Tech & Media Levy: Australia passed a law forcing major tech platforms to pay a 2.5% levy on ad revenue unless they strike commercial deals with local news publishers, with offsets for spending on larger and smaller outlets. Jobs Watch: The unemployment rate ticked up to 4.5% in July as employment fell and participation slipped, with weakness concentrated in part-time work. APRA on AI Risk: APRA flagged “more severe disruptions” from frontier AI and urged insurers and other regulated firms to tighten risk management. Bird Flu Alarm: Mass deaths of crested terns in South Australia and penguins in Tasmania have raised fears of rapid spread of H5 bird flu. Israel Accountability Row: Australia summoned Israel’s ambassador after Israel closed criminal proceedings over the killing of aid worker Zomi Frankcom and colleagues, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong calling it far short of accountability. Public Finance Milestone: Australia’s national debt passed $1 trillion for the first time, lifting focus on rising interest costs and long-term fiscal sustainability. Veterans Health: The government extended the Commonwealth Home Support Program to 2029 and defended a $5,000 allied health cap for veterans from July 2027. Canberra Politics: Federal Liberals weigh intervention in SA over senator Alex Antic’s alleged purge efforts and factional power plays.