Category: Australian News

Twenty-four organizations around the world are today calling for classification of the phrase, “toxic masculinity,” as hate speech. The organizations consider “toxic masculinity” to be a slur that is inaccurate, hurtful, and harmful. The groups are calling for print media, social media, and publications to eliminate use of this offensive phrase.

The 24 organizations are located in nine countries in Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America – see listing, below.

Until the 1980s, masculinity was seen as a positive attribute: “active,” “dominant,” and “self-contained.” But over time, gender activists began to assign a variety of negative qualities to the ideal, such as “misogyny” and “homophobia” – attributes that conflate common normative characteristics with deviant traits.

Then in 2005, psychologist Terry Kupers issued a sweeping condemnation of “toxic masculinity,” which he characterized as the “constellation of socially regressive male traits that serve to foster domination, the devaluation of women, homophobia, and wanton violence.” (1)

In response, British psychologist John Barry conducted a survey to ascertain how persons viewed the term, “toxic masculinity.” Large majorities of both men and women saw the phrase as insulting: Men: 88%; Women: 85%. (2)

A follow-up survey of over 4,000 men in the UK and Germany found that thinking masculinity is “bad for you” is significantly related to a person’s worse mental well-being (3).

Ignoring these insights, the United Nations jumped on the ideological bandwagon, issuing a guidance document in 2023, Men’s Accountability for Gender Equality. The UN report irrationally condemns “toxic masculinity” as a “key driver of violence against women and girls in all spheres of life.” (4)

The United Nations document does not cite a single scientific study to support this far-fetched conclusion. Indeed, scientists have that repeatedly documented the fact that domestic violence affects equal numbers of men and women around the world (5).

The female counterpart, “toxic femininity” is widely seen as unacceptable (6). Likewise, growing numbers of groups have called for viewing the phase, “toxic masculinity” as hateful and harmful:

• GQ: “It’s Time to Retire the Term ‘Toxic Masculinity’” (7)
• National Coalition for Men: “NCFM’s Position on Toxic Masculinity… Stop Male Bashing” (8)
• The Atlantic: “The Problem With the Term ‘Toxic Masculinity’” (9)

The following organizations are now calling for elimination of the phrase, “toxic masculinity:”

Australia

• Celebrating Masculinity
• Men’s Rights Agency

Bermuda

• Child Watch

England and Wales

• APPG on Men and Boys’ Issues
• False Allegations Support Organization
• Marriage, Sex & Culture Group
• Power and Control Wheel
• UK Falsely Accused Steering Group

Israel

• By Your Side
• Fathers for Justice

Italy

• Welcome Back Father

Malta

• Maricamicallef.com

Netherlands

• Father Knowledge Centre Netherlands
• Platform for European Fathers

Scotland

• Men Only
• Men and Boys Initiative

United States

• Colorado Resilience
• Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Men
• Domestic Violence Wears Many Tags
• Men Are Good
• Parental Alienation Consortium
• Parental Alienation Study Group
• Stop Abusive and Violent Environments (SAVE)
• The Law Center

The Domestic Abuse and Violence International Alliance – DAVIA — unites 222 member organizations from 42 countries in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. DAVIA seeks to ensure that domestic violence and abuse policies are science-based, family-affirming, and gender-inclusive. https://endtodv.org/davia/

Links:

1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jclp.20105
2. https://cms.bps.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-06/Barry%2C%20John%20-%20Reactions%20to%20contemporary%20narratives%20about%20masculinity%20A%20pilot%20study.%20Psychreg%20Journal%20of%20Psychology_1.pdfTable 3.
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10321463/
4. https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/issues/women/wg/Men-accountablity-27-12-2022-EN.pdf
5. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261543769_References_Examining_Assaults_by_Women_on_Their_Spouses_or_Male_Partners_An_Updated_Annotated_Bibliography
6. https://x.com/i/grok?conversation=1999859658836627540
7. https://www.gq.com/story/retire-toxic-masculinity

After 82 years, the wreckage of a Royal Australian Air Force Beaufort aircraft lost during a World War II mission has been located in the rugged Baining Mountains of East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea.

This discovery ends more than eight decades of uncertainty for families of the Australian crew who disappeared with the aircraft.

The crew of Beaufort A9-211 were:

• Pilot: Flight Sergeant (FSGT) John Eardley Kenny
• Navigator: FSGT Arthur John Davies
• Wireless Operator/Air Gunner: FSGT Thomas Burrowes
• Wireless Operator/Air Gunner: FSGT Murray Fairbairn

On 14 December 1943, Beaufort A9-211 from No.100 Squadron was undertaking a night mission when it reportedly encountered adverse weather conditions. Tragically, the aircraft never returned to base and was declared missing. 

In 2021, Air Force was alerted to wreckage located in the Baining Mountains. Following extensive research and analysis, the wreckage was formally identified as Beaufort A9-211. 

The Australian Government remains committed to the recovery, identification and burial of all personnel who died while serving – no matter how many years may pass.

Over the past decade, Air Force has identified seven missing aircraft, recovered remains of two aviators and accounted for 41 aviators deemed missing in action from World War II.

The search continues for the more than 3,140 missing aviators with no known grave, involving over 1,000 missing aircraft from World War II and the Korean War.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Matt Keogh:

“This aircraft discovery is significant and offers the chance to provide closure to families who have long wondered about the final resting place of loved ones.

“The Australian Government is committed to honouring the service and sacrifice of Australian military personnel from all theatres of war. 

“It is a measure of who we are as a nation that we continue to strive to find, recover and identify our missing service personnel.

“We are grateful for the support and assistance provided by authorities in Papua New Guinea throughout this process, particularly the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery, without which the investigation could not have taken place.”

Today’s MYEFO has seen a massive blowout in the costs of maintaining Labor’s handouts.

• Fossil fuel subsidies continue to grow, costing an unsustainable $44.3 billion over the estimates while gas companies will pay 23% less tax under the broken PRRT
• Property investors are blowing a hole in the budget, with negative gearing soaring 18% year after year to total $29.2bn this financial year
• For multi-millionaires, the Prime Minister’s revised super tax break for them has cost the budget $4.2 billion across the forward Estimates. 

Meanwhile, the Treasurer has warned of “difficult decisions to come”, while boasting of banking all savings in this update, instead of funding services to bring down the cost of living and protect nature.

In the middle of a cost of living crisis, this shows the government continues to prioritise tax cuts for multimillionaires ahead of workers. 

The government’s weak reforms to the gas tax have also failed, drawing $500m less than anticipated, as corporations continue to evade the Petroleum Resources Rent Tax. With a 23% drop in gas tax revenue, the downgrade is as substantial as that seen on tobacco excise. 

The Greens have again reiterated that a 25% flat levy on gas exports would solve the government’s challenges of ensuring gas exporters don’t just ship it all overseas, leaving Australians with higher energy bills. 

Senator Larissa Waters, Leader of the Australian Greens said:

“We’re in a cost of living crisis, but Labor continues to put handouts for wealthy property investors, fossil fuel subsidies and multimillionaires ahead of everyone else. 

“This mini budget from Labor sees more money go towards wealthy property investors, while they’re taking less and less from multimillionaires and giant gas corporations.

“People with a dozen houses or $15 million in their super don’t need a helping hand from the government – but Labor’s continuing to put them ahead of everyone who works for a living.

“Millions of people are doing it tough trying to find a home and keep their heads above water, but Labor is still refusing to tax multimillionaires fairly, to help raise revenue to fund more for housing or essential services.”

Senator Nick McKim, Australian Greens economic spokesperson said:

“The increase in negative gearing is obscene and confirms that property speculators are the big winners from Labor’s so-called housing reforms.”

“Labor seems to have totally given up on demanding any tax from offshore oil and gas extraction.”

“This is a slap in the face to ordinary Australians who are working hard and paying tax.”

“There is so much more that could be done to make big corporations and the super wealthy pay their fair share of tax so we can invest in protecting nature and supporting the millions of Australians struggling to make ends meet.”

“Labor may have given up on a fairer economic system, but the Greens will not.”

The NSW Parliament will be recalled on Monday 22 December in the afternoon and Tuesday 23 December, the only items of business will be a condolence motion and legislation arising from the Bondi incident.

It is understood this includes stronger gun laws that will set the pace for national reform in the wake of the horrific antisemitic mass shooting in Bondi.

The Australian Gun Safety Alliance, made up of Australia’s leading public-health, community-safety and firearm-harm prevention organisations, have released a ten-point blueprint for gun reform.

Greens MP Sue Higginson has written to the Premier and to Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane offering to pass the reforms contained within the Alliance’s ten-point plan through NSW Parliament.

Greens MP and Spokesperson for Justice Sue Higginson said:

“The guns used to inflict the horrifying antisemitic killings and violence on Bondi beach should never have been in the hands of the hate fuelled depraved shooters and the fact that they were, is a failing of our gun laws and their implementation,

“The Premier has identified reforms to enable greater consideration of intelligence by police when licensing firearms. What he has not mentioned is that the Firearms Act already provides for consideration of criminal intelligence, but it has been limited in its application. Police need to be able to undertake and rely upon a broad range of intelligence from all intelligence agencies when we are talking about gun safety,

“The organisations working to curb gun violence have put forward an evidence-based plan to ensure some of the world’s tightest gun laws in the wake of this horror, and it’s time for us as lawmakers to unify around these reforms,

“Now is the time to heed the advice of experts, advocates and survivors and rule out recreational hunting as a genuine reason to own a firearm. We must not forget that we came very close in NSW this year to relaxing our laws around recreational hunting. It was the work of the experts and the community who stopped this,

“It’s essential that we outlaw political donations from the gun lobby. Public policymaking on an issue as serious as gun reform cannot be affixed to politics or political donations in any way,

“It is very concerning that the gun lobby and their allies are using racism to obfuscate the failures of gun control and laws in this moment, which is exactly what we see in America. Australia is not America and we cannot go down America’s path in our rhetoric or our law,

“The Greens stand willing to work with the Government and the Opposition to pass world-leading strong gun law reform through the NSW Parliament,

“In the wake of the Port Arthur Massacre we came together and walked in the right direction on gun restrictions, and now is the moment that all sides of politics must unify to walk in the right direction again,

“Of course we must also tackle antisemitism and extremism at its root, but the reality is that antisemites have used guns to murder innocent people. Removing those guns is the most immediate action we can take to curb violent extremism.”

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for communications and Chair of the Senate Inquiry into Triple 0 service outage:

“This is a damning report of the culture within Optus, their contractor Nokia and the entire Triple 0 system. It is deeply concerning to see laid bare how many mistakes were made along the way and how Optus did not have the processes in place to manage such a failure.

“Optus’ failures were systematic and widespread. Optus failed at every step – they failed to keep their customers safe and failed to ensure the public and government were informed. The company prioritised its own interests over the needs and concerns of its customers and stakeholders.

“For too long, Optus has put profits ahead of safety and its customers. The company must face serious consequences for its failure.

“The Government must now review Optus’ licence and licence conditions. Going soft on the telco is not an option.

“The Government must lead an urgent review into the camp-on provisions that also failed in this incident. It is simply not good enough to have calls taking 40-60 seconds to connect and this needs urgent action.

“The Triple 0 system is clearly not fit for purpose and requires a serious overhaul, to ensure it both works and is trusted by all Australians. Big telcos like Optus view the delivery of emergency service calls as a chore, not as an essential service.

“The ACMA has failed to hold these big companies to account. It’s an open secret that ACMA is a light touch on industry, putting public safety at risk. It’s time for a root and branch review and new leadership of the regulator.

“Optus and Singtel representatives will be called back before the Senate inquiry early 2026.”

The Greens would welcome positive reform to eradicate dangerous hate speech but will closely review Labor’s proposal to ensure it does not unreasonably restrict free political speech.

Greens Justice and Foreign Affairs spokesperson, David Shoebridge:

“There is a case for targeted measures to address genuine hate crimes linked to violence or the promotion of violence. 

“We have seen the dangers of racist vilification and dog whistling that compels people to violence. We saw it in the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings and again on Sunday at Bondi, it must be stamped out.

“However, the lessons from the UK and other jurisdictions is that simply banning organisations can lead to more division.

“In an open society there must be scope to freely criticise the actions of state actors that engage in acts of violence or discrimination.

“Simply outlawing criticism is not an answer to complex international issues.

“We are committed to working constructively on positive reforms and have always resisted efforts from the Coalition to water down existing anti-vilification laws.

“Any action the federal parliament takes must also be consistent with the constitutional limitation that prevents any parliament from unreasonably restricting free political speech.”

Greens Deputy Leader and spokesperson for Anti-Racism and Higher Education, Mehreen Faruqi:

“This tragic attack in Bondi has brought to the fore the urgent need to address antisemitism and racism comprehensively. We continue to call on the government to fully fund and implement the National Anti-Racism Framework, which is a roadmap to tackling systemic and structural racism.

“We must not head down a path where academic freedom and freedom of speech on university campuses are compromised. That will not make anyone safer. We can and must address Antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of racism in our society without criminalising debate or peaceful protest.

“It is deeply shameful that there are conservative politicians and media who are weaponising this tragedy to continue pushing a hateful political agenda and demonising peaceful protesters at a time when the whole country is grieving. This is a time for people to come together in care, support, and solidarity and for political leaders to take action to protect communities.”

A joint statement of support from Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Chief Allied Health Officer, and Chief Psychiatrist.

We join our fellow Australians in condemning the terror attack at Bondi Beach. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends who have lost loved ones in this atrocity. 

We acknowledge and thank the first responders, including paramedics and police who bravely acted to save lives and help those seeking safety. 

We acknowledge and thank the health professionals and citizens who were at the beach and lent their support to care for the victims and shelter and support the survivors. 

We acknowledge and thank doctors, nurses and other health professionals, who worked through the night and those who continue to treat the wounded at hospitals across Sydney. 

And we acknowledge and thank all our nation’s health professionals who will today, and in the days ahead, be counselling and supporting Jewish patients and colleagues, and the many other people across Australia who are deeply impacted.

The health professionals of our nation need to stand united against terrorism and in support of the people who need our assistance. 

Events like these can be unsettling and challenging. They can cause a range of emotions for those involved, and also for us as health professionals, our patients, our colleagues and our friends and families. It is important that we support one another during such times.

Support is also available from:

• Medicare Mental Health phone service on 1800 595 212 or visit the Government’s Medicare Mental Health website to find mental health services and resources
• Lifeline on 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or access its services online including chat
• Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or access its services online
• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or access its services online
• Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia 1800 001060
• Doctors’ Health Line 1800 006 888
• the Transcultural Mental Health Line on 1800 648 911
• 13 YARN: 13 92 76 – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support
• Dr4Drs on 1300 374 377
• The Essential Network (TEN) Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health.

The Coalition has established a dedicated Taskforce on Antisemitism, Extremism and Counter-Terrorism in response to the escalating threat posed by antisemitism and violent extremism in Australia.

Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley said the taskforce would bring urgency and discipline to confronting a threat that endangers the lives of Australians. 

The taskforce has been established with three clear priorities:

• First, it will drive the full implementation of the government’s own Antisemitism Envoy’s report which has sat gathering dust on the Prime Minister’s desk.
• Second, the taskforce will focus on strengthening Australia’s counter-terrorism response. This work will examine weaknesses and emerging risks across intelligence coordination, law enforcement powers, border integrity and the monitoring of individuals on terror watchlists.
• Third, the taskforce will undertake direct and ongoing engagement with Jewish community leaders, organisations and institutions to ensure their security needs are understood and addressed. 

The Leader of the Opposition said the country needs leadership and action, not delay. 

“The Prime Minister has said he will do whatever it takes. That means doing the hard work, not delaying it like the government has done to date,” the Opposition Leader said. 

“That must start with implementing the Antisemitism Envoy’s report in full, not shelving it or watering it down.

“ASIO has been clear. Antisemitism represents the greatest threat to loss of life in Australia, and when our intelligence agencies issue warnings of that magnitude, political leaders have a duty to act.

“No Australian should feel unsafe practising their faith, sending their children to school or gathering as a community.

“Jewish Australians should never have to look over their shoulder in their own country. Restoring safety and confidence is non-negotiable.”

The establishment of the taskforce follows the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach targeting members of the Jewish community celebrating Chanukah. 

The taskforce is also being formed in the context of the atrocities of October 7 in Israel and a sustained series of domestic incidents directed at Australia’s Jewish community over the past two years. 

These incidents have included public landmarks turned into symbols of antisemitic hate, university campuses occupied by those preaching hatred, Jewish students harassed and ostracised, homes vandalised, childcare centres targeted and synagogues firebombed, including one attack orchestrated by a foreign terrorist state.

“For too long, antisemitism has been allowed to grow in plain sight,” Ms Ley said. 

“What we saw at Bondi is the consequence of failing to confront extremism early and decisively.”

“Australians deserve more than words. They deserve action, protection and leadership.”

The taskforce held its formation meeting yesterday and will meet with the Antisemitism Envoy later today.

“The Coalition stands ready to support any serious and effective action that strengthens counter-terrorism, disrupts extremists and protects lives,” the Opposition Leader said 

“This taskforce will bring focus, discipline and urgency to confronting antisemitism and violent extremism, because the delay we have seen from the government has had real consequences.”

Taskforce membership

• Opposition Leader Sussan Ley
• Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Michaela Cash
• Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Senator Jonno Duniam
• Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Bridget McKenzie
• Shadow Minister for Finance, Senator James Paterson
• Shadow Minister for Education, Julian Leeser
• Shadow Attorney-General, Andrew Wallace

A free community event will be held at Foreshore Park next month to celebrate the completion of a key element of the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan. 

Work is almost finished on the new kiosk and assessable public toilets, which are housed in an architecturally striking building and scheduled to open in late January. 

An artist’s impression of the new kiosk and amenities building in Foreshore Park.

The new kiosk will be run by local operators Thomas and Nova Carias-Cox, who have been serving up tasty treats at the Sunnyboys kiosk at Dixon Park Beach for the past three years. 

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Asset Advisory Committee Cr Declan Clausen said the new facilities will enhance the experience of visiting Newcastle’s premier city park and major events space. 

“The Harbour Foreshore is a major drawcard for Novocastrians and visitors from across the region and beyond,” Cr Clausen said.  

“Our adopted masterplan was guided by feedback from the community and represents a shared vision for this precinct, which will activate and connect public spaces between the city and the harbour’s edge. 

“As the first project to be delivered under the masterplan, the completion of the new kiosk and accessible amenities will be a key milestone in City of Newcastle’s ongoing revitalisation of this area, providing a more convenient, comfortable and accessible experience for those visiting Foreshore Park.” 

The new amenities building is adjacent to Foreshore Park’s new regional level accessible playspace and waterplay area, which is currently under construction and expected to be completed by late next year.  

It includes unisex ambulant toilets, a parent’s change room, and a changing places facility that provides suitable facilities for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. 

A bespoke concrete table and bench seating, along with low concrete walls, provide a mix of formal and informal seating options while a new footpath will help connect this space with existing footpaths in Foreshore Park for improved access. 

The Foreshore Park projects are supported by the NSW Government, Variety the Children’s Charity, the Touched by Olivia Foundation and the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund. 

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the NSW Government was committed to supporting projects that provide enhanced public spaces for all members of the community. 

“Foreshore Park is a fantastic community space both for major events and for everyday enjoyment,” Mr Crakanthorp said. 

“These new amenities will provide high-quality, accessible public infrastructure for all Novocastrians to use. 

“It is great to see the new kiosk fall into the hands of local operators and I can’t wait to grab a bite to eat at Sunnyboys Park.” 

The kiosk, which will be known as Sunnyboys Park, will offer a family-friendly menu that reflects the relaxed waterside location of Foreshore Park, including fish and chips, hamburgers, sandwiches, ice creams, refreshments and coffee. 

Thomas and Nova Carias-Cox have grown up working in their family businesses and currently operate three Morning Market Coffee locations in Whitebridge, Newcastle West and Warners Bay, along with Sunnyboys kiosk at Dixon Park.  

“We’re genuinely excited to be taking on Sunnyboys Park at the Foreshore – it’s a special space in an incredible location, made even better by the new inclusive playground opening later next year,” Mr Carias-Cox said.  

“We love the idea of creating a relaxed, welcoming spot where families can spend time, kids can play and everyone can enjoy great food and coffee in the heart of the park.  

“We’re really looking forward to becoming part of the Foreshore community and bringing this space to life.” 

The completion of the project will be celebrated with a free community event, which will be held at Foreshore Park on Saturday, 31 January 2026. 

Visitors will be able to enjoy family-friendly activities, live music, treats and coffee.   

More information will be available closer to the event via the project page on City of Newcastle’s website.

The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), the Council of Imams NSW and the Australian Muslim community unequivocally condemn the horrific shootings in Bondi.

These acts of violence and crimes have no place in our society. Those responsible must be held fully accountable and face the full force of the law.

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those who witnessed or were affected by this deeply traumatic attack. We acknowledge the pain, fear, and distress felt across the community and extend our sincere compassion and support to all who are grieving.

We urge the community to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and support one another during this challenging time.

This is a moment for all Australians, including the Australian Muslim community, to stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity, rejecting violence in all its forms and affirming our shared commitment to social harmony and the safety of all Australians.