Australia News Live: Santos shares jump 12% on $30 billion takeover bid as energy stocks lift Australian market
Calls are currently being made in Australia for the government to impose a tax on “fast fashion” purchases, with brands such as Temu and Shein cited as examples, Nine News said in a report. This advocacy is inspired by recent legislative action in France, which has moved to penalize inexpensive, high-volume clothing items due to their environmental impact. The discussions in Australia reflect increasing international attention on the significant textile waste and environmental concerns associated with the fast fashion sector.
A significant surge in property auction activity was observed across Australian capital cities this week, with 2,216 homes going under the hammer, as per a report in Seven News. This represents an increase of more than 60 per cent compared to the previous week. The rise in auction numbers follows a period of slower activity attributed to the King’s Birthday long weekend.
Australia will see the introduction of the Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid next month, which is anticipated to be the nation’s most affordable hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), Seven News said in a report. The new hybrid variant of what is described as Australia’s current cheapest SUV, the Chery Tiggo 4, will be available for under $30,000 drive-away and is stated to provide a driving range exceeding 1000 kilometers.
An Abu Dhabi-based consortium has launched a $30 billion takeover bid for Santos, a major Australian oil and gas producer, leading to a significant surge in the company’s share price, Seven News said in a report. This development places Santos, a key player in Australia’s domestic gas supply and LNG exports, under foreign takeover scrutiny, which will involve a review by the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) against national interest criteria, with the final decision resting with the Federal Treasurer. The bid occurs amidst ongoing debate in Australia regarding energy transition, gas supply security, and the role of foreign investment in critical national assets.
An unlicensed driver who fled from police officers in Adelaide, South Australia, was successfully apprehended after a police dog tracked him down, Seven News said in a report. The man was discovered hiding behind a vehicle.
Police in Sydney are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found face down in a reserve over the weekend, leading to the establishment of a second crime scene in the suburb of Werrington, ABC News said in a report. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is ongoing.
A five-month-old baby girl was taken to hospital on Australia’s Sunshine Coast in Queensland after an e-bike rider sprayed a fire extinguisher into the car she was in while it was waiting at traffic lights, ABC News said in a report. The infant was inside the vehicle when the fire extinguisher was discharged into it.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has returned to the Western Bulldogs and addressed his teammates for the first time since taking a leave of absence in April, ABC News says in a report. His return follows a period spent at a health retreat.
A police officer in Tasmania has died following a shooting incident in the state’s north-west that occurred on June 16, 2025, ABC News said in a report.
A former South Australia Police detective has been jailed for repeatedly assaulting his ex-wife, ABC News said in a report. Following the sentencing, the victim has demanded “comprehensive reforms” within the SA Police, describing the force as “ill-equipped” and alleging it had ignored her pleas for assistance.
Retired Australian tennis champion Ash Barty and her husband Garry Kissick have welcomed their daughter, Jordan, into the world, ABC says in a report.
Specialist Australian Defence Force (ADF) bomb technicians were deployed to a remote town in Arnhem Land where they detonated suspected World War II ordnance found on a local beach, ABC News said in a report. The operation involved flying the technicians into the area to address the historical explosive device.
Grammy-nominated Australian musician Paul Bender has reported that his Spotify account was compromised, with music tracks he did not create appearing on his profile, according to a report in ABC News. Bender’s investigation into the incident has reportedly uncovered a security exploit that is making AI-generated music scams increasingly prevalent. He is said to be taking action to address the situation and highlight the vulnerability.