Good afternoon.
Facebook and Instagram began shutting down half a million accounts of users under 16 years old on Thursday as the deadline for the Albanese government’s social media ban looms. The Young Nationals have urged Labor to scrap the law entirely, arguing many children in regional and remote areas rely on social media to stay connected.
The ban is due to take effect from 10 December. Here’s everything you need to know.
Top newsIn picturesChinese-made Unitree G1 humanoid robots demonstrate their boxing ability in front of a crowd at the International Robot Exhibition in Tokyo. Photograph: Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Images
Robots demonstrate their boxing ability in front of a crowd at an exhibition in Tokyo in this highlight from the Guardian’s daily wrap of photos from around the world.
What they said …Brittany Higgins has responded to the federal court dismissing Bruce Lehrmann’s appeal in his defamation suit against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson. Photograph: Jane Fitzgerald
“I cannot begin to tell you how retraumatising it is to have your rapist weaponise the legal system against you for daring to speak out.” – Brittany Higgins
The former Liberal staffer has said she feels she can “breathe again” after Bruce Lehrmann lost his appeal against a defamation decision that found he raped her. Richard Ackland has dissected Lehrmann’s solicitor’s description of her client as an “inspiration” – only to “litigants whose cases have crashed and burned”, he writes in the Guardian.
Full StoryNour Haydar and Kate Lyons for the Full Story podcast. Composite: Guardian Australia
Why NDIS plans will soon be computer-generated
A Guardian Australia exclusive report has revealed details of a planned major overhaul to the national disability insurance scheme. Under the new model, funding and support plans will be generated by a computer, with human involvement dramatically reduced.
Senior reporter Kate Lyons speaks to Nour Haydar about what this means for the more than 750,000 Australians relying on the scheme, and why some staff and disability advocates are raising the alarm.
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Full StoryWhy NDIS plans will soon be computer-generated
Sorry your browser does not support audio – but you can download here and listen $https://audio.guim.co.uk/2025/12/03-25599-FS_NDIS_ch_031225_1755.mp3
Before bed readTaylor Swift is among Australia’s favourite global artists on Spotify’s Wrapped list, while the Wiggles and the Kid Laroi are high-rated locals. Photograph: Natacha Pisarenko/AP
It may be Fred Again, Donna Summer or Barkaa. Your musical “listening age” could be 21, 57 or three. You have listened to 14 minutes or 40,000. But, as Cait Kelly reports, your Spotify Wrapped list is not likely to feature much Australian content.
Daily word game Photograph: The Guardian
Today’s starter word is: ELAN. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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