The Australian Senate passed a law banning children under 16 from using social media on Thursday (Nov. 28). It becomes the first country in the world to have such legislation.&nbsp;

The ban will not take effect for at least 12 months and could see tech companies get fined up to A$50 million if they do not abide by it.&nbsp;

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the legislation is needed to protect young people from the "harms" of social media, an issue that has been raised by many parent groups.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, critics have been questioning how the ban would work and its impact on privacy and social connection.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-pushes-ahead-bill-banning-children-from-social-media-linkedin-says-its-too-dull-for-kids-779519">Also read:&nbsp;Australia clears bill banning children from social media, LinkedIn says its platform is 'too dull for kids'</a>

"This is a global problem, and we want young Australians essentially to have a childhood," Albanese said while introducing the bill to the lower house last week. "We want parents to have peace of mind," he added.&nbsp;

As it passed the Senate by 34 votes to 19 late on Thursday, the bill will now return to the House of Representatives, where the government has a majority, which means it will surely pass.&nbsp;

However, the legislation did not specify yet which platforms will be banned. These decisions will later be made by Australia’s communications minister, who will seek advice from the eSafety Commissioner - an internet regulator that will enforce the rules.

Watch |&nbsp;Australia Tables Bill to Ban Social Media for Kids Under 16

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Moreover, the government said it will rely on some form of age-verification technology to implement the restrictions on the platform, adding that the options will be tested in the coming months.

During a short consultation period before the bill passed, Google and Snap slammed the legislation for not providing more detail. Meanwhile, Meta said the bill would be "ineffective" and not meet its stated aim of making kids safer.

Moreover, some of the youth advocates also accused the government of not understanding social media's role in children's lives.&nbsp;

"We understand we are vulnerable to the risks and negative impacts of social media… but we need to be involved in developing solutions," wrote the eSafety Youth Council, which advises the regulator.

Later, the Australian PM defended the bill saying, "We all know technology moves fast and some people will try to find ways around these new laws but that is not a reason to ignore the responsibility that we have."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Australian Senate passed a law banning children under 16 from using social media on Thursday (Nov. 28). It becomes the first country in the world to have such legislation.

The Australian Senate passed a law banning children under 16 from using social media on Thursday (Nov. 28). It becomes the first country in the world to have such legislation. The ban will not take effect for at least 12 months and could see tech companies get fined up to A$50 million if they do not abide by it. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the legislation is needed to protect young people from the "harms" of social media, an issue that has been raised by many parent groups. Meanwhile, critics have been questioning how the ban would work and its impact on privacy and social connection. Also read: Australia clears bill banning children from social media, LinkedIn says its platform is 'too dull for kids' "This is a global problem, and we want young Australians essentially to have a childhood," Albanese said while introducing the bill to the lower house last week. "We want parents to have peace of mind," he added. As it passed the Senate by 34 votes to 19 late on Thursday, the bill will now return to the House of Representatives, where the government has a majority, which means it will surely pass. However, the legislation did not specify yet which platforms will be banned. These decisions will later be made by Australia’s communications minister, who will seek advice from the eSafety Commissioner - an internet regulator that will enforce the rules. Watch | Australia Tables Bill to Ban Social Media for Kids Under 16 × Moreover, the government said it will rely on some form of age-verification technology to implement the restrictions on the platform, adding that the options will be tested in the coming months. During a short consultation period before the bill passed, Google and Snap slammed the legislation for not providing more detail. Meanwhile, Meta said the bill would be "ineffective" and not meet its stated aim of making kids safer. Moreover, some of the youth advocates also accused the government of not understanding social media's role in children's lives. "We understand we are vulnerable to the risks and negative impacts of social media… but we need to be involved in developing solutions," wrote the eSafety Youth Council, which advises the regulator. Later, the Australian PM defended the bill saying, "We all know technology moves fast and some people will try to find ways around these new laws but that is not a reason to ignore the responsibility that we have." (With inputs from agencies)

Australia passes social media ban on children under 16, becomes first country to take such measure

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will use $100 million of taxpayer money&nbsp;to upgrade the main road which leads to his new $4.3 million beach house.&nbsp;

The Australian PM held a press conference in June, where he spoke about the upgrade to Avoca Drive on the Central Coast.&nbsp;

It will be funded with $100 million in federal government money and $30 million in state funding.

Notably, Avoca Drive is the key road that Albanese would need to drive on to reach his new waterfront mansion.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-anthony-albanese-faces-backlash-after-buying-luxurious-a43-home-767954">Also read:&nbsp;Australian PM Anthony Albanese faces backlash after buying luxurious A$4.3 m home</a>

Albanese, when asked about the upgrade, said, “The Minister might want to respond there, but Avoca Drive, one of the times I was here I know that the surveying work has all been done. And I know that this is a real choke point, so it's very important, and that's why we've provided funding to make sure that it happens.”

Australia's Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King said that planning work was still being finalised for an upgrade to Avoca Drive and that it was being done in conjunction with the New South Wales&nbsp;government.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Australian PM Anthony Albanese's Approval Rating Hits A New Low

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She said that the construction was scheduled to start in the middle of next year.&nbsp;

“We provided additional money in the last Budget, $130 million has now been allocated for this project,” King said.

Albanese initially committed $30 million during the federal election campaign and then another $70 million in January 2023.

(With inputs from agencies)

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will use $100 million of taxpayer money to upgrade the main road which leads to his new $4.3 million beach house. The Australian PM held a press conference in June, where he spoke about the upgrade to Avoca Drive on the Central Coast.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will use $100 million of taxpayer money to upgrade the main road which leads to his new $4.3 million beach house. The Australian PM held a press conference in June, where he spoke about the upgrade to Avoca Drive on the Central Coast. It will be funded with $100 million in federal government money and $30 million in state funding. Notably, Avoca Drive is the key road that Albanese would need to drive on to reach his new waterfront mansion. Also read: Australian PM Anthony Albanese faces backlash after buying luxurious A$4.3 m home Albanese, when asked about the upgrade, said, “The Minister might want to respond there, but Avoca Drive, one of the times I was here I know that the surveying work has all been done. And I know that this is a real choke point, so it's very important, and that's why we've provided funding to make sure that it happens.” Australia's Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King said that planning work was still being finalised for an upgrade to Avoca Drive and that it was being done in conjunction with the New South Wales government. Watch | Australian PM Anthony Albanese's Approval Rating Hits A New Low × She said that the construction was scheduled to start in the middle of next year. “We provided additional money in the last Budget, $130 million has now been allocated for this project,” King said. Albanese initially committed $30 million during the federal election campaign and then another $70 million in January 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

Australian PM to use $100mn for upgrading road that leads to his beach house

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing criticism after he purchased an A$4.3 million property amid a national housing crisis.

Albanese and his fiancée Jodie Haydon bought a four-bedroom home in&nbsp;New South Wales Central Coast that has sparked a political debate, with the opposition calling him “tone deaf” and some within his party revealing it to local media, anonymously.

In response to the backlash, he said he "knows what it is like to struggle". He added that he bought the luxury property to be close to his fiancée’s family who lives in that area.&nbsp;

According to the property records, the&nbsp;Copacabana property was sold for A$4.3 million ($2.9 million) in September this year. However, the purchase is yet to be determined.

The information about his purchase was revealed during a press conference about housing. Albanese said he knows he is “better off” than many people due to his income, but he could still empathise with people who face financial struggles.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australia-introduces-a-new-visa-regime-for-young-indians-767510">Australia introduces a new visa regime for young Indians</a>

"My mum lived in the one public housing [home] that she was born in for all of her 65 years," he told reporters.

“I know what it is like, which is why I want to help all Australians into a home.”

Even though Albanese's Labor Party raised an A$10b investment fund for social and affordable housing, their other housing initiatives were thwarted as they lacked support from the Australian Greens party and some independents, who&nbsp;want the government to introduce more ambitious proposals.

According to the 2024 Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey, Australian cities are among the worst for housing affordability in the world, with Sydney being the second least affordable on the list.

<h2>A ‘tone-deaf’&nbsp;decision?</h2>

While some spoke in his support, many have criticised Albanese’s decisions.

“I can’t think of a greater act of self-sabotage in my life,” one Labor MP told the Sydney Morning Herald anonymously "so they could speak freely".

"If you’re a Labor MP up against a Green at the next election, good luck," they added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-stand-in-the-way-king-charles-on-australia-becoming-a-republic-nation-766906">'Won't stand in the way': King Charles on Australia becoming a republic nation</a>

Max Chandler-Mather, the Greens housing spokesman, said Albanese’s purchase has highlighted the need for lucrative tax reforms for property investors and better protection for renters.

"Labor and the Liberals have created a housing system where a property investor can buy an A$4.3m beachfront home, while millions can't even find an affordable rental, let alone buy a house of their own," Chandler-Mather wrote on X.

"Everybody has a right to a personal life" Liberal Senator Jane Hume told Channel 7's Sunrise programme. "I have a problem with the timing, and this is tone-deaf during a housing crisis."

Fellow Liberal and opposition leader Peter Dutton stated that many Australians struggle with mortgages, however, he refused to criticise Albanese.

The parliamentary disclosure shows about 95 per cent of federal politicians own at least one residential property and a third has three or more properties. However, only two-thirds of Australian families own a home.

(With inputs from agencies)

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing criticism after he purchased an A$4.3 million property amid a national housing crisis. Albanese and his fiancée Jodie Haydon bought a four-bedroom home in New South Wales Central Coast that has sparked a political debate, with the opposition calling him “tone deaf” and some within his party revealing it to local media, anonymously.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing criticism after he purchased an A$4.3 million property amid a national housing crisis. Albanese and his fiancée Jodie Haydon bought a four-bedroom home in New South Wales Central Coast that has sparked a political debate, with the opposition calling him “tone deaf” and some within his party revealing it to local media, anonymously. In response to the backlash, he said he "knows what it is like to struggle". He added that he bought the luxury property to be close to his fiancée’s family who lives in that area. According to the property records, the Copacabana property was sold for A$4.3 million ($2.9 million) in September this year. However, the purchase is yet to be determined. The information about his purchase was revealed during a press conference about housing. Albanese said he knows he is “better off” than many people due to his income, but he could still empathise with people who face financial struggles. Also read | Australia introduces a new visa regime for young Indians "My mum lived in the one public housing [home] that she was born in for all of her 65 years," he told reporters. “I know what it is like, which is why I want to help all Australians into a home.” Even though Albanese's Labor Party raised an A$10b investment fund for social and affordable housing, their other housing initiatives were thwarted as they lacked support from the Australian Greens party and some independents, who want the government to introduce more ambitious proposals. According to the 2024 Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey, Australian cities are among the worst for housing affordability in the world, with Sydney being the second least affordable on the list. A ‘tone-deaf’ decision? While some spoke in his support, many have criticised Albanese’s decisions. “I can’t think of a greater act of self-sabotage in my life,” one Labor MP told the Sydney Morning Herald anonymously "so they could speak freely". "If you’re a Labor MP up against a Green at the next election, good luck," they added. Also read | 'Won't stand in the way': King Charles on Australia becoming a republic nation Max Chandler-Mather, the Greens housing spokesman, said Albanese’s purchase has highlighted the need for lucrative tax reforms for property investors and better protection for renters. "Labor and the Liberals have created a housing system where a property investor can buy an A$4.3m beachfront home, while millions can't even find an affordable rental, let alone buy a house of their own," Chandler-Mather wrote on X. "Everybody has a right to a personal life" Liberal Senator Jane Hume told Channel 7's Sunrise programme. "I have a problem with the timing, and this is tone-deaf during a housing crisis." Fellow Liberal and opposition leader Peter Dutton stated that many Australians struggle with mortgages, however, he refused to criticise Albanese. The parliamentary disclosure shows about 95 per cent of federal politicians own at least one residential property and a third has three or more properties. However, only two-thirds of Australian families own a home. (With inputs from agencies)

Australian PM Anthony Albanese faces backlash after buying luxurious A$4.3 m home

Julian Assange's wife Stella said that the Wikileaks founder needed some time to recover after he spent more than five years in a British high-security prison and seven years in asylum at the Ecuadorean embassy in London.

Assange, who was expected to attend a news conference upon his arrival in Australia on Wednesday (June 26), did not speak to the reporters as his wife said, "You have to understand, he needs time, he needs to recuperate, and this is a process."

"I ask you please to give us space, to give us privacy, to find our place, to let our family be a family before he can speak again at a time of his choosing," she further said.

Assange, who was aboard a private jet, landed in Canberra and upon arrival greeted his supporters and kissed his wife.

"He just arrived in Australia after being in a high-security prison for over five years and a long 72-hour flight, or something like that -- it's premature," Stella Assange said.

"Julian has to recover, that's the priority, and the fact is that Julian will always defend human rights, will always defend victims, and that is just part of who he is," she added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-declares-julian-assange-a-free-man-as-he-pleads-guilty-in-wikileaks-espionage-case-735141">Judge declares Julian Assange 'a free man' as he pleads guilty in WikiLeaks espionage case</a>

<h2>Australia PM Albanese thanks US and UK for Assange's release</h2>

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday (June 26) thanked the United Kingdom and the United States for their cooperation in securing the release of Assange.

"Assange’s case has dragged on for too long. I have said repeatedly that there was nothing to be gained by his continued incarceration," he said.

Upon the Wikileaks founder's landing in the country, Albanese addressed the media and said he had a word with the free speech champion and he will now be reunited with his family.&nbsp;

"Earlier tonight, I was pleased to speak with Mr Assange to welcome him home. And had the opportunity to ask about his health and to have my first discussion with him," Albanese said.

"His safe returned to Australia we know, means so much to his family. His wife Stella, his children, who he is looking forward to playing with like any dad and his parents, Christine and John," he added.

"It is yet another example of why mature, calibrated, and consistent engagement with our partners is the best way to get results in Australia’s national interest"

Earlier in the day, Assange appeared in a US court and pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiring to obtain and disclose classified US national defence information.

The plea deal, which has ended years of legal battles and made him a free man, was entered at a US District Court on the Northern Mariana Islands.

As Judge Ramona Manglona adjourned the hearing, she declared Assange would walk from here a free man.

"On the basis of this very serious espionage case against you ... I am in fact sentencing you to a period of time served," the judge said, adding, "I am not imposing any period of supervised release".

“With this pronouncement, it appears you will be able to walk out of this courtroom a free man. I hope there will be some peace restored,” Judge Manglona added.

Under the plea deal, the 52-year-old will be required to destroy information provided to WikiLeaks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Julian Assange's wife Stella said that the Wikileaks founder needed some time to recover after he spent more than five years in a British high-security prison and seven years in asylum at the Ecuadorean embassy in London.

Julian Assange's wife Stella said that the Wikileaks founder needed some time to recover after he spent more than five years in a British high-security prison and seven years in asylum at the Ecuadorean embassy in London. Assange, who was expected to attend a news conference upon his arrival in Australia on Wednesday (June 26), did not speak to the reporters as his wife said, "You have to understand, he needs time, he needs to recuperate, and this is a process." "I ask you please to give us space, to give us privacy, to find our place, to let our family be a family before he can speak again at a time of his choosing," she further said. Assange, who was aboard a private jet, landed in Canberra and upon arrival greeted his supporters and kissed his wife. "He just arrived in Australia after being in a high-security prison for over five years and a long 72-hour flight, or something like that -- it's premature," Stella Assange said. "Julian has to recover, that's the priority, and the fact is that Julian will always defend human rights, will always defend victims, and that is just part of who he is," she added. Also read: Judge declares Julian Assange 'a free man' as he pleads guilty in WikiLeaks espionage case Australia PM Albanese thanks US and UK for Assange's release Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday (June 26) thanked the United Kingdom and the United States for their cooperation in securing the release of Assange. "Assange’s case has dragged on for too long. I have said repeatedly that there was nothing to be gained by his continued incarceration," he said. Upon the Wikileaks founder's landing in the country, Albanese addressed the media and said he had a word with the free speech champion and he will now be reunited with his family. "Earlier tonight, I was pleased to speak with Mr Assange to welcome him home. And had the opportunity to ask about his health and to have my first discussion with him," Albanese said. "His safe returned to Australia we know, means so much to his family. His wife Stella, his children, who he is looking forward to playing with like any dad and his parents, Christine and John," he added. "It is yet another example of why mature, calibrated, and consistent engagement with our partners is the best way to get results in Australia’s national interest" Earlier in the day, Assange appeared in a US court and pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiring to obtain and disclose classified US national defence information. The plea deal, which has ended years of legal battles and made him a free man, was entered at a US District Court on the Northern Mariana Islands. As Judge Ramona Manglona adjourned the hearing, she declared Assange would walk from here a free man. "On the basis of this very serious espionage case against you ... I am in fact sentencing you to a period of time served," the judge said, adding, "I am not imposing any period of supervised release". “With this pronouncement, it appears you will be able to walk out of this courtroom a free man. I hope there will be some peace restored,” Judge Manglona added. Under the plea deal, the 52-year-old will be required to destroy information provided to WikiLeaks. (With inputs from agencies)

'Julian Assange needs space to recuperate,' says wife Stella upon his landing in Australia

Australia, on Tuesday (Feb 20) outlined its decade-long plan and announced a major overhaul of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet saying that it would more than double the number of warships as well as add six large and “optionally crewed” naval vessels heavily armed with missiles as a part of the new $11 billion reshaping of the country’s naval forces.&nbsp;

<h2>Australia’s plan for its Navy</h2>

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government announced a major overhaul of the country’s Navy which includes the acquisition of six new large optionally crewed surface vessels (LOSVs) which can be operated remotely by a support vessel and would be heavily armed with missiles.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Australia to double fleet of Warships by 2034

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Under the sweeping overhaul, Australia will have 26 combat-ready warships up from the current fleet of 11 ships. “It is the largest fleet that we will have since the end of the Second World War,” said Defence Minister Richard Marles.&nbsp;

He also&nbsp;cited concerns over rising geopolitical tensions amid&nbsp;competition between the United States, its allies and China&nbsp;in the Asia-Pacific region.

Canberra has also reduced its order of Hunter-class frigates from nine to six, according to the new plan “Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet.”&nbsp;

The new fleet would include three upgraded Hobart-class destroyers, 11 new general-purpose frigates to replace six remaining Anzac-class frigates, six new LOSVs and 25 minor war vessels, including six Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).

The Hunter class frigates will be built at the Osborne shipyard in South Australia, said Australia’s Department of Defence in a statement.&nbsp;

The announcement also comes after the government received an independent analysis, led by the retired US&nbsp;Navy Vice-Admiral William Hilarides, which found that the current and planned surface combatant fleet was “not appropriate for the strategic environment we face, noting it is the oldest fleet Navy has operated in its history”.

The independent analysis also urged the Albanese government for “immediate implementation” of the overhaul citing the threat to Australia’s national security.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-ashwin-ramaswami-first-gen-z-indian-american-democrat-vying-for-georgia-senate-seat-691843">Meet Ashwin Ramaswami, first Gen Z Indian-American Democrat vying for Georgia Senate seat</a>

Australia’s oldest currently serving warship, HMAS Anzac, as per the plan, will be immediately decommissioned ahead of the gradual replacement of the ageing Anzac-class fleet with new frigates.&nbsp;

<h2>Australia increases defence spending</h2>

To implement the shake-up to the current Australian navy fleet, the government has announced an additional $1.7 billion over the forward estimates and $11.1 billion over the next decade in defence for “accelerated delivery” for the navy’s future surface combatant fleet and to expand the country’s shipbuilding industry.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-expresses-concerns-after-china-targets-its-divers-with-sonar-pulses-659933">Australia expresses concerns after China targets its divers with sonar pulses</a>

The total cost of the plan over the next decade would amount to $54 billion. The plan would also see Australia increase its defence spending to 2.4 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP), above the two per cent target set by its NATO allies.&nbsp;

“This will be the largest surface combatant force we’ve operated in generations. It will also be, in time, the most lethal,” said Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Australia, on Tuesday (Feb 20) outlined its decade-long plan and announced a major overhaul of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet saying that it would more than double the number of warships as well as add six large and “optionally crewed” naval vessels heavily armed with missiles as a part of the new $11 billion reshaping of the country’s naval forces.

Australia, on Tuesday (Feb 20) outlined its decade-long plan and announced a major overhaul of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet saying that it would more than double the number of warships as well as add six large and “optionally crewed” naval vessels heavily armed with missiles as a part of the new $11 billion reshaping of the country’s naval forces. Australia’s plan for its Navy Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government announced a major overhaul of the country’s Navy which includes the acquisition of six new large optionally crewed surface vessels (LOSVs) which can be operated remotely by a support vessel and would be heavily armed with missiles. WATCH | Australia to double fleet of Warships by 2034 Under the sweeping overhaul, Australia will have 26 combat-ready warships up from the current fleet of 11 ships. “It is the largest fleet that we will have since the end of the Second World War,” said Defence Minister Richard Marles. He also cited concerns over rising geopolitical tensions amid competition between the United States, its allies and China in the Asia-Pacific region. Canberra has also reduced its order of Hunter-class frigates from nine to six, according to the new plan “Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet.” The new fleet would include three upgraded Hobart-class destroyers, 11 new general-purpose frigates to replace six remaining Anzac-class frigates, six new LOSVs and 25 minor war vessels, including six Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). The Hunter class frigates will be built at the Osborne shipyard in South Australia, said Australia’s Department of Defence in a statement. The announcement also comes after the government received an independent analysis, led by the retired US Navy Vice-Admiral William Hilarides, which found that the current and planned surface combatant fleet was “not appropriate for the strategic environment we face, noting it is the oldest fleet Navy has operated in its history”. The independent analysis also urged the Albanese government for “immediate implementation” of the overhaul citing the threat to Australia’s national security. Also Read | Meet Ashwin Ramaswami, first Gen Z Indian-American Democrat vying for Georgia Senate seat Australia’s oldest currently serving warship, HMAS Anzac, as per the plan, will be immediately decommissioned ahead of the gradual replacement of the ageing Anzac-class fleet with new frigates. Australia increases defence spending To implement the shake-up to the current Australian navy fleet, the government has announced an additional $1.7 billion over the forward estimates and $11.1 billion over the next decade in defence for “accelerated delivery” for the navy’s future surface combatant fleet and to expand the country’s shipbuilding industry. Also Read | Australia expresses concerns after China targets its divers with sonar pulses The total cost of the plan over the next decade would amount to $54 billion. The plan would also see Australia increase its defence spending to 2.4 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP), above the two per cent target set by its NATO allies. “This will be the largest surface combatant force we’ve operated in generations. It will also be, in time, the most lethal,” said Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia announces navy overhaul to build biggest fleet since World War II

After revealing on Thursday that his partner accepted his marriage proposal on Valentine’s Day, Anthony Albanese became the first prime minister of Australia to become engaged while holding office.

New beginnings for Australia PM Anthony Albanaese, gets engaged with Jodie  Haydon