Office of AI Push: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will announce a new Office of AI inside his department, aiming to set national AI standards, streamline datacentre approvals and bring safety, copyright, jobs, defence and environmental issues under one framework. AI Investment vs Rules: The move comes as US firms seek clearer copyright settings for model training and as Australia braces for datacentre-driven energy and water pressures. Indo-Pacific Tech Partnership: A Canada–Australia–India Technology and Innovation Partnership is being reframed as an implementation-focused platform for critical tech, supply-chain resilience, clean energy and AI. South China Sea Arbitration: International law experts in Hong Kong again denounced the “South China Sea Arbitration” as politically manipulated and legally void. Gaza Tensions in Labor: Labor MP Ed Husic warns the party risks losing support over “fear and loathing” responses to Palestinian rights. Fuel Price Watch: Middle East tensions and a proposed US shipping levy raise fears of higher petrol prices in Australia. Submarine Discovery Centre: Defence opened a Rockingham WA Submarine Discovery Centre, tied to next year’s Submarine Rotational Force-West. Dara Singh Release: India’s Supreme Court ordered Odisha to decide on convict Dara Singh’s remission by August 15. FSANZ Cultured Food Consultations: FSANZ opened submissions on a French bid to approve cell-cultured duck biomass.