Australia faces political turbulence as One Nation surges while managing defense partnerships
Former PM Tony Abbott warns the Liberal Party needs better policy as One Nation gains in polls; separately, Australia continues strategic defense coordination with the US and allies on nuclear submarines and regional security amid Middle East tensions.
Why it matters
Recurrent fatal shark encounters fuel a long-running Australian policy debate over shark-mitigation measures such as nets, drumlines and culling versus conservation of protected species like great whites. The frequency this year may pressure state governments, particularly Western Australia, to revisit beach-safety strategy.