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Australian politics live: Penny Wong says government ‘outraged’ and will call in Israel ambassador over IDF decision not to investigate Frankcom killing

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This story was selected and curated by our editorial team in the Australia news category. Published on August 19, 2026 • Originally reported by Krishani Dhanji. OMEGAZEPRIME provides independent news coverage and analysis for our readers. Stay informed with the latest developments.

Foreign affairs minister says timing of decision was ‘especially insulting’. Follow today’s news live

The government’s gambling reforms passed the Senate late last night after hours of debate, bringing in new restrictions to limit gambling advertising and a one-stop “opt-out register”.

The debate began after 5pm and continued until 9pm when senators were forced to end discussions and vote on amendments from the opposition and crossbenchers. Ultimately, the government’s bill passed unamended after 9.30pm sealing it into law.

I don’t see anything in the bill that really diminishes the rivers of gold that the corporates are earning, and sufficient restraints on their abilities to prey on the most vulnerable, particularly our children. I’ve listened to the charities who have to respond to the carnage caused by addiction. It’s their voices we should be acting on, not those that are making them money.

The reforms that we have announced as part of this legislation [are] going to make a meaningful difference. I understand that it’s not in your political interest to acknowledge that, but it is something that we are determined to deliver on because we know that is going to make a difference for people, not only those who are at risk of harm, who may be suffering from harm, but also for young people at the same time.

We’re surprised when we look closely at Roblox, that basic functionality, like not allowing adult predators or any adult to contact a child without explicit consent, was enabled … but if a predator has a roadmap for grooming that tells them that this child is 12, they go to a specific school and they like Taylor Swift, it’s not only on platform that we worry about either. Often this is the primary hunting ground where they identify the kids and then they move them to other platforms.

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