Global Pulse

标签： Oceania

大洋洲

  • Neo-Nazi Jacob Hersant out of jail after Nazi salute sentence

    Neo-Nazi Jacob Hersant out of jail after Nazi salute sentence

    Jacob Hersant, a 26-year-old Melbourne-based neo-Nazi, has been released from custody after completing a one-month prison sentence. His incarceration marked a historic first in Australia, stemming from a conviction for performing a Nazi salute in public—an act recently criminalized in the state of Victoria. Hersant executed the gesture directly before television cameras outside the County Court of Victoria on October 27, 2023, deliberately flouting the new legislation just days after its enactment.

    Emerging from confinement, Hersant expressed no remorse for his actions, a stance consistent with his previous declaration, “I am a Nazi.” His legal troubles, however, are far from over. On Friday, he appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court concerning separate allegations of “grossly offensive public conduct” related to an incident on Halloween 2024. Hersant and an associate, Nathan Bull, 24, are accused of verbally abusing members of the public while allegedly dressed in highly offensive costumes; Hersant as a Ku Klux Klan member and Bull in blackface with a noose around his neck.

    This court appearance was adjourned until April due to a scheduling discrepancy with his co-accused’s case. A former leader of the now-disbanded National Socialist Network, a neo-Nazi group, Hersant also has a prior criminal history, having previously pleaded guilty to a violent disorder charge for a group assault on hikers in 2021. Despite his mounting legal challenges, Hersant remarked outside court that he had been ‘productive’ during his jail term and anticipates further guilty verdicts in his ongoing cases.

  • Qantas agrees to pay $74m over Covid-19 travel voucher refunds

    Qantas agrees to pay $74m over Covid-19 travel voucher refunds

    Australian national carrier Qantas Airways has reached a landmark settlement of A$105 million (approximately £55 million or $74 million) to resolve a class action lawsuit concerning its refund practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legal action was initiated on behalf of passengers whose flights were cancelled between 2020 and 2022, alleging the airline improperly issued travel credits instead of providing timely cash refunds.

    Echo Law, the firm leading the class action, asserted that Qantas engaged in misleading conduct by withholding refunds that customers were legally entitled to receive. The settlement amount nearly doubles the A$55 million that Qantas had previously anticipated paying, as indicated in its February financial reports. Notably, the airline agreed to the settlement without admitting liability, maintaining this position in its Friday statement.

    The resolution awaits formal court approval, after which detailed claim procedures will be communicated to affected customers. This development follows Qantas’s 2023 policy change removing expiration dates from pandemic-era flight credits, enabling immediate cash refund requests.

    In a related legal matter, Echo Law is pursuing similar action against budget carrier Jetstar, alleging comparable practices regarding travel credit valuations. Meanwhile, Qantas continues to address recent regulatory challenges, including a record A$90 million fine imposed in August 2025 for unlawfully terminating approximately 1,800 ground staff during the pandemic—the largest penalty ever levied by Australian courts for industrial relations violations. CEO Vanessa Hudson has publicly apologized for the workforce reductions, acknowledging the harm caused to employees and their families.

  • US jury to begin deliberations in social media addiction trial

    US jury to begin deliberations in social media addiction trial

    A California jury is poised to commence deliberations in a groundbreaking legal battle that accuses tech giants Meta and YouTube of deliberately engineering addictive platforms that harmed a young user’s mental health. The case, filed by 20-year-old Kaley G.M., represents a significant challenge to the legal protections traditionally enjoyed by social media companies.

    During closing arguments, plaintiff’s attorney Laura Marquez-Garrett employed a culinary metaphor, comparing social media’s impact to baking soda in a cupcake—seemingly small but fundamentally essential to the final product. She argued that while other factors contributed to Kaley’s struggles, social media served as the critical catalyst that exacerbated her mental health challenges.

    Defense attorneys presented a contrasting narrative, with Meta’s representative Paul Schmidt highlighting that none of the testifying therapists identified social media as the primary cause of Kaley’s documented emotional and physical abuse, academic difficulties, and pre-existing psychiatric conditions. YouTube’s legal team further distanced their platform by comparing it to traditional television rather than social media.

    The trial featured testimony from Kaley herself, who described becoming hooked on YouTube videos at age six and later developing depression and suicidal thoughts that she attributed to platform engagement. However, under cross-examination, she acknowledged significant family troubles and neglect that contributed to her mental health struggles.

    In a notable courtroom moment, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed regret over the company’s delayed progress in identifying underage users but maintained that current systems are now adequate. YouTube executive Cristos Goodrow testified that despite aggressive growth targets, the platform prioritizes user value over addictive engagement.

    This case transcends individual damages, potentially establishing a legal precedent for thousands of similar lawsuits alleging that social media platforms’ algorithmic designs and business models constitute defective products that harm youth mental health. The verdict could redefine accountability under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which has historically shielded platforms from liability for user-generated content.

  • Western Australia GST share tipped to rise again, QLD back in the black

    Western Australia GST share tipped to rise again, QLD back in the black

    Australia’s complex Goods and Services Tax (GST) distribution system has unveiled its 2026-27 financial year allocations, revealing significant disparities among states and territories. The Commonwealth Grants Commission’s latest recommendations position Western Australia as the primary beneficiary, securing a substantial $1.3 billion increase that elevates its total share to $9.3 billion.

    The distribution mechanism, which considers both revenue-raising capacity and service delivery costs, continues to generate inter-state tensions. Despite Western Australia’s above-average revenue generation, the Commission noted the state receives per capita GST distribution below national average due to higher service provision expenses. However, legislated protection mechanisms ensure Western Australia maintains parity with New South Wales at 0.82 per person.

    New South Wales, Australia’s most populous state, receives a modest $316 million increase for a total allocation of $26.1 billion. The Commission attributed this relatively smaller share to NSW’s efficient service delivery and demographic concentration, with only 5% of its population in remote areas compared to the national average of 9.8%.

    Victoria emerges with a $1.4 billion boost reaching $27.9 billion, while Queensland experiences a notable reversal from previous declines with a $1.68 billion increase to $18.4 billion. South Australia gains $343 million ($9.5 billion total), Tasmania increases by $286 million ($4 billion total), with both territories also receiving elevated allocations.

    The current distribution framework stems from 2018 reforms that established a minimum 75-cent return per dollar of GST revenue for Western Australia. This mechanism has generated persistent criticism from eastern states, with Queensland Premier David Crisafulli characterizing previous allocations as “pretty aggressive” and NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey asserting his state “carries the federation.”

    The Productivity Commission is conducting a mandated review of the GST distribution system, with an interim report expected August 28 and final recommendations due by year’s end, potentially reshaping Australia’s fiscal equalization landscape.

  • ‘Nowhere else I’d rather be’: Adam Doueihi commits to Wests Tigers long term after signing contract extension

    ‘Nowhere else I’d rather be’: Adam Doueihi commits to Wests Tigers long term after signing contract extension

    In a significant move signaling long-term stability, the Wests Tigers have solidified their playmaking future by securing halfback Adam Doueihi on a contract extension that will keep him at the club until the conclusion of the 2029 NRL season. The announcement arrives on the eve of the Tigers’ season opener against the North Queensland Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval, providing a substantial morale boost for the team and its supporters.

    Doueihi, whose existing contract ran through 2027, has committed to an additional two years, effectively eliminating any possibility of a move to the league’s forthcoming expansion franchises. The 27-year-old Lebanese international, who debuted with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2018, has persevered through a career punctuated by multiple severe knee injuries during his six seasons with the Tigers.

    This new agreement cements Doueihi’s role as the cornerstone of the Tigers’ rebuilding phase under head coach Benji Marshall. He is poised to further develop his pivotal halves partnership with five-eighth Jarome Luai, a combination central to the club’s strategic ambitions. Having previously been utilized in various backline positions and even at lock forward, Doueihi now finds a settled home in the crucial No. 7 jersey, providing the team with much-needed consistency.

    Expressing his commitment, Doueihi stated, ‘I’m really excited to be locked in with the Tigers for the next four seasons. It’s a special place for me and my family. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. We’re building something special here amongst this group and I’m looking forward to repaying the faith shown in me by Benji and the club on the field.’

    Coach Benji Marshall praised the re-signing, highlighting both Doueihi’s on-field value and off-field leadership. ‘It’s a credit to Adam’s character and work ethic to bounce back from injuries and put himself in this position. Not only do we value what Adam brings us on the field, his leadership and influence off it are just as important,’ Marshall remarked, underscoring the multifaceted benefits of retaining the resilient playmaker as the Tigers continue their journey toward finals contention.

  • ‘Spewing that I missed out’: Tom Jenkins reveals uncomfortable lie he had to tell after being dropped in finals

    ‘Spewing that I missed out’: Tom Jenkins reveals uncomfortable lie he had to tell after being dropped in finals

    In the high-stakes arena of the NRL, Penrith Panthers winger Tom Jenkins has revealed the profound personal challenge of maintaining team loyalty amidst profound professional disappointment. The emerging star recently detailed the emotional turmoil of being dropped from the finals squad last season, a decision he was forced to conceal during media engagements just days before a critical playoff match.

    The narrative of Jenkins’ career resurgence with the Panthers last season, marked by an impressive 13 tries in 21 appearances, made his subsequent omission from the finals lineup a particularly bitter pill to swallow. The pivotal moment occurred on September 8th, when coach Ivan Cleary delivered the crushing news that Jenkins would be replaced by Paul Alamoti for their upcoming finals clash against the New Zealand Warriors. This revelation came immediately before Jenkins faced journalists, requiring him to enthusiastically discuss the prospect of his first finals experience while knowing he wouldn’t participate.

    Despite the personal devastation, Jenkins emphasized his commitment to team ethics. ‘I like to be an honest person so it was hard to be misleading,’ Jenkins confessed to NewsWire, acknowledging the difficulty of the situation while accepting the strategic decision. He expressed particular appreciation for Cleary’s direct and timely communication, which allowed him to process the disappointment while remaining prepared as a potential replacement should injuries occur.

    The coaching decision proved strategically sound as Alamoti delivered exceptional performances during the finals series, including a dominant display against the Bulldogs with three tries and 15 tackle busts. This validation prompted Jenkins to dedicate his preseason to comprehensive physical development, focusing on strength conditioning and tactical improvements under the guidance of the team’s performance staff.

    Jenkins’ perseverance yielded dividends in the current season when he earned a starting position against the Brisbane Broncos, responding with a decisive double-try performance. His continued selection over Izack Tago for the upcoming match against Cronulla underscores his renewed standing within the squad. Jenkins and the Panthers approach this fixture determined to avoid a recurrence of last year’s disappointing loss to the Knights in Bathurst—a defeat that ultimately catalyzed their season turnaround but remains a memory the team is eager to supersede with current successes.

  • Married at First Sight star says cancer has spread

    Married at First Sight star says cancer has spread

    Mel Schilling, the renowned relationship expert from the global reality television phenomenon ‘Married at First Sight,’ has shared a devastating health update with her followers. The 54-year-old dating coach disclosed that her previously diagnosed colon cancer has aggressively metastasized to her brain, leaving her with an uncertain future.

    Schilling’s medical journey began over two years ago when she received her initial colon cancer diagnosis in December 2023. Despite undergoing an intensive regimen of 16 chemotherapy sessions while continuing her television commitments, her cancer has progressed dramatically. The Australian-native revealed through an emotional Instagram post that the malignancy has now spread to her lungs and, most recently, the left hemisphere of her brain.

    The television personality described how her condition has deteriorated significantly, experiencing debilitating symptoms including severe headaches and right-side numbness since last Christmas. ‘Despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do,’ Schilling wrote. ‘My light is starting to fade – and quickly.’

    Schilling had been selected for an innovative clinical trial targeting her specific genetic profile, scheduled to commence this month. However, her rapidly declining health has made participation impossible. She poignantly acknowledged her mortality while affirming her fighting spirit: ‘I honestly don’t know how long I have left, but I do know I will fight to my last breath.’

    Accompanying her heartfelt message was a photograph featuring Schilling with her husband and daughter, to whom she paid touching tribute. The reality star recently stepped away from the Australian version of MAFS to focus on her family and health, a decision she announced last month.

    Channel 4, which broadcasts the UK edition of the show, released an official statement expressing profound support: ‘Mel has become a hugely valued and much-loved part of the Channel 4 family; to many of us she is a friend as well as a colleague.’ The network confirmed that relationship expert John Aiken would temporarily assume Schilling’s responsibilities for the remainder of the current UK series.

    Production company CPL, responsible for the UK version of the dating program, echoed these sentiments: ‘Mel is greatly loved and respected by everyone at CPL, and our thoughts are with her and her family as they face this profoundly difficult time.’

    Schilling concluded her message with a crucial public health reminder, urging followers to seek medical attention promptly if ‘something doesn’t feel right,’ emphasizing the importance of early detection in cancer management.

  • AFL 2026: Carlton coach Michael Voss lauds his group for fighting through a brutal week

    AFL 2026: Carlton coach Michael Voss lauds his group for fighting through a brutal week

    In a tense Thursday night clash at the MCG, the Carlton Blues secured a hard-fought four-point victory over Richmond, narrowly avoiding a second-half collapse reminiscent of last year’s opening round defeat. The win held profound significance for Coach Michael Voss, who acknowledged his team had been heavily scrutinized from all angles throughout the preceding week.

    Voss opened his post-match press conference with a wry remark, questioning the sanity of anyone choosing the coaching profession, a nod to the intense pressure his team faced. He emphatically stated that this victory represented more than just four competition points—it was a crucial response for the entire club.

    Despite establishing a five-goal halftime buffer, Carlton’s performance grew precarious after the main break, managing just one goal in the second half while desperately holding off a surging Richmond. Voss praised his squad’s resilience when confronted with adversity, particularly their ability to shift defensive modes during critical final-quarter moments.

    The coach referenced the unwanted publicity stemming from former captain Sam Docherty’s analysis that aired on the ‘Dan Does Footy’ podcast, creating additional external pressure. Voss specifically highlighted the significance of winning fierce rivalries regardless of ladder positions, emphasizing that such victories prove invaluable as the competition develops.

    While acknowledging third-quarter execution issues that allowed Richmond back into the contest, Voss chose to focus on the positive aspects of his team’s response. He expressed particular pleasure for the club’s passionate supporter base and dedicated the victory to everyone connected with the Blues organization, celebrating the character shown under duress.

  • AFL 2026: Richmond coach Adem Yze was ‘bitterly disappointed’ but not with forward Tom Lynch

    AFL 2026: Richmond coach Adem Yze was ‘bitterly disappointed’ but not with forward Tom Lynch

    New Richmond coach Adem Yze expressed profound disappointment following his team’s narrow Round 1 defeat to Carlton at the MCG on Thursday, acknowledging his squad had let a crucial victory slip through their grasp. Despite mounting a impressive second-half comeback that brought the Tigers within striking distance, inefficient execution—particularly in front of goal—proved decisive in the final outcome. Yze identified his team’s regained control after halftime as both the foundation of their resurgence and the core of his subsequent frustration. While refusing to single out individuals, the coach specifically addressed veteran forward Tom Lynch’s statistically poor performance of 2.7 from ten scoring opportunities. Yze offered a staunch defense of his key attacker, arguing that the sheer volume of chances created was actually a positive indicator. He attributed Lynch’s wayward kicking to difficult blustery conditions affecting both sides and emphasized he would be more concerned if the forward wasn’t generating opportunities at all. The coach further defended Lynch’s physical approach—which resulted in five conceded free kicks—suggesting that playing ‘on edge’ is integral to his aggressive style and potency. Yze concluded that the finishing, which he described as ‘the cream on the top,’ is a correctable issue, expressing pride in the team’s fighting response after a subpar first half but conceding the overall result felt like a missed opportunity.

  • Assailant dead after ramming vehicle into Michigan synagogue

    Assailant dead after ramming vehicle into Michigan synagogue

    A violent attack targeting Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan, was neutralized by security personnel on Thursday after an assailant drove a pickup truck into the building, triggering a significant fire. According to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, the unidentified individual breached the structure by driving down a hallway before being engaged by armed security guards.

    Sheriff Bouchard reported that the suspect died at the scene, though investigators have not yet determined the exact cause of death. The security team did discharge firearms during the confrontation. One security member sustained injuries from the vehicle impact and received hospital treatment.

    The incident prompted a massive emergency response, with fire crews battling flames visible from the damaged synagogue. Law enforcement deployed bomb-sniffing dogs to examine the vehicle for potential explosives as a precautionary measure, with Sheriff Bouchard noting the complexity of the investigation due to fire damage.

    The attack occurred amidst heightened security alerts across Jewish institutions nationwide following recent Middle East tensions. Sheriff Bouchard revealed that law enforcement had anticipated potential threats for the past two weeks, stating there was ‘no lack of preparation’ for such scenarios.

    Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the ‘heartbreaking’ attack, emphasizing that ‘Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan.’ The White House confirmed President Donald Trump had been briefed on the situation, while Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed shock and denounced rising antisemitism.

    Local Jewish organizations implemented precautionary lockdowns, with the Jewish Federation of Detroit urging community members to avoid the area while investigations continue. Law enforcement agencies have pledged increased security presence at all Jewish facilities until the situation is fully resolved.