More than half of Australian parents who have only partially vaccinated their children hold doubts about the safety of immunisation, a new survey has revealed.

Of these same parents, around 55 per cent lack trust in vaccines, the National Vaccination Insights project by the National Centre of Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) said.

The survey of 2012 parents of children under the age of five found close to a third of all parents felt distressed about vaccinating their children, whether they had no vaccines, were partially vaccinated, or were fully up to date with their immunisations.

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The alarming new findings come amid declining childhood vaccination rates, which have been falling each year since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Analysis by the NCIRS at the end of last year showed that vaccination coverage is at a 10-year low, sitting below the target rate of 95 per cent across all three standard age milestones.

Low vaccine coverage is believed to have helped fuel a record surge in whooping cough cases across Australia since 2024.

According to official advice from the Australian Government, children should receive several vaccinations by the age of four to protect them, including from meningococcal, measles, and whooping cough.

However, six per cent of all parents and 40 per cent of parents who have partially vaccinated their children do not believe vaccination protects others, whilst 5.3 per cent of all parents don't think they work.

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The NCIRS warned vaccine attitudes from overseas were having a greater impact on parents' perceptions of immunisation.

"It also highlighted the potential role of international vaccine commentary in shaping parental attitudes in Australia," it said.

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The United States has seen lower vaccination rates in recent years, coinciding with Robert F. Kennedy Jr, a known vaccine skeptic, becoming the Secretary of Health last year.

Around five per cent of all parents will not give their children all of the recommended vaccines, with 42 per cent of parents who have partially vaccinated their children also saying they would halt immunisations.

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The NCIRS said trust has been broken and needs to be rebuilt between doctors and patients. Nearly half of parents who have partially immunised their children say they do not trust the doctors or nurses administering them.

"The study's authors emphasise the importance of strengthening trust, supporting healthcare providers to address concerns, and ensuring accessible, responsive vaccination services," it said.

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Sydney's Lakemba Mosque has received its third threatening letter on the eve of Ramadan, which leaders said has left the Muslim community fearful and anxious.

The letter features a newspaper clipping about the last threatening letter sent to the mosque, a drawing of a pig and writings that threaten the lives and safety of Muslims.

The Lebanese Muslim Association, which is the curator of the Lakemba Mosque, said the letter was delivered by post today.

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"This is the third such letter received. The individual responsible remains at large," a spokesperson said.

Lakmeba Mosque has received three threatening letters since January 24, but only one person, a 70-year-old man accused of sending the first letter, has been charged.

The last letter depicted the Lakemba Mosque on fire with people inside. 

It has left the community worried and scared, the Lebanese Muslim Association said.

"Community members have contacted us expressing fear that something may happen, particularly given the current tensions in the broader environment," the spokesperson said.

"Families are anxious. Parents are worried about bringing their children to prayers. No community should feel this way in Australia."

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The Lebanese Muslim Association urged police to prioritise catching the person responsible due to the ongoing nature of the threats and increased activity during Ramadan. 

"Thousands of families, elderly members and young children will attend nightly prayers. Every Australian should be able to practise their faith safely and without fear," the spokesperson said. 

The Lebanese Muslim Association has also formally written to the state government to strengthen security measures, including upgraded CCTV and funded security personnel during Ramadan.

NSW government officials are meeting with leaders of the Muslim community today to discuss community safety and other measures. 

Police are investigating and will increase patrols around the Lakemba Mosque, religious sites and community events during the holy month of Ramadan.

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Police and Counter-Terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley said community safety was the highest priority for both the police and government.

The Islamophobia Register Australia recorded a 530 per cent increase in Islamophobic incidents and more than 1500 cases reported since Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. 

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One of Australia's most prominent conservative senators has delivered a stinging critique of Pauline Hanson over her inflammatory comments about Muslims, saying the remarks are un-Australian and show she is an unfit leader.

On Monday night, the One Nation leader claimed there were no good Muslims and that those who practice the religion "hate Westerners".

"You say, oh, well, there's good Muslims out there. Well, I'm sorry, how can you tell me there are good Muslims?" she told Sky News.

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The comments have received widespread condemnation, with the latest broadside coming from Nationals senator Matt Canavan – himself a leading conservative figure on the right of politics.

"This statement from Pauline was divisive, inflammatory. It's un-Australian, totally un-Australian, for someone to say that of those 800,000 Australians who are Muslim, there's no good people among them," he told Today. 

"That's what Pauline said.

"Now, clearly, I think she went too far."

Canavan, who, like Hanson, is up for re-election at the next federal election and will be vying with the One Nation leader for a Senate seat in Queensland, said an apology should be issued.

"She won't apologise, because she doesn't do that, she never admits that she makes mistakes – we all do," he said.

"That's what Pauline should do (apologise). 

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"I mean, we just had a Muslim Australian, Ahmed al Ahmed, save lives at Bondi. 

"He was a Muslim Australian, he's an Australian hero. 

"So what does Pauline have to say to him?"

Appearing on ABC TV this morning, Hanson somewhat walked back her comments, admitting she doesn't "genuinely believe" there are no good Muslim Australians, because "one woman stood for me, she was a Muslim, but not a practising Muslim".

And while she did offer a guarded apology if she had offended anyone "that doesn't believe in Sharia law", she backtracked just moments later.

"I'm not going to apologise," she said.

"For the fact is, I will have my say now before it's too late."

Hanson, who has long promoted anti-Islamic rhetoric, including claiming Australia was in danger of being "swamped by Muslims" during her 2016 maiden speech to the Senate, also faced criticism from senior government ministers yesterday over her latest comments. 

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke labelled the remarks "wrong and cruel" and "not worthy of someone who holds public office", while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said she "never comes up with any solutions, just identifies and promotes grievance".

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This morning, Canavan said the comments proved Hanson was "not a leader of Australia".

"She's not fit to lead a major political party with these types of ill-disciplined statements that she won't correct, that insult hundreds of thousands of Australians," he said. 

"It is just not something that I think is part of our country."

Meanwhile, Australia's special envoy to combat Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, invited Hanson to join him at a fast-breaking dinner during Ramadan, which began today.

"The Qur'an… challenges Muslims to respond to those individuals who might be overwhelmed by the weight of their convictions, with peace," he said last night.

"These values are embodied by Muslim Australians who serve in hospitals, classrooms, small businesses, the armed forces, and public institutions every day.

"So, utilising the inner spirit of a mystic sage, I extend a genuine invitation to Senator Hanson, to join me for Iftar this Ramadan.

"Ms Hanson is welcome to ask questions directly. I'll be happy to talk to her about Sharia Law, the different types of Jihad, the Qur'an, violent extremism, women in Islam and any other questions she might have.

"My door is open."

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State legislators in New Mexico launched an investigation today into past activity at a secluded desert ranch where financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein once entertained guests, and whether local authorities looked the other way.

A bipartisan, four-member panel of state House representatives are investigating allegations that the ranch may have facilitated sexual abuse and sex trafficking.

New Mexico lawmakers also say they want to know why Epstein was not registered as a sex offender after pleading guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from an underage girl and whether there was corruption among public officials.

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Democratic state Representative Marianna Anaya of Albuquerque, a member of the truth commission, urged people to come forward with information about any abuse at the ranch linked to Epstein and other people who made it possible, at a news conference today.

“That perpetrator could not act alone. They could not run a sex ring alone, they could not commit these types of financial crimes alone. So we know as a commission that enablers must also be held accountable, including the state itself, if needed,” said Anaya.

"If you do want to share, we’ll be here and we will be operating with confidentiality.”

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Revelations of ties to Epstein have led to the departure or ousting of multiple high-profile people in recent days.

Epstein purchased the sprawling Zorro Ranch in New Mexico in 1993 from former Democratic Governor Bruce King and built a 2480-square-metre hilltop mansion with a private runway.

The property was sold by Epstein’s estate in 2023 — with proceeds going to creditors — to the family of Don Huffines, a Republican candidate in Texas for statewide election to the office of comptroller.

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In a social media post on X, Huffines said the property has been renamed San Rafael Ranch after a saint associated with healing and that his family plans to operate a Christian retreat there.

Huffines said any request by law enforcement for access would be met with immediate and full cooperation.

Epstein killed himself in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial in 2019 on charges that he sexually abused and trafficked dozens of underage girls.

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Truth commission chairwoman and state Representative Andrea Romero of Santa Fe has said that several survivors of Epstein’s abuse have signalled that sex trafficking activity extended to the ranch, which is about 56 kilometres south of Santa Fe.

“We’ve heard years of allegations and rumours about Epstein’s activities here. But unfortunately, federal investigations have failed to put together an official record,” Romero said today.

“This truth commission will finally fill in the gaps of what we need to know.”

Commission members also include retired FBI agent and Republican state Representative William Hall of Aztec and former district attorney and Representative Andrea Reeb of Clovis.

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State House legislators who were present voted unanimously on Monday to create the commission with subpoena power and a budget of over $2 million ($AUD2.8 million)

While Epstein never faced charges in New Mexico, the state attorney general’s office in 2019 confirmed that it was investigating and had interviewed possible victims who visited the ranch.

In 2023, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez ordered an investigation into financial businesses utilised by Epstein and their legal obligations, resulting in agreements with two banks that dedicate $23.9 million to the prevention of human trafficking, according to a spokesperson for Torrez's office.

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Pubs in Alice Springs are facing a major shake-up from today, as the Northern Territory Liquor Commission imposes strict new limits on mid-week drinking in a bid to curb alcohol-related harm.

Under the new mandate, more than 20 pubs and bars across the town will only be permitted to serve full-strength alcohol between 11.30am and 3.00pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays – and only when accompanied by a "full meal."

The decision marks an escalation of the commission's strategy to tackle social issues in Central Australia, following the introduction of takeaway-free Mondays in early 2023.

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However, the hospitality sector has labelled the blanket restrictions "unprecedented".

"It is one thing to vary the conditions for one licence," Cathy Simmonds, CEO of Hospitality NT, told the ABC.

"It is really unprecedented for the commission to add conditions for 20 in one go."

Simmonds also warned of the practical toll on workers, noting that the "inconsistency of the rules day to day" would require massive staff retraining.

She argued that alcohol sales have been trending downward since 2018 and that "most tourists and most Territorians drink responsibly."

Beyond the meal requirements, the commission has recommended that several prominent venues – including the Todd Tavern, The Rock Bar, Bojangles, and The Uncles – implement on-site ID systems.

These systems would allow staff to identify patrons under banning orders, though the rollout depends on the NT Government updating privacy and data-sharing legislation.

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Donald Trump will pursue the death penalty for Nancy Guthrie's kidnappers if they do not release her unharmed.

In a call on Tuesday (Monday US time), the US president said the person or people who took Nancy will face "very, very severe – the most severe" penalties if she is killed.

When asked if the Department of Justice (DOJ) would request the death penalty, Trump responded: "The most, yeah – that's true."

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Nancy, 84, is the mother of US TV host Savannah Guthrie.

She was last seen at her Arizona home on January 31 and was reported missing the following day when she didn't show up to church.

On January 4, Trump called Savannah to offer federal support in the search for her mother.

The FBI subsequently revealed haunting images and footage of a masked person standing at Nancy's front door.

The figure appears to be a man wearing gloves, long sleeves, pants, and a balaclava.

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A glove appearing to match the footage from Nancy's home was later found around three kilometres away and has been sent for DNA testing.

Local law enforcement investigating her abduction have confirmed multiple sources have issues demands for ransom.

They did not say if any of the demands are considered credible, nor are they aware of any ongoing communication between the alleged kidnappers and Nancy's family.

The Guthrie family was also ruled out as suspects amid 'cruel' speculation.

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Trump's public commentary on the case has been limited.

His declaration that the DOJ will pursue the death penalty if Nancy's abductors harm her is consistent with other high-profile criminal cases in the US.

Robert Bowers, who is responsible for the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in 2018, was sentenced to death, as was American mass murderer Dylann Roof.

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Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has unveiled his new shadow ministry, bringing back the Nationals and exiled members.

The new leader said his frontbench marked a "fresh beginning" for the Coalition after a tumultuous few weeks that saw the Nationals briefly split from the Liberals, a leadership spill and Sussan Ley ousted from her role.

"This is a team that is blending proven experience with the next generation of Coalition talent," he said. 

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Taylor said he has brought back the Nationals after they mass quit in protest of Ley refusing to reinstate three sacked members.

He said it was an opportunity to put the past behind them and start anew with "unity".

The deputy leader, Jane Hume, has been chosen the shadow minister for employment and industrial relations, and shadow minister for productivity and deregulation portfolios.

She was also named the deputy Liberal leader in the Senate.

Ted O'Brien, the former deputy leader under Ley, has been appointed the new shadow foreign affairs minister.

Tim Wilson was appointed the shadow treasurer.

Andrew Hastie and Jacinta Nampjinpa Price, who were both exiled from the frontbench under Ley, have been promoted.

Hastie, who was rumoured to be a contender for the party leadership but did not run, was named the industry and sovereign capability spokesman and the deputy Liberal leader in the House of Representatives.

Price has been tasked as the spokeswoman for small business, skills and training.

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James Paterson, an outspoken supporter of Taylor in his bid for Liberal leadership, has been given the defence portfolio previously held by Taylor. 

Claire Chandler has been elevated as the new shadow finance minister. 

Sarah Henderson has also returned to the shadow cabinet for the communications and digital safety portfolio.

Michaelia Cash has been appointed the new shadow attorney-general, replacing one of Ley's main supporters Andrew Wallace, and will remain the Leader in the Senate.

Andrew Bragg, another key backer of Ley, remains as the shadow housing and homelessness minister and was also given the shadow environment portfolio.

Nationals members Bridget McKenzie, Susan McDonald and Ross Cadell have returned to the shadow cabinet after they were dumped by Ley for breaking shadow cabinet solidarity rules and voting against the party line on the government's hate laws in January.

Their sacking prompted a mass resignation of the entire Nationals frontbench, which saw the Coalition split for the second time in under a year. 

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Julian Leeser, Melissa McIntosh, Dan Tehan, Dave Sharma, Anne Ruston, Aaron Violi, Henry Pike, Tony Pasin, Leah Blyth, Garth Hamilton, James McGrath and Simon Kennedy were also appointed to the shadow cabinet.

Taylor thanked the outgoing members of the shadow ministry for their service.

"We are fortunate to have talent in our party room and are committed to drawing all of it," he said.

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A father who disappeared from Melbourne almost 14 years ago is now believed to have met with foul play.

Brendan Breen was reported missing when he cancelled dinner with his separated wife via text message in May 2012 but there were some doubts about whether he'd left on his own accord until he missed his own daughter's funeral four years later.

Police this morning renewed their appeal for information about his disappearance, saying what happened remained a mystery.

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Missing persons squad Inspector Dave Dunstan said suspicions were heightened when Breen failed to show up at the October 18 funeral, describing it as the "catalyst" for his squad to get involved.

"While 14 years have passed, we strongly believe there are still people out there who know what has happened to Brendan, who is involved and why this has happened," he said in  a statement,

"Even the smallest detail could be what leads us to a breakthrough and hopefully, puts us in a position to give Brendan's family some answers."

Police said Breen – also known as Brendan Green, Brian Greer and Brendan Lacombe – had previously been charged with fraud offences and spent "several years" in jail.

"There are a number of aspects about his disappearance that continue to give us cause for concern, especially the length of time he has been missing with no trace whatsoever," Dunstan said.

"We know he had a number of associates who were also known to police, and while they have been spoken to over the years, this remains an active avenue of enquiry for investigators."

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Breen, who was 55 at the time, was last seen in Melbourne on April 12, 2012, and the cancelled dinner was on May 9 that same year.

Police said they were still on good terms and she became concerned when he cancelled at the last minute with a text and then stopped answering her calls.

They appealed for help to find the man but said it didn't turn up any new leads.

"Despite a number of enquiries over the next few years, Brendan could not be located," police said.

"In October 2018, Brendan failed to appear at his daughter's funeral and his family believed this to be out of character as the pair were close.

"The matter was reviewed and detectives now believe Brendan's disappearance is suspicious, and he has most likely met with foul play.

"His bank accounts and phone have never been accessed, and there has never been any reported sightings of Brendan."

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Banks Peninsula has been hit by a deluge.

Tractors used to clear part of a road near Taihape affected by fallen trees and slips.