Plibersek criticises Ben-Gvir’s conduct as Greens demand stronger action
Tanya Plibersek, Australia’s Minister for Social Services, described the behaviour of Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir towards activists on a humanitarian flotilla as "shameful" and "disgraceful."
Speaking on RN Breakfast, Plibersek stated:
"I think it was absolutely disgraceful behaviour and I’m very pleased to say that the foreign minister has said that in the strongest terms to the Israeli government. Our Australian ambassador in Israel has made the position of the Australian government very clear that this behaviour is acceptable, completely unacceptable."
Greens Senator Nick McKim further condemned the treatment, calling for a more robust response from the Australian government.
"That is abhorrent treatment of people by a senior figure in the Israeli government. People are being degraded. They’re having their human rights abused. It is effectively a form of torture. And the simple fact is that Israel is now a rogue state. They’re kidnapping people, including Australian citizens, from international waters on the high seas. It’s basically an act of piracy …
I mean, this demands the strongest possible response from our prime minister and our foreign minister. A far, far stronger response than they’ve delivered to date."
Pauline Hanson unveils Norway-inspired gas policy
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson announced a new policy aiming to replace the offshore gas profits tax with a strategy to acquire 30% equity stakes in new gas ventures. The approach intends to secure significantly higher returns for Australian taxpayers from resource projects.
The proposal for Commonwealth co-ownership of gas projects has drawn criticism and skepticism from government officials, industry representatives, and Coalition members, some accusing One Nation of adopting policies similar to those in Venezuela.
Hanson detailed the policy during a speech at a major gas industry conference in Adelaide on Thursday, reiterating concerns about the returns Australians receive from the oil and gas sector. She echoed the sentiments of various groups advocating for replacing the petroleum resource rent tax (PRRT) with a 25% export levy.
Guzman y Gomez exits US market after six years
The Mexican-themed fast food chain Guzman y Gomez announced its withdrawal from the United States market, citing unsatisfactory financial performance.
Founder and co-CEO Steven Marks explained the decision, saying:
"I have always been confident in the differentiation of our food and guest experience, however this was not translating to an improvement in sales momentum."
The company’s US operations began in January 2020 with the opening of its first store in Chicago. Marks noted that the venture required more time and capital than initially anticipated.
"I realised this was going to take significantly more time and capital than we had expected,"
Despite the US exit, Guzman y Gomez affirmed that its Australian operations continue to grow strongly.
Victoria police investigate suspicious fire at Richmond car dealership
Victoria Police are investigating a suspicious fire at a car dealership in Richmond that occurred overnight.
Authorities believe up to three offenders forcibly entered the premises around 11:20 pm on Thursday, using an accelerant to ignite the fire before fleeing.
Two cleaners present at the time escaped unharmed. The building sustained minor damage.
A crime scene has been established, and police are appealing for anyone with footage or information related to the incident to come forward.
Parramatta Powerhouse museum installs inaugural exhibition items
The Parramatta Powerhouse museum has installed its first exhibition pieces, including a replica of the first Qantas plane, ahead of its public opening later this year.
Technicians carefully positioned the Qantas Avro 504K aircraft, weighing over 760 kilograms and measuring nine metres in length with an 11-metre wingspan, along with two other pioneering aircraft, in the museum’s largest exhibition space following construction completion in April.
The inaugural exhibition, titled Task Eternal, will explore humanity’s pursuit of flight and overcoming gravity, featuring over 3,000 objects.
Three charged with murder after man dies from fall in Sydney
Three individuals have been charged with murder following the death of a 44-year-old man in Sydney’s north-west last week.
NSW Police responded to reports of a man shouting from a balcony at a unit complex in Castle Hill on 17 May. Upon arrival, officers found the man with serious injuries in the garden below.
Paramedics treated the man at the scene, but he was unable to be revived.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of two men, aged 38 and 30, and a 34-year-old woman. All three have been charged with murder, denied bail, and are scheduled to appear in court today.
Public transport use returns to normal in NSW after fuel price spike
Following a recent spike in fuel prices, public transport usage in New South Wales has returned to typical levels.
The state government had anticipated increased public transport patronage amid rising petrol and diesel costs. Data from Transport for NSW indicated an average of 2.1 million daily trips throughout April 2025, increasing to 2.3 million by mid-April 2026 across trains, metro services, buses, light rail, and ferries.
This 10% increase was notable given NSW did not reduce fares. In comparison, Victoria, where public transport was free until the end of May, saw a 20% increase in usage during April.
However, while Victoria’s increased patronage is expected to persist, NSW’s numbers have declined as fuel prices fell. Unleaded petrol in Sydney averaged 242 cents per litre at April’s start, dropping to 182 cents by month’s end, currently at 187.7 cents per litre according to MotorMouth.
Recent data shows daily trips in NSW have decreased to 2.2 million, matching figures from the same period last year. Train usage remains slightly higher, but average daily bus patronage is now lower than the previous year.
Father of Australian flotilla detainee disputes Israeli ambassador’s claims
Chris O’Connor, father of Neve O’Connor, one of 11 Australians detained by Israel during a humanitarian flotilla to Gaza, rejected claims by Israel’s ambassador to Australia that detainees were unharmed.
Speaking on ABC’s 7.30 program, O’Connor said he had not been in contact with his daughter since before the flotilla was intercepted but alleged that during her initial detention she was beaten, subjected to psychological torture, and hospitalized.
"And as she said to me – the beatings were not bad compared to what happened to men of colour that she saw, and she heard the screams."
O’Connor attributed the alleged mistreatment to the Israeli Defence Force, describing:
"She said she was kneed in the face.
She was punched in the ribs.
She was dragged across the outdoor area.
The psychological torture she had was being in a stress position for many hours.
They were sprayed with water and were subject to hypothermic conditions overnight, because it was very cold in the containers."
He stated that video evidence contradicts the ambassador’s assertion that detainees were not mistreated.
"So no, I absolutely reject that."
Israel’s ambassador denies harm to flotilla detainees
Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Dr Hillel Newman, asserted that no individuals detained from humanitarian flotillas to Gaza were harmed, despite footage showing Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir waving an Israeli flag and taunting detainees.
On ABC’s 7.30 program Thursday night, Newman said Ben-Gvir’s actions had been widely condemned by Israeli leadership but declined to comment on whether Ben-Gvir would be dismissed amid upcoming elections.
While condemning the incident, Newman maintained that the interception was conducted with sensitivity and denied any mistreatment of detainees.
"No one, out of the 400 plus people that were on the flotilla, no one was harmed.
The interception itself was done with great sensitivity by the state of Israel, by our security forces."
He dismissed allegations of violence and sexual abuse as untrue.
Australian flotilla activists report poor treatment after release
All 428 activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, including 11 Australians, have been released from Israeli detention and are currently in Istanbul.
The Australian delegation stated that detainees spent approximately 80 hours in custody. The Australians are undergoing medical examinations and will consult lawyers before returning to Australia.
Zack Schofield, an Australian participant, described the treatment during detention:
"Many of us haven’t eaten for days. We were denied water for two days. … But it is nothing compared to what happens to Palestinians in the occupied territories every single day. …
The message to our Australian government is that they need to cut ties with Israel. We need to cancel the alliance, stop sending them weapons parts, stop giving them political support."
Good morning
Good morning and welcome to Friday. Nick Visser here to guide you through today’s news.
Highlights include the release of 428 activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, including 11 Australians, after detention by Israeli authorities. One Australian reported being denied food and water during approximately 80 hours in custody, though noted this pales compared to the experiences of Palestinians.
Public transport usage in NSW has normalized following a spike linked to fuel price increases. During the peak, trips across various transport modes rose by about 10%, while Victoria, offering free public transport, saw a 20% increase.
More updates to follow. Stay tuned.
