Sydney protestors charged, social media age verification, Qld bushfire emergency 

From the Sunrise Early News desk at 7NEWS Australia: a roundup of Monday morning’s biggest stories across the nation — violent street clashes, a government-backed social media age verification trial, the ongoing manhunt for a Victorian fugitive, plans for shark nets on Sydney beaches, continuing Queensland bushfires, and a dominating Formula One performance by Oscar Piastri. Below is a concise yet comprehensive briefing of what happened, what it means, and what to watch next.

Table of Contents

• Nationwide protests turn violent
• Social media age verification trial backed by study
• Desi Freeman manhunt: family plea and charged associate speaks out
• Shark net trial to proceed on Sydney beaches
• Queensland bushfires: containment efforts and local impacts
• Childcare confidence shaken after abuse scandal
• Sports: Oscar Piastri extends F1 championship lead
• Weather snapshot for Monday
• Other headlines to watch
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Conclusion

Nationwide protests turn violent

Across multiple cities, rival rallies descended into ugly confrontations between demonstrators and police. In Melbourne, anti‑immigration and pro‑Palestinian groups collided in the CBD. Officers used rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse crowds after clashes escalated.

Reports from the scene say the Australian flag was torched and six people were arrested. Neo‑Nazi attendees were also identified at a large anti‑mass migration rally in Sydney attended by an estimated 15,000 people. Two men have since been charged after an alleged assault on an officer at a Broadway bar.

In Adelaide, a protester carried a placard referencing Desi Freeman — the Victorian man accused of killing police officers — underlining how national events and high‑profile criminal cases are intersecting with public demonstrations.

Social media age verification trial backed by study

The federal government’s trial of technology designed to verify the ages of social media users has been declared both effective and practical. The report found the systems can work, but warned there is no single solution that suits every platform.

Platforms will likely need to deploy a mix of tools to comply with the incoming ban on under‑age accounts, which is scheduled to take effect on 10 December. The study’s conclusion clears an important technical hurdle for policy implementation, but leaves operational complexity for social networks and regulators to resolve.

Desi Freeman manhunt: family plea and charged associate speaks out

Seven days into the search for Victorian fugitive Desi Freeman, there has been no sign of him. Freeman’s wife publicly urged him to surrender, saying the family are also grieving the loss of the officers he is accused of shooting.

Meanwhile, a man charged in connection to the case, Steve Mallett, described heavily armed police raiding his home. His account captures the fear of those suddenly facing confrontation with tactical police units:

"I looked up once and I thought, and I saw all of the hands on the triggers... And I stuck my bloody hands up, and I'm waiting for the bullets to come howling in on me. I'm just waiting for it."

Mallett says he has never met Freeman personally. The investigation and related charges remain active.

Shark net trial to proceed on Sydney beaches

Plans to trial shark nets at three beaches across the greater Sydney region will go ahead this summer. The New South Wales government is collaborating with Waverley, Northern Beaches and Central Coast councils to identify suitable locations.

Nets will be temporarily installed while plans are finalised. Authorities are conscious of environmental impacts after more than 200 marine creatures were killed by nets installed last summer, a fact that will shape how the trial is implemented and monitored.

Queensland bushfires: containment efforts and local impacts

Roughly two dozen bushfires were still burning across Queensland as winds eased. Lake Wivenhoe campers have been allowed to return to collect belongings after evacuation. Firefighters urged the public to stay alert:

"In a moment's notice, things can change, and we're asking people to be prepared for those changes."

Forecast improvements should help crews gain and maintain the upper hand, but the situation remains fluid and communities have been warned to remain ready to respond to changing conditions.

Childcare confidence shaken after abuse scandal

New survey data from the Mindaroo Foundation suggests parents are altering childcare arrangements in response to abuse allegations in Victoria. Up to one in ten parents say they've withdrawn their child from care or reduced hours since the scandal emerged.

More than 50% of respondents support a national register of childcare workers — a policy idea gaining traction as trust and safety in the sector are reassessed.

Sports: Oscar Piastri extends F1 championship lead

In breaking sports news, Australian driver Oscar Piastri dominated the Dutch Grand Prix to claim his seventh win of the season and extend his lead in the Formula One drivers' championship to 34 points with nine races remaining.

The race was chaotic — three safety car periods, multiple crashes and both Ferraris retiring. A key turning point came when Lando Norris retired with an oil leak just seven laps from the finish, a moment that widened Piastri’s advantage and underlined his consistency this year.

The next race is the Italian Grand Prix at Monza — a crucial stretch as the season heads into its final stages. As commentator Ben Downey put it, with Piastri’s form and the points gap, "there's a good argument to be made that from here, it's his drivers' championship to lose."

Weather snapshot for Monday

• Brisbane: showers increasing, 22°C
• Sydney: mostly sunny, 20°C
• Canberra: morning frost then sunny, 17°C
• Melbourne: a shower or two, 16°C
• Hobart: partly cloudy, 15°C
• Adelaide: a shower or two, 15°C
• Perth: sunny, 20°C
• Darwin: sunny, 34°C (first day of spring)

Other headlines to watch

• Big changes for Australian tourists travelling to Bali — details to be announced in the next bulletin.
• Doctors raising concerns about beta blockers: are they doing more harm than good? A medical review is underway.
• Soy sauce packets banned from today in one Australian state as part of a crackdown on single‑use items — more on which state and the rationale is expected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Were there arrests after the protests?

A: Yes — multiple arrests were reported, including six in Melbourne. Two men in Sydney have been charged over an alleged assault on a police officer at a Broadway bar.

Q: When does the social media age verification ban take effect?

A: The ban on under‑age users is scheduled to come into effect on 10 December. A government trial has found verification technology can work, but platforms will need to use several tools to comply.

Q: What is the status of the Desi Freeman manhunt?

A: Seven days into the search there has been no confirmed sighting. Investigations and related charges remain ongoing, and family appeals for surrender have been made publicly.

Q: Will shark nets kill marine life again?

A: Authorities are aware of the environmental toll from last summer’s nets, which killed more than 200 marine creatures. The forthcoming trial will aim to balance public safety with measures to minimise ecological harm.

Q: How secure is Oscar Piastri’s championship lead?

A: Piastri has a 34‑point lead with nine races remaining. While his run of form is strong, there is still a significant portion of the season left, so nothing is guaranteed.

Conclusion

Monday’s bulletin covered a wide range of stories — from volatile street protests and national security concerns to sports triumphs and environmental debates. The morning’s developments will continue to evolve: expect updates on the manhunt for Desi Freeman, the implementation of social media age verification, the outcome of the shark net trial, and the containment of Queensland bushfires.