The Tasmanian Government says its new short stay levy will help ensure more tourism revenue remains in the state, while supporting housing initiatives and protecting local jobs and businesses. The Government argues the levy reflects major changes in Tasmania's accommodation sector, where international booking platforms now hold significant influence and collect substantial commissions from local operators.
The Tasmanian Government will invest almost $600 million in housing and homelessness initiatives over the next four years as part of the 2026-27 Budget. The funding package aims to strengthen frontline support services while continuing investment in new housing and infrastructure projects across the state.
Tasmanian food and beverage producers are being showcased on a dedicated state stand for the first time at one of Australia's largest supplier-to-retailer trade events. Around 10 Tasmanian businesses are taking part in the Co-operative Supermarkets Australia Direct2Store Expo, being held in Sydney from today until Friday, 8 May 2026.
The European Union accused Meta on Friday of breaching its social media law by designing Facebook and Instagram to get users hooked, and demanded it disable “key addictive features” like infinite scrolling.
NEW YORK (AP) – The New York Times, the Daily News and other media outlets are asking a federal judge to impose sanctions on OpenAI, escalating a fight over artificial intelligence and copyright that could shape the future of a struggling news industry.
HONG KONG (AP) – China’s passenger car exports surged 80% in June from a year earlier, mainly due to strong demand for electric vehicles, though domestic sales fell 26%. In the first half of this year, Chinese passenger vehicle exports jumped 72% to more than 4.4 million, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – No one claimed responsibility Friday for airstrikes that hit Iran after the U.S. said it finished its attacks, leaving questions about who else may be targeting the Islamic Republic. The strikes Thursday, just as Iran prepared to bury the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, hit areas across southern Iran.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – U.S. President Donald Trump’s pledge to give Ukraine a license to produce Patriot air-defense systems could mark a major breakthrough for Kyiv, but experts and Ukrainian officials warn that turning the idea into real weapons would likely take years.
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) – Western leaders came to Turkey to discuss security in an increasingly perilous world. They each left with a revolver and six rounds. The unconventional gift from the host of this week’s NATO summit, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was meant to showcase his country’s growing defense industry.
NEW YORK (AP) – After decades of reliable bipartisan backing for Israel, a new AP-NORC poll reveals a dramatic erosion of support for the longtime U.S. ally, with rising opposition from Democrats and signs of division among Republicans.























































































































































