Australia underwent monumental change in 2025, with major new laws impacting international relations, workers’ rights and family law. On September 21, Australia took a historic step by officially recognizing the State of Palestine. This move is one of the greatest leaps forward in the country’s diplomatic history. As a result, the country aligned with its fellow Western nations, affirming the rights of Palestinians to self-determination.
In a second exceptionally high profile case, former Australian rules footballer Warren Tredrea also recently successfully challenged legal action over a sports media content debt to the Nine Network. The Federal Court rejected his bid to adjudicate the homemade IOU as good. The court appropriately blasted the decision as a legally worthless exercise. Workers on algorithmic platforms received new protections. At the same time, amendments to the Family Law Act began changing how family law courts dealt with pet custody following relationship breakdowns.
Recognition of Palestine and International Relations
On September 21, 2025, Australia officially recognized the independent State of Palestine during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. This announcement was described at the time as a ground-breaking turn in Australia’s foreign policy, breaking with decades of only recognizing Israel.
Australia does believe in the two-state solution and certainly promotes it. This position is in line with recent moves by other Western countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and Canada. This recognition highlights the need to uphold the right of self-determination for the Palestinian people.
“The recognition of Palestine is a significant step towards a more balanced diplomatic approach in the region.” – Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
The change caused Australia to be discussed across the political spectrum about Australia’s role in peace making in the Middle East. It opened many questions on Australia’s future diplomatic engagements, and how Australia will navigate its relationships with both Israel and Palestine in the future.
Labor Rights and Worker Protections
In 2025, workers who used digital platforms such as Uber, DiDi, and DoorDash at last secured meaningful protections. Up until this year, gig economy workers faced a lack of job security. Yet their accounts might be suspended at any time and for no reason.
The changes that were recently passed compel companies to give disenfranchised people the chance to appeal deactivations through a proper, documented process. The Commission has the authority to mandate reinstatement, or payment for unfairly closed accounts. This long overdue legislative development will enhance on-the-job security and economic rights for millions of gig workers in the growing on-demand economy.
In addition, as of December 10, 2025, the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 is in effect. This legislation would bar anyone under the age of 16 from opening social media accounts. Besides ensuring online safety, the bill’s goal is to protect minors from online harms and create positive digital spaces.
The year additionally marked the creation of new civil penalties for corporations that do unauthorized activities impacting “protected matters.” Companies can now face fines amounting to three times the benefits derived from such actions or 10% of their annual turnover, whichever is greater.
“protected matter” – Department of the Environment, Water and the Arts
This kind of regulatory change signals increasing awareness, by multinational corporations operating in Australia, of the rights and responsibilities of workers across global supply chains.
Changes to Family Law and Pet Custody
In June 2025, legislators passed sweeping changes to the Family Law Act. These amendments shifted the treatment of pets from property to “companion animals” in terms of custody disputes. Pets are not cattle. Cattle were previously considered personal property alongside pets. Their continued ownership and care should be given real thought in the wake of a relationship’s end.
Under the new law courts are required to consider multiple factors when deciding custody for companion animals. This shift is a testament to the increased social awareness toward pets being cherished members of our families, instead of just property.
These amendments are intended to make sure that pet welfare comes first when making decisions. At the same time, they stress the intense emotional attachments that exist between pets and owners. These improvements are being phased in as we speak. They will provide more transparency for the courts and families involved in these complex, sensitive situations.
Legal Battles and Court Decisions
Warren Tredrea’s case against the Nine Network exposed the hurdles people must jump through to seek redress from monetary claims. He was not trying to get a witness to validate a handwritten IOU as a legal contract. The Federal Court rejected his claims as “incomprehensible and legally incomprehensible.”
The court’s March ruling highlighted the need for clarity in legal documents when it comes to outstanding debts and other financial obligations. This judgment was an important reminder that informal, handshaking agreements typically do not hold legal water.
“This IOU is a waste of time and lacks any substantive legal standing.” – Federal Court ruling
Australia’s legal precedents are in a state of flux. For anyone navigating their own PFAs, Tredrea’s case is an important and shining precedent.
