Latest / NewsCard® Australia Daily News / Independent MP Helen Haines attacked, gas export rules, trust tax fight
Transcript
- [warm] This is NewsCard Daily for Tuesday October 20, 2026 ... the biggest stories from Australia and around the world in just minutes. — — [serious] We begin in Canberra where independent federal MP Helen Haines is fighting for life after a serious attack. A suspect is in custody, and politicians across the country are urging Australians to lower the temperature of public debate. The incident is renewing focus on safety for elected representatives ... and the growing pressure facing public life. — — [serious] In Canberra, the government is also preparing major economic legislation. Labor plans to require gas exporters to reserve the equivalent of twenty per cent of exports for Australian buyers from 2027. It is designed to strengthen domestic supply and ease pressure on energy prices ... but exporters and business groups warn the policy could discourage investment. — — [urgent] Still in the capital, a proposed thirty per cent minimum tax on discretionary trusts is drawing fierce opposition from small business. The government says the change improves fairness and limits tax avoidance. Industry groups say it could affect hundreds of thousands of businesses that use trusts to manage income, assets and family ownership. — — [curious] In Melbourne, a national watchdog warns children are increasingly exposed to harmful artificial-intelligence deepfakes. The technology can create convincing fake images and videos, often without consent. Regulators are calling for stronger protections, as parents and schools face a fast-moving challenge ... one where the law is struggling to keep pace. — — [hopeful] In Western Australia, Telethon raises more than one hundred million dollars for children in need. The record result includes eighteen million dollars from the state government, alongside donations from communities across the state. The money supports vital medical care, research and services for families ... offering a powerful reminder of what Australians can achieve together. — — [curious] Now to sport, where Kurtis Patterson sends a message to Australia’s Test selectors. The New South Wales batter scores an unbeaten century against Western Australia as selectors consider how to strengthen the national batting order. His performance arrives with the pressure building ahead of the next Test campaign. — — [serious] Overseas in the Middle East, the European Union postpones a summit with Gulf nations after Houthi attacks target Saudi Arabia. The meeting was due to take place in Riyadh. The delay highlights the wider security risks across the region ... and the difficult balance facing governments trying to protect trade, energy supplies and civilians. — — [serious] And in the United States, Donald Trump endorses Benjamin Netanyahu for re-election as Israel’s prime minister. The move adds weight to Netanyahu’s campaign and signals continued political alignment between the two leaders. The endorsement is likely to be watched closely by allies ... and by governments across the Middle East. — — [warm] That’s NewsCard Daily. For more top stories and quick summaries that keep you informed in minutes, download NewsCard ... available in the App Store.