This is Australia Daily News Summary by NewsCard for Thursday, November 27, 2025 ... your briefing on the stories from Australia and around the world ...

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We begin with breaking news from across the country, as Australians face a rising threat of power outages amid a severe heatwave. Authorities are warning that from today, thousands could be left without electricity as demand surges and infrastructure strains under extreme temperatures. Energy providers are urging households to conserve power, especially during peak hours, while emergency services prepare for possible blackouts in major cities and regional areas. The situation is particularly tense in New South Wales and Victoria, where temperatures are expected to climb above 40 degrees in some places. For many Australians, this isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a real risk to health and safety, especially for the elderly and vulnerable. The government is monitoring the situation closely, but with no immediate relief in sight, the threat of rolling blackouts remains high.

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In Sydney, a major legal challenge has been launched against Australia’s controversial new law banning social media use for children under 16. An internet rights group filed court action today, arguing the ban infringes on freedom of expression and could set a dangerous precedent for digital rights. The law, set to take effect in the coming months, is the first of its kind globally and has sparked heated debate across the country. Supporters say it’s necessary to protect young people from online harms, but critics warn it could drive kids underground to less regulated platforms. The case is expected to move quickly through the courts, with implications not just for Australia but for other nations watching closely.

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Now to Canberra, where Parliament continues heated debate over energy policy and climate action. Today’s session saw lawmakers clash over the government’s response to the heatwave and power crisis, with opposition parties demanding more urgent investment in renewable energy and grid resilience. The discussion comes as public pressure mounts for long-term solutions to Australia’s energy challenges. Meanwhile, MPs also debated the social media ban, with some calling for a pause until the legal challenge is resolved. The chamber remains divided, but one thing is clear—these issues are shaping up to be defining political battles for the year ahead.

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Overseas in Asia, a major human rights group has challenged Australia’s under-16 social media ban on the global stage, arguing it could inspire similar restrictions in other countries. The move has drawn attention from digital rights advocates worldwide, with concerns that Australia’s approach could influence policy in nations with weaker protections for online freedoms. The debate is now playing out not just in Australian courts, but in international forums, as governments and civil society weigh the balance between safety and liberty in the digital age.

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Back home in Melbourne, residents are bracing for another day of extreme heat, with emergency services on high alert. Hospitals are preparing for a spike in heat-related illnesses, and community cooling centres are opening across the city. Authorities are urging people to check on neighbours, especially the elderly, and to stay hydrated. The heatwave is expected to persist for several more days, making this one of the most intense summer events in recent memory.

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