Australian minister Anika Wells has been named to Time's list of influential rising stars, according to The Guardian. The recognition, reported on Thursday, October 1, 2026, cites her work championing Australia's social media crackdown, a policy that has drawn international attention.
The Guardian reports that Wells' inclusion on the Time list stems from her role in advancing legislation aimed at regulating social media platforms. The Canberra Times also covered the recognition, describing her as a global rising star for her efforts on the issue. The Australian and the Australian Financial Review both reported on the Time listing as well.
Separately, The Guardian's live coverage states there is no negative equity crisis in Australia despite a property slump. The report indicates that falling property values have not triggered the widespread negative equity situation some had feared.
The same Guardian live blog also notes that New South Wales is seeking to join Queensland in a case concerning a "from the river to the sea" ban. Additionally, The Australian reports that Burns took aim at Shoebridge over a Jewish stance, though further details were not available in the source material.
What to watch next: whether Wells' international recognition translates into further momentum for Australia's social media regulations, and how the NSW legal case proceeds alongside Queensland's.
