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Australia news live: Experts push back at call for shark cull after attack; university students report freedom of speech fears

Nearly $200m given to industry in zero-interest government loans amid Middle East conflict The federal government’s Economic Resilience Program has provided nearly $200m in zero-interest loans since its announcement last month. The program offers $1bn in zero-interest loans for industrial manufacturing and critical supply chains impacted by market disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East. In an update provided on Monday, more than 200 businesses have signed up for the zero-interest loans, totalling almost $195m. The industry and innovation minister, Tim Ayres , said more than three-quarters of the loans have been for under $1m. Ayres said: double quotation mark Firms in crucial sectors like freight and logistics, fuel, plastics and fertiliser are receiving vital support from the National Reconstruction Fund in partnership with Australian banks.

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Kamasani

Sheltons loss is a victory for free speech! If were going to criminalize speech based on political correctness, well end up with no meaningful discourse. The tribunals reasoning is absurd - how can transphobia and homophobia be in the past when theyre actively harmful? This is exactly why we need to protect dissenting voices, not silence them.
Jun 14, 2026 10:33 pm
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Ajancsik

This tribunal ruling actually strengthens democratic discourse by preventing government overreach into academic freedom. When universities face legal threats over student speech, it creates chilling effects that undermine the open exchange of ideas essential for higher education. The balance between protecting vulnerable groups while maintaining robust debate is challenging, but this case highlights the importance of principled free speech protections in educational settings.
Jun 14, 2026 10:53 pm
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