TRANSCRIPT:
- Sussan Ley's praise for a former Liberal senator who quit her party
- A deepening dispute between Asia's two largest economies...
- Stephanie Gilmore back to chase a ninth world title.
Opposition leader Sussan Ley has praised a former Liberal senator who quit the party in disgust over the behaviour of some current MPs.
Hollie Hughes, who was a senator until the May election, announced her resignation last saying she could no longer support Ms Ley.
Speaking on Sydney's 2GB, Ms Hughes described some of her colleagues as inept and lazy.
She also said the party had strayed from its values and was affected by internal division.
Speaking on the ABC's RN Breakfast, Ms Ley spoke of her friendship with Ms Hughes, and referred to her recent move to the New South Wales central tablelands, where she's bought a pub.
Infighting over climate change, energy and immigration policy threatens to topple Ms Ley's leadership, but when asked about accusations of division in her party, she said she'd leave the commentary to others.
Popular gaming platform Roblox says it's launched its age-verification system in three countries, including Australia, in the same month the federal government's social media ban for under 16s comes into force.
The new system means users who want to privately message other players need to verify their age.
Roblox is also implementing age-based chats so kids, teens, and adults can only message people their own age.
Roblox is not on the federal government's list so far, but Australia's ban on under-16s accessing popular social media platforms comes into force from December 10.
Japan has warned its citizens in China to step up safety precautions and avoid crowded places, amid a deepening dispute between Asia's two largest economies.
The diplomatic clash was sparked when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told Japanese politicians this month that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response.
Japan's embassy in China has now asked its citizens to respect local customs, take care in interactions with Chinese people, be aware of their surroundings and not to travel alone.
China has urged its citizens not to travel to Japan.
Meanwhile in Taipei City, Taiwan, residents have spoken about their concerns for the region's stability and peace.
"How could a conflict not affect everyone? Nobody wants conflict. It's always the ordinary people who suffer. Regardless of how it is, I'm not speaking from a partisan standpoint. What people in the Taiwan region needs is stability. The people here need to make a living, and the youth need to have hope for the future. That's what truly matters."
Beijing claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own, and has not ruled out using force to take control of the island.
Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's claims.
The Republican-controlled US Congress has voted almost unaminously to pass a bill forcing the release of the Epstein files.
The Department of Justice files on late convicted sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein have become a source of division and tension with Donald Trump's administration.
After months of staunch opposition to their release, sustained pressure from both Democrats and Republicans has seen Mr Trump reverse his stance and call for their release.
The bill will now go to the Oval Office for Donald Trump to sign.
Following the vote, Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib warned that there will be no more protection for abusers.
“Today, despite all the giant cover-up attempts by this administration and this Speaker of the House, we will vote to release all the Epstein files. To be clear, there is no protection for pedophiles, no protection for the rich and powerful men of either party who participated, who turned a blind eye, who winked and grinned while witnessing the horrific abuses of young children.”
And now to sport...
Stephanie Gilmore will be back to chase a ninth world title, with the Australian surfing superstar confirming she'll make a full-time return to the World Surf League in 2026.
After two years away from the tour, the 37-year-old will take up a wildcard.
The move coincides with her long-time rival, Hawaiian Carissa Moore, also making a comeback after becoming a mother.
Gilmore made a cameo at this year's Gold Coast Pro and said she felt the competitive fires still burning 20 years after making her Championship Tour debut.
