Biosecurity officers will step up fruit fly trapping within up to 1500m of the find.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has asked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to overturn her Senate ban as parliament gears up for an early return to rush through hate speech and gun laws.

Hanson was expelled from the Senate for seven sitting days following a censure motion over her burqa stunt in the chamber in late November.

In the wake of the Bondi massacre, the PM has faced a bipartisan push to recall parliament early to introduce the new laws.

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In an open letter posted to X, Hanson has sought Albanese's support in overturning the censure motion so she can return to the Senate immediately once parliament resumes.

She urged the PM to repeal her "unnecessary suspension" so she can freely debate the bills in the Senate.

"My contribution to this debate as the leader of One Nation and Senator for Queensland is critical," Hanson wrote.

"I do not care if you choose to uphold the Senate's decision to ban me from attending official overseas parliamentary delegations.

"This determination does not impede my ability to make private arrangements to meet with world leaders on a one-on-one basis, nor prevent me from engaging in privately-funded international travel."

https://x.com/PaulineHansonOz/status/2008376984142004658

READ MORE: Bondi hero Ahmed Al Ahmed greeted by FBI as he touches down in US

In the letter, sent yesterday, Hanson also CC'd Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who put forward the censure motion, and Senate Leader of the Opposition Michaelia Cash.

Hanson arrived in the Senate on November 25 wearing a face covering to protest not being allowed to introduce her bill to ban burqas.

The Senate was shut down for nearly two hours when Hanson refused to leave the chamber, in a move Wong described as "disrespectful".

She was then handed a seven-day suspension on the last sitting week of parliament.

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Albanese has said one of his priorities was recalling parliament once the required legislation was obtained, to "take strong action against hate speech (and) to strengthen the laws that we have put in place".

"We are making sure we get this legislation right. We are consulting, as you would expect," he said today.

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The man says he plunged more than 15m after a safety bar unclipped.

The spider is the northernmost specimen of Cantuaria yet found in New Zealand.

Whānau worry patients without visitors may go days without a proper wash.

Jobs in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology are the fastest-growing in Australia, a new study claims.

The role of AI engineer has experienced the biggest growth in the last 12 months, with other tech-based roles booming in growth, research by LinkedIn said.

The study examined millions of jobs started by LinkedIn members from January 1, 2023 to July 31, 2025 to calculate a growth rate for each job title, and ranked the 15 jobs with the greatest growth based on the criteria.

READ MORE: 'Appalling': Trump's own party members decry his Greenland move

AI engineer, a role described as designing and building AI systems to perform several tasks, came out on top ahead of chief risk officer, which helps identify and assess risks to a company, including cybersecurity threats.

AI featured prominently in the list, with director of artificial intelligence – overseeing the development and use of AI strategies within a company – was fourth on the list.

"AI is no longer a specialist skill, it's becoming part of everyday work and leadership," LinkedIn's Brendan Wong claimed.

"Whether you're in tech, business or creative industries, building AI literacy and staying open to new skills will be key to future-proofing your career."

READ MORE: Family receives $4.8 million after woman declared dead then found alive in body bag

The study reveals more people are looking to start their own small businesses, with the role of founder appearing in seventh on the list after a 58 per cent surge, according to the study's data.

Fastest growing jobs

1	AI Engineer	AI engineers design and build systems that use artificial intelligence to perform tasks such as analysing data, recognising patterns and making predictions. There is a major surge in demand for AI engineers in Australia, as generative AI adoption accelerates across industries.
2	Chief Risk Officer	Chief risk officers identify, assess and manage potential risks that could affect an organisation's operations, finances or reputation. As Australian firms navigate increasing regulatory scrutiny, cybersecurity threats and operational risks, the Chief Risk Officer role is becoming more strategic and central to C-suite decision-making.
3	Mechanical Engineer	Mechanical engineers design, develop and test mechanical systems and devices to ensure they function safely and efficiently. Mechanical engineers are increasingly needed to support Australia's infrastructure and energy transition.
4	Director of Artificial Intelligence	Directors of artificial intelligence oversee the development and implementation of AI strategies within an organisation. More C-suite executives in Australia are upskilling in AI, reflecting a push for a senior leader to guide AI strategy, governance and transformation.
5	Organisational Development Manager	Organisational development managers create and implement strategies to improve workplace structures, processes and employee performance. With businesses rapidly transforming to adapt to AI, there's growing demand for people who can design and implement change-management strategies.
6	Legal Director	Legal directors manage legal matters for an organisation, including compliance, contracts and advising on regulatory issues. In Australia's increasingly complex regulatory environment — driven by technology (AI), ESG and private-capital investment — Legal Directors are in demand to steer compliance, contracts and high-value transactions.
7	Founder	Founders establish and lead organisations by defining their vision, securing resources and guiding overall operations. Australia's startup ecosystem is growing fast across a variety of sectors including health tech, climate solutions and AI, and there's strong momentum for founders to launch startups that build on generative AI and data tools.
8	Media Director	Media directors plan and oversee media campaigns, ensuring content is delivered effectively across channels to reach target audiences. As organisations invest more in digital transformation and AI-driven content, there's a rising need for Media Directors who can lead multi-channel media strategy and content operations that leverage new technologies.
9	Regulatory Affairs Consultant	Regulatory affairs consultants advise organisations on compliance with laws and regulations, preparing documentation and liaising with authorities as needed. With the rapid uptake of AI and other transformative technologies, companies increasingly need Regulatory Affairs Consultants to help them navigate evolving legal landscapes, engage with regulators and maintain compliance.
10	Power System Engineer	Power system engineers design and maintain electrical power systems to ensure reliable generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. Australia's energy transition — especially growth in renewables and battery storage — is driving demand for power system engineers to design, maintain and optimise generation, transmission and distribution systems

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The federal government is helping Australian tourists stranded on a remote desert island in Yemen.

They are among scores of foreign travellers who visited the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean before being caught up in rising tensions between regional powers.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is providing consular assistance to a small number of Australians currently in Yemen," a DFAT spokesperson said today.

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"Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment."

Travel plans for about 400 international tourists became disrupted when Yemeni authorities imposed a state of emergency on Socotra leading to the closure of ports of entry, including the island's airport, reports say.

The island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the rare Dragon Blood tree. It has become a magnet for adventure tourists and social media influencers attracted by its stunning cliffs, rare fauna and pristine white sand beaches.

Yemen has been mired for more than a decade in a civil war that involves a complex interplay of sectarian grievances and the involvement of regional powers.

The Iran-aligned Houthis control the most populous regions of the country, including the capital Sanaa. Meanwhile, a loose regional coalition of powers – including Saudi Arabia and the UAE – has backed the internationally recognised government in the south.

Its distance from the mainland has shielded Socotra from the worst of Yemen's long-running conflict. But regional tensions that last week culminated in Saudi strikes on a UAE-linked shipment in Yemen have now had an impact.

Flights are expected to restart this week, but it is still unclear when.

DFAT advises Australians against travelling to Socotra due to ongoing armed conflict and a very high threat of kidnapping and terrorism. There are also military operations against Houthi targets in the Red Sea.

Australia, like many other Western nations, does not have an embassy or consulate in Yemen.

Officials at the Australian embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, are unable to provide emergency help to citizens in Yemen.

– With AP, CNN



A town in the US has agreed to a $US3.25 million ($4.82 million) settlement with the family of a young woman who was declared dead at home but then gasped for air and opened her eyes when her body bag was unzipped at a funeral home.

Paramedics were accused of gross negligence in how they responded to Timesha Beauchamp after a 911 call in the Detroit suburb of Southfield in 2020.

The 20-year-old, who had cerebral palsy, was eventually rushed to a hospital and died two months later.

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“We recognise that no resolution can undo the profound tragedy that occurred on August 23, 2020, or ease the pain experienced by Ms Beauchamp’s family," Southfield said in a statement.

“This case involved extraordinarily difficult circumstances that arose in the complex world of a global pandemic.”

Beauchamp was struggling to breathe when her family called 911. 

A medical crew tried to resuscitate her and also consulted a doctor, who declared her dead over the phone without going to the home.

Later that day, a funeral home opened the body bag and found Beauchamp gasping for air.

She was swiftly taken to a hospital but never recovered.

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“She was put in a situation she never should have been in," Steven Hurbis, an attorney for Beauchamp’s family, said on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST).

He added that medical professionals said Beauchamp would have survived if she was taken immediately to a hospital from her home.

The City of Southfield fought the lawsuit and persuaded a judge to dismiss it based on governmental immunity.

The Michigan Court of Appeals, however, overturned that decision in 2024.

The Southfield fire chief had said Beauchamp's situation might have been a case of “Lazarus syndrome,” a reference to people who come back to life without assistance after attempts to resuscitate have failed.

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Bondi hero Ahmed Al Ahmed has touched down in New York City after flying to the United States for medical treatment.

The 43-year-old, who was shot multiple times during the December 14 Bondi massacre, was flanked by FBI personnel as he arrived in Los Angeles for the first leg of his journey.

Al Ahmed described his visit to the US as a "long journey, but a necessary one" as he seeks specialist treatment for his injuries.

READ MORE: 'Doesn't feel fair': Australian-British citizens caught out by new passport rule

He has shared footage and photos of his journey on his newly-created Instagram, which now has over 5000 followers.

"On my way to start my treatment journey in the United States. I kindly ask everyone to keep me in their prayers," he said in a post.

"Thank you for your love and support."

Ahmed's arrival in the US comes just days after he and other heroes and victims were honoured during the Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) over the weekend.

The tobacco shop owner was recognised for his bravery alongside first responders, including intensive care paramedics, NSW police officers, hospital and SES staff, lifeguards and lifesavers.

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He was seen with his arm in a sling after suffering five gunshot wounds during the terror attack.

Ahmed has already undergone three rounds of surgery for his injuries.

The father-of-three was among the first heroes identified following the massacre, which killed 15 innocent people during a Chanukah by the Sea celebration at Sydney's famous Bondi Beach.

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He was seen wrestling the gun from one of the shooters, getting shot in the process.

"My target was just to take the gun from him and to stop him from killing a human being, life, and not killing innocent people," he told CBS in an exclusive interview.

Ahmed recognised that his actions saved countless lives, but said, "I feel sorry still for the lost".

In his hospital bed, he was awarded a cheque of $2.5 million after money was raised on GoFundMe to support his recovery.

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When US forces struck the Venezuelan capital and ousted the country's president Nicolás Maduro, it turned one of President Donald Trump's rhetorical threats into reality.

In the days since, his frequent musings about other items on his foreign policy wishlist have rung with renewed force, especially his repeated desire for the US to take over Greenland – the vast autonomous Arctic territory ruled by Denmark.

In the wake of such a brazen display of US military power in Venezuela, this rhetoric has taken on a different character, straining Washington's relationship with its NATO ally.

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Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that she had already "made it very clear where the Kingdom of Denmark stands, and that Greenland has repeatedly said that it does not want to be part of the United States."

She even warned that it could lead to the demise of the NATO alliance.

So why might Trump keep turning his attention to this remote, sparsely populated island – and why is it causing tensions with Europe?

What is Greenland like?

Greenland, a resource-rich island of 2.16 million square kilometres, is a former Danish colony and now an autonomous territory of Denmark, situated in the Arctic.

It's the world's least densely populated country and is so remote that its 56,000 residents travel by boat, helicopter and plane between its towns, which are predominantly scattered along the island's western coast.

Nuuk, the territory's capital city, is emblematic of those towns, featuring brightly coloured houses crowded together between a jagged coastline and inland mountains.

Outside the towns, Greenland is mostly wilderness with 81 per cent of its land under ice. Nearly 90 per cent of its population is of Inuit origin and the territory's economy has long revolved around fishing.

READ MORE: Capital city to swelter in record temperatures as heatwave takes hold

Why is it so important strategically?

Greenland occupies a strategic geopolitical position, sitting between the US and Europe and astride the so-called GIUK gap – a maritime passage between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK that links the Arctic to the Atlantic Ocean.

Its rich deposits of natural resources, including oil, gas and rare earth minerals, make it even more strategically important, especially as China has leveraged its domination of the rare earth industry to exert pressure on the US.

These rare earth minerals are increasingly crucial to the global economy since they are required to manufacture everything from electric cars and wind turbines to military equipment.

READ MORE: 'Doesn't feel fair': Australian-British citizens caught out by new passport rule

Greenland's trove of minerals may become more accessible as the climate crisis melts Arctic ice, a phenomenon which also makes northern shipping routes navigable for more time throughout the year, potentially reorienting trade and making the region even more important, despite Trump calling the climate crisis "the greatest con job."

Trump has downplayed the significance of Greenland's natural resources, telling reporters last month: "We need Greenland for national security, not for minerals."

But his former national security adviser Mike Waltz suggested in January 2024 that Trump's focus was on natural resources, telling Fox News that the administration's focus on Greenland was "about critical minerals" and "natural resources."

What does Venezuela have to do with it?

The day after US forces snatched Maduro from his home, Trump repeated that the US needs Greenland "from the standpoint of national security," before White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller reiterated those claims on Monday, further sharpening the spotlight on the Arctic territory.

"We need Greenland…it's so strategic right now. Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, despite at first saying he didn't want to talk about it.

"We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it."

Doubling down on Tuesday, the White House said it is "discussing a range of options" to acquire Greenland and that using the US military is not off the table.

What has Trump said before?

Trump inquired about the possibility of buying Greenland during his first term and, despite being told by the island that "Greenland is not for sale," he revived those calls in December 2024, saying in a social media post: "For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity."

READ MORE: Trump's claims of running Venezuela leave questions despite congressional briefing

He claimed that the US needs Greenland for "economic security," before Vice President JD Vance travelled to the island in March 2025 where he said it was "the policy of the United States" to see changes to the island's Danish leadership, but acknowledged that Greenlanders should decide their future.

Polling in Greenland shows clear opposition to becoming part of the US, with 85 per cent of Greenlanders against American rule, Reuters reported.

What does this mean for NATO?

If the US uses military action to seize Greenland – something Trump has pointedly refused to rule out – it could fracture the NATO alliance.

Frederiksen said, "if the US chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, everything stops, including NATO and thus the security that has been provided since the end of World War II."

On Tuesday, leaders from major European powers expressed support for Denmark and Greenland, adding that Arctic security must be upheld collectively with NATO allies, including the US.

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"Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland," leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain and Denmark said in a joint statement.

"NATO has made clear that the Arctic region is a priority and European Allies are stepping up."

What do Greenlanders think?

Trump's frequent posturing about Greenland strikes right at the heart of the territory's politics, which has long been shaped by Denmark's colonial legacy and a push for independence.

Greenland was incorporated into Denmark in 1953, as a tide of decolonisation swept the globe following World War II. In 1979 it was granted home rule; in 2009 it achieved self-government but its foreign, security, defence and monetary policy are all still controlled by Denmark.

During recent election campaigns, Greenland's politicians have promised to take steps towards independence but have not offered a concrete timeline to do so. While not all Greenlanders want independence from Denmark, few want to trade Danish for US leadership.

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen called the US's rhetoric "completely unacceptable."

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"When the President of the United States speaks of 'needing Greenland' and links us to Venezuela and military intervention, it is not just wrong. It is disrespectful," he said in a statement.

"No more fantasies of annexation," Nielsen added. "We are open to dialogue. We are open to discussions. But they must take place through the proper channels and in respect of international law … Greenland is our home and our territory. And it will remain so."

According to Kuno Fencker, a member of parliament for the more pro-US Naleraq party, some of Trump's comments have been "received quite well."

"If he says Greenland has the right to self-determination or they could join the United States, it's a big offer from the United States president," Fencker told CNN.

"But if journalists are putting words in his mouth about annexing or taking Greenland military, that's not been taken well," he added.

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