Anika Wells, the federal communications minister, has been named one of Time magazine’s “world’s most influential rising stars” on its annual Time 100 list. Wells, who has overseen the under‑16s social media ban and is developing a world‑leading digital duty of care framework, was highlighted in the list alongside a testimonial from former Labor prime minister Julia Gillard:
“As the world grapples with the extraordinary power of social media and the increasingly pervasive role it plays, Anika Wells has emerged as one of the most significant voices in a growing global movement to reframe the relationship between technology and the well‑being of our children. Even in the face of intense opposition from some of the world’s largest tech companies, she remains steadfast…Future generations will look back on her landmark changes as courageous and trail‑blazing.”
The Time 100 roster also includes musicians Sombr and PinkPantheress, soccer player Folarin Balogun, U.S. senator Andy Kim, Dutch prime minister Rob Jetten, and Donald Trump’s adviser James Blair. Australian pop star Troye Sivan is featured with a testimonial from Kylie Minogue.
In other state‑level news, the New South Wales government has sought leave to join Queensland in a high court case brought by pro‑Palestine protesters challenging laws that ban the phrases “from the river to the sea” and “globalise the intifada.” NSW attorney‑general Michael Daley confirmed the request but declined to comment further. Protester spokesperson Remah Naji warned that NSW’s intervention could transform a Queensland case into a national struggle.
NSW premier Chris Minns had earlier announced plans to prohibit “globalise the intifada” after the Bondi attack but reversed that position once Queensland legislated a ban on both phrases. Minns said he would wait for the outcome of the challenge before introducing new laws in NSW.
