Authorities prepare repatriations, McBride appeal dismissed, Tasmania search continues into fifth day
Australian authorities are preparing for the return of more women and children from the territories of the former Islamic State, defence and political figures confirmed in a series of developments that also saw courts, senators and police occupy the agenda.
News agency AAP reported officials are arranging repatriation of women and children who remain in areas formerly controlled by IS. The government’s preparations form part of a broader set of national security and consular responses unfolding this week.
At Senate estimates hearings, defence officials told senators the nation currently holds 54 defence export permits for Israel. The disclosure formed part of routine parliamentary scrutiny of defence export controls and drew attention amid ongoing regional tensions.
Resources minister Madeleine King told media and senators that an east coast gas reservation policy is “totally on the table”. Ministers and industry figures continue to debate energy security measures, with the proposal framed as a possible response to supply and price pressures for industrial and household consumers.
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Legal developments also made headlines. David McBride, the former army lawyer and whistleblower, failed in his bid to have his case heard in the High Court. McBride’s application was dismissed, a decision that leaves in place his existing sentence and the outcomes of lower-court proceedings. McBride remains in custody.
At Senate estimates the Greens leader, Larissa Waters, told senators that Google had blocked ads for a commonwealth-funded sexual health campaign on sexually transmitted infections. Waters said the blocking reduced the campaign’s reach and increased costs, a point she raised while questioning officials about government communications and public-health spending.
Student activism continued despite a ceasefire breakthrough in the Middle East. A pro-Palestine student group said nationwide marches would still go ahead over the weekend after Israel and Hamas agreed the “first phase” of a Gaza peace plan. Organisers signalled they would proceed even after a New South Wales court prohibited a planned march to the Sydney Opera House; Sydney organisers said they would adjust the route to comply with the court order.
Local incidents shaped the day as well. Tasmania police continued a search for a 76-year-old bushwalker, identified in reporting as Peter Willoughby, entering a fifth day without finding him. Willoughby was last seen about 2km from Hollybank, having walked into dense bushland and become separated from companions. Search teams paused operations in parts of the terrain because of severe weather, and police said each passing day raised increasing concern for his welfare.
Other commentary emerged from Canberra. Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie described the Gaza peace plan as “incredibly hopeful”, expressing the view that the deal could mark a step towards ending the conflict, returning hostages and reducing the role of militancy in governance. At the same time she criticised taxpayer support used to underwrite a bailout of the Mount Isa copper smelter, calling the state assistance “disappointing” despite its role in preserving local jobs.
Parliamentary hearings also continued scrutiny of engagement between traditional owners and energy companies. Senators queried a Darwin consulting firm, Good Advice, and its work with a gas company connected to the Beetaloo Basin. Indigenous Australians minister Malarndirri McCarthy told estimates she had raised concerns through the National Indigenous Australians Agency and sought further information about the firm’s activities and any potential influence over traditional-owner decision-making.
The day’s items ranged from court rulings and parliamentary oversight to emergency searches and public demonstrations. Authorities and organisers alike said they would publish updates as events progressed. The national picture remained fluid: repatriations and security matters were being prepared, legal appeals had been dismissed, protests were set to proceed with altered routes, and a community awaited word on a missing bushwalker.