Star News Briefing

A 19-year-old has been charged after a firecracker allegedly sparked a major bushfire in PERTH. Deadly surf has claimed multiple lives across NEW SOUTH WALES on New Year's Day. Weight-loss drugs and surgeries are reshaping how Australian's eat. US President Donald Trump says the National Guard will be pulled out of Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Revellers across the country have welcomed in 2026 with a bang Fireworks drama as rogue shells spark blazes Federal government brings in a raft of new laws for new yearSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Hayley has been downgraded to a category two system. NORTH QUEENSLAND'S flood emergency has claimed its first life. New Year's Eve weather. Cases of typhoid and leprosy were recorded in QUEENSLAND.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bushfire warnings in Perth's south as fires ramp up in parts of COOLOONGUP, SAFETY BAY, WAIKIKI and WARNBRO. A teenage boy is in custody after a wild night in a Porsche.  Criminals in SA have used a drone to drop contraband to a prisoner's window. Growing calls for full face helmets for riders on e-scooters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grieving families of Bondi victims call for royal commission. US President meets with Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss peace plan. A man charged with murder. Warnings over Boxing Day sales scams. Screen legend Brigette Bardot dies aged 91.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cricket fans are set to be refunded after the fourth ashes test lasted just two days Russia launches fresh attack on Ukraine as President Zelensky arrives in North America New figures reveal the true cost of Christmas for struggling AustraliansSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are fears an illegal protest organised at Cronulla beach could descend into violence Penny Wong apologises in the wake of Bondi attack Delicate operation to remove damaged crane on the Gold CoastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Poll Reveals Strong Support for Tougher Approach on Visa Screening Following Bondi Terror Attack King Charles Calls for Unity and Reconciliation in Annual Christmas Message  Security at the MCG Tightened for Fourth Ashes Test Aussies Tipped to Spend $1.6 Billion on Boxing Day Alone   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister and Opposition Leaders Share Messages of Hope and Unity in Nationwide Christmas Messages  Tough Laws on Guns and Protests Pass NSW Parliament  Israel's President Invited to Visit Australia Following Bondi Terro Attack Christmas Rush Hits Nation's AirportsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Survey Reveals Majority of Aussies Back Tougher Gun Reforms  Accused Bondi Gunman Spends First Night in Prison Ahead of Court Hearing Next Year The UK Considers Australian-Style Social Media Ban for Young People  English Singer Chris Rea Passes Away Aged 74   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bondi Terror Attack Victims Honoured at Bondi Beach Overnight  The PM Thrashes Out Details of New Gun Laws and Hate Speech Reforms in Canberra Today  Organisers of Anti-immigration Rally Urged to Cancel Event in Melbourne as Nation Continues to Mourn Bondi Terro Attack Millions of Aussies Brace for Biggest Increase to Private Health Insurance Premiums Since 2017 Key Data About Social Media Ban to be Released This WeekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister will attend a service at Bondi Beach to mark a week since the horror terror attack Calls for a national Royal Commission into the shooting Chilling details over Reiner murders  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mourners and lifesavers have held three minutes silence to remember the terror attack victims Teenager who was shot in Bondi breaks silence on shielding toddlers from the gunmen Drivers urged to stay safe on the roads as school holidays get underwaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visits the Federal Police and ASIO headquarters in Canberra in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack. The Federal Government announces a gun buyback scheme.  Legislation restricting the number of firearms a licence holder can have to four will be tabled in New South Wales Parliament on Monday.  ANZ has been fined $250m for widespread misconduct.  And Ed Sheeran goes shirtless for Men's Health UK. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seven men arrested in Sydney's south west amid reports a violent act was possibly being planned. Another three victims of the Bondi terror attack laid to rest yesterday A group paddle takes place as the red and yellow flags return to Bondi  And grave fears after a light plane crash in North CarolinaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Albanese has admitted he's "not perfect" and could have acted sooner on anti semitism concerns. The Opposition calls for Parliament to be recalled to discuss boosting national security.  Funeral of Great Grandfather Tibor Witzen who shieled other from bullets is being held this afternoon. 14th victim identified as 50 year old Adam Smyth who was out walking with his wife. And.  Optus to adopt 21 recommendations made after a review into September's deadly 000 outage.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The funeral will be held today for the youngest victim of the Bondi Terror Attack An interfaith service was held overnight as the community continues to mourn It comes as the alleged gunman is charged over the mass shooting While police in the UK vow to crack down on anti-Semitic rhetoric See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The family of 10-year-old Matilda join mourners at a vigil for the Bondi Terror Attack victims The surviving gunman wakes from his coma Hero of the mass shooting to undergo another surgery today as his recovery continues And more stories of bravery emerge from the tragedy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home-Made ISIS Flag and Explosives Found In Car Of Father And Son Terrorists.  NSW Parliament To Be Recalled Before Christmas To Pass Gun Law Reform.  17-Hundred Sacked Qantas Workers In Line For Payout.  And Usman Khawaja Overlooked For Third Ashes Test, Starting Tomorrow In Adelaide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vigils have been held in Sydney and across the country as the nation mourns the victims of the Bondi terror attack  Australia's gun laws in for an overhaul in the wake of the mass shooting Investigations continue into the father son duo behind the attack  And a major development in the murder of Hollywood director Ron ReinerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PM Anthony Albanese has put gun law reform on the National Cabinet agenda this afternoon in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack.  Home Affairs to fast-track visas for loved ones overseas to attend funerals of the 15 victims. Sydney Police escort a woman away from the Bondi Beach vigil for causing upset by shouting pro Palestine comments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flags are flying at half-mast as the nation grapples with the Bondi Beach terror attack  The gunmen behind the mass shooting have been identified as a father and son  It's been revealed one of the men, a 50-year-old, had six firearms licensed to him While Lifeblood has issued an urgent call for donations in the wake of the attack See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The death toll from the Bondi Beach mass shooting has climbed to 16 while 40 others have been injured PM Anthony Albanese condemns the violence While a good Samaritan who disarmed one of the gunmen and been hailed a hero  Police probe is now underway into the shooting with officers swooping on a Bonnyrigg homeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Mark Butler the latest politician to disclose pricey perks for family members Supermarkets facing hefty fines for price gouging Warning to iPhone usersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Charles has announced he's winning his cancer battle Revelations Government quietly changed the rules over politician travel Us President among the men pictured in newly released Epstein photosSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Opposition Leader is offering bi-partisan support on any potential reforms to politician expenses. A rescue deal has been unveiled to keep the country's largest aluminium smelter open beyond 20-28. And Vogue has named the 55 best dressed stars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Silvagni to front court for a pre-sentence hearing after he was found guilty of rape Social media giants begin handing over data on social media ban  NSW Central Coast hit by heavy rain after devastating fires And vision of a skydiver's brush with death releasedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The P-M holding firm on travel entitlements for his Labor colleagues. 21 thousand fulltime roles have been lost in the latest unemployment data. And Taylor Swift tears up over her Eras tour schedule See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aussie travelers could be forced to supply five years' worth of social media history under tourism overhaul  Social media companies to start handing over data on how many under 16s have been booted from the platform  AUKUS security talks held in Washington  And an Aussie named co-chair of the Met Gala See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The P-M is hailing the social media ban as a success, as the world-leading measure comes into force. The Federal Opposition argues the rules are clear-cut when it comes to Politician entitlements -- as the independent watchdog audits Anika Wells.  And Taylor Swift enjoys girls night outSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World leading social media ban for under 16s comes into force in Australia Anika Wells refers herself to independent watchdog over expenses scandal  Man who grabbed Ariana Grande at Wicked For Good premiere booted from Lady Gaga concert And Trump slams European leadersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank is worried inflation is creeping back up, forcing its hand on interest rates. The telecommunications industry is being accused of protecting itself, following a potential second triple-zero death on the T-P-G network. And This famous couple are very much on again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defence has dominated talks between US and Australian Defence and Foreign Ministers in the US Residents on high alert after another day of soaring temperatures across NSW Tsunami alert issued in Japan  And Alex De Minaur takes out the Newcombe Medal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Government confirms energy rebates won't be extended. Barnaby Joyce makes official switch to One Nation. And   Mariah Careys iconic Christmas song is back. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Natural Disaster declaration issued after Central Coast fires Dramatic scenes at London's Heathrow Airport after pepper spray attack  Coalition suffers a slip in the polls And Lando Norris claims the F1 title See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fire crews remain on alert with fears dozens of fires in NSW could flare up again Australia's looming social media ban praised by experts Shoppers warned to be on the look out for porch pirates ahead of Christmas  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heatwave warnings and fire bans are in place with the mercury set to soar in several states Aussie employees set to be trained in AI Donald Trump honoured by FIFASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Communications Minister is under fire over yet another taxpayer funded trip. More than 50-billion-dollars will soon be spent each year servicing state and federal government debt.  And This Lady Gaga song named the years best.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tasmania's covered AFL stadium in Hobart, will be built late next year An investigation into a fire-fighting plane crash, which sparked a fire during a total fire ban England's Joe Root breaks his Aussie hoodoo And Lady Gaga to get the party started in Melbourne tonightSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Albanese Government maintains it did not repatriate a group of women and children out of Syria. Border Force is remaining tight-lipped about a group of Chinese nationals who arrived in remote WA. And The most streamed Aussie song on Spotify for the yearSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meta has started booting Aussie teens from its platforms ahead of the social media ban for under 16s coming into force next week South Australia braces for a day of extreme fire danger Optus hit by more outages And the top streamed artists for 2025 revealedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Latest figures show Australia's economy grew 2-point-1 per cent, over the year to September. Bruce Lehrmann has failed to overturn his defamation loss in his long running legal battle with Network 10.  And Miley Cyrus breaks silence on engagementSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More details have been revealed about Greg Lynn and his past dealings with police, as a gag order expires The eSafety Commissioner issues warning to emerging apps as social media ban looms Inquiry into Crown Estate properties launched And Sam Kerr makes her return on home soilSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labor has released its A-I blueprint, which includes a 30-million-dollar Safety Institute to monitor and mitigate any risks. One in Three Aussies worker hate heading to their job. And  Taylor Swift releases the trailer for her final Eras Tour show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of Australian households on hardship payment plans climbs A day of weather extremes across the country to mark the first day of summer Another blow for former Prince Andrew And a new frontrunner to take over as 007See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's Defence department will undergo a significant overhaul, to reign-in cost blowouts. Smart cars are increasingly becoming 'weapons on wheels' for perpetrators of domestic violence. And All the details on Taylor Swifts bacheloretteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mourners gather in Hong Kong laying floral tributes for the victims of the high-rise inferno as the death toll rises Opposition leader flags tougher tests for migrants Property prices continue to climb  And Oscar Piastri remains in the race for the F1 title  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Albanese has married Jodie Haydon in a secret ceremony in Canberra More flight delays expected after urgent safety warning Five boys injured after strong winds launch jumping castle into the airSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Put Australia First Demonstrators are set to come face to face with opponents at rallies in Sydney and Melbourne Melbourne Airport evacuated after fire broke out More arrests over the deadly Hong Kong fireSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister Says the Coalition Wasn't Willing To Compromise. Slight Improvement In Australia's Housing Affordability.  New Limits To Be Placed On Banks On How Much They Can Lend Prospective Homebuyers. And Celebs In The U-S Mark Thanksgiving On Social MediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.