The Wire - Individual Stories

Last week, the Inaugural Central Australia Heat Resilience Summit kicked off. It brought community leaders, experts and researchers to know more about the impacts of extreme heat on human health across Central Australia. The aim of the Summit is to set a strategy to tackle hot weather in Central Australia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A police trial of AI face recognition technology in Western Australia could have a bigger impact on First Nations women and other residents. It’s a concern for Dr Hannah McGlade from Curtin University’s Law School, saying the trial is disturbing and inappropriate.The faces captured are being compared with the Police Watchlist of about four thousand people in real time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Thursday on the eastern coast of England, Nigel Farage, leader of the far-right Reform UK party, won a byelection that he’d triggered by resigning in the middle of an investigation into an undeclared, 5 million pound gift. But this was an unusual race – Britain’s major parties all refused to stand, and the long-time jokecandidate Count Binface emerged as the main challenger. So what do joke candidates do for democracy? And why don’t we have them in Australia?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Northern Territory Government is planning to build a new 1,200-bed men’s prison and a 200-bed women’s prison in Darwin, as the Territory continues to record Australia’s highest incarceration rate. The Justice Reform Initiative says building more prisons will not make communities safer, and is calling instead for greater investment in diversion programs, community support and First Nations-led initiatives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On 15 August, National Science Week kicks off across the country showcasing what science and technology is changing our lives. One of them is AI and its applications across businesses and daily activities. While some are concerned about using AI, Executive Director at the Australian National AI Centre Lee Hickin says the benefits are more when the technology is used effectively.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman released a report on the experiences of telco consumers in regional and remote Australia.The report made 12 recommendations on how to improve telco services to benefit Australians in regional and remote areas after reviewing more than 26000 complaints. Some recommendations include implementing domestic roaming and introducing individual remedies for delays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week an organisation launched its National Strength Day to raise awareness about frailty and how strength can help Australians be independent for longer. From the $207.5 billion dollars spent on healthcare each year, only a small proportion prevents conditions like frailty. This affects particularly Australians over 65 years of age and multicultural communities, estimated to cost around 10 BILLION DOLLARS to the healthcare sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday Attorney-General Michelle Rowland granted parole to whistleblower David McBride, releasing him from jail.Mr McBride will continue serving his sentence in the community under supervision and conditions. Social justice organisations are pleased to see Mr McBride out of jail, but it’s not a win yet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia is witnessing yet another layer to its ecological crisis as the newest strain of bird flu spreads, with more mass deaths predicted. Amid a compounded series of environmental losses, there's a sharp rise in eco-grief. SA’s Harmful Algal Bloom, coral bleaching, animal loss in extreme weather events and now bird flu, have intensified a shift in the country’s emotional response. Dr Chloe Watfer, Senior Research Associate at the Vitalities Lab at The University of New South Wales and post-doctoral fellow at the Black Dog Institute says eco-grief describes how we respond emotionally as humans to loss of places or species, animals and plants. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend, National Science Week kicks off across Australia to showcase how science and technology manifests in our daily lives. Throughout the week, children and family can chat and interact with more than 2500 scientists across Australia to learn more about science, such as robotics. Robotics is not only supporting households in their daily activities, but they're also supporting people with disabilities becoming independent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thirty two percent of First Nations people have personally experienced racism, hostility or negative treatment on January 26th, according to a nationally representative YouGov poll. Commissioned by Australian social enterprise Clothing the Gaps and Future Super, the poll is a part of a wider campaign calling on the government to move the Survival Day public holiday from its fixed date of January 26th. This comes amid the three-month-long federal Inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of school and university students have vacated classrooms early, joining Australia-wide rallies in opposition to the rise of One Nation. Here in Adelaide, it's anticipated students from over 46 schools, and education advocates alike, assembled on the steps of state Parliament, bringing with them, a strong message. The Wire reached out to One Nation for further comment on the national events.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been a turbulent decade in Britain since voting to leave the EU, there has been a leadership revolving door that recently saw the latest casualty when Keir Starmer stepped down only two years after he was elected In a decisive landslide. Yet things have not gone well for UK Labor with support splintering in various political dimensions and the reins have shifted to former Manchester major Andy Burnham. Stephen Hill asked Adelaide University Emeritus Professor Clem McIntyre what is driving the discontent in British politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France has been battling some of its worst wildfires in decades in the Gironde region. In response to a request from the French government Australia has sent a fire-fighting contingent to assist the French fight these historic fires. This has seen French fire-fighters receiving assistance from a NSW Rural Fire Service Chinook helicopter, a Bell 412 aircraft and a team of 24 aerial and ground crew to support the firefighting effort. From France in a Wire exclusive Manon Louvet spoke to fire-fighters and residents about the situation on the groundSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last month saw the world’s third-smallest country formally change its name from Nauru to Naoero, reflecting the pronunciation and spelling in the Nauruan language. The change comes after similar name changes from Eswatini and Türkiye in recent years. But what are countries saying when they ask to be known by a different name? And how hard is it to make the change stick?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this year, the government announced that it would scrap high private health insurance rebates for people over 65. People opposing this and industry leaders are questioning the fairness of the government’s policy as seniors are beginning to worry about the expenses. Private Healthcare Australia (peak body) disagrees with government’s estimate of 1% of people losing their private health insurance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

University students from across Australia are getting the chance to take their marine science studies out to sea as part of a unique CSIRO training program. The annual CAPSTAN program gives students hands-on experience aboard the research vessel Investigator, Australia’s dedicated ocean research vessel, as they learn about marine science and take part in real research. Curtin University marine science student Te Huika Mason was one of the students who recently travelled from Perth to Hobart, gaining practical experience and an insight into life on a research vessel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake has struck western Colombia, killing at least 111 people and injuring dozens more. More than 1,500 homes have been affected, with buildings collapsing and parts of major cities left without power, water and communications. The epicentre was in Chocó, one of Colombia's most remote regions, where the full impact on children and families is still emerging.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

115 years since the initiation of the Census, this year’s national survey is a milestone for trans, gender diverse and non-binary Australians. For the first time, lesbian, gay, queer, trans, gender diverse and non-binary Australians will be seen in the national count.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australians are preparing to take part in the 2026 Census this Tuesday 11th of August, which will provide a snapshot of how the country has changed since the last Census in 2021. Conducted every five years since 1911, the census is a compulsory national population count that provides one of the most comprehensive snapshots of the economic, social and cultural makeup of the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the Federal Government’s announcement of the final News Bargaining Incentive bill last week, a coalition of independent, multicultural and regional newsrooms has welcomed some of the proposed updates after extensive sector consultation. But as big tech continues to expand, advocates say getting the NBI and associated Statutory Payments Scheme right is vital to prevent independent newsrooms from being left behind by major mastheads. This comes as community news outlets remain the hardest hit, with around 120 organisations recently forced to close their doors, prompting concern over what this could mean for regional and underrepresented voices and impact to our democracy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Homelessness Awareness Week wraps up, new data from OrangeSky shows Australians want to help fellow Aussies doing it tough, but don’t know how.Almost one in three quarters of Australians have admitted to walking past someone sleeping rough without acknowledging them. The data also shows almost three quarters of Australians believe chronic loneliness should also be treated as a major public health priority.So how can Australians help to build human connection, especially amongst people in harder times? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Only one out of the 19 targets of Australia’s National Agreement on Closing the Gap have been met, according to the latest Annual Data Compilation Report. The results, released by the Productivity Commission found that on average, the figures have worsened compared to previous years with the 2031 deadline for most targets past the halfway point. While First Nations preschool enrolment has met its goal, other targets such as adult imprisonment and suicide rates have worsened.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 50 students across the Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula stepped into the shoes of politicians last week.The Junior Indigenous Youth Parliament was on Waiben, (Thursday Island) and included students across the region including Bad-u Island, Horn Island, Bamaga and Saibai Island.The hands-on activities provided insight into how Queensland Parliament operates and how laws are made. Students formed a mock government representing electorates named after prominent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, such as Eddie Mabo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data commissioned by the Australian Dental Association found out parents are delaying their child’s first dental visit. Two in five Australians believe the first dental visit should be done at the age of two, when the recommended age is one. But also families are not aware they could claim the Child Dental Benefit Schedule, providing access up to around $1100 in dental care every two years. It means more than one and a half million children are missing out on dental care.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 Census Day is just around the corner. But beyond counting the population, the Census also will help build a picture of homelessness across the country. The information collected helps governments and community organisations plan services such as emergency accommodation, domestic violence support and housing programs where they're needed most.According to the last Census, women and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups who sleep rough. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New South Wales Police formally withdrew charges against 125 protestors from grassroots organisation Rising Tide. It came after protestors were charged and arrested in 2024 for protesting against Newcastle’s coal port, being the largest in the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report from the Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success reveals twelve recommendations are needed to better support part-time university students. Currently part-time students are at a disadvantage when compared to full-time students as many struggle to balance their work and caring responsibilities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1945 a sheet of blinding white light appeared – suddenly it gave way to a thick mushroom cloud of smoke, leaving the sky completely dark. It was known as 'Little Boy', a 4,400-kilogram uranium-enriched atomic bomb launched on Hiroshima on August 6 by the US, turning the city to ash. Days later, a similar event happened on Nagasaki. The bombs changed the world, killing thousands immediately and claiming thousands more through burns and radiation exposure. A decade later, the atomic age intensified with nuclear testing in Maralinga and Emu Plains in remote South Australia. Eighty-one years on, activists gathered across Australia to remember victims and renew a push for peace. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Loneliness Awareness Week celebrating the theme 'Make Room for Connection'. It’s an initiative that first emerged four years ago from organisation, Ending Loneliness Together - the aim? to draw attention to loneliness and social isolation which continue to have major impacts, individually, collectively and across broader society. Across the country there's pockets of communities joining to help build connections and combat the stigma around loneliness as rates continue to climb. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asthma is now the leading cause of disease burden among Australian children aged five to 14, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's Australia's Health 2026 report. Asthma Australia says the findings challenge the perception the condition is minor and is calling for it to become a national health priority, with greater investment in prevention, education and support for children and their families.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 The Australian Government's recent expansion of the Commonwealth Prac Payment program to 10 additional frontline and allied health disciplines has excluded medical students from accessing the means-tested financial support. Students studying medicine will not be eligible to receive the payment of up to $338.60 per week, raising concerns about student and community wellbeing. The Wire heard response from several members of the Adelaide Medical Students Society (AMSS), the peak representative organisation for medical students at Adelaide University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Nolan’s latest film, The Odyssey, is drawing huge crowds, with some movie fans even travelling across Australia and internationally to experience it in IMAX format. IMAX Melbourne is the only cinema in the Southern Hemisphere showing this film in the format that Nolan intended. The Wire’s Thomas Koutis asked Monash University’s Professor Olivia Khoo why she think’s The Odyssey has inspired lots of people to travel a long way to see it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial Intelligence giants Anthropic recently discovered that their flagship model Claude hacked three organisations. This occurred during internal testing of the AI’s cyber-security capabilities. Although the testing environment was meant to be isolated, a misconfiguration allowed Claude to access the internet, leading it to target real systems. Anthropic has since contacted the three companies, who remain anonymous. The announcement follows last week’s news that a model at rivals OpenAI, hacked AI firm Hugging Face The Wire’s Shaun Dourado spoke to Professor Matthew Warren, director of the Centre for Cyber Security at RMIT University, to gain a better understanding of the situation. He begins with an explanation of what exactly occurred.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Labor announced changes to the media bargaining code that require social media companies to compensate publishers for news and written material included on their platforms. With significant lay-offs in the media sector, this could provide an important source of additional revenue as advertisers have migrated to social media platforms that don’t have a public obligation to provide, accurate, factual information. Stephen Hill asked Senior RMIT Lecturer Edward Hurcombe what impact these changes would have upon the media landscape in Australia?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With 35,000 people estimated to be experiencing homelessness across New South Wales, local charity the Parramatta Mission has organised a campaign to highlight the situation on the ground for the many people sleeping rough. Stephen Hill asked the CEO of Parramatta Mission Geoff Smith what happens to the many people unable to access proper shelter on any specific day?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Friday, Brisbane lit up with many Queenslanders turning out for the 2026 Luminous Lantern Parade. The event celebrated culture, belonging and the start of Multicultural Queensland Month, amplifying the voices and stories connecting Queensland’s multicultural communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Australia's data centres grow to meet demand for AI and cloud computing, there's growing debate over who should pay for the extra electricity they use. The Climate Council says operators should be required to fund new renewable energy projects, while the industry says it needs more flexibility. What could it mean for power prices and Australia's energy future?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia is seeing a growing number of bird flu cases in wild animals, with experts warning the virus is now spreading among local wildlife. Seabirds have been hit hardest so far, and there are growing concerns the outbreak could threaten native bird populations, as well as seals and sea lions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australians are set to pay more at the petrol pump after the federal government's temporary fuel excise discount came to an end. The measure was introduced earlier this year to ease pressure from rising global oil prices, but from this week motorists will once again pay the full fuel tax.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The WA Government has confirmed plans for prescribed burning in the Tingle forests of the Walpole-Nornalup region, despite opposition from residents and environmental groups. Critics say the fire-sensitive forests have already lost more than 150 mature Tingle trees from previous burns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week is Missing Persons Week, and this year, the theme is 'answers still matter' More than 2700 Australians are missing without knowing their whereabouts. Monique Clubb is an Aboriginal woman who disappeared in 2013, and 13 YEARS later, her family is still looking for her. Monique's family has opened a petition to ask the Queensland Police to reward anyone with information about her location.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is under growing pressure after plans to create a new private company to manage the World Cup were abandoned. The proposal would have seen private investors take a major role in running the tournament, but it was met with strong opposition from football organisations around the world, including UEFA. Critics argued it would give too much control to private investors and move FIFA away from its role as the guardian of the game. So what happened, and what does this mean for the future of FIFA and Infantino's leadership?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Victorian Opposition has pledged to expand its proposed Adult Crime, Adult Time laws if elected in November, allowing more young offenders accused of serious crimes to face adult sentences. The policy has sparked debate, with critics warning it could increase reoffending and undermine rehabilitation. So what does the evidence say about sentencing young people as adults, and what could the long-term impacts be?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July marks the 75th anniversary of the Refugee Convention adoption, becoming a legal framework to define who a refugee is and establishing the state obligations to protect refugees. Australia was one of the countries signing the Convention in 1951, but with the actual situation across tightening borders and deterring refugees to ask asylum, how is Australia doing on the issue?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data from the Federal government shows 30 PER CENT of early career nurses abandon the sector. If the trend continues, a shortfall of 80 THOUSAND nurses is projected by 2035. Some reasons behind graduate nurses abandoning the sector are burn out and land in high-responsibility roles they’re not prepared for. The Australian College of Nurses is asking the Federal government to act on the issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Disability Pride Month wraps up, it’s demonstrated anyone with a disability can thrive in their lives with appropriate support and networks. One of them is British former stunt performer and gymnast David Holmes, who’s known for his work on the Harry Potter films. While performing a stunt in 2009, he was hurled to a wall and broke his neck. Now he’s a disability activist and author.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research has uncovered rare insights into cane toad breeding behaviour, providing hope in preventing their further expansion across Australia.Ecology researchers from James Cook University analysed over 400 thousand hours of night-time audio recordings via acoustic monitoring to identify locations of where toads like to call and breed.So how can this research help us understand the conditions influencing breeding of invasive species, such as the cane toad?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A two-year community-led project has seen over 100 headstones repaired at the Drayton and Toowoomba cemetery in Southern Queensland. In 2024, when almost 150 graves were left vandalised, a group of locals' banded together to create the Headstone Healing Project, thanks to grassroots fundraising. The aim was to restore final resting places and honour local legacy,See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Policies to prevent racism and discrimination are a widely established practice with almost every major employer and, in institutions across Australia. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency – who regulates 900 thousand healthcare workers – has adopted a policy which implements the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. However, several healthcare workers have written to AHPRA challenging the decision. AHPRA provided the following public statement - published reviewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the Australian Government announced its expansion of the Commonwealth Prac Payment program, providing university students undergoing mandatory placements with means-tested financial support. Building on the initial rollout for teachers, nurses, midwifes, and social workers, eligible students in 10 additional frontline and allied health disciplines will receive up to $338.60 per week starting the 1st of July 2027. However, advocacy bodies are concerned about the expansions ability to provide adequate support to lower-income students amid increased cost of living.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.