Melbourne Crime Figure Shot in Suspected Gangland Ambush

A 48-year-old Melbourne underworld figure is fighting for his life in hospital after being shot in what police believe was a targeted gangland ambush in the city's south-west on Monday evening.

Emergency services were called to Marigold Avenue in Altona North just before 8pm, where Fadi Hadara was found critically wounded after being shot while sitting in a vehicle. Hadara is understood to be a significant rival of tobacco kingpin and underworld identity Kazim Hamad, and investigators are treating the incident as a deliberate attack.

In Sydney, four people were taken into custody following an armed home invasion in the city's south-west overnight. Three teenage boys aged 16 and 17, along with an 18-year-old, allegedly forced their way into a home on Green Avenue in Smithfield shortly before 11pm. Police are continuing their inquiries into the incident.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has renewed calls for Australians to be granted early access to their superannuation, suggesting the policy should allow people to draw on their retirement savings for essential expenses such as medical bills and mortgage repayments. Hanson clarified her position on social media after initial comments prompted confusion about whether she was calling for an end to compulsory superannuation altogether.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has signalled the issue will be central to political debate ahead of the next federal poll, describing the election as a referendum on super. The opposition's shadow treasurer Tim Wilson has long questioned compulsory superannuation, though the coalition is yet to formalise an alternative policy.

Adelaide police are searching for a man in his 20s after a 55-year-old rider was shoved from his e-scooter near Harvey Road in a brazen daytime robbery. The victim struck the road head-first and was knocked unconscious, sustaining serious but non-life-threatening head injuries. Witnesses described the attacker fleeing south on the stolen scooter. Officers noted the victim's helmet likely prevented far worse harm.

Pressure is mounting on state and territory governments to mirror New South Wales in launching a major gun buyback scheme, introduced in the wake of the Bondi terror attack. The NSW scheme is expected to result in up to 274,000 firearms being surrendered by roughly 50,000 licence holders, with compensation provided for weapons no longer legally permitted.

Brisbane ferry commuters are again facing disruptions as unions pursue demands for improved pay and working conditions, with River City Ferries workers walking off the job between 9am and 11am and again between 4pm and 6pm today. Services to southern Moreton Bay islands are not affected.

On a brighter note, Australian television celebrated its annual Logie Awards overnight, with Robert Irwin making history as the youngest host of the event. Sam Pang claimed the coveted Gold Logie for most popular personality, while the late Sam Neill was honoured posthumously with the award for best lead actor.