Max Walden
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Deputy digital editor with @abcnews Melbourne. Bad opinions my own.
Articles by Max Walden
Imam of Melbourne mosque refutes links to flydubai terror suspect
Max Walden and Alexandra Alvaro The imam of a Melbourne mosque allegedly linked to the suspect in the attempted hijacking of a flydubai plane has issued a strong rebuttal of claims he was connected to the co-pilot. In a statement released via state media last week, the United Arab Emirates attorney-general said the 29-year-old terror suspect, widely reported as Omani national Hamam Al-Hammami, started to "drift towards extremism and terrorism" while studying in Melbourne.
Preston Market to retain most of original footprint under redevelopment plan
Hundreds of apartments and additional commercial space would be built under new redevelopment plans for Preston Market in Melbourne's northern suburbs, while retaining most of the original market's footprint. The master plan submitted to Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny proposes the construction of about 900 apartments in eight towers around the market, ranging from eight to 16 storeys.
Victorian royal commission into corruption in construction sector holds secret hearings
Larissa Ham and Max Walden Victoria's royal commission into corruption on government building projects has already held some hearings in secret, its head has revealed. At the inquiry's first public hearing on Wednesday, commissioner Christopher Kourakis said the probe would get to the bottom of widespread allegations of corruption, violence and bullying on build sites.
Australia's university sector and international students alarmed by immigration crackdown
Mikaela Ortolan, Max Walden and staff University leaders and students have expressed concern over the federal government's plan to bar most international students from bringing their families to Australia under sweeping migration changes unveiled today. In an address at the National Press Club, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said international students would no longer be able to attach their families to their student visas as part of a broader bid to lower overseas net migration numbers.
Football Victoria forces Preston Lions to play behind closed doors over fan conduct
A Melbourne football club will be forced to play without spectators after some of its fans displayed offensive banners at a game last weekend. The decision comes as the Preston Lions defeated A-League side Newcastle Jets in an Australia Cup match this week. Football Victoria says further sanctions on Preston Lions and the individuals involved could be imposed.
Football Victoria condemns Preston Lions fans over conduct at South Melbourne game
A professional football club in Melbourne's northern suburbs faces calls to ban hardline supporters who brandished sexist and provocative banners at a match on Saturday. Preston Lions, a club associated with the Macedonian Australian community, faced South Melbourne FC on Saturday in a state league match that resulted in a nil-all draw. Images from the game showed members of the Preston Boys ultras group holding a banner reading "anti-Hellass" in the stands.
Why Victoria's transport system was worst impacted by the Telstra outage
Melissa Brown and Max Walden Rail services for regional Victorians have resumed after a Telstra outage caused every line to be shut down for a day and a half. V/Line, the state's regional train operator, struggled to find enough bus replacements to cater for the tens of thousands of passengers affected by the suspension of services. Here's why was the scale of disruption in Victoria so severe, and how might the state prevent future chaos on the regional train network. How were commuters affected?
Melbourne woman who returned to Australia in 2025 charged with joining IS
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Melbourne woman Eva Lasrini remembered as devoted mother of two
A Dandenong woman whose body was found south-west of Melbourne on Saturday has been remembered as a devoted mother who "deserved a life filled with safety, happiness, and peace". Eva Lasrini, 53, was reported missing on Thursday after she failed to contact her family, police said. A 67-year-old man has been charged with murder over her death.
Lebanese Australians worry families will be killed amid Israeli strikes
Lebanese Australians are again reeling from mass displacement and conflict deaths in their ancestral homeland. More than 500,000 people have been forced to leave their homes, Lebanon's Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayed told a press conference on Sunday. Some 117,000 people were in government-run shelters, she said, after the Israel Defense Forces issued evacuation warnings to more than 100 towns across southern Lebanon early last week.
Why are some Shia Muslims mourning Ayatollah Ali Khamenei?
The supreme leader of Iran for 37 years, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on Saturday by US and Israeli strikes. When the news broke there were jubilant celebrations in Iran and across the Iranian diaspora. Yet for other Iranians, and Shia Muslims elsewhere, it triggered grief and anger. Loading... A small number of Shia mosques in Australia have planned to host memorial services for Khamenei, sparking condemnation from members of the Iranian diaspora community and politicians.
Ramadan night market at Dandenong scaled up to become Melbourne's largest
Ramadan is a hectic time for Lebanese pastry institution Balha's, so owner Mohammed Ghandour was not sure whether to join Melbourne's largest Ramadan night market. Deciding to do so, however, paid off. Mr Ghandour said his business sold 650 kilograms of knafeh — a beloved cheesy, syrupy dessert — in three days at Dandenong. Mohammed Ghandour says Ramadan is a month for bettering oneself.
Japanese lagers thrive as Kirin and Asahi loom over Australia's beer market
It was the depths of the COVID pandemic when Sydney beer maker Yulli's was approached by the Japanese hi-fi brand Audio-Technica about a collaboration. Time on the couch meant drinkers had more time to try something new and different, said Yulli's head brewer James Harvey. "We thought we'd just have a little stab at one batch as a limited release and see how it goes," he said. The beer was a hit. The appeal of Japanese lager is that it makes for "clean and easy drinking", James Harvey says.
Japanese lagers thrive as Kirin and Asahi loom over Australia's beer market
5 hours ago Yearning with a capital Y When it comes to love stories, the quickest way to up the stakes – bar some actually well-written sex scenes – is to give your film an unhappy ending. Romeo and Juliet without teen death? A sappy romance about argumentative Italians. Little Women where Laurie ends up with Jo? …
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim and India's Narendra Modi named in Epstein files
The Malaysian and Indian prime ministers have denied connections with the late convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, after their names appeared in a tranche of files released by the US Department of Justice. Epstein's global web of influence has been exposed by the documents, which named high-profile political figures, including US President Donald Trump.
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim and India's Narendra Modi named in Epstein files
1 day ago Jeffrey Epstein wanted most of his money to go to his girlfriend. Mr. Epstein’s brother and a Harvard math professor were also named beneficiaries. Two days before he killed himself in a federal jail, Jeffrey Epstein signed a document that gave away much of his once vast estate, a total of $100 …
The curious case of Pritam Singh, Singapore's ousted opposition leader
The People's Action Party (PAP) has ruled Singapore for as long as the city-state has been a nation. Such is its dominance of Singaporean politics that the office of the Leader of the Opposition was not created until 2020. The first and only official opposition leader Singapore has ever had was the left-leaning Workers' Party head Pritam Singh. That is, until this month when Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unilaterally removed him from the post.
Malaysian football executives resign over player naturalisation scandal
The entire executive committee of Malaysian soccer's governing body has "voluntarily" resigned over a scandal in which European and Latin American players were improperly granted citizenship to play for the national team. A complaint was lodged against Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) last year after Malaysia beat regional rivals Vietnam 4-0 with several players who had only been granted citizenship the week before.
The US wanted to ban TikTok over national security concerns. Does a deal with China fix that?
A landmark deal to establish a new, American-only app for TikTok has ended years of argy-bargy over the future of the video streaming platform in its biggest market. Officials in the United States have long worried that the app's Chinese ownership could mean the data of Americans was vulnerable. US President Donald Trump himself has argued its algorithm might be manipulated by the Chinese Communist Party to influence American users.
Former South Korean first lady Kim Keon Hee sentenced to 20 months in jail for corruption
South Korea's former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison after being found guilty of accepting bribes. The Seoul Central District Court ruled Kim had accepted luxury gifts from the Unification Church, a controversial religious movement derived from Christian teachings, in return for political favours. The court cleared Kim of charges of share market manipulation and violating South Korea's political funds act, citing a lack of evidence.
What to know about a major landslide in the 'Gold Coast of New Zealand'
New Zealand authorities are working to confirm how many people are missing after a landslide hit a campground in the Bay of Plenty region, south-east of Auckland. The disaster occurred in the coastal resort town of Mount Maunganui, a popular surfing destination, after record-breaking rains hit NZ's North Island. Here's what we know so far. The landslide came down around 9.30am, hitting campervans, cars and tents.
Australian writer Murray Hunter apologises to Malaysian regulator over criminal complaint in Thailand
An Australian writer has avoided jail in Thailand after a criminal defamation complaint was lodged against him by Malaysia's communications regulator. Retired academic Murray Hunter, who grew up in Melbourne and has lived in Thailand for 20 years, apologised to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and removed blog posts over which the MCMC had lodged a criminal defamation complaint in Bangkok.
China ramps up crackdown on Christians amid global political pressures
A leading Christian non-profit has warned that the official persecution of believers is intensifying in China after major raids and arrests of church leaders and congregants in recent months. Last week, Open Doors International, a Christian missionary organisation, named China among the worst countries to be a Christian in its annual World Watch List. China was ranked just below Afghanistan, India and Saudi Arabia.
Behrouz Boochani says Iranian refugees 'suffering' in Australia
Former Manus Island detainee Behrouz Boochani says Iranian asylum seekers are "suffering" in Australia, after a United Nations committee this week found Australia breached its international legal obligations by allegedly exposing an asylum seeker from Iran to torture in immigration detention.
Iran internet blackout enters seventh day as US President Donald Trump says violence has 'stopped'
More than 90 million Iranians remain largely cut off from the world due to a week-long internet blackout, imposed by Iranian authorities amid the largest anti-government protests the country has seen in years. US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, US time, that "important sources" in the Islamic Republic had informed his administration that Iranian security forces had ceased a brutal crackdown against demonstrations.
Hopes Beijing may lift soft ban on South Korea pop culture as ties thaw
Relations are warming between Beijing and Seoul under South Korea's left-leaning president, Lee Jae Myung. A high-profile trip to Beijing last weekend was the second meeting between Mr Lee and Chinese President Xi Jinping in less than three months. The pair took smiley selfies together on a Chinese Xiaomi smartphone gifted to Mr Lee at their last meeting.
NetBlocks reports internet blackout imposed in Iran amid nationwide protests
Iranian authorities have restricted communications access as protests against the country's theocratic regime continued to escalate. The internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported a nationwide blackout late on Thursday night, local time, which it said followed "a series of escalating digital censorship measures". The internet blackout was hindering "the public's right to communicate at a critical moment", the London-based company said.
What the seizure of Maduro means for China, Venezuela's biggest oil buyer
Max Walden and Lachlan Bennett Hours before US helicopters landed at the compound of Nicolás Maduro, the president of Venezuela said he had enjoyed a "pleasant evening" with Chinese diplomats. In a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy for Latin America, Qiu Xiaoqi, the two countries reaffirmed close ties and commitment to "building a multipolar world of development and peace", Mr Maduro said afterwards.
South-East Asian powers offer strong criticism of US operation in Venezuela
Australia's neighbours have reacted strongly to the extraordinary move by US President Donald Trump to depose Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and bring him to the United States. Mr Trump announced that Washington would temporarily "run" the South American country after US forces captured Mr Maduro and his wife in a military operation not approved by US Congress or the United Nations Security Council. Follow our blog for live coverage after the US action in Venezuela.
South-East Asian powers offer strong criticism of US operation in Venezuela
Trump may have invaded Venezuela because Maduro’s dancing hurt his feelings The White House felt it was being mocked when Maduro posted a video of him dancing. There is lots of speculation as to just why Donald Trump invaded …
Vanuatu continues to rebuild one year after devastating earthquake
Vanuatu reporter Lillyrose Welwel and Max Walden "Our people showed the world the meaning of resilience, not as a slogan, but as a lived truth," Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat said this week. As the Pacific Island nation marked one year since a 7.3-magnitude earthquake killed 14 people and flattened buildings across the capital Port Vila, Mr Napat praised his people's ability to bounce back. "You have demonstrated courage greater than the tragedy that befell us," he said.
Vanuatu continues to rebuild one year after devastating earthquake
A year after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit Vanuatu, cruise ships are regularly bringing in boatloads of Australian tourists. But many demolished buildings in the capital Port Vila are yet to be rebuilt and some locals are frustrated with the pace of repairs. The Asian Development Bank has pledged funds to help clear a landslide near Port Vila's main wharf, as damaged and destroyed schools continue to be rebuilt.
Australians urged to give blood in wake of Bondi Beach mass shooting
Australia's Jewish community is reeling after two shooters targeted an event at Bondi Beach on Sunday night. NSW Premier Chris Minns told a press conference on Monday morning that people wanting to do something practical to help should give blood. "Many people are asking how they can help. The first thing of course is to listen to New South Wales Police and emergency services," he said.
Researchers call for water safety to be part of English education for migrants
People born overseas represent more than one in three drowning deaths in Australia. Research shows many migrants and tourists in Australia do not understand beach safety signs. Experts argue more needs to be done to help those from non-English speaking backgrounds understand swim safety. Surf lifesaver Masaki Shibata was doing a volunteer shift on the Gold Coast when he encountered four South Koreans struggling in a rip. "We arrived yesterday," they told him once safe on shore.
Taliban arrests young men in Afghanistan for Peaky Blinders dress-up
The Taliban's morality police have detained four men accused of promoting foreign culture for adopting fashion inspired by the popular British series Peaky Blinders. The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice said the young men, whose videos of themselves styled as 1920s gangsters went viral in Afghanistan, had offended local culture and religion. Cillian Murphy (right) plays Birmingham crime boss Thomas Shelby in the popular series Peaky Blinders.
Malaysian football in chaos after FIFA suspends national players from Argentina, Spain and Brazil
It has been a year of intense highs and bitter lows in soccer-mad Malaysia. The men's national team, which has only qualified for four Asian Cup tournaments in its history, thrashed Vietnam 4-0 in a June qualifier for the region's top international competition. "2027 Asian Cup, we're coming in style," a fan gushed on social media. "This is our time," they declared.
Bali governor demands demolition of glass lift at Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida
By Max Walden, ABC Officials have demanded the demolition of a controversial glass elevator at one of Bali's most picturesque beaches, citing planning violations. For the past 18 months, construction of a 182-metre elevator had been taking place on the steep cliffs surrounding Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida - an island off the coast of Bali.
Bali governor demands demolition of glass lift at Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida
By Max Walden, ABC Officials have demanded the demolition of a controversial glass elevator at one of Bali's most picturesque beaches, citing planning violations. For the past 18 months, construction of a 182-metre elevator had been taking place on the steep cliffs surrounding Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida - an island off the coast of Bali.
Bali governor demands demolition of glass lift at Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida
The construction of an elevator at a Bali beach has drawn widespread criticism from tourists and local politicians. The Indonesian island's governor has now ordered it be dismantled, citing planning violations. Authorities will require the glass elevator to be demolished within six months. Officials have demanded the demolition of a controversial glass elevator at one of Bali's most picturesque beaches, citing planning violations.
Bali governor demands demolition of glass lift at Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida
3 hours ago I first came across the Financial Independence, Retire Early movement when I spoke to a Big Tech employee who quit her job and retired early, only to regret it days later. Speaking to her and over 60 other FIREers in the past two years has taught me that this increasingly popular four-letter acronym …
Jakarta overtakes Tokyo as world's largest city, according to UN Original
By Max Walden, ABC Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, is the world's largest urban centre with a population of almost 42 million, according to new research by the United Nations. Tokyo was the largest city in the world in the year 2000, but slower population growth over the previous quarter of a century has meant it has now been surpassed by Jakarta and Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka.
Jakarta is now the world's largest city dwarfing Australia's entire population
Indonesia's capital Jakarta is the world's largest urban centre with a population of almost 42 million, according to new research by the United Nations. Tokyo was the largest city in the world in the year 2000, but slower population growth over the previous quarter of a century has meant it has now been surpassed by Jakarta and Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka.
Bangladesh will hold historic elections in 2026 but millions of its citizens will not be able to vote
Bangladesh will hold its next general election in April 2026, which is expected to be the first free and fair election in more than a decade. Long-ruling prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India last year after popular protests and her party, the Awami League, is banned from participating in the election. Some overseas Bangladeshis plan to fly home to cast ballots, while others want to be enabled to vote from abroad.
Lowy Institute South-East Asia aid map reveals retreat of US and Europe from Australia's region
China is expected to fill a gap in aid funding to South-East Asia as the Trump administration dismantles United States development programs worldwide. The Lowy Institute's latest South-East Asia aid map warns some of the region's poorest countries, including Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Timor-Leste, will suffer due to $US60 billion ($92 billion) worth of aid cuts from the US.
Malaysian fugitive Jho Low allegedly using fake Australian passport while living in China
A high-profile Malaysian corruption suspect is allegedly living in China under a Greek name with a forged Australian passport, according to the investigative media outlet Brazen. Jho Low, a financier accused of being the mastermind of Malaysia's largest corruption case, is reportedly living in an upscale Shanghai neighbourhood with a forged Australian passport under the name Constantinos Acilles Veis.
Weeks after a ceasefire with Israel it is unclear how many Australians remain stuck in Iran
Frances is overjoyed to have survived war, a medical emergency and arduous journey through Iran to get home for the school holidays. "I can't believe it. I'm so glad, I'm so happy," the 70-year-old Sydney woman told the ABC before taking her grandchildren to the pool this week. "And I don't have that chest pain that I had there all the time [in Iran].
Australians with family stuck in Iran are living a nightmare. Trauma stalks those who escaped
Azar has not slept properly in days. In May, her 70-year-old mother Frances went to Iran to see her sisters — her first visit to the country in roughly a decade. Frances is now one of around 3,000 Australians and their families registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for assistance to leave — almost two weeks after Israeli bombs started falling on the capital Tehran.
Iran struck at 'American strength and pride'. Its missiles were shot down
US President Donald Trump is in Qatar. It's mid-May, 2025. He addresses troops at Al Udeid air base — the largest US base in the Middle East and the launch point for air, sea, and intelligence missions. At the height of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the base hosted around 10,000 US soldiers. "No visit in the Gulf would be complete without stopping to salute the people who keep America safe, strong and free," Mr Trump says.
Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte holds a 'free Duterte' rally in Melbourne
Hundreds of Filipinos rallied in support of Philippines Vice-President Sara Duterte in Melbourne on Sunday, calling for prosecutors to drop charges of crimes against humanity against her father, Rodrigo. Mr Duterte remains in the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of murder as a crime against humanity for presiding over a bloody "war on drugs" during which rights groups estimate 30,000 people were slain.
Prabowo snubbed the G7 to meet Putin. Is Indonesia moving away from the West?
The decision by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to skip the G7 meeting in Canada and to visit Russia has raised eyebrows in Western capitals. The official reason provided was that his meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin was pre-planned. Prabowo, being a man of his word, had decided to skip the G7 meeting of wealthy liberal democracies in favour of attending the little-known St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
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