Great Barrier Reef: UNESCO has kept the Great Barrier Reef off the “in danger” list, but warned more action is needed, including scrutiny of water quality and dredging impacts. Bird flu: New South Wales has confirmed its first H5N1 bird flu case, the third Australian state to detect the highly pathogenic virus, with no evidence of spread to wildlife or poultry. Housing: Auction clearance rates have slipped below 50% again for a third straight week, with buyer confidence hit by rates, the economy and property tax changes. Poker machines: NSW Labor has backed historic pokies reforms, including a moratorium on new licences, a new tax on high-earning clubs and a plan to cut machine numbers over 10 years. Diplomacy: Australia has appointed Keara Shaw as High Commissioner to Ghana, with non-resident coverage across West Africa. Student visas: Australia has increased student visa fees, with the subclass 500 charge rising to AU$2,500 from July 1. Health tech: The federal health department has raised concerns about minimal oversight of AI scribes, including data security and consent gaps. Space debris: Queensland authorities are still dealing with mysterious metallic “space balls” washing up on Forrest Beach, with exclusion zones and specialist handling. World Cup fallout: Football Australia says the Socceroos’ knockout run is an “enormous success” and backs Tony Popovic after Egypt ended Australia’s campaign on penalties.