ABC radio news and current affairs afternoon program reporting on Australia and the world.

The Albanese Government's senior ministers are on the offensive as the proposed hate speech and gun laws face criticism from the Opposition and the Greens.

The head of Australia's peak Jewish body is pleading with the country's political leaders to come together to pass laws aimed at tackling antisemitism.

The death toll from anti-government protests in Iran has climbed to more than 2,500 people according to activists, but there are fears the actual toll is far higher.

Victorians affected by the devastating bushfires of the last week are sorting through the rubble of their homes and businesses.

The Prime Minister has announced he is recalling parliament early to debate new laws in the wake of the Bondi terror attack.

Three people missing and more than twenty homes destroyed as bushfires ravage Victoria.

The Prime Minister bows to pressure and calls a Royal Commission into the Bondi terror attack.

Major European powers rally behind Greenland as Donald Trump reiterates his ambition to takeover the Danish territory.

The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is not ruling out a Commonwealth Royal Commission into the Bondi terror attack, amid growing pressure from within his own party.

US President Donald Trump suggests his military operations in South America aren't over yet and that Colombia could be his next target.

Britain's royal family embarrassed again as the latest batch of Epstein files raises new questions for the King's brother Andrew.

A prayer centre run by a controversial preacher in Sydney's south-west is being shut down by the local council as the fallout from the Bondi terror attack continues.

A court has released New South Wales Police video allegedly showing the Bondi gunmen training with firearms and scoping out the scene of the attack.

Two of the amazing heroes of the Bondi attack have been farewelled at a funeral service in Sydney's east today.

More victims of the Bondi terror attack have been laid to rest, including 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest of the 15 people killed by the gunmen.

Charges have been laid against the surviving gunman in the Bondi terrorist attack, 24-year-old Naveed Akram.

In the aftermath of the Bondi terror attack, governments and police are under pressure to explain what they have done to counter antisemitism and control gun ownership in Australia.

Hundreds of people from all walks of life have gone to Bondi Beach to pay their respects to the victims of the weekend terror attack.

A stoush between the federal government and the states and territories over the funding of public hospitals remains unresolved, after the Commonwealth's latest offer was rejected.

Former commercial pilot Greg Lynn has won his appeal against his conviction for the murder of Victorian camper Carol Clay and will be retried next year.

Australia's social media ban for children under 16 is now in effect and mental health services are prepared for an increase in demand.

The Reserve Bank has decided to leave interest rates on hold at 3.6 per cent.

The Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has confirmed today the government's $300 power bill subsidy program will end this month as planned.

In Tasmania, AFL fans are celebrating the state Parliament's approval of a new Hobart stadium which means the dream of a state team in the competition will soon be realised.

The Australian Government has announced a new package of military support for Ukraine, totalling $95 million.

After months of uncertainty, it appears the AFL stadium planned for Hobart is about to get the go-ahead, with another Independent state MP declaring their support.

The Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh has announced the Federal Government is establishing an inquiry into sexual violence in the Australian military as recommended by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Â

The Federal Government has announced a major revamp of the Defence Department.

In Hong Kong, rescuers are searching desperately for any survivors of the shocking fires that tore through seven apartment buildings, but the death toll is rising.

In Hong Kong, authorities believe a construction company may be responsible for the massive apartment tower blaze that appears to have killed hundreds of people.

The latest figures from the Bureau of Statistics show inflation was higher than expected at 3.8 per cent for the twelve months to October.

The Insurance Council of Australia has declared the supercell hailstorms in south-east Queensland a "catastrophe" and more bad weather is on the way.

Communities in Western Australia's north are bracing for Cyclone Fina.

A Queensland coroner has found the fatal ambush of police officers in Wieambilla in 2022 was triggered by the killers' "shared psychotic disorder."

The Federal Government is being criticised by opponents and climate activists for giving up Australia's bid to host next year's COP summit in favour of Turkiye.

After the US Congress voted in favour of releasing the Epstein files, all eyes are now on the President Donald Trump who has the power to sign the bill into law.

Australia's national science agency, the CSIRO, has announced it is slashing up to 350 jobs from research teams.

As Coalition MPs work to sell their new energy policy to voters, more experts are questioning whether it can lower electricity bills.

The Federal Liberal Party is continuing to face accusations from opponents that it has capitulated to junior coalition partner the Nationals in announcing the dropping of its policy of net zero emissions by 2050.

The Liberal Party has formally dumped its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.

Australia and Indonesia have announced the signing of an unexpected security treaty between the two nations.

The President of Nauru has made a secretive visit to Parliament House in Canberra, amid concerns about his country's deal to accept Australian immigration detainees.