Melbourne hospitality venues are facing an extortion crisis with criminals demanding $10,000 monthly payments and threatening violence against businesses that refuse to comply. Since February, 40 arson and shooting attacks have targeted bars and restaurants, with teenage offenders being used to carry out the firebombings.

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Three people in their 30s have been charged with alleged murder following the death of a 44-year-old man who fell from a balcony at an apartment complex in Castle Hill, Sydney's northwest. Witnesses reported hearing loud shouting from the apartment before the fatal fall on Sunday. All three accused have been refused bail and are scheduled to appear in court.

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The Albanese government faces backlash over proposed trust tax changes, with reports suggesting potential reversals on discretionary testamentary trusts. Health Minister Mark Butler clarifies that existing trusts established before the budget will be grandfathered and remain unchanged, while new discretionary testamentary trusts will face minimum taxation from July 2027. The budget changes aim to create more equitable tax treatment between wage earners and investment income, but have drawn criticism from small business owners and opposition leaders who argue the measures amount to new taxes not promised before the election.

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New Zealand's finance minister is actively recruiting Australian business owners and entrepreneurs dissatisfied with Labor's capital gains tax changes, promoting the country's simpler tax system and pro-growth policies. The proposed CGT reforms have sparked intense backlash from Australia's business community, with particular concern about the impact on young investors who use shares and cryptocurrency as wealth-building alternatives to home ownership. Treasury data discrepancies have emerged regarding the number of young Australians who own shares, with ASIC figures suggesting significantly higher participation rates than government estimates.

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Queensland's Olympics Minister Tim Mander has been referred to the Australian Federal Police by the Electoral Commission over questions about his voter enrolment address. The former rugby league referee has stepped aside from his Cabinet position to avoid distraction from the Christopher Lee government and 2032 Games preparations. Tourism Minister Andrew Power will assume the Olympics portfolio while the matter is investigated.

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A meteor streaked across Sydney's skyline at approximately 6:30pm, visible across New South Wales and Queensland. The space rock, estimated at only 30 to 50 centimetres in diameter, created a dazzling green display due to iron and nickel compounds burning up in the atmosphere. The event was captured on numerous dashcams and security cameras throughout the region.

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Melbourne bars are receiving extortion demands for $10,000 monthly payments to avoid firebombing attacks, with threats to destroy establishments that don't comply. Two teenagers aged 15 and 16 who firebombed a liquor warehouse causing over a million dollars in damage received only youth supervision orders without convictions, sparking outrage from police and victims.

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Seven Australian women who joined ISIS and their 14 children are being repatriated from the Al Roj detainee camp in northeast Syria to Australia. This follows an earlier return of four women and nine children, three of whom were arrested and charged with historic crimes against humanity including slavery offences. One woman faces a temporary exclusion order preventing her immediate return.

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A 36-year-old motorcyclist is fighting for life after being struck by a grey Mitsubishi at the intersection of George Street and Main Street in Beenleigh, south of Brisbane. The collision occurred just after 6:30pm, leaving the rider with critical injuries. The 33-year-old female driver was uninjured and is assisting police with their investigation.

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Australian house prices are forecast to remain steady in 2026 before declining 3 to 6 per cent in 2027, according to HSBC economist Paul Bloxham. The predicted decline is attributed to three interest rate rises, federal budget tax changes to negative gearing and capital gains arrangements, and an expected economic slowdown designed to reduce inflation. The downturn may improve housing affordability for first-time buyers while reducing investor demand for existing dwellings.

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