Tech behemoths lashed over child abuse protections
Technology giants are not doing enough to tackle the worst examples of child sexual abuse material online, according to Australia's online safety boss.
safety of citizens
‘Completely wrecked’: fatigue kicks in amid record heat
A record heatwave has pushed the mercury towards 50C in towns across Australia, with days of blistering conditions still to come.
State rejects national gun buyback, another undecided
A national gun buyback scheme has been rejected by one state while another appeared non-committal after legislation was rushed through the Senate.
Trigger pulled on gun buyback as laws pass parliament
Gun reforms that Labor says would have banned the two Bondi shooters from owning firearms have passed parliament with support from the Greens.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
consumers
diesel fuel
environmental issue
road transport
safety of citizens
transport
Want a safe car? Crash tests say you should go electric
The safest new vehicles in Australia are almost all electric, with the top performers delivering consistently across the various areas of testing.
consumer confidence
consumer issue - lifestyle and leisure
health
health and beauty product
recalls (products)
safety of citizens
Urgent recall for hand sanitiser given to resort guests
A hand sanitiser gifted to hotel customers for over five years has been found to be contaminated with a toxic ingredient and has been urgently recalled.
Do not fully charge: Volvo electric vehicle warning
A serious fault has been identified in more than 2800 electric vehicles and, with no immediate fix, drivers are being warned not to fully charge the cars.
No safety checks at site of Swiss bar fire since 2019
Fire safety inspections hadn't been carried out for several years at the Swiss bar where a fire that broke out at a New Year's party left 40 people dead.
crime, law and justice
disaster (general)
disaster and accident
fire
investigation
safety of citizens
Stunned Swiss resort seeks solace after deadly bar fire
Residents are embracing mutual solidarity to cope with devastating loss after at least 40 people died in a fire at an Alpine resort in Switzerland.
New Year revelry ‘act of defiance’ after Bondi terror
Partying in Sydney on New Year's Eve is an opportunity for people to thumb their noses at terrorists, says the premier in the wake of the attack at Bondi.
Strong security pledge as Jewish families plead with PM
The NSW premier has heralded a new chapter in the state's security protocols and resources following a deadly anti-Semitic terrorist attack.
Turkey foils Xmas, NYE terror attack plots
More than 100 suspected members of Islamic State have been detained in Instanbul over alleged plots to attack Christmas and New Year celebrations.
With no campfire skills, Aussies are playing with fire
The fact that three quarters of Australians lack confidence in their campfire skills may explain why one in 10 bushfires are caused by campfire negligence.
Electric shock: hybrids, not EVs, pose pedestrian risk
They may be quieter and heavier than petrol cars but electric vehicles are not more likely to crash into a pedestrian or to cause serious injury.
disaster and accident
earthquake
economy, business and finance
emergency incident
natural disasters
safety of citizens
Japan lifts tsunami warning after 7.5-magnitude quake
Japanese authorities are warning of the heightened possibility of mega-quake for a week after a powerful tremblor hit off the coast of the main Honshu island.
computing and information technology
internet
mass media
media
online
regulatory policy and organisation
safety of citizens
social issue
technology (general)
Court challenge delay clears path for social media ban
Australia's social media age restrictions will kick in as planned, with a High Court challenge to the ban pushed into the new year.
‘Inconvenient’ childcare close times to keep kids safe
Childcare centres will close early every couple of months for staff to undergo mandatory training in a bid to provide a safer environment for kids.
Snap decision: another social app issues age warnings
Snapchat is the latest social media app to issue warnings to young Australian users and will ask thousands of people to verify their age.
children
computing and information technology
game
internet
mass media
media
online
politics
safety of citizens
social issue
technology (general)
teen-agers
Roblox reforms over ‘playground for pedophiles’ concern
Australian authorities demanded changes from a major US gaming platform over concerns it was being used to groom and exploit children.
Bosses quit at scandal-plagued childcare giant
The top brass of one of the biggest childcare providers in Australia have resigned after a series of safety scandals.
Social media ban could pull the plug on young artists
YouTube warns blocking young people from accessing its platform will lead to unintended consequences for online safety and hinder emerging talent.
accident (general)
auto trends
litigation and regulation
regulatory policy and organisation
road transport
safety of citizens
transport
Ratings system to help drivers navigate road safety
How safe are the roads you regularly travel? A free online tool ranks most major arterial roads out of five stars and its maker plans to expand it.
Why AI-powered cameras are watching Australian forests
Artificial intelligence technology will be deployed in more Australian forests in an investment inspired by the devastating Black Summer bushfires.
Self-driving car forecasts speed up after Tesla launch
Australia could become a major testbed for autonomous vehicles if efforts to develop a national set of road rules for their use are successful.
Taking the wheel: drivers may soon supervise their cars
Self-driving cars are being tested on Australian roads but motorists and experts are divided about whether they will drive greater safety or greater problems.
People prioritised as wildlife-killing shark nets stay
Only about 10 per cent of animals caught up in the nation's largest shark net program were targeted species, a report reveals following a fatal attack.
Vicious cycles: national push to slow electric bikes
Cycling groups say high-powered and illegally modified e-bikes are increasingly being used in Australia and stricter, national rules are needed to save lives.
Thousands of electric SUVs recalled over injury risk
One of Australia's most popular electric vehicle brands has been subject to a product recall over a fault with one of its safety systems.
Childcare reforms count on tech too much to stop abuse
Childcare workers will be placed under greater monitoring and supervision but experts say deeper issues within the sector are enabling predatory behaviour.
No ‘idle threat’: childcare on notice as reforms agreed
Education ministers have agreed to a national CCTV trial in childcare centres, a workers register and mandatory training as providers are warned to shape up.
Call to slow city traffic amid rising pedestrian deaths
More pedestrians are being killed in road accidents across the nation, figures have revealed, leading calls for urgent speed limit reductions.