Good morning, Australia! Today is December 11 and here is your news briefing!
The Mencari readers receive journalism free of financial and political influence.
We set our own news agenda, which is always based on facts rather than billionaire ownership or political pressure.
Despite the financial challenges that our industry faces, we have decided to keep our reporting open to the public because we believe that everyone has the right to know the truth about the events that shape their world.
Thanks to the unwavering support of our readers, we're able to keep the news flowing freely. If you're able, please join us in supporting Mencari.
Join over 1000 readers. Sign up here.
We'd love it if you could share the email with your friends! Just (copy the URL here.
Today's reading time is 7 minutes. - Miko Santos
Here’s what else you need to know to get going and get on with your day.
1. Social Media Ban: Day Two Australia’s world-first under-16 ban is live—TikTok’s axed 200,000+ accounts, but plenty of teens woke up to find nothing changed. PM Albanese says “success is the fact that it’s happening.” That’s... one way to define success. Kids are already migrating to apps called Lemonade and Yope. Whack-a-mole, anyone?
2. Coal Until 2049 AEMO dropped its 25-year energy roadmap. The headline? Coal’s sticking around another quarter-century, and the grid overhaul will cost $128 billion. Wind farm targets? Slashed. Renewables still “cheapest,” apparently—just not arriving as fast as promised.
3. Wells Expenses Scandal Communications Minister Anika Wells referred herself for an audit. The damage? $100k NY trip, $116k in Paris jaunts, husband flown to five MCG events, and a $1,000 Comcar bill for waiting during the tennis. “I work really hard,” she says. PM has her back. For now.
4. MP Travel Blowout It’s not just Wells. Nationals MP Andrew Willcox spent $80k+ flying his spouse to Canberra—seven times the average. Calls are growing to scrap or restrict family travel entitlements entirely. The pub test? Failing spectacularly.
5. Budget Warning Signs MYEFO drops next week. Deficit’s at $33 billion. NDIS running double GDP growth. Eighty percent of new jobs tied to government. Merry Christmas, Treasurer Chalmers.
Stay informed on Australia's evolving political landscape with our comprehensive coverage of parliamentary developments and policy analysis.
Follow us across all major podcasting platforms and social media channels for updates that matter. Your support keeps independent journalism alive!
For more in-depth coverage on these stories and other news affecting Australia and the world, subscribe to readmencari.com. Support our independent journalism by listening to our podcasts on all major platforms and considering a subscription to help us continue delivering fearless reporting free from financial and political influence.
As well as knowing you’re keeping MENCARI alive, you’ll also get:
Get breaking news AS IT HAPPENS - Gain instant access to our real-time coverage and analysis when major stories break, keeping you ahead of the curve
Unlock our COMPLETE content library - Enjoy unlimited access to every newsletter, podcast episode, and exclusive archive—all seamlessly available in your favorite podcast apps.
Join the conversation that matters - Be part of our vibrant community with full commenting privileges on all content, directly supporting Mencari's
Stay with readmencari.com for continuous updates on these developing stories and more from across Australia, New Zealand, and the globe. Subscribe to our newsletter for daily briefings delivered straight to your inbox!
Got a News Tip?
Contact our editor via Proton Mail encrypted, X Direct Message, LinkedIn, or email. You can securely message him on Signal by using his username, Miko Santos.
More on Mencari
Mencari—for breaking and updated news around Australia and the world.
Podwires Daily—for providing news about audio trends and podcasts.
There’s a Glitch—updated tech news and scam and fraud trends
Viewpoint 360 - An investigative report based on evidence , produced in collaboration with 360info.
Part8A Podcast features expert interviews on current political and social issues in Australia and worldwide.
