ABC chairman Kim Williams attended the Byron Writers Festival, where he discussed his memoir and the ABC's news output with former presenter Kerry O’Brien.

During the event, O’Brien praised Williams as the most engaging ABC chairman since 1972, while Williams acknowledged O’Brien's significant contributions to journalism.

Williams called for increased funding for the ABC, pointing out a 13.7% funding reduction during the Coalition government that has affected the organization's confidence and focus.

He criticized the current state of ABC news, suggesting it often leans towards 'filler and bland' content rather than fulfilling its national responsibility.

Williams emphasized that local radio is in a rebuilding phase after years of neglect and needs to better connect with the community.

He acknowledged a notable piece of journalism that exposed issues within the CFMEU, produced by The Australian Financial Review and 60 Minutes.

In political news, the Australian Federal Parliament resumed after a five-week break, with lobbyists and various groups returning to Parliament House.

The reconvening of parliament coincided with the Parliamentary Friends of Ending Loneliness hosting a breakfast event to address loneliness, an issue affecting one in four Australians.

In a notable appointment, former Labor MP Terri Butler was named deputy president of the Fair Work Commission, signaling a shift towards restoring balance after previous Coalition appointments.

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison faced scrutiny over quotes that mysteriously vanished from a newspaper article concerning the cancellation of the French submarine contract.

Morrison reportedly complained about a quote being off the record, leading to its removal from the online version of the article.