Health officials in turmoil over 11th-hour backflip on aged care algorithm override powers, emails reveal 16. September 2026 (17:00) Ministers given emergency briefing about changes to algorithm decisions just three days before tool rolloutGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSenior department of health officials were in turmoil before the rollout of an algorithm to determine funding packages for older Australians, after discovering legislation had been drafted so rigidly that the tool could not legally be overridden by aged care assessors.Emails published under freedom of information (FoI) by the department of health, disability and ageing show that, despite assessors long receiving reassurance from the department that they would have powers to change incorrect algorithm decisions, officials realised at the 11th hour this would violate proposed regulations. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Labor seats get more than 90% of funding distributed under controversial multi-million dollar grants program 16. September 2026 (17:00) Guardian Australia analysis adds to concerns over the federal scheme, which is to be the subject of a Senate inquiryFederal Labor seats have received over 90% of funds already awarded in the first five months of a controversial multi-million dollar grants program, adding to concerns over the scheme’s selection process.The $568m community grants scheme will be the subject of a Senate inquiry after a report by the Centre for Public Integrity last week revealed the scheme favoured projects in notionally Labor-held electorates, including a $6m grant for a golf club in Anthony Albanese’s electorate. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Godfather of AI’ says tech regulation is nearing Covid-style pivot moment 16. September 2026 (17:00) Safety crisis makes it more likely that governments will be spurred into action, says Yoshua BengioConcerns over AI safety are reaching a point where governments realise they must act to protect the public, similarly to in the Covid pandemic, according to one of the “godfathers” of the technology.Yoshua Bengio said recent events, including a “swarm” of OpenAI agents hacking a startup and tech insider warnings of an existential threat, were cutting through – making government action more likely. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US officials decide against backing Saudi Arabia in Yemen after meeting Houthi leaders 16. September 2026 (16:56) Armed group appears to reach agreement with Trump administration over safety of Red Sea shippingOfficials from the US met Houthi leaders over the weekend at the country’s embassy in Muscat, Oman, it has been confirmed, leading to the US decision not to intervene to help Saudi Arabia drive back a Houthi advance inside Yemen.The Houthis reassured the US that the ceasefire agreement between the two sides struck in 2025 still held and the movement had no intention of attacking US shipping in the Red Sea. Only Saudi-linked shipping was regarded as a target owing to its blockade of Yemen, the Houthis confirmed. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Union claims victory as ministers agree to fully fund pay rise for teachers in England 16. September 2026 (16:49) National Education Union welcomes news that schools will not have to partly fund increase from their own budgetsThe UK’s biggest education union is claiming a significant victory after the government bowed to pressure and agreed to fully fund a forthcoming pay increase for teachers in England in a sudden U-turn.Members of the National Education Union (NEU) were due to vote in a ballot for strike action next month over the government’s recent pay offer which provided for a 3.5% increase from this month, with an additional 3% from next September. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
EU moves closer to social media ban for under 13s 16. September 2026 (16:39) Ursula von der Leyen announces draft law to stop apps ‘depriving children of their childhood’The EU will move forward with plans for an under 13s social media ban, the head of the European Commission has confirmed.Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday that social media apps were “depriving children of their childhood” and big tech platforms needed to prove the safety of their products. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
