Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called on nations to join Australia in banning social media platforms that fail to curb harmful content, as he addressed the United Nations General Assembly. This appeal comes amid rising global tensions and a series of domestic and international challenges.
Albanese’s speech at the UN highlighted Australia’s commitment to international cooperation, particularly in climate action and security. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of a collective approach to maintaining global stability, underscoring Australia’s recent recognition of a Palestinian state as a step towards peace in the Middle East.
Economic Shifts and Retail Trends in Australia
Meanwhile, back in Australia, Premier Investments reported a modest increase in sales despite significant shifts in consumer behavior. The parent company of brands like Smiggle and Peter Alexander saw a 0.9 percent rise in sales to $812.2 million for the 2025 financial year. This was largely driven by a 7.7 percent increase in Peter Alexander’s sales, which offset a 10.7 percent decline in Smiggle’s performance.
The decline in Smiggle’s sales was attributed to cost of living pressures, a sentiment echoed by Premier’s chairman, Solomon Lew, who described the year as one of “significant change.” The company also saw a 31.1 percent increase in group profits, partly due to the sale of its Apparel Brands to Myer.
Art and Politics: A Controversial Installation
In Washington, a provocative art installation depicting former US President Donald Trump and the late Jeffrey Epstein was removed from the National Mall. The statue, titled “Best Friends Forever,” was installed without a permit and quickly taken down by authorities. The piece was the latest in a series of artistic efforts to critique Trump’s past associations.
The Secret Handshake, a group claiming responsibility for the installation, has not commented further. This incident follows another controversial display in the UK, where images of Trump and Epstein were projected onto Windsor Castle during Trump’s state visit.
Political Tensions and Climate Commitments
Back in Australia, political tensions continue to simmer within the Coalition, with Andrew Hastie, a prominent Liberal frontbencher, dismissing suggestions that he poses a threat to Sussan Ley’s leadership. Hastie has been vocal about his views on manufacturing and migration, urging the party to adopt bolder policy positions.
Meanwhile, Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has criticized the Coalition’s stance on climate change, following inflammatory remarks by Trump at the UN. She emphasized the need for Australia to collaborate with other democracies to tackle the climate crisis, despite internal disagreements on emissions targets.
“At the moment, you’ve got no policies, and you’ve got no sense. That’s the reality of the Coalition’s position on the climate crisis right now,” Hanson-Young stated.
International Relations and Security Concerns
Albanese also addressed security concerns, citing Iranian interference in antisemitic attacks in Melbourne and Sydney. He announced the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador, marking a significant diplomatic move by Australia. This comes as part of a broader effort to uphold international law and combat terrorism.
In his UN address, Albanese highlighted the importance of the international rules-based order, acknowledging the post-war leadership of the United States while advocating for a shared responsibility in maintaining global security. He pointed to alliances like AUKUS and partnerships with nations such as Indonesia and Japan as critical to reinforcing peace and prosperity.
As Australia bids for a seat on the UN Security Council and aims to co-host the next COP climate conference, Albanese’s message at the UN underscores a commitment to global cooperation and leadership in addressing pressing international challenges.
The Prime Minister’s engagements at the UN reflect Australia’s strategic positioning in a rapidly changing global landscape, with implications for both domestic policy and international relations.
