Monday 9 November 2026 | three Australian stories first, then the main headlines from around the world.
Featured image: Photo: Lukasz Kobus, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Illustrative image of the European Commission building lit in Ukrainian colours.
Australia
1. Senate inquiry into the Digital Duty of Care Bill begins
A Senate inquiry into the Digital Duty of Care Bill 2026 began public hearings on Monday, with bereaved parents giving evidence about children who died after online harm. The bill would place new duties on technology companies. Communications Minister Anika Wells defended the government’s work on the bill, and government and eSafety witnesses are due to give evidence, SBS News reported.
2. Prime Minister defends Australia’s climate record as COP31 begins
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said emissions should be counted where they are produced, to avoid double counting, and rejected criticism that Australia is a major fossil fuel exporter, according to SBS News. SBS also noted criticism of recent coal and gas approvals.
3. Two Australian pilots survive firefighting helicopter crash in Indonesia
Two Australian pilots survived when a firefighting helicopter crashed into the Barito River in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. They had minor injuries. An Indonesian crew member died, SBS News reported.
Around the World
4. COP31 climate summit opens in Turkey
The two-week COP31 climate summit began on Monday in Turkey. Reuters reported that the Turkish hosts are seeking practical outcomes from the talks.
5. Heavy rain floods tents in Gaza as aid needs grow
The Hamas-run Gaza government office said flooding hit tens of thousands of tents, and civil defence received about 1,500 distress calls. Three abandoned houses collapsed without injuries, Reuters reported. SBS News said most of Gaza’s two million Palestinians are displaced or living in tent camps, and that the UN regional crisis coordinator called for urgent shelter.
6. France says Europe will take part in Abu Dhabi talks
France confirmed that Europe would be represented at US-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday and Wednesday, after the Kremlin had indicated the European Union would not attend. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said France would be there to ensure Europe’s voice is heard.
Stories are included only where the reporting could be confirmed. Figures and details may be updated as events develop.
Sources
This report is a summary written in our own words from the following reporting: SBS News bulletin, 9 November (midday); SBS News Easy English, 9 November; Just Security Early Edition, 9 November; Foreign Exchanges world roundup, 9 November; Nhan Dan world news in brief, 8 November.
