Origin Energy investigating potential security incident
Millions of Australians may have had data accessed by hackers after Origin Energy confirmed it is investigating a cybersecurity incident.
The energy giant is investigating a “potential security incident” that may have breached some customers’ data. In a statement, the leading energy retailer said it didn’t think the affected data included customer credit card or bank details:
double quotation markWe understand an incident like this may raise concerns and acknowledge the impact of this uncertainty on Origin customers.
Our investigations into this incident are occurring as a matter of urgency, and Origin will provide further updates as appropriate.
We have notified the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Australian Federal Police of this potential incident. We have also engaged with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
Origin has 4.8m customer accounts in Australia and provides electricity, natural gas, LPG, and internet services to residential and business customers.
Updated at 01.06 EDT
Key events
Duniam condemns Hanson’s domestic violence comments
Shadow home affairs minister, Jonno Duniam, has condemned Pauline Hanson’s comments on domestic violence, calling the interview “rather garbled”.
Appearing on radio in Brisbane this morning, the One Nation leader was asked about men who abuse their partners. She said it was “wrong, but it’s also a two-way street”.
Speaking on ABC’s Afternoon Briefing, Duniam said:
double quotation markI think we have to be very careful about how we speak when you’re a community leader, when you’re a lawmaker. You need to demonstrate empathy. You need to understand people’s experiences. And I understand the point she’s making about how different people will be affected in different ways, but her conveying of the message she conveyed was very poor and can have a detrimental impact, in my view.
Asked whether he believed women were more often the victims of domestic violence, he said:
double quotation markYes, sure, the stats are there, you can’t argue with those statistics. To try and pretend that it is a case otherwise is a fool’s errand, and doesn’t help deal with the situation.
Shadow home affairs minister, Jonno Duniam, described Hanson’s interview as ‘rather garbled’. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAPShare
Updated at 02.44 EDT
All homeless people in Wilks Park camp have been offered accommodation, NSW minister says
Following up on earlier reporting on council rangers in the regional town of Wagga threatening homeless residents with $1,100 eviction notices.
NSW housing and homelessness minister, Rose Jackson said:
double quotation markEveryone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their housing situation.
Our immediate priority is making sure everyone has access to safe accommodation and the support they need.
Every homeless person camped in Wilks Park and Wagga Wagga Beach have been offered accommodation. Not everyone accepts our offers of support, but Homes NSW staff will keep trying.
I’ve always said that hotels and motels should be a last resort. Purpose-built crisis accommodation is always preferable, because it comes with those wraparound supports that help people get back on the path to stable housing.
That’s why we created the $100 million Homelessness Innovation Fund and why we are investing $130 million to build more crisis beds in NSW.
Undoing a decade of neglect in housing and homelessness won’t happen overnight, but we are doing the work, backed by record investment in both housing and homelessness.
Updated at 02.36 EDT
Rebel Wilson wins defamation case brought by co-star after bitter dispute
After a blistering dispute that spanned continents and years, Hollywood A-lister Rebel Wilson has been found not to have defamed her co-star in a series of social media posts, AAP reports.
The Pitch Perfect star was sued by Australian actor Charlotte MacInnes, who played the lead role in Wilson’s directorial debut film The Deb.
Rebel Wilson arrives at the federal court of Australia, in Sydney, in April. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP
After the verdict on Wednesday, Wilson thanked the judge and the Australian legal system, saying the process had tested her and reinforced her belief in “standing up for what I believe is right, while continuing to create work that brings people joy”.
Read more here:
Updated at 02.21 EDT
Ima Caldwell
VicPol counter-terrorism chief questioned on synagogue security and data gaps
Acting Cmdr Kelvin Gale, head of Victoria police’s counter-terrorism group (CTG), has outlined gaps in hate crime data collection and event classification during testimony at the antisemitism royal commission.
Questioned by counsel assisting Richard Lancaster SC, Gale said CTG does not routinely classify synagogues as “crowded places” under national security guidelines, noting external precincts can fit the definition as people gather and move through them.
He said a “state-led” event status, for example, the visit of Israeli president Isaac Herzog, is determined by statewide resourcing demands rather than threat levels alone. “It’s not about the risk or the importance,” Gale testified. “It’s about the resourcing commitment.”
There is no automated data tracker for antisemitic or Islamophobic incidents, though Gale noted the Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP) database has a “prejudice-motivated crime” tag officers can use at their discretion. He said accurate data could give police greater confidence when making resourcing decisions.
Gale added that CTG manages the Victoria Police Shield Network, distributing intelligence updates to about 1,000 security managers, including the Community Security Group (CSG), though he could not recall whether CSG representatives attend CTG’s bi-annual Crowded Places Network Forums. Over the past 12 months, CTG has conducted six active armed defender exercises at major public venues, including GMHBA Stadium and Broadmeadow Shopping Centre.
Updated at 02.20 EDT
Christopher Knaus
Greens join calls for greater whistleblower protection
The Greens justice spokesperson, David Shoebridge, has joined calls for greater protection for witnesses involved in royal commissions after revelations that a key robodebt whistleblower was suing her department over alleged threats.
Jeannie-Marie Blake, a Services Australia employee who repeatedly raised concerns about the robodebt scheme, is suing her department for alleged threats she received from superiors before and after explosive evidence to the robodebt royal commission in 2023.
Jeannie Marie-Blake. Photograph: Christopher Hopkins/The Guardian
Her lawyers at the Human Rights Law Centre, which runs a dedicated whistleblower support service, say the case raises broader concerns about gaps in protection for public servants giving evidence to royal commissions. A 2022 government review of the royal commissions act previously found it lacked any power to impose a civil penalty on a person who causes detriment to a witness giving evidence to a royal commission.
Shoebridge said Blake’s case showed the need for greater whistleblower protection. He said:
double quotation markFor over four years now the Greens have been pushing for comprehensive whistleblower protections that apply wherever, and whenever, the truth is told in good faith.
This latest example shows why these laws are more needed than ever. It also shows why we need to stop pretending Labor will be better, and instead build an alternative power base in parliament to replace them.
The office of the attorney general, Michelle Rowland, said current laws governing royal commissions already contained strong protection for witnesses. The spokesperson also pointed to reforms passed this year to improve protection from secrecy offences for those providing intelligence and operational information to a royal commission.
Updated at 01.55 EDT
Dan Jervis-Bardy
Labor conference to ‘showcase’ party: Albanese
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, says Labor’s national conference will “showcase” what he describes as the “greatest political party” in Australia.
Albanese’s ministry met in Adelaide ahead of the start of the conference on Thursday, where MPs, trade unionists and rank-and-file members will gather to thrash out the party’s policy agenda for the next three years.
Anthony Albanese (C) addresses the media on Wednesday with (L-R) Mark Butler, Richard Marles, Andrew Charlton and Chris Bowen. Photograph: Michael Errey/AAP
Gambling reform, fuel tax credits for miners, taxing gas exports, artificial intelligence and Israel and Palestine are among the most contentious issues up for debate, although Labor power brokers don’t expect any repeats of the major flare-ups of the past conference.
Speaking at the start of Wednesday’s ministry meeting, Albanese said:
double quotation markWe’re bringing the national conference here to Adelaide over the next three days. It’s an opportunity for our party members to have a direct say in the direction of the country and for us to engage. We represent the oldest and greatest political party in Australia. This is our 50th national conference. While other political parties have come and gone, we’ve continued to evolve, develop, we change with the times, and the party conference will reflect that over the coming few days in developing our platform that we’ll continue to take forward.
Updated at 01.58 EDT
Ex-Socceroos captain receives devastating probable CTE diagnosis
Former Socceroos captain Paul Wade has revealed he has been diagnosed with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), leading to renewed calls for all players under the age of 12 to be banned from heading the ball.
CTE is a progressive and neurodegenerative brain disease associated with repeated head impacts and concussions.
While it can only be definitively diagnosed after death, the 64-year-old received a diagnosis of suspected CTE in late 2024 following the presentation of neurological symptoms. He was then later diagnosed with probable CTE late last year after further tests.
Paul Wade (left) and Diego Maradona in Sydney during the 1993 Fifa World Cup. Photograph: Offside/Getty Images
Wade, capped 84 times for Australia, has been told by his neurologist he will likely die because of it. He has spoken up about his experience, saying:
double quotation markFootball gave me so much. It gave me a life, a career, incredible experiences and the privilege of representing Australia.
But I also must be honest about the challenges I now face and the uncertainty that comes with living with a neurodegenerative condition.
I know my memory’s going. And I’ve been told by a number of people I’ve become a little bit short tempered, just snapped a bit.
– AAP
Updated at 01.39 EDT
Domestic violence prevention advocate condemns Hanson’s comments
Nicole Yade, the chief executive of Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre (WAGEC), has also criticised Pauline Hanson’s comments, calling them “vile and shameful” in a strongly worded statement.
Appearing on radio in Brisbane this morning, the One Nation leader was asked about men who abused their partners. She said it was “wrong, but it’s also a two-way street”.
WAGEC supports 200 women and children every night who are fleeing domestic violence. Yade said:
double quotation mark[Hanson] is speaking from a position of privilege and complete misunderstanding that characterises practically every word that leaves her mouth. There is no excuse for abuse, no societal or economic conditions that provide a cover of acceptability to abuse … It is extraordinary that anyone needs reminding of this, let alone someone who seeks to be a leader of this nation.
Senator Hanson may never apologise for her senseless comments, but they cannot be allowed to send a message to victim-survivors and those trapped in abusive situations. Instead, they must know that they are not at fault, that leaving is harder than anyone could imagine, and that there is a network of support there for them.
Updated at 01.16 EDT
With that, I will pass you into the capable hands of Achol Arok, who will guide you through the rest of this afternoon’s news. Thanks for reading.
Share
Cait Kelly
Wagga threatens homeless residents with $1,100 eviction notices
The regional NSW town where a newborn baby was found dead in a tent in May is now evicting its homeless population, threatening them with $1,000 fines.
In May a 37-year-old mother, who had been living on the Murrumbidgee riverbank with her partner, went into labour. Shortly after, police were called to the camp where they found one of her newborns had died. The woman and the other twin were taken to hospital.
Now, council rangers have issued notices to people residing in Wilks Park, informing them they have until Tuesday 28 July to leave or face a $1,100 “or more” fine.
The semi-permanent homeless camp in Wagga. Photograph: Sean Davey/The Guardian
“It is requested that you remove all camping equipment, motor vehicles, trailers, caravans and personal belongings and vacate the area,” the eviction notice reads.
After the baby’s death, NSW housing minister, Rose Jackson, announced “a cross-agency group to support rough sleepers into more permanent forms of housing”.
But housing advocates say more than 50 people have been sent eviction notices, with nowhere else to go.
Rachel Evans, Action for Public Housing said:
double quotation mark[Residents] and others at Wilks Park need housing, not eviction to another homelessness camp where they will be moved on from in a months time.
The government is presiding over a grotesque homelessness crisis, rent increases and a sky-rocketing public housing wait list all while demolishing valuable public housing stock.
Updated at 01.01 EDT
Ima Caldwell
Violent extremists are ‘rational’ actors that balance symbolism and practicalities, expert says
Terrorists primarily act as “rational actors” that select targets by weighing up symbolic impact and practicality, often scouting vulnerable locations online, a counter-terrorism expert has told the antisemitism royal commission.
Dr Josh Roose, an associate professor of politics at Deakin University, discussed findings from a major Victorian Department of Justice report analysing 100 Australian terror plots and attacks between 2004 and 2024 across far-right extremism, Salafi-jihadism, and violent misogyny:
double quotation markUltimately, terrorism is a political or religious act, and they’re seeking to broadcast a message through that act. So there’s a symbolic component … There’s also a pragmatic component … Targets are selected on a number of factors including access, familiarity, security, the weapons available, and ultimately their capabilities.
The study, which mapped online forums and conducted field observations at previously targeted sites, found extremists rely heavily on open online resources to scout site vulnerabilities prior to an attack.
Traditional measures like fences or CCTV alone cannot stop determined actors, he said, advocating for dynamic “layered protective security”, incorporating intelligence sharing, protective patrols, and mandated communication networks between community groups and law enforcement.
Securing temporary events is more complex than fixed locations, he added, because non-symbolic spaces can instantly become prime targets depending on who gathers there.
The commission has since entered a closed session to hear sensitive evidence regarding security arrangements and personnel training.
Updated at 00.42 EDT
Ben Smee
Queensland opposition calls for minister for the prevention of domestic violence to be sacked
The Queensland opposition says the premier should sack the minister for the prevention of domestic violence, Amanda Camm, after Guardian Australia’s reports that the state government buried a damning report by victim-survivors of domestic violence.
The Guardian’s reporting (which you can read here) followed mounting pressure on Camm over the government’s response to domestic and family violence.
The leaked summary report by the panel of victim survivors hits a particularly sensitive nerve for the state government, which was elected in 2024 on its promises to tackle crime and put victims “at the heart” of the justice system.
The Queensland premier needs to ‘move this minister on and put in place a minister who would give victim-survivors a voice’, Shannon Fentiman says. Photograph: Jono Searle/AAP
Camm’s office refused to release the report on Monday. A copy obtained by the Guardian revealed damning experiences of women seeking support, but made prominent references to issues with policing. It called for the civilian-led oversight of police – something recommended by a 2022 inquiry, but which appears to have stalled.
Labor’s shadow minister for women, Shannon Fentiman, said issues with policing were the “key focus” of the report but that she had “seen nothing from this government that indicates they are committed to a police integrity unit”.
Fentiman said the premier, David Crisafulli needed to “move this minister on and put in place a minister who would give victim-survivors a voice, who would get this report out there”.
The opposition leader, Steven Miles, said:
double quotation markShe has tried to hide the report of her own ministerial family and sexual violence working group, tried to keep their report secret. Tried to silence the victims who bravely shared their stories. And you can see why. The report is damning.
– with Andrew Messenger
Updated at 00.41 EDT
Cait Kelly
Cost of leaving domestic and family violence hits more than $7,000
The cost for people leaving domestic and family violence has risen by 71% in the last decade, from $4,098 to $7,017 – significantly outpacing inflation.
Anglicare Sydney undertook the comparative analysis to chart the difference in the immediate costs of leaving – including bond, moving truck rental, and temporary accommodation, and the follow-on costs of rebuilding a household and establishing safety in the last decade.
Rent and bond costs have more than doubled. Both fuel and childcare costs are also more than 50% more expensive in 2026 than in 2016.
Claire Dunlop, general manager of relationships and wellbeing at Anglicare said:
double quotation markFor many victim-survivors, leaving already takes enormous courage. What this research shows is that financial barriers are becoming another obstacle to safety. When housing costs, childcare, transport and everyday essentials keep rising, people can feel trapped between violence and financial insecurity.
Beyond the direct costs of leaving violence, victim-survivors are trying to simultaneously find housing, transport, manage childcare, maintain or find employment, and rebuild financial stability.
They are doing this without savings, stable housing, or reliable support networks and in many cases, around the movements or surveillance of an offender, to avoid detection.
Updated at 00.43 EDT
Rohan Pike denies links to novel nicotine institute after calling for lowered tobacco excise at National Press Club
Circling back to the National Press Club, Guardian Australia’s Sarah Basford Canales asked Rohan Pike about his apparent links to the Global Institute for Novel Nicotine.
Pike, who advocated today for a lower tobacco excise, is listed on their website as “GINN’s Focal Point on Anti-Illicit Trade”. GINN describes itself as the “leading industry voice for novel nicotine products”.
Basford Canales asked:
double quotation markYou’re an adviser or a focal point for [GINN], a UK-based trade association representing manufactures of alternative nicotine products. Since joining, you’ve made a few media and public appearances … Do you receive any funding or financial assistance from tobacco or nicotine companies, and do you believe it’s part of your duty to explain your role or your ties with the GINN?
He said he was “far from the focal point” and just “on a group chat”.
double quotation markThat is my only involvement with that group of nicotine producers, and I’ve provided no advice to them for some time … I don’t have a contract with industry. I’ve never had one … I’ve educated myself about harm reduction and I’m completely enamoured with it, and think it’s the best solution for Australia.
Updated at 00.07 EDT
Origin Energy investigating potential security incident
Millions of Australians may have had data accessed by hackers after Origin Energy confirmed it is investigating a cybersecurity incident.
The energy giant is investigating a “potential security incident” that may have breached some customers’ data. In a statement, the leading energy retailer said it didn’t think the affected data included customer credit card or bank details:
double quotation markWe understand an incident like this may raise concerns and acknowledge the impact of this uncertainty on Origin customers.
Our investigations into this incident are occurring as a matter of urgency, and Origin will provide further updates as appropriate.
We have notified the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Australian Federal Police of this potential incident. We have also engaged with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
Origin has 4.8m customer accounts in Australia and provides electricity, natural gas, LPG, and internet services to residential and business customers.
Updated at 01.06 EDT
Socceroo set for move to club that spawned Ronaldo
Nestory Irankunda is in the sights of Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon in a move which has the potential to make the Socceroos attacker the most expensive player in the history of Australian football.
Fresh from making his World Cup debut and scoring in Australia’s only win – their 2-0 group stage victory over Turkey – former Adelaide United star Irankunda is reportedly nearing a permanent transfer to Sporting from English Championship side Watford.
The Lisbon club finished runners-up in last season’s Primeira Liga and were the club where Cristiano Ronaldo began his career.
Nestory Irankunda. Photograph: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
Sporting have qualified for the UEFA Champions League league phase as a result of their second-placed finish, meaning that should he break through into the first team Irankunda has a chance to test himself against Europe’s best.
Reports in Portugal indicate that in a deal that includes add-ons, Watford could pocket a total of €22m ($A35m) for the 20-year-old’s services. That would mean Irankunda surpasses fellow Socceroos teammate Harry Souttar, who moved from Stoke City to Leicester City in 2023 for €17m ($A27m) as Australia’s most expensive transfer.
– AAP.
Updated at 23.38 EDT
Ima Caldwell
Continued from previous post:
Naomi Levin acknowledged that Victoria police had significantly increased senior operational contact with the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV), noting more than 100 engagements since October 2023.
However, she told the royal commission that this executive-level access failed to translate into a sense of protection for everyday Jewish Victorians.
Highlighting an incident during Melbourne CBD protests in August 2024, Levin said police asked Jewish individuals to vacate public spaces for their own safety while pro-Palestinian demonstrations moved through, which was “not sufficient to create a sense of safety”.
Levin also noted a “chilling” effect on interfaith relationships across the state, telling the commission it was “deeply regrettable that those relationships don’t even appear to be on the path towards being rebuilt”.
Naomi Levin, the chief executive of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria. Photograph: Jay Kogler/AAPShare
Updated at 23.27 EDT