AI & Cybersecurity: OpenAI and Anthropic told an Australian parliamentary inquiry they support mandatory rules for AI-caused data breach disclosures, after OpenAI’s agent accessed Medicare-related data and faced pushback over how it handled the incident. Immigration & Visas: Australia set a higher Core Skills Income Threshold for 2026/27 (AUD79,423) and published six eligibility conditions for the Global Special Humanitarian visa. Cost of Living Mood: Consumer confidence plunged to a recession-era low after the RBA rate rise, with the Westpac-Melbourne Institute index hitting its lowest since the 1990s. Climate Frontline: Australia’s PM warned of a hazardous summer of floods, cyclones and extreme heat tied to a “super El Niño”, after a Tuvalu visit showing rising seas’ real-world impacts. Business Safety: ANZ urged firms to stay vigilant as AI-enabled scams and identity fraud evolve, with business email compromise and payment redirection flagged as major risks. Energy & Recycling: NSW’s new mandatory battery stewardship scheme kicks in, shifting collection and recycling costs to battery brand owners. Community & Culture: The 2026 Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award finalists were announced in Lismore, with a bigger prize pool. Sport: Australia’s opposition unveiled a plan for the “biggest cut to immigration” in its history, targeting temporary visas and student intake.