Genetically modified Purple Bliss tomatoes, engineered to produce health-benefiting anthocyanins, have received final regulatory approval for commercial sale and cultivation in Australia. This marks the first fresh GM whole food to be grown and sold in the country, with availability expected this year.
Eligible Australian seniors receiving the Age Pension through Centrelink will see updated payment rates from February 12, 2026. This adjustment, part of regular indexation, means single pensioners can receive up to $1,178.70 per fortnight, while couples may receive up to $1,777 per fortnight combined, aiming to help manage rising living costs.
Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM) saw renewable energy sources, including storage, supply over 51% of its power for the first time in the December 2025 quarter. This milestone, detailed by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), marks a significant shift in the nation's energy landscape, with solar power playing a crucial role and coal generation reaching an all-time quarterly low.
Liberal MP Andrew Hastie has abandoned his bid to challenge Sussan Ley for the leadership of the Liberal Party in Australia. Hastie cited a lack of sufficient support from colleagues after a week of intense speculation, clearing the path for Angus Taylor as a potential challenger.
The 2026 Australian Open women's singles final is set to feature a highly anticipated rematch between world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and fifth seed Elena Rybakina. The championship match, scheduled for Saturday, January 31, at Melbourne Park's Rod Laver Arena, will see Sabalenka vie for her third Australian Open title, while Rybakina seeks her first, aiming to avenge her 2023 final loss to Sabalenka.
Australia's financial crime watchdog, AUSTRAC, has identified 10 individuals who paid children to produce child sexual exploitation material. These individuals were referred to law enforcement following a collaborative analysis of suspicious financial activity with major banks in November 2025.
Victoria, Australia, has recorded a new all-time high temperature of 48.9°C (120°F) in Walpeup and Hopetoun on January 27, 2026, surpassing the previous state record. The severe heatwave has gripped southeastern Australia, leading to widespread extreme temperatures, health warnings, and heightened bushfire risks across the region.
Australia has cancelled the visa of British-Israeli social media influencer Sammy Yahood on January 26, 2026. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cited Yahood's social media posts, which included calls to 'ban Islam' and descriptions of it as a 'murderous ideology,' stating that 'spreading hatred is not a good reason to come' to Australia. The decision was made under the new Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Act 2026.
A pack of dingoes on Australia's K'gari (Fraser Island) is slated for euthanasia after the death of 19-year-old Canadian tourist Piper James. Preliminary autopsy results indicate drowning with pre- and post-mortem dingo bites, prompting a government decision that has drawn criticism from Traditional Owners.
The 2026 Australian Open implemented its Extreme Heat Protocol amid soaring temperatures in Melbourne. Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka withdrew from the tournament before her third-round match against Maddison Inglis due to a left abdominal injury, allowing Inglis to advance.
Australia is facing a severe and prolonged heatwave, with temperatures forecast to approach 50C in some areas. Catastrophic fire danger warnings are in effect across multiple states, leading to widespread alerts and health advisories from the Bureau of Meteorology and emergency services.
Western Australia Health has issued a measles alert after the state's first case of 2026 was identified in a returned traveller from Bali. Five public exposure sites in Perth have been listed, and the public is urged to check vaccination status and monitor for symptoms. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications.
The entire Nationals frontbench, led by David Littleproud, has resigned from the shadow cabinet following a deep division over Labor's new hate speech laws. This mass resignation came after three Nationals senators defied party lines and crossed the floor to vote against the legislation, leading to a confirmed split within the Coalition.
Australia's Parliament has passed significant new gun laws, including a national buyback scheme and enhanced background checks, in response to last month's Bondi Beach terror attack. The reforms aim to tighten firearm control and importation.
A bushfire east of Mount Compass in South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula has scorched over 650 hectares, prompting 'Watch and Act' warnings for several communities. Firefighters are battling the uncontrolled blaze, which has already destroyed multiple structures.
Protesters in Sydney are planning to march on January 26, known as 'Invasion Day,' despite potential bans under new NSW protest laws. This follows a recent standoff at a rally where approximately 200 participants were ordered to disperse, with organizers pledging a larger turnout for the upcoming event.
Heavy rain and severe thunderstorms lashed the New South Wales coastline over the weekend of January 17-18, 2026, leading to widespread flash flooding, at least one fatality, and dozens of flood rescues. Emergency services responded to thousands of incidents as the wild weather impacted Sydney, the Central Coast, and other regions, with further storms forecast for eastern Australia.
Victoria, Australia, is facing a dual natural disaster as flash floods swept cars into the sea along the Great Ocean Road, forcing evacuations, while the state continues to battle multiple bushfires that have destroyed hundreds of homes and scorched over 400,000 hectares. The events, occurring in January 2026, have stretched emergency services and led to a State of Disaster declaration.
Continuous heavy rainfall and flooding, exacerbated by Tropical Cyclone Koji, have severely disrupted copper and coal logistics in Queensland, Australia, in January 2026. Key rail lines are closed, leading to force majeure declarations by miners and significant price increases for metallurgical coal.
Australian wildcard Taylah Preston, 20, has secured her maiden top-level quarterfinal berth at the Hobart International, defeating Slovakian Rebecca Sramkova 6-4, 6-1. This significant victory marks a career milestone for the young Australian.
