The Australian Department of Home Affairs has activated new legislative powers allowing the government to suspend the entry of individuals holding specific visa subclasses, even after those visas have been officially granted. This measure is part of broader efforts to manage migration and border security, granting authorities increased flexibility in responding to changing circumstances.
Australian and New Zealand defence ministers have launched a ten-year roadmap aimed at deepening military integration. The initiative seeks to create a more cohesive and capable ANZAC force by 2035, focusing on enhanced interoperability, shared training, and coordinated strategic planning to address evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
As South Australia prepares for its upcoming election, debate has intensified regarding the role of third-party lobby groups. Critics and political observers are raising concerns about how these entities operate under the state's current political donation and disclosure framework, prompting calls for greater transparency in campaign financing.
The Supreme Court of New South Wales has ordered Macquarie Securities to pay $35 million in civil penalties. The fine follows legal action brought by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regarding the firm's failure to correctly report short sale transactions over several years, violating market integrity rules.
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has signaled that inflation is expected to rise beyond 4.5%, driven by persistent global conflicts and supply-side constraints. The government is monitoring the economic impact as it navigates these international challenges and their effect on domestic price stability.
The Australian women's basketball team, the Opals, defeated Hungary 71-58 in a FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup qualifying tournament match. The win highlights Australia's strong performance as they continue their campaign on the international stage, showcasing defensive strength and offensive execution to overcome their European opponents.
A magnitude 2.9 earthquake struck near the town of Katanning in Western Australia. The tremor occurred at a shallow depth, according to seismic monitoring data. Local authorities and geological agencies are monitoring the situation following the event, which was felt by residents in the surrounding region.
The Vietnamese Consulate General in Perth and the Western Australia-Vietnam Business Council hosted a business forum to bolster economic cooperation. The event focused on enhancing bilateral trade, exploring investment opportunities, and strengthening partnerships between Western Australian enterprises and Vietnamese businesses.
Two individuals have been charged in Queensland, Australia, under recently enacted legislation that prohibits the use of specific phrases deemed to cause menace or harassment. The charges mark a significant application of the state's updated public order laws, sparking debate over the balance between public safety and the right to freedom of expression.
David Littleproud has announced his resignation as leader of the National Party of Australia, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. The announcement marks a significant leadership change for the party, with a process to select his successor expected to begin immediately.
The Australian men's and women's rugby sevens teams both reached the semi-final stage at the HSBC SVNS World Series tournament in Vancouver. The event, held at BC Place, saw both squads compete against top-tier international opposition as they continued their campaigns in the 2023-2024 World Series circuit.
The Australian Federal Police have concluded a year-long operation targeting online child exploitation, resulting in 26 men being charged with over 1,000 offences. The investigation, which spanned across Australia, highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the distribution and production of child abuse material online.
The North Shelly Boardriders Club has secured the title at the 2026 NRMA Insurance Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final. Held on the Gold Coast, the event saw top surfing clubs from across Australia compete in the prestigious national championship, culminating in a hard-fought victory for the North Shelly team.
Australian Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri topped the timesheets during the opening practice session for the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park. Driving for McLaren, Piastri led the field in front of his home crowd, setting a strong early benchmark as teams began preparations for the weekend's race in Melbourne.
The Australian share market saw a notable rebound, with the ASX 200 index closing higher. Gains were primarily driven by strong performances in the technology and healthcare sectors, as investors reacted positively to signs of easing geopolitical tensions, leading to a broader improvement in market sentiment across the Australian exchange.
The U.S. Consulate General in Sydney has issued a security alert advising American citizens to exercise caution due to planned demonstrations. The protests are reportedly in response to U.S. foreign policy regarding Iran. Officials have urged U.S. citizens to avoid protest areas and maintain a high level of vigilance while in the vicinity of the consulate and surrounding city locations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has tabled the Liberal Party's internal review of its 2022 federal election defeat in Parliament. The move forces the previously confidential document into the public record, following its earlier leak to the media. The report provides a candid assessment of the party's performance and the challenges it faced during the campaign.
Australian motorists face a potential increase of up to 40 cents per litre at the bowser following recent military actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, which have driven global oil prices higher and raised concerns over the critical Strait of Hormuz.
The Roy Morgan Poll, conducted from February 23 to March 1, 2026, reveals a 1.5 percentage point increase in primary support for One Nation, reaching 22%. Concurrently, the ALP and L-NP Coalition experienced minor decreases in their primary vote, while the ALP maintains a lead on a two-party preferred basis.
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade took place on Saturday, March 2, 2024, under the theme 'Our Future…'. The event saw thousands march along Oxford Street, Flinders Street, and Anzac Parade, showcasing vibrant expressions of LGBTQIA+ pride and protest. The parade route was recently added to the National Heritage List.
