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Australian Government Introduces New Social Media Rules for Teens

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On September 16, 2025, the Australian government announced that starting December 10, it will implement the world’s first social media ban for those under 16. The policy will cover major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, with only controlled versions such as YouTube Kids remaining accessible. The government stated that the measure aims to protect teenagers from harmful content, reduce potential mental health risks, and create a safer online environment.

To enforce the policy, platforms must implement multiple safeguards, including credit card verification, facial age estimation, digital identity verification, or government document checks, to prevent bypassing through self-reported ages. Platforms must also provide an appeals mechanism for wrongly blocked users and regularly audit their verification systems, submitting compliance reports to the government. The government emphasized that this is not merely regulation but aims to encourage companies to proactively improve age verification and content moderation systems. Noncompliance could result in fines up to AUD 50 million and restrictions on advertising revenue and services in Australia.

Mental health experts note that prolonged social media use can increase loneliness, anxiety, sleep deprivation, and lowered self-esteem among teenagers. The government believes the policy will reduce teenagers’ exposure to inappropriate content while urging parents to guide healthy online usage. Social media companies expressed partial support but also warned the government to provide clear guidance and technical support to avoid mistakenly blocking legitimate users and recommended a transition period for gradual adaptation.

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QantasLink Considers Closing Staff Bases in Canberra, Hobart, and Mildura

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On October 1, 2025, QantasLink announced it is reviewing its staff bases in Canberra, Hobart, and Mildura, considering possible closures. If employees are required to commute from Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, flight delays or cancellations may occur.

QantasLink stated that around 70 employees would be affected if the bases close, including about 8 in Mildura. Currently, Mildura operates approximately 50 QantasLink flights per week, and the airline says services there would continue unaffected. Employees have the option to transfer to other major city bases.

CEO Rachel Yangoyan said the move aims to improve flight reliability and expand regional routes. However, Transport Workers Union (TWU) National Secretary Michael Kaine expressed concern, noting potential uncertainty for regional communities and stressing the need to avoid repeating the failures of airlines like Rex and Bonza.

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ACMA Issues Warning to “The Kyle and Jackie O Show”

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On October 1, 2025, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) issued a formal warning to the Kyle and Jackie O Show, citing seven breaches of program content standards and two breaches of audience complaint handling regulations for 2024 broadcasts in Sydney and Melbourne.

The investigation found the program included audio of male and female employees urinating, descriptions of genitalia, explicit references to menstruation and sexual positions, and discussion of pornography websites. ACMA also noted the program failed to respond to audience complaints within the required 30 days.

ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin stated that despite prior requests to increase oversight, the program continued broadcasting inappropriate content, indicating systemic issues. ACMA is considering further enforcement action against the Australian Radio Network (ARN) to ensure accountability for broadcast content.

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NSW Police Urged to Stop Strip-Searching People

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On October 1, 2025, the Supreme Court of New South Wales ruled that police cannot legally conduct strip searches based solely on the suspicion of drug possession and highlighted systemic abuse in the execution of such searches.

The case was brought by Slater and Gordon Lawyers and the Redfern Legal Centre, challenging police strip searches at music festivals between 2016 and 2022, many of which were deemed unlawful, including searches of minors. A notable case involved teenage girl Raya Meredith, who was strip-searched at a 2019 music festival, describing the experience as humiliating and frightening, sparking national debate on police misconduct.

The court ruled that suspicion of drug possession alone does not provide legal grounds for strip searches. It also found that police failed to comply with the law regarding necessity and proportionality, particularly in urgent situations.

While the case is ongoing, critics argue that procedural changes alone are insufficient and call for comprehensive legal reform to protect citizens’ basic rights.

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