Voice of Australia-VOA, collins Street, Melbourne (2026)

24/09/2026

AUSTRALIA’S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HITS 4.6% AS INTEREST RATE DECISION LOOMS

SYDNEY — Australia’s unemployment rate has climbed to 4.6 per cent, its highest level in the post-COVID period, adding another complication for the Reserve Bank ahead of its next interest rate decision.

Fresh Australian Bureau of Statistics data released Thursday shows the jobless rate increased from 4.5 per cent in July to 4.6 per cent in August.

Despite the rise in unemployment, the economy added around 39,500 jobs during the month. However, the increase came from part-time employment, which jumped by approximately 45,800, while full-time employment fell by about 6,300.

The participation rate also rose from 66.9 per cent to 67.1 per cent, meaning more Australians entered the workforce or began actively looking for work. The number of unemployed people increased by about 28,200.

Attention now turns to the Reserve Bank of Australia, with financial markets and major banks widely expecting another interest-rate increase at next week’s meeting as policymakers continue trying to contain inflation.

The RBA currently has the cash rate at 4.35 per cent after three increases earlier this year. Its August outlook said inflation remained too high and warned unemployment was expected to rise gradually as economic activity slowed.

Economists quoted by major outlets said Thursday’s weaker unemployment result may relieve some labour-market pressure, although expectations for another rate rise remain strong. Reuters reported markets were pricing a roughly 95 per cent probability of a rise to 4.6 per cent next week.

24/09/2026

🤖 AI ‘GODFATHER’ WARNS WORLD MUST ACT AS TRUMP REJECTS GLOBAL AI GUARDRAILS

NEW YORK — One of the world’s most influential artificial intelligence pioneers has issued a stark warning over the rapid development of AI, as US President Donald Trump rejects calls for stronger international safeguards.

Professor Yoshua Bengio, a Turing Award winner and co-chair of the United Nations Scientific Panel on AI, says governments must urgently work together to ensure humans remain in control of increasingly powerful artificial intelligence systems.

His comments came after President Trump used his address to the United Nations General Assembly to reject a push backed by 22 countries, including Australia, for stronger global AI safeguards.

Trump said the United States opposed international efforts that could restrict the development of artificial intelligence and dismissed some concerns about the technology as exaggerated.

Bengio, however, argued that decisions about the future of advanced AI should not be left solely to a small number of technology companies or governments.

He warned that one of the most serious long-term risks involves “recursive self-improvement” — the possibility that highly advanced AI systems could eventually help design even more powerful systems.

Bengio said international cooperation would be essential as competition between major technology companies and countries accelerates.

Australia is among the nations supporting a statement calling for humans to remain in control of advanced AI systems.

The debate comes as artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly prominent issue at the United Nations, with world leaders, technology executives and researchers discussing how the technology could affect global security, economies and society.

Bengio is also due to address the UN Security Council on AI risks.

The disagreement highlights a widening global debate over how quickly artificial intelligence should advance — and how much regulation should accompany that development.

24/09/2026

🔥 COMMONWEALTH FINED $140,000 AFTER CHILD’S HANDS CAUGHT FIRE AT QUESTACON

CANBERRA — The Commonwealth has been fined $140,000 after a nine-year-old girl suffered serious burns when her hands caught fire while using an exhibit at Canberra’s Questacon.

The incident happened in July 2022 while the child was touching a plasma globe at the National Science and Technology Centre.

According to evidence heard in the ACT Magistrates Court, a spark from the plasma globe ignited alcohol-based hand sanitiser the girl had used, causing her hands to catch fire.

She suffered serious burns.

Following a Comcare investigation, the Department of Industry, Science and Resources — which is responsible for Questacon — was charged with breaching work health and safety laws.

The Commonwealth pleaded guilty.

The court heard there had been several earlier incidents involving the plasma globes, including visitors receiving shocks or burns.

Comcare said the child’s injuries were the sixth safety incident involving the globes in five months.

Magistrate Ian Temby found the fire risk had been foreseeable and that alternative safety controls should have been pursued.

Prosecutors argued possible measures included removing the exhibit, using non-alcohol-based sanitiser or soap and water, installing warning signs, or supervising visitors using the globes.

The Commonwealth received a 20 per cent reduction from a $175,000 penalty because of its guilty plea, resulting in the $140,000 fine.

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources apologised to the child and her family, saying visitor and staff safety was paramount.

Questacon removed the exhibit following the incident and subsequently reviewed its safety processes.

24/09/2026

🍀 WA TWINS WIN LOTTO AGAIN — $1 MILLION JACKPOT JUST 19 MONTHS AFTER FIRST LIFE-CHANGING WIN

ALBANY — Twin brothers from Western Australia have struck Lotto gold for a second time, winning another $1 million just 19 months after their first major lottery victory.

The 65-year-old Albany brothers claimed the $1 million Millionaire Medley prize and will split the windfall between them.

Their latest win comes after the pair scored a Set for Life prize in February 2025, receiving $200,000 upfront plus $20,000 every month for 20 years.

The brothers used part of that first jackpot to purchase their sister’s home.

Now, after winning again, they plan to pay off the property and buy caravans so they can travel around Australia together during retirement.

In an extraordinary coincidence, both winning tickets were purchased from Clark’s Newsagency on York Street in Albany.

One brother said the latest win began with a cancelled dentist appointment, which unexpectedly gave him time to buy a lottery ticket.

After initially purchasing a Slikpik, he realised he had forgotten to enter his usual numbers and returned to the store.

That second visit ultimately produced the $1 million winning ticket.

The brothers said they had spent much of their lives working physically demanding jobs and were now looking forward to enjoying retirement.

Lotterywest described seeing the same winners return for another major prize in such a short period as rare.

One of the twins has already celebrated by buying a new watch, while the pair are now looking forward to travelling Australia together.

24/09/2026

👑 MELBOURNE ROYAL SHOW’S ‘QUEEN OF SCONES’ HANGS UP HER APRON AFTER NEARLY 20 YEARS

MELBOURNE — One of the Melbourne Royal Show’s most beloved volunteers has hung up her apron after nearly two decades of making thousands of scones for showgoers.

Joy Davis, 80, affectionately known among Country Women’s Association volunteers as the “Queen of Scones”, has retired from the Melbourne Royal Show kitchen after reaching the volunteer age limit.

Mrs Davis spent almost 20 years working at the show, eventually becoming one of the most recognisable figures behind the CWA’s famous scone operation.

Her journey began modestly, initially spending just one day helping in the kitchen before gradually taking on more responsibility and eventually working throughout the entire 11-day show.

At the height of her involvement, Mrs Davis could help produce almost 1,000 scones in a single day.

She also began keeping an annual tally of the number of scones produced, a tradition that continues today.

In 2025, the CWA team celebrated a record-breaking year after producing 17,831 scones.

Mrs Davis said the friendships and companionship she experienced during her years at the show were among the highlights of the role.

CWA Victoria president Marie Vassallo described her as a dedicated mentor who had generously shared her baking knowledge with hundreds of other members.

The 2026 Melbourne Royal Show opened on Thursday, beginning a new chapter for the famous CWA kitchen without its long-time “Queen of Scones”.

24/09/2026

🚨 DOLLY PARTON’S ESTATE GRANTED RESTRAINING ORDER AGAINST NEPHEW AFTER ALLEGED THREATS

NASHVILLE — A judge has granted Dolly Parton’s estate a temporary restraining order against the late country music legend’s nephew following allegations that he threatened violence and vowed to damage her legacy and business empire.

Bryan Seaver, who previously headed security for Parton and was personally chosen to announce her death last month, is accused in court documents of sending a series of increasingly threatening messages.

She’s Alive, the organisation responsible for managing and protecting Parton’s professional property and businesses, sought the court order against Seaver and his company, Squadron Augmented Protection Services.

The court said it considered allegations involving repeated threats, demands for payment, claimed access to weapons and statements about violence when granting the temporary order.

Under the order, Seaver and his company are prohibited from entering She’s Alive properties or coming within 1,000 feet — about 305 metres — of certain employees and business partners.

The estate alleges Seaver threatened to damage Parton’s brand partnerships and made claims about his experience with private military contractors and weapons.

She’s Alive terminated its arrangement with Seaver and his security company last week.

Court documents also allege the dispute caused some employees to resign and prompted the organisation to hire additional private security.

Seaver has disputed allegations against him and described the legal action as a publicity stunt, according to subsequent reporting.

No criminal charges arising from the allegations have been reported.

A further court hearing is scheduled for October 7.

Dolly Parton died aged 80 on August 25 following a battle with cancer.

24/09/2026

🚨 THIRD PERSON CHARGED OVER FATAL SHOOTING OF JOSHUA MACDONALD IN SYDNEY

SYDNEY — A third person has been charged over the fatal shooting of 40-year-old Joshua Macdonald in Merrylands West, as homicide detectives continue investigating the alleged mistaken-identity killing.

NSW Police said a 21-year-old man was arrested during a search warrant operation at Pemulwuy about 6am on Thursday, September 24.

He has been charged with murder, participating in a criminal group contributing to criminal activity, and failing to comply with a digital evidence access order.

Police allege the man transported the gunmen to and from vehicles before and after the shooting and also transported people allegedly involved in destroying vehicles connected to the incident.

Macdonald was fatally shot outside a home on Bruce Street, Merrylands West, at about 3.15pm on September 2.

Emergency services found the 40-year-old suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite treatment from NSW Ambulance paramedics, he died at the scene.

Police have previously said they believe Macdonald was the victim of mistaken identity.

An 18-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman have also been charged in connection with the investigation and remain before the courts.

The 21-year-old was refused bail and was due to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Thursday.

Strike Force Haleno, led by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing.

All allegations remain subject to court proceedings.

24/09/2026

PETER V’LANDYS QUITS RACING NSW TO TAKE CONTROL OF RUGBY LEAGUE

SYDNEY — Peter V’landys will leave Racing NSW after 22 years as chief executive as he prepares to assume unprecedented authority over Australian rugby league.

The Australian Rugby League Commission confirmed on Thursday that V’landys had been unanimously endorsed as its new executive chairman following consultation with NRL clubs, the NSW Rugby League and Queensland Rugby League.

The appointment combines the ARLC chairmanship with the game’s senior executive responsibilities, making V’landys arguably the most powerful administrator in Australian sport.

V’landys will leave Racing NSW when his current contract expires on November 30. The organisation praised his “transformative” tenure, crediting him with securing billions of dollars in new industry funding, establishing The Everest and significantly increasing returns to racing participants.

“Naturally, this is a very sad day for me,” V’landys said. “I have put my heart and soul into racing for 22 years.”

His move comes after former NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo departed to lead Tennis Australia. V’landys had already taken on additional executive responsibilities while on long-service leave from Racing NSW.

The ARLC said his appointment would provide stability as rugby league expands into Western Australia and Papua New Guinea and begins a new $5.3 billion broadcast agreement.

V’landys said he was honoured to continue serving the sport and declared: “Rugby League is the greatest game of all and we are going to take it to the world.”

A governance oversight committee chaired by ARLC commissioner Dr Gary Weiss will be established amid scrutiny surrounding the concentration of authority in the new executive-chairman position.

V’landys is not leaving Racing NSW immediately. His tenure formally concludes on November 30, marking the end of one of the most influential eras in Australian racing.

24/09/2026

AUSTRALIA SIGNS NEW UKRAINE SECURITY DEAL, ANNOUNCES $60M SUPPORT AND FRESH RUSSIA SANCTIONS

NEW YORK — Australia has strengthened its long-term security relationship with Ukraine, signing a new bilateral agreement while announcing another $60 million in assistance and additional sanctions against Russia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the Australia–Ukraine Bilateral Security Agreement on Thursday, establishing a framework for deeper defence and security cooperation between the two countries.

The Australian government said the new assistance package includes $45 million worth of Australian Defence Force equipment, $10 million for Ukraine’s Energy Support Fund and $5 million in humanitarian assistance.

The additional commitment takes Australia’s total support for Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion to almost $1.9 billion.

Australia will also join the UK and Norway-led Maritime Capability Coalition for Ukraine, aimed at supporting the development of Ukraine’s navy and expanding cooperation on advanced maritime capabilities.

At the same time, Canberra announced further sanctions against Russia. The government says Australia has now imposed almost 1,900 sanctions on Russia and its supporters, while nearly 300 vessels associated with Russia’s so-called shadow fleet have been listed.

Albanese said the agreement demonstrated Australia’s continuing commitment to Ukraine, while Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government would continue working with international partners to increase economic pressure on Russia.

The announcement comes as world leaders gather in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where the war in Ukraine remains a major international security issue.

24/09/2026

💔 Our thoughts are with West Coast premiership hero Mark Hutchings tonight.

Mark's partner Hannah has died, just two days after the couple welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Sofia.

He shared the news himself on Thursday night: "It is with deep sadness that I share the sudden loss of my beautiful partner Hannah... Her dream was to become a Mum, so it's been incredibly difficult to take. Sofia and I love you and will miss you very much Hannah."

Hutchings and Hannah had been together since 2022. Since the news broke, he's been flooded with support from teammates and friends. Former Eagle Mark Le Cras wrote: "Thinking of you mate. Sending all our love your way." Jack Darling added: "Love you Hutchy, always here for you."

Hutchings was a premiership player with West Coast, kicking a goal in both of his Grand Final appearances — the 2015 loss to Hawthorn and the 2018 win over Collingwood — before retiring at the end of 2021.

Sending love to Mark and baby Sofia. 💙

Voice of Australia-VOA

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