Australian Brief News - Quick. Important. Ahead.
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1.
Reserve Bank holds interest rates steady at 3.85% amid mixed economic signals
- The Reserve Bank of Australia has held the cash rate steady at 3.85 per cent at its February meeting, defying market expectations of a cut.
- Governor Michele Bullock said the board remains cautious about inflation, which is still above the target band in key sectors including housing and insurance.
- Economists are now split on whether a rate cut will come in April or be delayed until the second half of 2026.
2.
Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Sydney's west as heatwave peaks
- A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for western Sydney, with destructive winds and large hailstones expected late on Saturday afternoon.
- Temperatures in Penrith reached 43.2 degrees, making it the hottest February day in the region since 2017.
- The SES has urged residents to secure loose outdoor items and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm window between 3pm and 8pm.
3.
Albanese government announces $2.4 billion boost to aged care workforce
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a $2.4 billion package to address chronic workforce shortages in the aged care sector.
- The funding includes sign-on bonuses for new nurses, subsidised training pathways, and wage supplements for personal care workers in regional areas.
- Aged care providers have welcomed the package but warned it may not be enough to meet growing demand as Australia's population ages.
4.
Crows star Ben Keays ruptures ACL at pre-season training
- Adelaide Crows midfielder Ben Keays has ruptured his ACL during a contested drill at pre-season training on Friday.
- The injury is a devastating blow for the Crows, who were expecting Keays to play a key midfield role after his strong 2025 campaign.
- Keays will undergo surgery next week and is expected to miss the entire 2026 AFL season.
5.
Man charged after alleged stabbing in Melbourne CBD overnight
- A man was stabbed on Flinders Street in Melbourne's CBD around 2am on Saturday, suffering non-life-threatening injuries to his torso.
- A 28-year-old Footscray man was arrested at the scene and has been charged with recklessly causing serious injury and weapons offences.
- Victoria Police say the incident is not believed to be random and the two men were known to each other.
6.
Australian dollar drops below 62 US cents as China trade data disappoints
- The Australian dollar dropped below 62 US cents on Friday, its lowest level since November 2025, following disappointing Chinese trade data.
- China's imports fell 4.2 per cent in January, signalling weaker domestic demand that could reduce appetite for Australian iron ore and coal.
- Currency strategists say the Aussie dollar could fall further if the RBA signals a dovish shift at its next meeting.
7.
Dutton calls for royal commission into youth crime in Queensland
- Peter Dutton has called for a royal commission into youth crime in Queensland, saying the state government has failed to protect communities in the north.
- The push comes after a spate of car thefts and break-ins in Townsville that have prompted community protests and vigilante patrols.
- Queensland Premier Steven Miles dismissed the call as a political stunt, pointing to recent legislative changes that strengthen bail conditions for repeat young offenders.
8.
Woolworths posts record half-year profit as grocery prices remain elevated
- Woolworths Group has reported a net profit of $1.18 billion for the half-year ending January 2026, up 8.3 per cent on the prior corresponding period.
- The result has drawn sharp criticism from consumer advocacy groups, who say the profit demonstrates that major supermarkets are not passing on cost savings to shoppers.
- Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell defended the result, saying it reflects investment in supply chain efficiency and lower waste rather than price gouging.
9.
Flooding threat for northern NSW as tropical low tracks south
- A tropical low is tracking south from central Queensland and is forecast to bring 150-250mm of rain to the Northern Rivers region of NSW over the weekend.
- The Bureau of Meteorology has issued flood watches for the Clarence, Richmond, and Wilsons rivers, with minor to moderate flooding possible from Sunday.
- Lismore City Council has activated its flood operations centre and urged residents in low-lying areas to prepare their flood plans.
10.
Australia to send additional military aid to Ukraine, Marles confirms
- Defence Minister Richard Marles has announced a new $250 million military aid package for Ukraine, bringing Australia's total contribution to over $1.5 billion.
- The package includes Bushmaster armoured vehicles, ammunition, and training support for Ukrainian forces.
- The announcement came after Marles met with NATO officials in Brussels to discuss the ongoing conflict and Australia's role in the Indo-Pacific security framework.
11.
Melbourne property prices fall for fourth consecutive quarter
- Melbourne's median house price fell 1.8 per cent in the December 2025 quarter, marking the fourth consecutive quarterly decline.
- CoreLogic data shows the median house price in Melbourne is now $892,000, down 6.1 per cent from its peak in early 2025.
- Real estate agents say buyer confidence remains subdued, with many potential purchasers waiting for clearer signals on interest rate cuts before committing.
12.
Two dead in horror crash on Pacific Highway near Coffs Harbour
- Two people have died in a head-on collision between a sedan and a four-wheel drive on the Pacific Highway near Urunga, south of Coffs Harbour.
- Three other occupants have been airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital in critical condition with serious injuries.
- The highway was closed in both directions for several hours while police conducted a crash investigation, causing significant traffic delays.
13.
New COVID variant detected in NSW wastewater, health authorities monitoring
- NSW Health has detected a new COVID-19 sub-variant, designated KP.4.1, in wastewater samples from treatment plants across Sydney's eastern suburbs and inner west.
- Health authorities say there is no evidence the variant causes more severe illness, but it may be more transmissible than currently dominant strains.
- Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant urged people with symptoms to test and stay home, and recommended vulnerable groups ensure their vaccinations are up to date.
14.
Matildas captain Sam Kerr announces retirement from international football
- Matildas captain Sam Kerr has announced her retirement from international football, effective after the March friendly series against Japan in Sydney.
- Kerr retires as Australia's all-time leading goalscorer with 77 goals in 134 appearances, including memorable performances at the 2023 Women's World Cup.
- Football Australia will honour Kerr with a testimonial match at Stadium Australia, with tickets expected to sell out quickly.
15.
NDIS costs blow out by $6 billion as reform measures stall in Senate
- The National Disability Insurance Scheme is projected to cost $46 billion this financial year, $6 billion more than budgeted, according to new Treasury estimates.
- Key reform measures designed to control costs, including independent assessments and plan flexibility changes, remain stalled in the Senate due to crossbench opposition.
- NDIS Minister Bill Shorten said the government is in discussions with crossbenchers to find a compromise but warned that without reform, the scheme's sustainability is at risk.
16.
Victorian teachers to strike next week over pay and workload dispute
- Victorian public school teachers will stage a 24-hour strike on Wednesday after negotiations with the state government over a new enterprise agreement broke down.
- The Australian Education Union is demanding a 15 per cent pay rise over three years and caps on administrative workload, which the government has described as unaffordable.
- Parents have been advised to make alternative arrangements, with the Department of Education saying schools will remain open for supervision but normal classes will not run.
17.
Santos and Woodside in merger talks to create $80 billion energy giant
- Santos and Woodside Energy have confirmed they are in discussions about a potential merger that would create an energy company valued at approximately $80 billion.
- The combined entity would be one of the largest oil and gas producers in the Asia-Pacific region, with operations spanning Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste.
- Environmental groups have condemned the potential merger, saying it would entrench fossil fuel dependence at a time when Australia should be accelerating its clean energy transition.
18.
Bushfire emergency declared in Grampians as conditions deteriorate
- An emergency warning has been issued for the communities of Halls Gap and Pomonal in western Victoria as a bushfire in the Grampians National Park burns out of control.
- The fire has burnt through approximately 4,500 hectares and is being driven by strong northerly winds and temperatures above 40 degrees.
- Residents in the warning zone have been told it is too late to leave and they should shelter in place, while CFA crews work to protect properties on the fire's eastern edge.
19.
Qantas unveils new direct route from Sydney to Paris starting 2027
- Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson has announced a new direct route from Sydney to Paris, expected to launch in mid-2027 using the airline's A350-1000 fleet.
- The flight will take approximately 20 hours and will be the airline's third ultra-long-haul route under Project Sunrise, after London and New York.
- Tickets are expected to start at around $2,800 for economy class, with premium cabins featuring lie-flat seats and wellness zones.
20.
Perth man wins $40 million Powerball jackpot, biggest WA prize in history
- A 34-year-old electrician from Perth's northern suburbs has won the $40 million Powerball jackpot, the largest lottery prize ever claimed in Western Australia.
- The winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, said he checked his ticket on his phone during a smoko break and thought it was a mistake.
- Lotterywest CEO Ralph Addis said the win was the first division one Powerball result in WA in over 18 months.
21.
Australia Post to close 120 regional post offices amid financial pressure
- Australia Post has confirmed it will close or consolidate 120 post offices in regional and rural areas by the end of 2027, citing unsustainable operating losses.
- The National Party has condemned the decision, with leader David Littleproud calling it an attack on regional communities that already face declining services.
- Australia Post CEO Paul Graham said affected communities will retain access to postal services through community postal agents and mobile delivery arrangements.
22.
Gold Coast hospitals under pressure as flu season arrives early
- Gold Coast University Hospital and Robina Hospital have activated their surge capacity protocols as influenza presentations arrive weeks earlier than usual.
- Emergency department wait times have blown out to more than six hours for non-urgent cases, with ambulance ramping reaching critical levels.
- Queensland Health has urged people with mild symptoms to visit GPs or pharmacies instead of emergency departments to ease the pressure on hospitals.
23.
Foreign investors snap up Australian farmland at record pace, sparking food security concerns
- Foreign investors now own 14.1 per cent of Australian agricultural land, up from 12.6 per cent a year ago, according to the latest ATO register of foreign-owned land.
- The largest increases were in Queensland and Western Australia, with Chinese, Canadian, and British investors the biggest buyers of broadacre farming and pastoral land.
- The National Farmers' Federation has called for stricter oversight of foreign land purchases, warning that rising foreign ownership could undermine Australia's food security.
24.
NSW government scraps controversial toll road merger plan
- The NSW government has scrapped its plan to consolidate Sydney's toll road network under a single operator after fierce opposition from motorists and key crossbench MPs.
- Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the government will instead pursue toll relief measures including a $60 weekly cap on tolls for frequent users.
- The backdown is a significant political setback for Premier Chris Minns, who had championed the merger as a way to simplify and reduce tolls across the city.
25.
Antarctic ice shelf collapse accelerating faster than models predicted, Australian scientists warn
- Researchers from the Australian Antarctic Division have found that the Totten and Moscow University ice shelves are losing mass at approximately twice the rate predicted by current climate models.
- The study, published in Nature Geoscience, suggests global sea level rise projections may need to be revised upward by 15 to 30 centimetres by 2100.
- Lead researcher Dr Sarah Greenbaum said the findings underscore the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow the rate of polar ice loss.
26.
Cricket Australia considers day-night Ashes Tests after broadcast deal pressure
- Cricket Australia is considering scheduling multiple day-night Ashes Tests in the 2026-27 series as broadcasters push for more prime-time cricket content.
- The proposal has divided cricket fans and commentators, with traditionalists arguing that pink-ball Tests alter the contest, particularly for English bowlers unused to the conditions.
- CA chairman Mike Baird said no decision has been made but acknowledged that broadcast revenue is critical to funding grassroots cricket programs.
27.
Tasmania pushes back against federal plan to raise minimum age for social media to 16
- Tasmania's Education Minister has criticised the federal government's plan to raise the minimum age for social media access to 16, saying it could harm already isolated young people.
- The Tasmanian government argues that digital literacy education is more effective than blanket bans and that enforcement would be practically impossible.
- Communications Minister Michelle Rowland defended the proposal, saying the government has a responsibility to protect children from harmful online content.
28.
Major drug bust in Sydney's south-west nets $120 million in methamphetamine
- NSW Police and the Australian Federal Police have seized approximately 400 kilograms of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $120 million from a Revesby warehouse.
- Six people have been arrested and charged with drug supply and importation offences following a 12-month investigation by the joint organised crime task force.
- AFP Assistant Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the syndicate had links to international drug trafficking networks operating across Southeast Asia.
29.
Adelaide's desalination plant to double capacity amid worsening drought
- SA Water will invest $1.2 billion to double the capacity of the Adelaide Desalination Plant at Port Stanvac in response to worsening drought conditions across the Murray-Darling Basin.
- The expansion is expected to take three years and will allow the plant to supply up to 100 gigalitres per year, meeting half of Adelaide's drinking water needs.
- South Australia has recorded its driest January-February period in 10 years, with Murray River flows at critically low levels.
30.
Greens push to ban political donations from fossil fuel companies
- Greens leader Adam Bandt has introduced a bill to ban political donations from companies that derive more than 25 per cent of their revenue from fossil fuel extraction or processing.
- The bill would also require retrospective disclosure of all fossil fuel donations made to political parties over the past decade.
- Both major parties have indicated they will not support the bill, with Labor calling it impractical and the Coalition describing it as an attack on free enterprise.
31.
Rental vacancy rate hits record low in Brisbane as population growth surges
- Brisbane's rental vacancy rate has dropped to 0.6 per cent, the lowest on record, according to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland.
- Average weekly rents for houses in Brisbane have risen 11 per cent over the past year to $625 per week, with some suburbs seeing increases of more than 15 per cent.
- REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said interstate migration and insufficient new housing supply are the key drivers of the crisis, which is pushing vulnerable tenants into homelessness.
32.
Australia wins bid to host 2029 Rugby World Cup
- Australia has been awarded hosting rights for the 2029 Rugby World Cup, beating a rival bid from the United States.
- Matches will be played across five cities, with Stadium Australia in Sydney to host the final and ANZ Stadium in Brisbane hosting the opening ceremony.
- The tournament is expected to generate $2.5 billion in economic activity and attract over 500,000 international visitors to Australia.
33.
Electric vehicle sales in Australia surpass 20% market share for first time
- Electric vehicles made up 20.3 per cent of all new car sales in Australia in January 2026, crossing the 20 per cent threshold for the first time.
- Tesla remained the top-selling EV brand, but Chinese manufacturers BYD and MG saw the fastest growth, with BYD's Seal outselling the Toyota Camry.
- The Electric Vehicle Council said government incentives and falling battery prices are accelerating adoption, but called for more investment in public charging infrastructure.
34.
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart launches takeover bid for Mineral Resources
- Hancock Prospecting, led by Gina Rinehart, has made an indicative $9.2 billion cash-and-scrip offer to acquire Mineral Resources, whose share price has fallen 40 per cent in the past year.
- The bid comes amid ongoing governance issues at Mineral Resources following revelations about founder Chris Ellison's personal use of company funds.
- Mineral Resources' board said it will assess the proposal and has appointed independent advisers to evaluate whether the offer is in shareholders' best interests.
35.
Thousands rally in Melbourne against proposed nuclear energy sites
- An estimated 8,000 people marched from the State Library to Parliament House in Melbourne on Saturday in protest against the Coalition's nuclear energy policy.
- Protesters carried signs opposing proposed reactor sites at Loy Yang in Gippsland and Portland in the state's west, citing safety and environmental concerns.
- Opposition energy spokesman Ted O'Brien dismissed the rally as a union-organised stunt and maintained that nuclear energy is essential for Australia's future energy security.
36.
WA government approves high-speed rail link between Perth and Mandurah
- The WA government has given the green light for a $4.8 billion high-speed rail line between Perth and Mandurah, cutting travel time from 50 minutes to under 30 minutes.
- Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and be completed by 2031, with three new stations planned along the route.
- Premier Roger Cook said the project will ease congestion on the Kwinana Freeway and support housing development in Perth's southern growth corridor.
37.
Former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian cleared by ICAC appeals panel
- A three-member appeals panel has overturned ICAC's finding that former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian engaged in serious corrupt conduct in connection with grants to Wagga Wagga.
- The panel found that ICAC applied an incorrect legal test when assessing whether Berejiklian's personal relationship with former MP Daryl Maguire constituted a conflict of interest.
- Berejiklian said she was vindicated by the decision and called for reforms to ICAC to prevent similar investigations from being used as political weapons.
38.
Great Barrier Reef suffers worst coral bleaching event on record, scientists confirm
- Scientists from the Australian Institute of Marine Science have confirmed the Great Barrier Reef is experiencing its worst mass coral bleaching event, surpassing the severity of the 2024 event.
- Aerial surveys show 80 per cent of reefs examined have moderate to severe bleaching, with the worst damage concentrated in the central and southern sections.
- Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek called the situation devastating and announced an emergency $150 million reef resilience fund to support recovery efforts.
39.
Sydney's second airport on track for 2027 opening despite construction delays
- Infrastructure Minister Catherine King has insisted that Western Sydney International Airport is on track for its planned late 2027 opening despite reports of delays to terminal fit-out work.
- The $11 billion project has reached 65 per cent completion, with the runway and taxiways now fully paved and the control tower nearing its final construction phase.
- Airlines including Qantas and Virgin Australia have begun announcing routes from the new airport, with domestic services to Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast confirmed.
40.
Uber Eats and DoorDash face Senate inquiry over gig worker conditions
- A Senate committee will investigate working conditions for gig economy food delivery riders, following five rider deaths on Australian roads in the past 12 months.
- The inquiry will examine whether current workplace laws adequately protect gig workers and whether platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash should be required to provide minimum pay guarantees.
- The Transport Workers' Union has welcomed the inquiry, saying riders are routinely paid below minimum wage and denied basic entitlements like workers' compensation and superannuation.
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