December 22, 2025 – Australia Headlines

Story gist: US Attorney General faces push for contempt charges over handling of Jeffrey Epstein files. Justice Department restored a photo featuring Donald Trump from the files and pulled others to redact victims’ names.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like The Guardian emphasize Justice Department restoration of a Trump photo in Epstein files, highlighting Trump connection. Center outlets like ABC neutrally focus on contempt push against Attorney General. Right-leaning outlets like The Australian stress Department pulling files to redact victims’ names, framing it as protective action amid controversy.

Story gist: Following the Bondi attack, calls emerged for a federal royal commission, which the Australian government resists. A Labor MP supported the inquiry, and NSW plans to ban the phrase ‘globalise the intifada’.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Guardian focuses on NSW’s ban of ‘globalise the intifada’ as anti-hate measure, emphasizing details. Center AFR highlights Labor MP breaking ranks to back royal commission, noting party dissent. Right-leaning Australian accuses PM of hiding via questioning tone. Left omits federal resistance emphasis; no strong pro-RC left frame.

Story gist: A man was arrested and charged with murder after a woman died in Northfield, Adelaide’s northern suburbs. The incident was reported by South Australia Police.

Bias summary: Left-leaning ABC frames the story factually as a man charged after a woman’s death in northern suburbs, focusing on basics without emotion. Center SAPOL delivers a neutral police announcement emphasizing arrest at Northfield. Right-leaning Advertiser adds sensational tone with ‘It’s shocking’ quote and ‘quiet suburb’ contrast to underscore disruption in a peaceful area.

Story gist: In New South Wales, gun law reforms and protest laws are set to pass despite a Coalition split over firearms. Gun dealers warn the reforms threaten their livelihoods.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Guardian frames reforms as a ‘gun crackdown’ advancing despite opposition, linking to ‘controversial protest laws’ with supportive tone toward restrictions. Right-leaning News.com.au emphasizes Coalition split and ‘rushed’ reforms, highlighting procedural flaws and division. No center-leaning outlets provided, absenting neutral or balanced coverage on impacts or consensus.

Story gist: A poll shows Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s approval rating declining amid concerns over fraying social cohesion and rising antisemitism. Media outlets highlight contrasts between Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns, and Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s expressed regret for not visiting October 7 massacre sites.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like Sydney Morning Herald emphasize Albanese’s plummeting approval tied to social fraying and antisemitism fears, portraying federal Labor weakness. Center outlets like ABC neutrally highlight stark contrast between capable Minns and faltering PM. Right-leaning Australian attacks Wong’s evasive ‘word salad’ on Oct 7 site visit regret, focusing on foreign policy incompetence. No pro-federal Labor framing present.