Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Melbourne on February 12, 2026, as part of his tour of Australia. Herzog described the phenomenon of antisemitism in Australia as “shocking and concerning,” but he remains hopeful that most Australians respect Israel.

In an interview with Channel Seven, he noted that despite large protests in multiple cities, his experience in Australia has been encouraging. Herzog emphasized that the visit sends a “message of goodwill” and hopes to “strengthen and comfort the Jewish community in Australia,” aiming to foster positive change.

Victoria Police have been granted additional powers to prepare for expected protests, including the ability to request identification, inspect individuals and vehicles, and cordon off areas attended by the president. Assistant Commissioner Bob Hill stated that police are well-prepared and expect over 5,000 people to gather in protest in Melbourne’s central business district.

Meanwhile, a building on the Parkville campus of the University of Melbourne was sprayed with graffiti reading “Herzog go die” early this morning. The university said it strongly opposes antisemitism and immediately cleaned the graffiti. Police emphasized that no specific threats against Herzog have been identified, but they will remain on high alert to ensure the visit’s safety.

Sydney-based author and Christian charity marketing director Lauren Mastrosa, who writes under the pen name Tori Woods, has been found guilty at the Blacktown District Court in New South Wales over child sexual abuse material contained in her novel Daddy’s Little Toy.

The judge ruled that the book’s depictions and implied content sexually objectified children, constituting three offences related to child abuse material. Sentencing has been scheduled for April 28.

The novel was pre-released online in March 2025 to approximately 21 advance readers. It describes a relationship between an approximately 18-year-old woman and a close friend of her father. Defence lawyers argued that the protagonist was legally an adult and that the work was purely fictional role-play, and therefore did not constitute child sexual abuse material.

However, prosecutors and the court determined that the language and narrative strongly implied a minor’s identity and emphasized sexualized portrayals, thereby meeting the legal definition of child abuse material. The court also noted that the book’s cover design, which featured children’s toy building blocks, reinforced associations with childhood imagery.

Mastrosa had previously denied on social media that the novel promoted or encouraged child sexual abuse, claiming public interpretation was a “misunderstanding.” She stated that publication of the book had been halted. The work was subsequently taken down and voluntarily removed from major online platforms.

Australia’s coalition recently experienced a brief split over a hate speech bill conflict. Near the last moment before Parliament reconvened, the Liberal and National parties reached an agreement to reunite. The agreement, announced jointly by Liberal leader Susan Ley and National leader David Littleproud, symbolized a temporary return to stability for the conservative alliance.

The split arose when three National Party senators voted against the bill, angering the Liberals and leading to the removal of the senators from shadow cabinet posts, creating awkward separate seating arrangements in Parliament.

Ley and Littleproud agreed to reinstate the removed senators to their original positions and shadow cabinet roles, viewed as the key to reconciliation. Both leaders also pledged more internal communication mechanisms to prevent future rifts over policy disagreements.

Ley emphasized at a press conference that the coalition must “look forward, not dwell on the past,” stressing responsibility to provide stable and effective oversight for supporters and the wider electorate. Littleproud admitted the split created instability but said reaching consensus is vital for the next election. Analysts note that reconciliation has not resolved deeper ideological divides within the coalition, particularly on climate, economic policies, and public opinion, suggesting future challenges remain.