Thomas Sewell, leader of the Australian neo-Nazi group National Socialist Network (NSN), disrupted a press conference held by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan on the morning of September 2, shouting insults and declaring a plan to “take back the country” before being removed by security. The incident drew widespread condemnation, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling Sewell’s actions “shocking.”

Sewell, a white supremacist with a history of violence, is currently facing charges including intimidating police and breaching court orders. He has recently been active at anti-immigration rallies, delivering public speeches promoting extremist views, although organizers deny formal links to neo-Nazi groups. On the same day, far-right individuals attacked an Indigenous protest camp, leaving several injured.

Authorities estimate about 5,000 people attended the Melbourne rally, far fewer than the 50,000 claimed by Sewell. Minister for Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly criticized the protests as racially motivated and warned that far-right groups are spreading misinformation.

The NSN is not currently listed as a terrorist organization, but experts warn that neo-Nazi and anti-immigration movements are exploiting social tensions, posing a growing threat to Australia’s multiculturalism and public safety.

During the 2025 summer holidays, Hong Kong residents showed strong enthusiasm for outbound travel. According to data from the Census and Statistics Department, about 16.35 million outbound trips were recorded between mid-July and August 30, up 9.3% year-on-year, or 1.39 million more trips compared to last year. Among these, around 12.74 million trips were made to mainland China via various border checkpoints, underscoring that traveling north to the mainland has become the dominant summer trend for Hongkongers.

Based on earlier government data, Hongkongers spend an average of HK$680 per trip to Guangdong Province. By this measure, outbound spending in the mainland during the summer period reached HK$11.12 billion, equivalent to about HK$173 million per day. If using the higher estimate of HK$860 per trip, the total could rise to HK$14.06 billion. Experts note that Hongkongers’ frequent visits not only boost retail, dining, and entertainment sectors in the mainland, but also highlight the close tourism interaction between Hong Kong and mainland China.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong received about 7.99 million visitor arrivals during the same period, with roughly 80% coming from the mainland, representing a 13.8% year-on-year increase. Visitors from other regions also rose by 15%. However, the overall “northbound-southbound” gap stood at 6.22 million trips, showing that the number of Hongkongers traveling to the mainland far exceeded inbound tourists, underscoring the significant outflow of local consumption power.

The Hong Kong High Court has issued a landmark ruling on the rights of transgender individuals to use public restrooms. A transgender man, referred to as “K”, had earlier filed for a judicial review, requesting the court to allow individuals undergoing gender transition to use public toilets that align with their gender identity. The judge ruled that the current regulations amounted to unfair treatment against transgender individuals. However, the ruling’s effect has been suspended for one year to give the government time to amend the relevant laws.

At the center of the case were Sections 7 and 10 of the Public Conveniences (Conduct and Behaviour) Regulation, which stipulate that men may not enter public women’s toilets managed by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, and vice versa for women. Children under the age of five are exempt. Violations can result in a fine of HK$2,000.

“K” is a transgender man currently undergoing gender transition. Though his ID card still lists his gender as female, he has received medical certification and has entered the “Real Life Experience” (RLE) phase of his transition. Nonetheless, he was still barred from using male restrooms.

The High Court ruled that tying toilet access strictly to the gender listed on a person’s identity card is too rigid and violates both the Basic Law and the equality provisions under Hong Kong’s legal framework. The judge noted that such definitions and rules should be amended by the legislature, and granted a one-year grace period for the government to either amend the law or propose other follow-up measures.