e1-93607f89482f?j=eyJ1IjoiMW1xYmc5In0.tm5fjnLTSXJJvZWui_JEQm1kbvYFzxzMstZYoIcPfGI] with your friends! Just (copy the URL here. [https://substack.com/redirect/3f7305a2-4a57-41ee-ae15-a705dfb15413?j=eyJ1IjoiMW1xYmc5In0.tm5fjnLTSXJJvZWui_JEQm1kbvYFzxzMstZYoIcPfGI] Today's reading time is 7 minutes. - https://twitter.com/realmikosantos?utm_source=www.readmencari.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=banking-code-overhaul-10-000-more-small-businesses-gain-critical-financial-protectionsMiko Santos [http://htttps//tiktok.com/realmikosantos] Here’s what else you need to know to get going and get on with your day. Australia became the first nation Tuesday to enforce a blanket social media ban for children under 16, with platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook removing millions of teen accounts. The world-first legislation kicks in as the Reserve Bank held interest rates at 3.60% for another month, leaving Australian households paying $1,800 more monthly in mortgage costs than three years ago. Shadow Treasurer Ted O’Brien warned the next interest rate move could be up, not down, blaming government spending for keeping inflation at 3.8%—well above the RBA’s target. Communications Minister Anika Wells championed the social media ban as “game-changing” for kids and parents, even as she referred herself to the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority for an audit. Revelations emerged this week of $100,000 in last-minute UN flights, family ski trips to Thredbo, and a nearly $1,000 Commonwealth car charge for a seven-hour wait during the 2023 Australian Open. The Opposition is calling her “air-miles Anika” and demanding she stand aside during investigations, with the scandal threatening to overshadow the government’s signature tech policy achievement. Deadly bushfires killed a 59-year-old firefighter and destroyed at least 40 homes across New South Wales and Tasmania over the weekend, with authorities warning the summer fire season is only beginning. More than 60 fires burned across NSW Tuesday, fueled by 42-degree temperatures and gusty winds. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese activated disaster relief and warned “this summer, like all summers it would appear in recent times, is going to be a difficult one.” The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts temporary relief with cooler weather and possible rain, but long-term conditions remain dangerous with 2024 marking Australia’s second-hottest year on record. Energy bill rebates that have cushioned household electricity costs throughout 2024 and 2025 will end December 31st, Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed Monday. The $300 annual rebate plus an additional $150 provided since July will not be extended into 2026, leaving families to absorb the full impact of energy prices that have jumped 40% since Labor took office. Opposition Treasury spokesperson Ted O’Brien called the decision inevitable but slammed Labor for spending $6.8 billion “papering over their failed energy policy” rather than addressing root causes. Chalmers said future support would be “targeted” rather than universal, suggesting means-testing is coming. The Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook drops next week, where Chalmers will need to address mounting pressure on Australian households facing higher energy bills, stagnant interest rates, and warnings of potential rate hikes heading into 2026. Whether the government announces spending cuts, extends cost-of-living relief, or leaves families to navigate rising costs on their own remains the question dominating Canberra as summer intensifies and political pressure mounts on multiple fronts. Stay informed on Australia's evolving political landscape with our comprehensive coverage of parliamentary developments and policy analysis. Follow us across all major podcasting platforms and social media channels for updates that matter. Your support keeps independent journalism alive! For more in-depth coverage on these stories and other news affecting Australia and the world, subscribe to readmencari.com. [http://readmencari.com] Support our independent journalism by listening to our podcasts on all major platforms and considering a subscription to help us continue delivering fearless reporting free from financial and political influence. As well as knowing you’re keeping MENCARI alive, you’ll also get: * Get breaking news AS IT HAPPENS - Gain instant access to our real-time coverage and analysis when major stories break, keeping you ahead of the curve * Unlock our COMPLETE content library - Enjoy unlimited access to every newsletter, podcast episode, and exclusive archive—all seamlessly available in your favorite podcast apps. * Join the conversation that matters - Be part of our vibrant community with full commenting privileges on all content, directly supporting Mencari's Stay with readmencari.com [http://readmencari.com]for continuous updates on these developing stories and more from across Australia, New Zealand, and the globe. Subscribe to our newsletter for daily briefings delivered straight to your inbox! MENCARI - Delivered fearless reporting to you is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Got a News Tip? Contact our editor via Proton Mail encrypted [https://www.readmencari.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#513c343f323023383f342622113a303f3630233e3e3734233f7f3024], X Direct Message [https://twitter.com/realmikosantos?utm_source=mencari.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=consumers-and-businesses-warned-of-potential-scams-following-crowdstrike-outage], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/micosantos/?utm_source=mencari.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=consumers-and-businesses-warned-of-potential-scams-following-crowdstrike-outage], or email [https://www.readmencari.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#95f8f0fbf6f4e7fcfbf0e2e6d5fef4fbf2f4e7fafaf3f0e7fbbbf4e0]. You can securely message him on Signal by using his username, Miko Santos. More on Mencari * Mencari [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe]—for breaking and updated news around Australia and the world. * Podwires Daily [https://www.joinpodwires.com/]—for providing news about audio trends and podcasts. * There’s a Glitch [https://redwiresau.substack.com/s/theres-a-glitch]—updated tech news and scam and fraud trends * Viewpoint 360 [https://theeveningpostaustralia.com/s/viewpoint-360] - An investigative report based on evidence , produced in collaboration with 360info. * Part8A [https://redwiresau.substack.com/podcast]Podcast features expert interviews on current political and social issues in Australia and worldwide. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readmencari.com/subscribe [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Australian Teens Take Social Media Ban to High Court as Inflation Squeezes Gen Z

Good morning, Australia! Today is November 27 and here is your news briefing! The Mencari readers receive journalism free of financial and political influence. We set our own news agenda, which is always based on facts rather than billionaire ownership or political pressure. Despite the financial challenges that our industry faces, we have decided to keep our reporting open to the public because we believe that everyone has the right to know the truth about the events that shape their world. Thanks to the unwavering support of our readers, we're able to keep the news flowing freely. If you're able, please join us in supporting Mencari. Join over 1000 readers. Sign up here. [https://substack.com/redirect/fcf17763-2d65-4c44-996f-3d64e4a6bfb9?j=eyJ1IjoiMW1xYmc5In0.tm5fjnLTSXJJvZWui_JEQm1kbvYFzxzMstZYoIcPfGI] We'd love it if you could share the email [https://substack.com/redirect/00e3e15f-c939-4d18-91e1-93607f89482f?j=eyJ1IjoiMW1xYmc5In0.tm5fjnLTSXJJvZWui_JEQm1kbvYFzxzMstZYoIcPfGI] with your friends! Just (copy the URL here. [https://substack.com/redirect/3f7305a2-4a57-41ee-ae15-a705dfb15413?j=eyJ1IjoiMW1xYmc5In0.tm5fjnLTSXJJvZWui_JEQm1kbvYFzxzMstZYoIcPfGI] Today's reading time is 7 minutes. - https://twitter.com/realmikosantos?utm_source=www.readmencari.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=banking-code-overhaul-10-000-more-small-businesses-gain-critical-financial-protectionsMiko Santos [http://htttps//tiktok.com/realmikosantos] Here’s what else you need to know to get going and get on with your day. Australia’s new law forcing platforms to remove users under 16 by Dec. 10 is facing a High Court challenge from the Digital Freedom Project and two 15-year-olds, who argue the ban unfairly strips young people of their implied constitutional right to political communication on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. The case lands as more than a million teen accounts are set to be shut down and companies face fines up to tens of millions of dollars if they fail to comply. At the same time, new ABS data shows annual inflation has ticked up to 3.8% in the year to October, driven heavily by higher housing and electricity costs, keeping pressure on younger Australians already hit by soaring rents, bills and study costs. Stay informed on Australia's evolving political landscape with our comprehensive coverage of parliamentary developments and policy analysis. Follow us across all major podcasting platforms and social media channels for updates that matter. Your support keeps independent journalism alive! For more in-depth coverage on these stories and other news affecting Australia and the world, subscribe to readmencari.com. [http://readmencari.com] Support our independent journalism by listening to our podcasts on all major platforms and considering a subscription to help us continue delivering fearless reporting free from financial and political influence. As well as knowing you’re keeping MENCARI alive, you’ll also get: * Get breaking news AS IT HAPPENS - Gain instant access to our real-time coverage and analysis when major stories break, keeping you ahead of the curve * Unlock our COMPLETE content library - Enjoy unlimited access to every newsletter, podcast episode, and exclusive archive—all seamlessly available in your favorite podcast apps. * Join the conversation that matters - Be part of our vibrant community with full commenting privileges on all content, directly supporting Mencari's Stay with readmencari.com [http://readmencari.com]for continuous updates on these developing stories and more from across Australia, New Zealand, and the globe. Subscribe to our newsletter for daily briefings delivered straight to your inbox! MENCARI - Delivered fearless reporting to you is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Got a News Tip? Contact our editor via Proton Mail encrypted [https://www.readmencari.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#513c343f323023383f342622113a303f3630233e3e3734233f7f3024], X Direct Message [https://twitter.com/realmikosantos?utm_source=mencari.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=consumers-and-businesses-warned-of-potential-scams-following-crowdstrike-outage], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/micosantos/?utm_source=mencari.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=consumers-and-businesses-warned-of-potential-scams-following-crowdstrike-outage], or email [https://www.readmencari.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#95f8f0fbf6f4e7fcfbf0e2e6d5fef4fbf2f4e7fafaf3f0e7fbbbf4e0]. You can securely message him on Signal by using his username, Miko Santos. More on Mencari * Mencari [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe]—for breaking and updated news around Australia and the world. * Podwires Daily [https://www.joinpodwires.com/]—for providing news about audio trends and podcasts. * There’s a Glitch [https://redwiresau.substack.com/s/theres-a-glitch]—updated tech news and scam and fraud trends * Viewpoint 360 [https://theeveningpostaustralia.com/s/viewpoint-360] - An investigative report based on evidence , produced in collaboration with 360info. * Part8A [https://redwiresau.substack.com/podcast]Podcast features expert interviews on current political and social issues in Australia and worldwide. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readmencari.com/subscribe [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Hanson Draws Historic 7-Day Senate Suspension Over Burqa Stunt

Good morning, Australia! Today is November 25 and here is your news briefing! The Mencari readers receive journalism free of financial and political influence. We set our own news agenda, which is always based on facts rather than billionaire ownership or political pressure. Despite the financial challenges that our industry faces, we have decided to keep our reporting open to the public because we believe that everyone has the right to know the truth about the events that shape their world. Thanks to the unwavering support of our readers, we're able to keep the news flowing freely. If you're able, please join us in supporting Mencari. Join over 1000 readers. Sign up here. [https://substack.com/redirect/fcf17763-2d65-4c44-996f-3d64e4a6bfb9?j=eyJ1IjoiMW1xYmc5In0.tm5fjnLTSXJJvZWui_JEQm1kbvYFzxzMstZYoIcPfGI] We'd love it if you could share the email [https://substack.com/redirect/00e3e15f-c939-4d18-91e1-93607f89482f?j=eyJ1IjoiMW1xYmc5In0.tm5fjnLTSXJJvZWui_JEQm1kbvYFzxzMstZYoIcPfGI] with your friends! Just (copy the URL here. [https://substack.com/redirect/3f7305a2-4a57-41ee-ae15-a705dfb15413?j=eyJ1IjoiMW1xYmc5In0.tm5fjnLTSXJJvZWui_JEQm1kbvYFzxzMstZYoIcPfGI] Today's reading time is 7 minutes. - https://twitter.com/realmikosantos?utm_source=www.readmencari.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=banking-code-overhaul-10-000-more-small-businesses-gain-critical-financial-protectionsMiko Santos [http://htttps//tiktok.com/realmikosantos] Here’s what else you need to know to get going and get on with your day. 1. Hanson’s Historic Senate Ban One Nation leader Pauline Hanson won’t be back in the Senate chamber until February 2026 after drawing a seven-sitting-day suspension—the first of its kind in over 45 years. The penalty came Tuesday for wearing a burqa into Parliament for the second time, trying to force debate on banning full-face coverings. Finance Minister Penny Wong didn’t mince words, saying Hanson “mocked and vilified” nearly a million Muslim Australians. Hanson’s response? She’s defiant, says she has “no respect” for most senators, and told reporters the Australian people—not politicians—will judge her. The awkward part? Former Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce is weighing whether to join One Nation right after sharing a steak dinner with Hanson the night of her stunt. Joyce says he’ll decide by Friday. This working relationship is going to be... interesting. 2. Gig Workers Win Minimum Pay Australia just pulled off something no other country has: a voluntary minimum pay deal for DoorDash and Uber Eats drivers. The Transport Workers Union negotiated directly with the platforms—announced Tuesday—and it now needs Fair Work Commission approval. We’re talking minimum pay floors, dispute resolution, and accident insurance for tens of thousands of delivery workers who’ve been locked out of basic protections. Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth says this fixes “sub-slavery conditions.” The catch? The platforms agreed because they saw government regulations coming anyway. This isn’t generosity—it’s damage control. Expect delivery costs to rise when those labor expenses get passed along. Whether you’ll pay $5 extra for your late-night pad thai so drivers get minimum wage? That’s the real test. 3. Environmental Law Chaos Environment Minister Murray Watt released two completely different amendment packages Tuesday—one for the Coalition, one for the Greens—and neither side is biting. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley says Watt’s “after a political fix, not serious environmental legislation,” and she’s demanding Prime Minister Albanese step in for leader-to-leader talks. The Coalition wants protections for gas projects. The Greens want gas explicitly excluded from fast-track approvals. If Watt goes with the Greens, Labor premiers in WA, Queensland, and the NT will lose their minds over blocked gas developments. If he sides with the Coalition, environmental groups explode. Parliament wraps Friday. If Watt doesn’t land a deal, this legislative mess rolls straight into 2026 election territory. 4. Bowen’s Climate Job vs. Energy Crisis Energy Minister Chris Bowen just scored the presidency of COP30 climate negotiations—and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley immediately branded him a “part-time energy minister” running a “part-time energy grid.” She’s got a point about timing: Australians are facing 40% higher power bills, and power companies told the Australian Energy Council last week prices will keep climbing for another decade. When pressed on when prices actually drop, both Bowen and Climate Change Authority Chair Matt Kean dodge with “when we roll out renewables at scale.” How many years is that? Nobody will say. Bowen’s defense? Supporting Australians in international roles is standard practice. But chairing global climate talks in an election year while Australia’s electricity costs spiral? That’s not standard anything. 5. Bendigo Bank’s Money Laundering Mess Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s stock tanked 9% Tuesday morning after revealing “significant flaws” in its systems to detect money laundering and terrorism financing. The bank admitted it failed at the absolute basics of banking compliance—the stuff that’s supposed to be bulletproof. AUSTRAC hasn’t announced penalties yet, but for context: Commonwealth Bank paid $700 million in 2018 for similar failures, Westpac coughed up $1.3 billion in 2020. Bendigo’s smaller, but the regulatory hammer hits everyone the same. Shareholders who watched nearly 10% of their investment evaporate in one morning? They’ll be joining regulators in asking how money laundering controls fell apart this badly. Stay informed on Australia's evolving political landscape with our comprehensive coverage of parliamentary developments and policy analysis. Follow us across all major podcasting platforms and social media channels for updates that matter. Your support keeps independent journalism alive! For more in-depth coverage on these stories and other news affecting Australia and the world, subscribe to readmencari.com. [http://readmencari.com] Support our independent journalism by listening to our podcasts on all major platforms and considering a subscription to help us continue delivering fearless reporting free from financial and political influence. As well as knowing you’re keeping MENCARI alive, you’ll also get: * Get breaking news AS IT HAPPENS - Gain instant access to our real-time coverage and analysis when major stories break, keeping you ahead of the curve * Unlock our COMPLETE content library - Enjoy unlimited access to every newsletter, podcast episode, and exclusive archive—all seamlessly available in your favorite podcast apps. * Join the conversation that matters - Be part of our vibrant community with full commenting privileges on all content, directly supporting Mencari's Stay with readmencari.com [http://readmencari.com]for continuous updates on these developing stories and more from across Australia, New Zealand, and the globe. Subscribe to our newsletter for daily briefings delivered straight to your inbox! MENCARI - Delivered fearless reporting to you is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Got a News Tip? Contact our editor via Proton Mail encrypted [https://www.readmencari.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#513c343f323023383f342622113a303f3630233e3e3734233f7f3024], X Direct Message [https://twitter.com/realmikosantos?utm_source=mencari.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=consumers-and-businesses-warned-of-potential-scams-following-crowdstrike-outage], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/micosantos/?utm_source=mencari.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=consumers-and-businesses-warned-of-potential-scams-following-crowdstrike-outage], or email [https://www.readmencari.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#95f8f0fbf6f4e7fcfbf0e2e6d5fef4fbf2f4e7fafaf3f0e7fbbbf4e0]. You can securely message him on Signal by using his username, Miko Santos. More on Mencari * Mencari [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe]—for breaking and updated news around Australia and the world. * Podwires Daily [https://www.joinpodwires.com/]—for providing news about audio trends and podcasts. * There’s a Glitch [https://redwiresau.substack.com/s/theres-a-glitch]—updated tech news and scam and fraud trends * Viewpoint 360 [https://theeveningpostaustralia.com/s/viewpoint-360] - An investigative report based on evidence , produced in collaboration with 360info. * Part8A [https://redwiresau.substack.com/podcast]Podcast features expert interviews on current political and social issues in Australia and worldwide. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readmencari.com/subscribe [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Senate Suspended 90 Minutes After Hanson Wears Burqa; BOM Website Costs Taxpayers $96.5M

Good morning, Australia! Today is November 24 and here is your news briefing! The Mencari readers receive journalism free of financial and political influence. We set our own news agenda, which is always based on facts rather than billionaire ownership or political pressure. Despite the financial challenges that our industry faces, we have decided to keep our reporting open to the public because we believe that everyone has the right to know the truth about the events that shape their world. Thanks to the unwavering support of our readers, we're able to keep the news flowing freely. If you're able, please join us in supporting Mencari. Join over 1000 readers. Sign up here. 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HANSON’S BURQA STUNT SHUTS DOWN SENATE One Nation’s Pauline Hanson walked into the Senate chamber Monday wearing a burqa, attempting to introduce legislation banning the face coverings nationwide. Spoiler: it didn’t go well. Foreign Minister Penny Wong called it disrespectful, Greens leader Larissa Waters labeled it “the middle finger to people of faith,” and Independent Senator Fatima Payman—Parliament’s first hijab-wearing member—called it abhorrent. When Hanson refused to leave after being sanctioned, Senate President Sue Lines suspended proceedings for 90 minutes during the final sitting week of the year. Hanson posted on social media calling colleagues “hypocrites” and saying if Parliament won’t ban burqas, she’ll wear one. This is her second burqa stunt since 2017, and the Islamophobia envoy warns it deepens safety risks for Muslim women already facing harassment. 2. BOM WEBSITE OVERHAUL COSTS $96.5 MILLION, NOT $4 MILLION AS STATED Remember that Bureau of Meteorology website everyone’s been complaining about for a month? Turns out it cost taxpayers $96.5 million—about 20 times the originally stated $4.1 million price tag. New BOM chief Stuart Minchin, two weeks on the job, calls it a “miscommunication” and says the project was actually approved by the Turnbull government in 2017 after a cyberattack threatened the entire system. The rebuild included back-end infrastructure from field equipment to supercomputers, with a 15% cost blowout due to COVID delays. Environment Minister Murray Watt says he wasn’t aware of the full cost and has asked for answers. Why this matters: Australians are furious not just about the money, but because the redesigned site is genuinely hard to navigate—radar’s confusing, place names unreadable—and this all happened during severe weather when people actually needed reliable forecasts. 3. CYCLONE FINA TRACKS TOWARD WESTERN AUSTRALIA AFTER BATTERING NT Cyclone Fina’s making its way across northern Australia, and Western Australia’s Kimberley region is next in line. After passing between the Tiwi Islands and Darwin over the weekend as a category three system, the cyclone left 14,000 people without power but—thankfully—caused minimal damage because residents actually heeded warnings. Now meteorologists say Fina will strengthen as it crosses the northeast Kimberley coast late Tuesday afternoon or evening, bringing destructive winds and heavy rainfall. Darwin got lucky with schools closed but no serious injuries. For those in the Kimberley: secure your property, stay updated on warnings, and maybe don’t rely too heavily on that new BOM website. 4. SENATOR INTRODUCES BILL BANNING NON-CONSENSUAL AI DEEPFAKES Independent Senator David Pocock is introducing legislation Tuesday to ban the creation and sharing of AI deepfakes without consent—and honestly, it’s about time. The bill would make it illegal to use digitally altered or AI-generated audio or visual content depicting someone’s face or voice without permission. It proposes a complaints system through the eSafety Commissioner, stronger removal notice powers, and compensation for victims wrongfully depicted or exploited. Pocock told reporters: “It seems like a very sensible thing for Australians to be able to say I own my face. This belongs to me.” Why this matters: Deepfake technology is advancing faster than legislation can keep up, and we’ve already seen it weaponized for harassment, revenge porn, political misinformation, and fraud. Without legal protections, anyone’s identity can be stolen and manipulated without consequences. 5. AFP CHARGES THREE MEN OVER ALLEGED THREATS TO FEDERAL POLITICIANS The Australian Federal Police arrested three men last week for allegedly threatening federal MPs, and they’re sending a clear message: we’re watching. A 30-year-old Sydney man—believed to be National Socialist Network member Joel Davis—was charged with allegedly harassing Independent MP Allegra Spender after she condemned a neo-Nazi protest. A 29-year-old from Tamworth allegedly sent online threats to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. And a 32-year-old Victorian man faces charges over alleged threats toward Senator Lidia Thorpe, including harassing emails and an abusive phone call with “hateful and menacing rhetoric.” All three face up to five years in prison. AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Matthew Gale revealed they received 951 referrals about threats against parliamentarians in 2024-25—a 42% increase from the previous year. The AFP’s new National Security Investigations team, launched in September, is specifically targeting groups eroding social cohesion. Whether you agree with a politician or not, threatening them is an attack on democracy itself. 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