AU Edition - Today's top story: Australia's lobbying rules ignore most lobbyists. It's time for an overhaul August 25, 2026 AU Edition   “It’s the system that sucks”. That was independent Senator David Pocock’s frank assessment of Australia’s federal lobbying regime in last night’s episode of Four Corners. The episode chronicled the deep tentacles of vested interests in Parliament House. From cash for access meetings with ministers, to the so-called “revolving door” of politicians who take up posts at corporations and advocacy groups, the program analysed how the lobbying landscape shapes politics and policy, including defence contracts and gambling reform. These themes echo the work of researcher Jennifer Lacy-Nichols, who outlines how narrow and flawed Australia’s federal lobbyist register is, especially when compared to international, and even state and territory, standards. She writes that the current rules make it almost impossible for ordinary people to find out who is trying to influence policy to suit their own agendas. But there are ways to fix it.   Erin Cooper-Douglas Public Policy Editor   Today's newsletter supported by Melbourne Connect   Australia’s lobbying rules ignore most lobbyists. It’s time for an overhaul Jennifer Lacy-Nichols, The University of Melbourne The current system allows powerful actors to attempt to influence government decision-making covertly. To improve transparency, here are four key reforms. Backyard bird feeding could be a bird flu ‘superspreader’. An expert explains Darryl Jones, Griffith University This seemingly harmless hobby could accelerate the spread of the deadly H5N1 strain. Who are the Brethren and what do they believe in? Bernard Doherty, Charles Sturt University While the sect has some very conservative views and has been politically involved in recent years, its political impact has been limited. Talking to your children about consent and sexual violence can be hard. Here’s how to start the conversation Stephanie Wescott, Monash University; Jane Gilmore, Monash University Parents have an important role to play in educating children about consent and relationships. But it can be hard to know where to begin. View from The Hill: Liberals, One Nation and Labor all have immigration details up in the air Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra It’s a hot political issue, but the Liberals’ won’t have an immigration policy in 2026, One Nation’s position is confused and Labor has yet to announce its changes. Albanese to seek state cooperation on data centres but faces fight with Queensland Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra The federal government will push for new national laws with rules for where data centres can go, how they must be powered and where their water comes from. An AI job boom? Here’s what the tedious, temporary work in data labelling is actually like Fan Yang, The University of Melbourne Interviews with data workers in China and Australia reveal the precarious, exploitative conditions of this new branch of the gig economy. When is selling clothes or other items online a hobby vs a business? These are the tax rules Elizabeth Morton, Curtin University; Lisa Greig, The University of Melbourne When do you need to declare online sales income to the tax office? The answer can be as messy as your wardrobe – so two experts explain what you need to know. Knowing someone who attempted suicide raises young people’s own risk – new study Michelle Tye, UNSW Having larger in-person networks appeared to protect young people against developing severe depression symptoms. But large online networks had the opposite effect. Politics + Society There’s rarely accountability for the deaths of aid workers. It’s time that changed – and Australia can help Amra Lee, Australian National University Israel’s refusal to investigate the killing of Australian Zomi Frankcom relfects a long standing problem of insufficient accountability for aid worker deaths. ‘We are not in a safe place’: women reveal being abused while producing the food Australians eat Gemma Tarpey-Brown, The University of Melbourne; Cathy Vaughan, The University of Melbourne; Karen Block, The University of Melbourne; Laurentina mica Barreto Soares, Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa'e New research interviewing women involved with the federal government’s Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme shows why it needs urgent reform to stop worker exploitation. The AFL finals haven’t changed in 25 years, until now. What is the wildcard round? Vaughan Cruickshank, University of Tasmania; Tom Hartley, University of Tasmania The AFL’s new wildcard round kicks off the finals series, and the narratives about its introduction have fluctuated through the season. Health + Medicine Influencers claim ‘knees over toes’ exercises can help bullet proof your knees. Two experts explain Matt Savage, La Trobe University; Adam Culvenor, La Trobe University Many of these exercises deliberately bend the knee through a larger range of motion, boosting the work done by your thigh muscles. But they may not be for everyone. Business + Economy Insurers have a lot of data about us. Where do they get it, and how do they use it? Fei Huang, UNSW Your insurer could know a lot more than just what’s on your application form. It’s worth understanding where this information comes from and how it can be used. Education Book Week is not just for big kids. How to engage babies and toddlers at storytime Jane Torr, Macquarie University Try funny voices, point out objects you know and don’t worry if your child would rather just sit on the book. Environment + Energy From nightlife to life at night: cities must stay open later to beat the rising heat Andreina Seijas, Sciences Po From floodlit beaches to late-night libraries, city life has to change to beat the heat. How will this year’s record-breaking El Niño affect NZ and the world? 5 things to know Kevin Trenberth, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau