Australia’s multiculturalism debate has intensified following the Bondi massacre, with senior Jewish and Anglican leaders rejecting calls for a more monocultural Australia. Chief Rabbi Ben Elton and Sydney Anglican Archbishop Kanishka Raffel say extremism should not be used to condemn Australia’s broader migrant and multicultural communities. The 2021 Census found almost half of Australians were born overseas or have at least one overseas-born parent, highlighting the country’s deep cultural diversity.

A new $5 million Australian Government program will help refugees, migrants and multicultural communities improve swimming and water-safety skills. People born overseas account for one in three drowning deaths in Australia, with language, financial and cultural barriers contributing to the risk. The WE SWIM program will fund councils, aquatic centres and community organisations to deliver local safety programs.

Australia’s medicinal cannabis scheme for veterans is facing increased scrutiny over prescribing and commercial practices, as government spending continues to rise. DVA spending is expected to reach $125 million in 2025–26, up from $36 million in 2023–24, an increase of almost 250%. Authorities are tightening controls amid concerns about aggressive marketing, subscription-style services and potential conflicts between cannabis prescribers and suppliers.

Australia’s latest earnings results are shifting investor attention towards healthcare, copper and technology, with CSL shares surging 16%, Pro Medicus gaining 13% and Cochlear rising 8%. BHP is also benefiting from growing copper demand, while Pro Medicus recorded 22.9% revenue growth in FY2026. The results highlight growing investor interest in sectors linked to AI infrastructure, electrification and healthcare technology.