AGP Executive Report

School Lunch Scrutiny: Australia’s school lunch program is under fire after the Auditor-General warned the Government can’t clearly show it’s meeting its aims, with concerns raised about monitoring, planning and last-minute changes. Teacher Shortage Pipeline: Tasmania is trialling a paid “Change2Teaching” pathway, placing 40 Masters of Teaching students into classrooms to help ease burnout-driven teacher quitting. Teen Tech & Work Skills: Australia ranks near the top globally for AI-ready future-of-work skills in the QS World Future Skills Index, pointing to strong alignment between higher education and employer needs. Under-16 Social Media Pressure: The push to strengthen Australia’s under-16 social media rules continues as experts warn enforcement is the real test, with kids still finding ways around restrictions. STEM Recognition: A University of Tasmania ICT student has won a TasICT “Rising Star” award, highlighting growing industry links for future tech talent.

Under-16 Social Media Crackdown: Australia is set to tighten enforcement and raise fines for platforms after research suggests most kids still find ways around restrictions, with Google warning YouTube’s learning role could be harmed by a blanket ban. Assessment Integrity: Schools are grappling with AI smart glasses used for exam cheating, prompting regulators to review rules and inspections. Heat and Learning: New reporting highlights how extreme heat becomes a schooling crisis when governments don’t plan for children’s needs, with classroom temperatures linked to poorer learning. Education Partnerships in the Region: Australia-backed initiatives are boosting education access and messaging in the Pacific and beyond, including support for school recovery and medical training pathways. Higher Education Moves: UNSW is progressing with a Bengaluru campus plan, while universities continue expanding scholarships and international collaboration. Sustainability in Learning: Australian researchers report promising recyclability of solar panel components, supporting future clean-energy education and industry skills.

Under-16s Social Media Crackdown: Australia will double maximum fines for platforms that fail to stop under-16s creating accounts, lifting penalties to A$99m and expanding eSafety Commissioner powers to demand documents. Student Cost Pressure: MPs debate a “Fix HECS” bill to stop a “stealth tax” effect by moving HECS indexation so repayments are counted before the debt is adjusted. HECS/Uni Affordability: A separate report highlights students facing rising study costs and interest on debt they’ve already repaid, adding to the squeeze on graduates. Higher Ed & Research Policy: University of Sydney keeps research collaboration allowed with Israel while restricting it for Russia, Iran, Belarus and North Korea—sparking academic freedom concerns. Education Access in PNG: Project Skul is sending desks, books and basic classroom learning tools to under-resourced Papua New Guinea schools by repurposing surplus Australian education supplies. Student Wellbeing & Learning: A new discussion piece argues arts and music education support matters for children’s emotional needs and city life. School Community Spotlight: The Australian Hellenic Memorial Foundation opens its 2026 School Competition for Years 1–12, with writing or drawing tasks on Greece’s WWII campaign and the ANZACs.

Education & Skills Partnerships: Australian MP David Hodgett says Australia and Kerala can deepen higher-education collaboration, praising Kerala’s push to become a “global education hub” and focusing on better outcomes for less-advantaged learners. Student Safety & Online Rules: New research and policy debate keep circling Australia’s under-16 social media ban—studies suggest most teens still access platforms, while governments move toward tougher enforcement and age-verification. Early Learning & Health: Access to healthcare is flagged as key for boosting vaccination rates for First Nations children in early childhood. Research & Learning: A University of Sydney/CSIRO-linked study traces a mysterious long-period radio signal to a dead star system, showing how Australian astronomy tools are driving new discoveries. STEM Discovery: Researchers report a 113-million-year-old pterosaur with preserved soft tissues and fragile molecules, highlighting advances in fossil preservation science. Science in Schools: Australia’s education sector also continues to grapple with how to modernise and support learners as universities face staffing and funding pressures.

Under-16 Social Media Crackdown: Australia is moving to double the maximum penalty for breaches of its under-16 social media ban to $99m, with the eSafety Commissioner gaining power to compel platforms to show what they’ve done—after reporting suggested many kids still access banned apps. Regional Context: The push is spreading globally, with the Philippines’ paediatric groups urging supervised, parent-managed social media use for children 16 and under, and Indonesia’s PP Tunas rules requiring age checks and extra safeguards for higher-risk platforms. Perinatal Mental Health: New parents in Australia are being urged to seek free support after reports of widespread perinatal anxiety and depression, highlighting gaps in how families find help. Education Pathways: A former Vietnam Australia International School student is spotlighted for a dual-degree Pharmacy and Business path at the University of Sydney, backed by science fair wins and strong language skills. Skills & Inclusion: Curtin University’s Autism Academy is helping autistic adults transition into tech careers, including cyber security and software testing. Community Learning: Canberra’s Alexander Bunyip mascot is restored after vandalism, continuing its role in educating kids and celebrating local culture.

Under-16s Social Media Crackdown: Australia will double the maximum penalty for tech firms that fail to comply with the under-16s social media ban to $99m, and give the eSafety Commissioner stronger powers to demand information from platforms and third parties like age-assurance providers. The government says research and ongoing investigations show many children are still getting around restrictions, with potential non-compliance being looked at for Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok. Education & Youth Impact: The move ramps up pressure on platforms that schools and parents have been watching closely, as the ban’s early impact is questioned and enforcement tools are expanded. Learning Pathways in Industry: The Irish National Stud held a graduation ceremony for its 2026 Thoroughbred Breeding Management Course, highlighting how structured education and practical placements are feeding careers in the global thoroughbred sector.

World Cup TV Ratings: Australia v Paraguay became the most-watched World Cup match in SBS history, with nearly 5 million viewers tuning in as the Socceroos locked in a knockout spot. Youth & Learning: Police arrested a 16-year-old over flares at Federation Square during the match watch, with the crowd reaching capacity and some fans redirected to AAMI Park. Teen Social Media Policy: Sri Lanka is weighing whether to restrict children’s social media access after global moves like Australia’s under-16 ban and the UK’s similar crackdown. Higher Education & Integrity: New reporting highlights students using AI smart glasses to cheat in high-stakes exams, adding pressure on schools to rethink testing and supervision. Health Research: Australian researchers say toxoplasmosis can reach the retina and harm sight, and may affect unborn babies—pushing for greater global attention. University Rankings: Times Higher Education’s Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026 keep spotlighting Australian universities, with Griffith and Western Sydney University among the top performers.

Under-16 Social Media Ban: A University of Newcastle study in the British Medical Journal finds Australia’s under-16 social media restrictions have had little impact, with 85% of teens still using platforms and many getting around age checks via self-declaration, fake accounts or other people’s logins. Teen Safety & Enforcement: The findings add pressure as Australia moves to tighten the ban further, while commentary argues bans alone won’t protect kids without better safeguards. World Cup at School Term: In Melbourne, police arrested a 16-year-old over flares at Federation Square during the Socceroos’ Paraguay match, with several others issued penalty notices as the live site hit capacity. Higher Education Spotlight: University of Sydney has appointed acclaimed writer Anna Funder as a professor of practice in creative writing, highlighting ongoing investment in creative arts teaching. Climate Finance Transparency: Australia refused to release internal documents on the Tuvalu Trust Fund’s fossil fuel exposure, saying disclosure could harm international relations.

Community Preschool Funding: NSW’s Independent Education Union welcomes a new 2027 funding model for not-for-profit community preschools, including pay rises, full operating-cost funding (with quality conditions), and expanded access for three-year-olds. Teen Social Media Ban Debate: New research and advocacy groups say Australia’s under-16 social media ban is having limited early impact, while the government signals tougher enforcement and more age-verification powers. Online Harm Crackdown: eSafety reports more AI “nudifying” platforms have been taken down or forced to introduce age checks as the federal government prepares further changes to protect children online. Student Wellbeing & Justice: An NSW youth crime inquiry hears that jailing children can be lifelong and life-limiting, with experts urging child-focused approaches that keep young people connected to school and support. Sport & School Culture: FIFA and Football Australia push for a permanent Socceroos base, while a high-profile dispute has flared over schools allegedly not letting students watch the World Cup match. Health & Learning Support: Flinders University research highlights priorities for recognising and supporting unpaid carers, including access to services and post-care support.

Social Media Policy Watch: A University of Newcastle study in the British Medical Journal says Australia’s under-16 social media ban has had limited early impact, with more than 85% of teens still using restricted platforms and age checks not consistently experienced. Online Safety & Implementation: Researchers also found many young people kept access via their own accounts or alternative/shared accounts, raising questions about how platforms are complying. Education & Wellbeing Angle: The findings land as governments internationally consider similar restrictions, but the study suggests the policy needs better, more coordinated evaluation to show real change. Youth Sports (Local Link): Australian school Rowville Secondary College beat UST-SHS in Singapore’s NBA Rising Stars Invitational, highlighting pathways from school sport to elite competition.

Holocaust Education: Applications are open for the 2027 Gandel Holocaust Studies Scholarship Program for Australian secondary teachers, offering a fully funded placement in Melbourne followed by study at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. Justice Under Strain: A University of Tasmania report warns access to justice could be at risk as criminal lawyer shortages grow, citing low pay, poor work-life balance, and outdated court systems. Digital Learning & Youth Safety: New research says Australia’s under-16 social media restrictions haven’t made a meaningful difference to teen scrolling, adding pressure for better evaluation of child protections online. Bird Flu Preparedness: Experts say undetected H5N1 cases along Australia’s southern coast are “extremely high,” with gaps in how wildlife and vets are supported during outbreaks. Teacher Opportunities: A new scholarship stream is also targeting Holocaust education capability-building across all sectors. Business Events & Tourism: New Zealand’s Tourism Policy Statement highlights business events as a driver for year-round visitation and regional benefits. Student Representation: A Year 10 student from Leibler Yavneh College has earned the chance to represent Australia at the International Chidon HaTanach (World Bible Quiz) in Israel.

Teacher wellbeing: A study in The Conversation warns social media marketers are burning out because the job never really “logs off,” with many planning to leave within two years. Health & learning: New research says young Australians may be ageing faster internally, which could help explain why younger people are being diagnosed with cancers earlier. Digital safety: The UK is moving to block social media platforms from serving under-16s, with Australia’s earlier experience flagged as a preview of how age checks can be bypassed. School sport links: A Singapore school team’s junior basketball run ends with a tough match against Australia’s Rowville Secondary College. Community support in schools: A teacher’s therapy dog is bringing a calming presence to school life, highlighting growing interest in wellbeing supports. International education aid: Australia and UNICEF sign a $16m deal for Rohingya and host communities in Bangladesh, including education and child protection.

Social Media & Kids: YouTube has settled a case brought by a teen who claimed the platform’s design harmed his mental health, with a second trial still looming. Sustainability Claims: New research warns “green” shopping labels are often hard to verify and may only reflect one part of a product’s journey. IVF Add-ons: A major review finds many commonly sold IVF add-ons either don’t improve outcomes or lack strong proof, despite high costs and widespread use in Australia and beyond. University & Research: Curtin University researchers have dated Australia’s oldest known asteroid impact crater to about 3 billion years. Rare Earths & Skills: Victory Metals won $350,000 in federal support for rare earth processing R&D with Curtin University at a Perth pilot plant. Education Sector Pay: Charles Darwin University has been ordered to backpay more than $4m after underpaying 800+ staff over six years. School Safety & Learning Environment: A study on Sydney transport-oriented suburbs found most nearby food outlets are unhealthy, raising concerns for public health around growing student communities.

Social Media Safety for Kids: Philippines Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri backed proposals to ban or strictly limit social media for minors after the Tacloban school shooting, arguing violent content, threats and dangerous trends can shape young minds; he pointed to a pending “Social Media Safety for Children Act” targeting under-16s. Online Addictive Design Crackdown: The EU is preparing preliminary findings into Meta’s Facebook and Instagram over alleged addictive design that keeps children hooked, including a “rabbit-hole effect,” with regulators pushing stronger age-gating and child-safety rules. Health & Learning Tech Risks: Australia’s health regulator warning on AI “ambient scribes” highlights automation bias—clinicians may trust AI notes too readily even when rare serious mistakes slip through. Youth Wellbeing Research: Curtin University projects funded by Healthway will study youth health in regional WA, including alcohol and other drug use, mental health and sexual health among “partygoing” young adults. Wildlife & School Community Impact: H5N1 bird flu risk is assessed as extremely high for many Australian native birds, with WA black swans among the most vulnerable—another pressure point for schools and community education around biosecurity.

University & Rankings: QS World University Rankings 2027 put Singapore’s NUS at No.10 globally, with NTU at No.12, keeping the region firmly in the top tier. Indigenous Housing & Health: A new homeownership story highlights how stable housing can lift long-term outcomes, with FISH linking housing to wellbeing, education and community health. Youth Health Research (WA): Curtin University has new Healthway-funded projects on youth alcohol/drug harms, mental health and sexual health in regional WA, plus work on nicotine pouches and getting young people more active. Food & Industry Research (Vic): RMIT launched a Food Innovation Hub to bridge food technology and nutrition research with industry needs, aiming to close the “translation” gap. Education Infrastructure (NSW): The NSW 2026/27 budget backs major school upgrades and fee relief alongside broader cost-of-living measures. Apprenticeships & Skills: Master Builders Australia flags construction apprentice withdrawals as a key problem and pushes incentives, micro-credentials and expanded fee-free VET access. Bird Flu Safety Messaging: Australia’s poultry and egg supply is being reassured as safe after H5N1 detection, with surveillance and biosecurity ramped up. Sustainability Materials (Deakin): Deakin’s circAlloy ARC Training Centre launches to improve alloy lifecycle value, cutting waste and emissions.

School funding probe: Redeemer Baptist School allegedly received about $106.7m in government grants and fees (2015–2024) but reported zero salary expenses, with staff classified as church “volunteers” and paid stipends far below NSW teacher award wages, raising serious child-protection concerns. Cyber safety and AI: Five Eyes signals agencies (including Australia) warn frontier AI that can disrupt governments and businesses is “months away”, urging leaders to act now as cyber threats accelerate. Climate litigation: Australians are taking legal action over the climate crisis, arguing government support for fossil-fuel exports is directly harming people during disasters. Bird flu alert: H5N1 has been confirmed in Australia after sick birds (including giant petrels and skuas) were found in WA, putting wildlife and industry on high alert. Research and learning: Monash and Melbourne researchers report a copper-based compound that reduced amyloid-beta buildup in mouse Alzheimer’s models, improving memory. International education links: New Zealand’s envoy visited Lae, PNG, to strengthen trade and education/skills cooperation. STEM discovery: A newly documented “ballista” spider trap in Australia catapults a specific ant species into the web.