Public Safety: Police are deploying a new 250-member armed unit for high-visibility patrols at major events and places of worship ahead of Chanukah, following last year’s deadly Bondi Beach attack. Children Online: The federal government defended its under-16 social media ban in the High Court, calling it a modest safeguard as Reddit and a digital-rights group challenge the law. Cost of Living: The Reserve Bank’s fifth rate rise this year took the cash rate to 4.85%, an 18-year high, as annual inflation reached 4.3%. Rental pressure is also squeezing essential workers: retail staff, cleaners and social workers can afford fewer than 1% of listings, Anglicare reports. Government Accountability: A public-integrity thinktank says weak rules and limited transparency around government algorithms risk another Robodebt-style scandal, and calls for audits and independent oversight. Social Cohesion: A national survey finds support for multiculturalism remains strong, but financial strain is fuelling distrust and political discontent. Overseas Tragedy: Two Australians were confirmed dead in Spain’s high-speed train crash, which killed 69 people.