![\"Paul](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/6550.jpg\")
Paul Brereton. Photograph: Lukas Coch\/AAPShare<\/a><\/p>\nUpdated at\u00a018.13 EDT<\/p>\n
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ACCC opens court proceedings against Amazon over alleged lack of button battery warnings on unicorn backpack<\/p>\n
The ACCC has opened federal court proceedings <\/a>against Amazon amid allegations children\u2019s backpacks for sale on its online marketplace failed to comply with mandatory warnings for button batteries.<\/p>\n The ACCC said it is the first federal court gas brought against an online marketplace on allegations of non-compliance with mandatory product safety standards.<\/p>\n The allegedly offending backpacks, which feature a large colourful unicorn, were designed for children and feature a detachable light-up unicorn plush toy containing button batteries. The ACCC claims Amazon held the products in fulfilment centres in 2022, but required warning labels were missing.<\/p>\n \u201cMany Australian consumers now shop on online marketplaces. That\u2019s why it is important that consumers have confidence and trust in digital markets, and for the ACCC to take this action, the first of its kind to come before the federal court,\u201d the ACCC deputy chair, Catriona Lowe, said. She went on:<\/p>\n double quotation markButton batteries pose a serious hazard for young children. If swallowed or inserted, they can cause severe internal burns and injury, and in some cases death. These mandatory warnings are there to help keep children safe and businesses must get them right.<\/p>\n Amazon responded to the claims in a statement, saying:<\/p>\n double quotation markWe are considering the case filed by the ACCC. Amazon is proud to be a founding signatory of the ACCC\u2019s Online Product Safety Pledge, and we remain focused on providing the best experience for our Australian customers. That includes continuing to work hard to ensure every product available in our store is safe and compliant with our policies and applicable regulations.<\/p>\n The unicorn component of the backpack. Photograph: ACCCShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a019.51 EDT<\/p>\n \u2018Speed and scale of radicalisation\u2019 of young people one of most pressing challenges, AFP says<\/p>\n Young Australians are being moved to violent extremism in a matter of days as the speed and scale of radicalisation accelerate, the Australian federal police warned yesterday.<\/p>\n AAP reports that for years, terrorists and extremists have used the internet to target young people and convince them to plan and carry out violent acts.<\/p>\n But the recent use of social media, gaming platforms, online forums, the dark web and private group chats has allowed bad actors to more quickly and effectively radicalise people. The AFP commissioner, Krissy Barrett, told Senate estimates on Thursday:<\/p>\n double quotation markWe see the speed and scale of radicalisation becoming one of our most significant challenges, especially when it comes to young people.<\/p>\n Australian federal police commissioner, Krissy Barrett. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi\/AAPShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a019.44 EDT<\/p>\n Modelling shows 90% of young Australians will be better off under Labor\u2019s tax reforms<\/p>\n Ninety per cent of young Australians will be better off under the Albanese government\u2019s tax proposals, the Treasury claims, as Labor moves to pass its reforms into law.<\/p>\n The government introduced the tax changes to parliament on Thursday before a heated question time. Earlier on Thursday, Treasury secretary Jenny Wilkinson shared the previously unreleased modelling at an Australian Business<\/a> Economists lunch in Sydney.<\/p>\n Wilkinson said the combined effect of the automatic $1,000 tax deduction, $250 \u201cworking Australians tax offset\u201d (Wato) and the capital gains tax and negative gearing reforms would benefit most young people.<\/p>\n \u201cThe cumulative impact of the reforms is assessed as benefiting around 90% of young people, before impacts in the housing market are taken into account,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Had the changes been made decades ago, those under 30 today would be in a better financial position, she said.<\/p>\n Read more:<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Taylor\u2019s performance to \u2018dominate\u2019 Liberal conference<\/p>\n Angus Taylor\u2019s performance as Liberal leader is expected to dominate discussion when the party\u2019s federal council meets, AAP reports.<\/p>\n Support for the federal Liberal party has plummeted to historic lows amid a turbulent leadership change in which Taylor took the top job in February, and the rise of Pauline Hanson\u2019s One Nation.<\/p>\n The dire state of affairs and the opposition leader\u2019s attack on the Albanese government\u2019s 2026\/27 budget will be hot topics when the Liberal Federal Council meets on Friday.<\/p>\n \u201cThe big discussions are going to be about how we\u2019re travelling and has Angus turned a corner for us?\u201d political consultant and former Howard government adviser Ian Hanke said. He added:<\/p>\n double quotation markYes, he has, but how far have we got to go? A long way. That will dominate a lot of the conversation \u2026<\/p>\n The budget in reply was a test for Angus, and he passed it because Labor is now responding to us for the first time in ages.<\/p>\n Angus Taylor. Photograph: Mick Tsikas\/AAPShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a018.56 EDT<\/p>\n Concert celebrating John Farnham to feature slate of stars, including Tina Arena, C\u00e9line Dion and Hugh Jackman<\/p>\n An upcoming concert in Melbourne<\/a> will celebrate the life and songs of legend John Farnham while raising funds for head and neck cancer research.<\/p>\n The celebration concert will feature a lineup of 120 artists and musicians for a \u201cpowerful night of John Farnham\u2019s music\u201d, including Keith Urban, Tina Arena, Jimmy Barnes, Jessica Mauboy, C\u00e9line Dion and Hugh Jackman (the latter two will perform via satellite).<\/p>\n Farnham\u2019s longtime musical director will lead the John Farnham band alongside a 38-piece orchestra an choir.<\/p>\n Farnham told the Herald Sun he will not sing or perform in public again after he was diagnosed with oral cancer four years ago. He told the paper:<\/p>\n double quotation markBecause of the surgeries to my mouth and face over the past few years, singing on stage is not something I can consider again. It\u2019s just not possible \u2026<\/p>\n I\u2019m gobsmacked and truly grateful that everyone has said yes. It is truly humbling and I can\u2019t thank them enough for what they will be doing for this cause, which is very special and personal for me.<\/p>\n The show will take place on 20 September at the Rod Laver Arena.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a018.31 EDT<\/p>\n Who\u2019s leading the fight against Labor\u2019s CGT reform \u2013 and what\u2019s in it for them?<\/p>\n People with direct personal financial stakes in Labor\u2019s tax reforms are among the loudest voices opposing the changes.<\/p>\n Labor\u2019s efforts to amend the tax discount awarded for profits on the sale of assets, or capital gains, have attracted criticism from real estate and investment funds.<\/p>\n Some opponents have a history of opposing Labor. One is a long-term Labor insider.<\/p>\n Loud voices in the debate over Labor\u2019s capital gains tax reforms include (from left) Paul Bassat, Lachlan Harris, Andrew Charlton and Gina Rinehart. Composite: Scott Barbour\/Jessica Hromas\/Mick Tsikas\/Richard Wainwright\/Getty Images\/The Guardian\/AAP<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what you need to know about some of the people leading the charge:<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a018.12 EDT<\/p>\n Minister says any potential changes to capital gains tax discount plans will be minimal<\/p>\n Tim Ayres, the minister of industry and innovation, was asked on RN about changes to the capital gains tax discount after the prime minister warned any potential changes to the plan would be minimal. Critics have urged the Albanese government to alter the plan, arguing small business would be negatively affected.<\/p>\n Ayres said the treasurer, Jim Chalmers, had been firm that the plans would only see minimal changes once they were announced, adding:<\/p>\n double quotation markThe challenge in a lot of the problem for our political opponents is they\u2019ve lost sight of the people who are the subject of these changes. They\u2019re all about the politics of what\u2019s going on. People who will substantially benefit from this are young Australians who have had the property market tilted against them and are finding it very hard to get their first, you know, to get on that first rung of the property ladder \u2026<\/p>\n We\u2019re legislating to deliver the package that was outlined in the budget to give those young Australians security.<\/p>\n Ayres said many in the housing industry with a \u201cvested interest\u201d in any changes are actively campaigning to see them reversed.<\/p>\n Tim Ayres. Photograph: Lukas Coch\/AAPShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a017.58 EDT<\/p>\n Attorney general says Nacc could use a \u2018reset\u2019 after commissioner says he will step down<\/p>\n Rowland also said the National Anti Corruption Commission (Nacc) could get a \u201creset\u201d after Paul Brereton, the body\u2019s first commissioner, said he would step down from the role in July.<\/p>\n Brereton said this week he felt criticism of him had drawn \u201cattention away\u201d from the Nacc\u2019s purpose, adding he thought \u201cthe commission\u2019s success is paramount, and not due to any single person\u201d.<\/p>\n Rowland told RN Breakfast the Nacc needed \u201cpublic support in terms of perception and in practice\u201d, adding:<\/p>\n double quotation markI\u2019ve never stated anything but support for the commissioner and confidence in Commissioner Brereton. But this does give us an opportunity with these new appointments to have a reset and I will be engaging across the parliament to make sure that that happens.<\/p>\n Paul Brereton. Photograph: Lukas Coch\/AAPShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a018.13 EDT<\/p>\n Attorney general says any money from 3M suit would be used to recover \u2018significant past and future expenses\u2019<\/p>\n The attorney general, Michelle Rowland, is speaking about the government\u2019s legal action against 3M over Pfas chemical contamination. The government is seeking $2bn in damages, the largest legal claim ever brought by the federal government.<\/p>\n She said if the case is successful, the money will be used for recovering \u201csignificant past and future expenses\u201d the government has incurred investigating and managing contamination from the use of \u201cforever chemicals\u201d in firefighting foam. She said:<\/p>\n double quotation markI acknowledge that this has been a cause of significant distress in many communities around Australia, and we have been focused as a government, and we will continue to be focused on taking really practical steps to assist Australians and communities that have been impacted by PFS.<\/p>\n I want to be clear that this action is about the government recovering its costs, it doesn\u2019t relate to personal injury or any human health effects that have alleged to be impacted by PFAS exposure.<\/p>\n A spokesperson told Guardian Australia yesterday 3M has never manufactured Pfas in Australia and stopped sales of the products \u201caround two decades ago\u201d.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a017.31 EDT<\/p>\n Good morning, and welcome to the live blog. It\u2019s Nick Visser here to take up the reins. Let\u2019s get through Friday together.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>‘AFP boss says alleged leaker of Ben Roberts-Smith arrest should ‘face consequences’ The federal police commissioner, Krissy Barrett, says she is determined to find out how the media knew of Ben Roberts-Smith\u2019s arrest ahead of time and says the alleged leaker should \u201cface consequences\u201d.<\/p>\n Earlier this week, the federal government\u2019s special investigator for war crimes allegations and the Australian federal police told a Senate estimates hearing they have asked the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nacc) to investigate<\/a> media leaks. As of Tuesday, the Nacc had yet to respond to the request.<\/p>\n Arrested at Sydney airport on 7 April, Roberts-Smith faces five charges of war crime murder over allegations he killed unarmed civilians during his service with the Australian SAS in Afghanistan.<\/p>\n The former SAS corporal has vehemently denied the charges, saying \u201cI categorically deny all of these allegations\u201d.<\/p>\n At a Senate estimates hearing last night, the AFP boss said she had no evidence someone in her organisation had shared details of the imminent arrest with journalists but referred it to the Nacc \u201cout of an abundance of caution\u201d.<\/p>\n Barrett said one media outlet was at the airport when Roberts-Smith was arrested and she was \u201cdetermined to find out how they knew of the arrest\u201d.<\/p>\n Barrett said:<\/p>\n double quotation markIf the date of the individual\u2019s arrest or other sensitive information was disclosed to anyone in the media, this could be an unauthorised disclosure, and in my view, anyone who disclosed that information should face consequences.<\/p>\n Read more:<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Full Story wins two Australian Audio awards<\/p>\n Guardian Australia\u2019s Full Story team took home two awards at the inaugural Australian Audio awards held at Carriageworks in Sydney last night.<\/p>\n The screen flashes up the win for Guardian Australia\u2019s Full Story Photograph: Shelley Hepworth\/Guardian<\/p>\n Full Story won the award for best news and current affairs podcast \u2013 major, while Gina: Power, privilege and influence <\/a>took out the award for best investigative journalism podcast \u2013 major.<\/p>\n Guardian Australia wins best investigative journalism podcast. Photograph: Shelley Hepworth\/Guardian<\/p>\n Full Story<\/a> is a daily news podcast where Guardian journalists take listeners behind the headlines. Gina: Power, privilege and influence<\/a> was an investigative series about the life and influence of Australia\u2019s wealthiest person, Gina Rinehart.<\/p>\n The special podcast series Gina won best investigative journalism podacst.<\/p>\n Guardian Australia\u2019s winning Full Story team. (L-R) Producer Karishma Luthria, host Reged Ahmad, executive producer Hannah Parkes and host Nour Haydar. Photograph: Shelley Hepworth\/GuardianShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a017.05 EDT<\/p>\n Flood warnings for parts of NSW and Tasmania<\/p>\n There are flood warnings around after some wild weather and downpours in several states.<\/p>\n This morning the NSW SES issued a warning for parts of the Upper Hunter, forecasting heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding.<\/p>\n And Tasmania SES has issued a flood warning for Royal George, Avoca and surrounding low-lying areas, saying people in low-lying areas should monitor conditions and prepare to move to safety if conditions get worse.<\/p>\n We\u2019ll bring you any updates on the situation as the day unfolds.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a017.07 EDT<\/p>\n Asio warns MPs, public servants over secrecy in internet-connected cars<\/p>\n Asio has warned politicians and public servants not to discuss sensitive government information in internet-connected cars, due to the risk of electronic eavesdropping.<\/p>\n The country\u2019s top spy agency said discussing classified or sensitive information outside the workplace was always a risk, especially in vehicles which send realtime information back to the manufacturer.<\/p>\n Deputy director general Lisa Alonso Love told a budget estimates hearing last night the warning, communicated to government amid a surge in demand for electric vehicles, was not specific about country of origin or carmaker.<\/p>\n \u201cObviously, a connected car may have other vectors to gather that information but those conversations should only ever happen in places that are set up for classified conversations,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople should be conscious of the things that they are discussing in vehicles, knowing that people may be able to get that information.\u201d<\/p>\n Australia\u2019s spy agency, the Australian Signals Directorate, has already published advice about the risks posed by connected vehicles.<\/p>\n![\"Josh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1780012390_672_Josh_Butler.png\")
Josh Butler<\/p>\n![\"Luca](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1780012391_368_Luca_Ittimani.png\")
Luca Ittimani<\/p>\n![\"Sarah](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1780012391_578_Sarah_Basford_Canales.png\")
Sarah Basford Canales<\/p>\n