News

Australia’s gun laws in the firing line following police deaths

Published

3 years ago

December 19, 2022

William Howard

Australia’s gun laws may become even tighter as states and territories are urged to work together

It’s been described as a sick ploy to lure authorities to their untimely deaths.

Two police officers shot and killed execution-style as they arrived at a remote property, three hours west of Brisbane.

Now, in the wake of the deadly Queensland siege, there are renewed calls for Australia to tighten its gun laws even further.

Speaking to Channel 7, Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce said he is open to having a rational discussion about further reforms.

“As long as we don’t get an overarching ridiculous restriction on how we utilise firearms because we utilise them for work and we do utilise them for recreation,” Joyce said.

So, what’s on the table?

Senior police officers are calling for more national consistency around firearms legislation.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb and her deputy Dave Hudson believe there needs to be a “commitment to national synergy”.

Some may be surprised to know gun laws are largely determined by individual states and territories. Meanwhile, the federal government is responsible for regulating the importation of the weapons.

“Every state has their own laws and things they need to consider, but as long as the intent is the same then we are in a better place. States can work out their own framework but come together and improve and learn from each other,” Hudson said.

Australia’s 1996 gun reforms

The Port Arthur massacre saw 35 people killed and 23 others injured when Martin Bryant entered a café at the historic site.

It was this event which prompted the Australian government’s massive overhaul and tightening of the nation’s gun laws.

But this was more than a century ago. Since then, restrictions have remained relatively untouched.

The head of QLD Police Union says if things can be done better, they should be.

Changes being floated by top authorities include further mental health checks for gun owners and a national register.

Labor MP Meryl Swanson said the government is prepared to work with jurisdictions around the country to tighten laws, if required.

“States are mainly, let’s face it, the ones responsible for the registration and control of guns. But we will work with them. Let’s just see what the inquiry brings forth from that horrendous incident,” Swanson said.

It’s likely a decision will be made following the next national cabinet meeting in 2023.

News

Oil prices surge as U.S.-Iran tensions escalate

Published

3 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Crude oil prices jumped over 3% on Wednesday as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks showed signs of faltering, pushing WTI futures above $65 per barrel. Axios reported disagreements over the venue and scope of Friday’s talks, while President Trump warned Iran’s supreme leader to “be very worried,” stoking fears of military escalation.

Tensions in the Persian Gulf added to the volatility. A U.S. F-35C shot down an Iranian drone near the USS Abraham Lincoln, and Iranian vessels threatened a U.S.-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The USS McFaul escorted the tanker to safety, highlighting the region’s fragile oil supply routes.

Despite the clashes, nuclear talks will go ahead on Friday in Oman, but uncertainty continues to drive oil market volatility, with traders closely watching both diplomatic and military developments.

#OilPrices #IranUS #NuclearTalks #PersianGulf #WTI #EnergyMarket #Geopolitics #OilSupply

News

Washington Post layoffs: Hundreds of journalists cut as Bezos faces criticism

Published

4 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

The Washington Post has laid off hundreds of employees, marking what former executive editor Martin Baron calls “one of the darkest days” in the paper’s history. Approximately one-third of the newsroom staff were affected, as the company undertakes a so-called “strategic reset” to compete in a crowded media landscape.

The cuts hit key areas, including the sports desk, local coverage, international reporting, the books desk, and the flagship daily news podcast. Editor-in-Chief Matt Murray said the changes aim to prioritise national security, politics, science, health, technology, climate, and business coverage while positioning the Post for the future.

Critics have called out owner Jeff Bezos for his silence during the layoffs and alleged efforts to influence the paper’s political stance. Former editor Baron warned that the newspaper’s ambitions would be sharply diminished and its credibility could suffer.

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News

Amazon launches AI tools to change film and television production

Amazon MGM Studios tests AI to streamline production, reduce costs, enhancing but not replacing human creativity, says AI Studio team.

Published

9 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Amazon MGM Studios tests AI to streamline production, reduce costs, enhancing but not replacing human creativity, says AI Studio team.

Amazon MGM Studios is stepping into the future of entertainment by developing artificial intelligence tools designed to reduce production costs and streamline filmmaking processes. This closed beta, launching in March, will let industry partners test how AI can enhance creativity and efficiency on set.

Amy Cheng, leading the AI Studio team, emphasises that while AI can accelerate workflows, it will never replace the unique contributions of human creativity. The initiative represents Amazon’s push to innovate in content creation while maintaining the art of storytelling.

The use of AI in Hollywood is expanding rapidly, sparking discussions about its impact on jobs and the future of the industry. As studios explore automation, the balance between efficiency and human artistry remains a central concern.

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