February 17, 2026 – Australia Headlines

1Pepper spray and threat of ‘sonic weapons’ at protests alarm rights groups

Story gist: During Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s four-day visit to Australia, police used pepper spray and tackled protesters at anti-Herzog demonstrations. Rights groups expressed alarm over threats of sonic weapons.
Left
Isaac Herzog’s four days in Australia left him ‘energised’. For the Jewish community, some saw solidarity while others felt ‘serious angst’
— The Guardian
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Center
James was tackled by officers at an anti-Herzog protest. He says he’s lucky to be alive
— SBS Australia
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Right
Protest fools beat the drum for repression
— The Australian
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Bias summary: Left-leaning Guardian frames Herzog’s visit positively as energizing for him, emphasizing Jewish community solidarity amid some angst, omitting protest clashes. Center SBS spotlights protester James tackled by officers who claims he is lucky to be alive, stressing police force. Right-leaning Australian mocks protesters as ‘fools’ drumming for repression, portraying them dismissively.

2Apprenticeships have a ‘big marketing problem’ and it’s ‘getting worse’

Story gist: Australian media report declining trade apprenticeship numbers due to marketing issues. Plans announced for thousands of new bricklayers and electricians to support housing construction.
Left
Where have all the apprentices gone? – ABC listen
— Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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Center
Thousands of new brickies, sparkies to bolster housing
— The Canberra Times
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Right
No major right-leaning outlet from our monitored sources covered this story
Bias summary: Left-leaning ABC uses a questioning, concerned tone (‘Where have all the apprentices gone?’) to emphasize shortage and decline. Center Canberra Times frames positively, focusing on new apprentices (‘Thousands of new brickies, sparkies’) to bolster housing. Right-leaning coverage absent, omitting potential perspectives on policy shortcomings or economic drivers.