AGP Executive Report

Online Scams Alert: As Census night nears, the ABS and Scamwatch are warning Australians to watch for fake texts, cold calls and phishing emails impersonating the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with reminders the agency will never ask for bank details, passwords, money or incentives. Online Safety & Terror Content: Australia’s cyber security commissioner has launched legal action against Telegram over alleged failures to remove terrorism-related material, with the company facing a potential $54.6m fine. Gaza Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Penny Wong welcomed a US-backed Gaza peace proposal, saying Australia wants any plan implemented with UN Security Council endorsement and that Hamas must disarm and play no role. Labour Market Watch: A record-low share of Australians are switching jobs, with experts linking the slowdown to cost-of-living pressure and fears over retrenchment and AI-driven job change. NSW Court Evidence Ruling: Video evidence in a Bankstown nurses case has been reinstated after a prior decision to exclude it, as the matter heads toward trial. Regional Security & Health Aid: Australia’s envoy for Indian Ocean affairs Tim Watts wrapped up a Sri Lanka visit, announcing AUD 2m for dengue prevention and additional disaster-preparedness support.

AUKUS & Defence Industry: Australia is moving ahead with AUKUS submarine support, with Leidos’ Gibbs and Cox picked to help design a contingency dry dock for Virginia-class subs, aimed at emergency repairs and sustainment work in WA. Online Safety & Terror Content: Australia’s eSafety regulator has taken Telegram to court over alleged failures to remove pro-terrorist material, with the platform facing major legal pressure. Cyber Security Burden: Cyber leaders warn system administrators are now on the frontline of identity and access security as cloud, AI and hybrid work expand attack surfaces, with Australia flagged as a top phishing target. Fuel Security & Cost Pressure: Shell’s profit more than doubled to $9.84b as Middle East conflict lifted energy prices, while Australia’s fuel-tax relief changes keep cost-of-living concerns front and centre. Food & Weather Risks: El Niño fears are back in focus, with analysts split on whether the threat to agriculture and inflation is being overstated. Governance & Democracy: The governor-general warns of a “growing catastrophe” in public understanding of Australia’s constitutional system, as attacks on institutions undermine civic engagement.

Online Safety Crackdown: Australia’s eSafety regulator has launched court action against Telegram, alleging it failed to remove terrorist execution and mass-shooting videos after users reported them, with potential penalties up to A$54.6m. Housing Pressure: New data shows Australia is over 100,000 home approvals behind where it should be under the Albanese government’s housing plan, raising fears the pipeline won’t keep up. Banking Watch: NAB says home-loan applications fell 15% in the June quarter, while business lending stress is emerging. RBA Messaging: The Reserve Bank is said to want Australians to stay cautious on spending even as inflation eases, with fuel-tax changes and inflation expectations in focus. AUKUS Workforce: AUKUS Pillar One’s success hinges on workforce, education and migration as well as defence planning. Fuel Costs: Albanese’s move to end the fuel excise discount is pushing petrol prices higher, adding to cost-of-living strain. Defence Cooperation: Australia and Papua New Guinea will collaborate on hydrographic surveys to improve chart accuracy and safer navigation. KPMG Shake-up: KPMG Australia faces job-cut fallout after misconduct allegations, with global executives reportedly involved in governance resets. Tasmania Incident: “Neil the seal” racked up a $36,000+ council bill after damaging beach infrastructure.

Privacy & Retail Tech: Australia’s privacy watchdog has updated facial recognition guidance for shops and other commercial spaces, tightening how retailers can rely on narrow exceptions after a Bunnings tribunal ruling—warning that consent rules still apply and systems must be necessary and proportionate. Social Media Regulation: Elon Musk’s X has criticised Australia’s tougher enforcement for the under-16 social media ban, arguing it could clash with international legal principles while the eSafety Commissioner seeks stronger powers to investigate compliance. Fuel Security & Energy Politics: South Australia’s Wattle Range Council says it backs considering nuclear as a long-term option (while opposing fracking), after the energy minister pushed back. Regional Security Diplomacy: Australia and ASEAN continue pushing for practical steps on energy and security, with meetings in Manila producing talks but limited immediate action amid Middle East and South China Sea tensions. Community Safety & Extremism: A new J7 report says 2025 was the deadliest year for antisemitic attacks outside Israel in decades, including killings in Australia. Housing Demand (NSW): A Korean-led consortium has partnered with Novus to deliver a build-to-rent project in Chatswood, citing strong demand for quality rental living.

Emergency & Safety: Australia’s emergency alert system is being tested nationwide, with AusAlert set to reach phones today; meanwhile, Queensland recorded a deadly highway crash near Ripley with one dead and two in life-threatening condition. Health & Research: Curtin University won NHMRC Investigator Grants worth $6.4m to tackle child and youth wellbeing, infectious diseases, mental health and long-term disease prevention. Online Child Safety: eSafety is urging schools to review how they share student images after warnings that predators are using AI deepfakes to manipulate kids’ photos. Cyber & Consumer Impact: Origin says about 900,000 current and former customers had data accessed in a breach; ASIC also warns offset account record-keeping failures may have cost borrowers savings, with $55m in compensation already paid. Housing & Cost of Living: RBA-watchers are encouraged by cooler inflation data (CPI 3.8% y/y; underlying steady), but housing groups warn regulation and tax settings are still blocking new supply. Wildlife Crisis: H5N1 bird flu has been detected on Kangaroo Island, putting the endangered Australian sea lion colony at Seal Bay on high alert. Politics & Integrity: NSW ICAC heard a witness accept there was no affair by former Liberal minister David Elliott, despite a “shit sheet” claim.

Rape trial in WA: Lawyers delivered closing statements in Perth for British YouTuber/rapper Yung Filly (Andres Valencia Barrientos), charged with rape, assault occasioning bodily harm and choking after an alleged attack on a 20-year-old woman following a performance in a Perth hotel room in September 2024. The jury is set to consider verdicts Wednesday; Filly denies choking or slapping but admits biting her, calling it a “love bite.” Mortgage offset crackdown: ASIC says banks failed to properly link offset accounts to home loans, costing borrowers more than $55m in compensation between Sept 2023 and Aug 2025, including cases where offset accounts weren’t linked despite requests. RBA rate watch: RBA governor Michele Bullock warns inflation staying above target makes it harder to bring prices down, with Wednesday data expected to show trimmed mean inflation rising to 3.7%. Origin cyber breach: Origin Energy says about 900,000 customers were affected by a cyberattack; CEO Frank Calabria apologised and says the matter is now criminally investigated. Fuel security push: Australia is moving ahead with plans for a first new oil refinery in over 60 years, including a federal feasibility study after Iran-linked supply shocks. Global security: The US has launched a 6G alliance with Australia and other partners to counter China’s telecom influence, aiming to coordinate strategies ahead of 2030s rollout.

Origin Energy Data Breach: Origin admits it was warned about a hack weeks before telling customers, with data potentially accessed for about 900,000 current and former customers, including names, addresses, dates of birth and partial payment details—prompting scam warnings. Housing Slowdown: Australia’s housing market is cooling sharply, with fewer buyers and lower auction clearance rates as borrowing costs rise and tax breaks unwind, raising pressure on state stamp-duty revenue. Fuel Security Push: The Albanese government backs Australia’s first new large-scale oil refinery since the 1960s, with a WA plan and a pre-feasibility study funded as Middle East tensions keep fuel supply risks front of mind. RBA/Inflation Watch: Markets are bracing for rate pressure as the US Fed weighs policy amid the Iran conflict and oil-driven inflation risks. Victoria Politics: Ben Carroll becomes Victoria’s premier, pledging a royal commission into the construction sector and promising a fresh approach. Queensland Rights Fight: Pro-Palestine protesters launch a High Court challenge to Queensland’s hate speech laws targeting two disputed slogans. Cyber & Consumer Fallout: Harvey Norman and Latitude face major ASIC penalties over misleading interest-free advertising, while the Origin breach adds to Australia’s growing cyber and consumer compliance concerns.

Fuel Security & Inflation: Treasury warns oil prices could stay elevated as the US-Iran standoff drags on, with retail petrol already rising and an inflation spike risk if supplies tighten. Energy Infrastructure: A $4m pre-feasibility study is set to examine a new large-scale refinery at Karratha, aiming to strengthen Australia’s refining capacity and create jobs. Wildlife & Biosecurity Win: Kangaroo Island has been declared free of feral pigs after a multi-year eradication program, protecting native animals and local farms. Emergency Preparedness: The national AusAlert test is rolling out across Australia, with guidance for people who may be affected, including domestic violence victims with hidden phones. Community Safety & Security: The Australian Jewish Association has told the antisemitism royal commission that visible security at Jewish events is rising and some members are considering moving overseas. Regional Defence Links: Singapore and Australia reaffirm deep strategic trust at a joint ministerial meeting, including supply-chain resilience and defence cooperation. Cyber & Tech Risk: Australia’s Origin Energy confirms a customer data breach, adding to pressure on corporate security.

Emergency Alerts: AusAlert’s first nationwide test is set for 2pm AEST today, with compatible phones expected to vibrate and sound for about 10 seconds, and officials urging people not to worry if they don’t receive it (coverage area, device compatibility, or tower maintenance can be factors). Markets & Oil: ASX sentiment is steadier as the US and Iran pause strikes, pushing oil down and lifting hopes for de-escalation, while investors watch Wednesday’s inflation data for the next RBA call. AUKUS Accountability: AUKUS nuclear submarine spending is under fire for weaker public scrutiny at Osborne compared with Henderson, with calls to apply the same transparency standards. NT Gas Pressure: The NT chief minister demands the federal government help fund gas pipeline infrastructure for Beetaloo, arguing it’s needed to ease east-coast shortages. Cyber & Resilience: A cybersecurity push is shifting from just stopping attacks to improving recovery, as AI-driven threats accelerate. Justice in the NT: The family of Kumanjayi White, who died after being restrained by police, has launched legal action after prosecutors decided not to charge officers. Consumer & Cost of Living: The ACCC has authorised banks to keep working together on low or no-fee accounts for people in hardship, with new conditions to proactively identify eligible customers.

Underage Social Media Push: Philippines police chief says the country may copy or improve Australia’s ban on social media for minors after ASEANAPOL talks, aiming to curb online radicalisation and school shootings. Victorian Leadership Shake-up: Victorian Labor MPs are calling for Premier Jacinta Allan to step down, with a leadership challenge expected at a caucus meeting Tuesday amid anger over Big Build corruption allegations and poor polling. Origin Data Breach: Origin Energy confirms a cybersecurity incident with unauthorised access to customer data, while the company says it’s still working out how many people were affected. Road Death in Queensland: Forensic crash investigators are probing a fatal crash at Birnam, where a motorcycle rider died after colliding with a car. Citizenship Rules Explained: Home Affairs outlines five key reasons citizenship applications can be refused, including identity issues, criminal history, and national security concerns. F1 Weekend: Lando Norris wins the Hungarian Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton hit by a penalty in a blow to his hopes. Wildlife & Food Safety: Samoa warns imported honey could bring diseases threatening its bee population.

Fuel Prices & Cost of Living: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Labor is not planning to extend the fuel excise discount beyond August 2, warning petrol could top $2 a litre as oil prices surge above US$100 amid renewed US-Iran tensions. Trade & Tariffs: Albanese refused to say whether Donald Trump is a threat to Australia’s economy, but vowed to raise the “unjustified” 12.5% forced-labour tariffs “at every level” of the Australia-US relationship. Emergency Alerts: Australia is set to trial AusAlert, a location-based emergency warning system, with a nationwide test at 2pm AEST (1:30pm ACST in SA/NT/Broken Hill; 12pm AWST). Public Safety (Queensland): Three people died in two separate south-east Queensland crashes overnight, while in Cairns a woman was shot by police during a knife stand-off and remains in hospital. Environment & Growth (NSW): Sydney’s west is getting a new Gulguer National Park—1100 hectares, over three times Centennial Park—protecting threatened species and Aboriginal rock art. Immigration (PNG): Deputy PM John Rosso has left the Immigration and Border Security Ministry after clearing a passport backlog and expanding regional services.

Labor Politics: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Labor’s national conference platform delivers “real change” on the economy, health care and housing, pointing to budget moves like limiting negative gearing to new homes and rolling back capital gains tax discounts. University Governance: Australia’s universities face tougher federal transparency rules, including publishing governing body decisions, consultancy spending and executive pay. Middle East Travel & Security: Australia has raised its travel advice for Kuwait to “Do Not Travel” amid a deteriorating regional security situation, while earlier advisories were eased for several Gulf countries after a US-Iran de-escalation. Netball at the Commonwealth Games: The Diamonds start their Glasgow campaign with a 99-38 win over Tonga and set up a big pool clash with England, even as a pay dispute with Netball Australia continues. Commonwealth Games Sport: Australia’s Diamonds also beat Tonga 99-38 as New Zealand opens with a 77-44 win over Scotland. Geopolitics & Defence: Australia’s foreign minister says China is the “largest security anxiety” for the country, as regional security tensions keep building.

Labor Conference Fallout: Anthony Albanese hailed Labor’s “most purposeful and united” national conference in Adelaide, but factional leaders shut down Ed Husic’s push for stronger Gaza criticism, leaving him defiant after his motion was blocked. Middle East Politics: Husic’s bid to enshrine “genocide” language and tougher Israel positions failed after union backers withdrew, setting up a more controlled unity moment on the final day. China Security Line: Defence Minister Richard Marles said China is Australia’s “largest security anxiety” while insisting engagement must continue. Economy Watch: Westpac Nowcast points to subdued growth, with Q2 2026 GDP expected to rise about 0.2% and a roughly 30% chance of a negative quarter. Legal Fight (Energy): Woodside’s North West Shelf extension faces Federal Court challenges over claims of ministerial bias and “chumminess” in communications. Emergency Alert Test: Australia’s new AusAlert system will be tested nationwide on Monday, 27 July, with dementia advocates warning the loud alarm could distress some people. Wildlife & Environment: Kangaroo Island’s feral cat eradication plan has received nearly $4m to help protect threatened species by 2030. Regional Safety: Police say a rookie officer was shot during a Fraser Coast welfare check; the man later found dead.

Fuel Prices & Middle East Tensions: Australia’s petrol and diesel costs are set to stay volatile as the Iran conflict drags on and the Strait of Hormuz remains a risk. The fuel excise cut ends Aug 2, with NRMA warning wholesale prices are rising and likely to flow through to the bowser. US Tariffs & Forced Labour Claims: The US has rolled out new 10%–12.5% tariffs on 60 trading partners, including Australia, replacing a temporary 10% baseline. Trade partners are pushing back, calling the forced-labour rationale unproven. Cybersecurity: Researchers warn millions of SharkNinja robot vacuums could be vulnerable to remote takeover via overly permissive cloud credentials, though patches were issued July 20. Scams in the NT: Northern Territory fraud reports show scammers are tailoring cons to local jobs and industries, with losses reported at $1.4m. AUKUS Nuclear Debate: Nuclear experts warn Australia’s submarine uranium legacy could leave weapons-usable material for hundreds of millions of years. Business & Legal Risk: A commercial solicitor says outdated contracts are driving avoidable disputes for Australian firms heading into 2026.

US Tariffs Hit Australia: The Trump administration has started a new round of forced-labour tariffs, with Australia facing a 12.5% duty on US-bound goods as a temporary 10% global tariff expires. Health Warning for GLP-1 Users: Australia’s medicines regulator has flagged a rare but severe eye disorder (NAION) linked to GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, urging urgent care for sudden vision loss. Queensland Bird Flu Alert: Queensland reports its first suspected H5 bird flu case in a seabird, with authorities stressing poultry remains safe while wildlife monitoring ramps up. Mine Tragedy in Qld: A worker died and another was seriously injured after a vehicle was crushed at the Peak Downs coal mine near Moranbah; operations were paused as investigators respond. ASX and Oil Jolt: Markets slid as oil pushed above US$100 amid US-Iran escalation and tariff uncertainty, while tech stocks took a hit on AI spending worries. Commonwealth Games Start: Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games opened with a sustainability-focused ceremony led by King Charles III. Antisemitism Security Scrutiny: Victoria Police told an antisemitism royal commission it didn’t log an abusive synagogue phone call as a prejudiced crime, while 24/7 social media scanning is described.

Australia-Philippines security ties: Australia’s Federal Police will expand joint training with the Philippine National Police, boosting cybercrime and transnational crime capability as Manila deepens partnerships across the region. Indo-Pacific defence cooperation: Australia is listed among the countries backing the US-led Pax Silica hub, which the Philippines says could generate major jobs and revenue if fully operational. Regional diplomacy in Manila: East Asia and ASEAN foreign ministers met amid Middle East, Ukraine and South China Sea tensions, with calls for unity and dialogue. Cyber threat alert: US and allied nations, including Australia, warned that Russian-linked hackers stole emails via a Zimbra flaw without needing victims to click links. Oil and cost pressures: Red Sea attacks and Houthi strikes pushed Brent toward $100, lifting market anxiety that can flow through to fuel prices. AI and jobs: More companies worldwide are citing AI-related layoffs, adding to pressure on governments and regulators. Local business update: KMD Brands flagged performance changes and plans to sell a Southeast Asian manufacturing facility, with Rip Curl and Oboz trading updates.