LATEST
Australian Government commits $310 million to AUKUS submarine propulsion systems
The Albanese Government announced a $310 million payment for long-lead items from the United Kingdom to manufacture nuclear propulsion systems for Australia’s first two SSN-AUKUS submarines at Osborne, South Australia.
Commonwealth Bank Cuts 300 Jobs Amid $90m AI Workforce Investment
Commonwealth Bank of Australia has confirmed approximately 300 roles will be made redundant across its Australian operations while committing $90 million over three years to upskill staff and expand artificial intelligence capability. The bank says the job reductions…
Final Medal Tally Confirmed for 2026 Winter Olympics
The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has concluded with Australia finishing 14th on the official medal table securing a record final tally of six medals, including three gold, two silver, and one bronze. This result establishes Australia’s highest-ever…
◆ ASX 200 – Weekly Close
The ASX 200 closed the week up +1.84%, lifting YTD gains since Jan 1 to +4.05%, at 9,081.40 it is currently trading +3.30% above its six-month end of week rolling average.
DFAT updates Smartraveller Middle East travel advice citing unpredictable regional tensions
On 16 February 2026, Smartraveller updated its travel advice for countries in the Middle East, warning Australians that the security situation is unpredictable and that conflicts could lead to airspace closures, flight cancellations, demonstrations, and travel…
Federal Government announces $39.2 million for Perinatal Mental Health Centre network
Assistant Minister Emma McBride announced the establishment of a new Perinatal Mental Health Centre in Devonport as part of a $39.2 million federal investment to create 20 specialized centres nationwide.
ABS reports unemployment rate remains at 4.1 per cent in January 2026.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics released Labour Force, Australia, January 2026, showing the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.1 per cent with employment rising by 18,000 and full-time employment up by 50,000.
Danielle Scott wins Silver in Women’s Aerials
Danielle Scott claimed the silver medal in the Women’s Aerials event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, finishing with a score of 102.17 behind China’s Xu Mengtao.
ENVIRONMENT
Category 3 Cyclone Mitchell to Hit Pilbara Coast; Port Closures and Evacuations Active.
Destructive winds up to 220 km/h. Major ports (Port Hedland, Dampier) closed. Flash flooding expected through Gascoyne. Evacuation centres open in Karratha and Onslow.
Cyclone Watch Issued for WA Coast as System Luana Intensifies
Residents in Western Australia’s north are on alert as the Bureau of Meteorology issues a formal cyclone watch for a system expected to reach Category 2 strength.
Catastrophic Fire Danger Declared for Parts of South Australia
The Country Fire Service has escalated fire danger ratings to Catastrophic for the Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas as a severe heatwave sweeps the state.
Cyclone Warning
Tropical Cyclone Koji has developed into a Category 2 Cyclone and is moving towards the Queensland coast. Warning zone Innisfail to Mackay.
ECONOMY
Commonwealth Bank Cuts 300 Jobs Amid $90m AI Workforce Investment
Commonwealth Bank of Australia has confirmed approximately 300 roles will be made redundant across its Australian operations while committing $90 million over three years to upskill staff and expand artificial intelligence capability. The bank says the job reductions…
◆ ASX 200 – Weekly Close
The ASX 200 closed the week up +1.84%, lifting YTD gains since Jan 1 to +4.05%, at 9,081.40 it is currently trading +3.30% above its six-month end of week rolling average.
ABS reports unemployment rate remains at 4.1 per cent in January 2026.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics released Labour Force, Australia, January 2026, showing the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.1 per cent with employment rising by 18,000 and full-time employment up by 50,000.
ABS reports wages rise 0.8% in December quarter and 3.4% annually.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics released the Wage Price Index: Australia, December 2025, showing that wages increased by 0.8 per cent in the December quarter 2025 and 3.4 per cent over the year to December 2025, with public sector pay growing faster than private…
NATIONAL
Australian Government commits $310 million to AUKUS submarine propulsion systems
The Albanese Government announced a $310 million payment for long-lead items from the United Kingdom to manufacture nuclear propulsion systems for Australia’s first two SSN-AUKUS submarines at Osborne, South Australia.
Federal Government announces $39.2 million for Perinatal Mental Health Centre network
Assistant Minister Emma McBride announced the establishment of a new Perinatal Mental Health Centre in Devonport as part of a $39.2 million federal investment to create 20 specialized centres nationwide.
Federal Government approves 4.41% average private health insurance premium increase.
The Australian Government confirmed it has approved an average 4.41 per cent increase in private health insurance premiums from 1 April 2026
Angus Taylor elected leader of the federal Liberal Party
The federal Liberal Party elected former energy minister Angus Taylor as its new leader in a partyroom ballot, defeating incumbent Sussan Ley 34 votes to 17 and ending her nine-month tenure; Victorian senator Jane Hume was elected deputy leader by party members.
WORLD
DFAT updates Smartraveller Middle East travel advice citing unpredictable regional tensions
On 16 February 2026, Smartraveller updated its travel advice for countries in the Middle East, warning Australians that the security situation is unpredictable and that conflicts could lead to airspace closures, flight cancellations, demonstrations, and travel…
DFAT Releases 2024–25 Consular Report
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has released its 2024–25 Consular State of Play report, detailing more than 26,000 consular assistance cases involving Australians overseas. Thailand recorded the highest number of country-specific cases during the reporting…
United States completes withdrawal from World Health Organization
The United States has formally ended its 78-year membership in the World Health Organization, concluding its participation in the global health agency.
Major snowstorm forecast to disrupt New York region
A major winter storm is forecast to hit the New York region, prompting travel warnings as heavy snow and strong winds are expected.
SPORT
Final Medal Tally Confirmed for 2026 Winter Olympics
The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has concluded with Australia finishing 14th on the official medal table securing a record final tally of six medals, including three gold, two silver, and one bronze. This result establishes Australia’s highest-ever…
Danielle Scott wins Silver in Women’s Aerials
Danielle Scott claimed the silver medal in the Women’s Aerials event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, finishing with a score of 102.17 behind China’s Xu Mengtao.
Matt Graham wins Olympic Bronze in Dual Moguls
Australian athlete Matt Graham achieved a 3rd place finish in the men’s dual moguls at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games.
Australia wins ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix
The Australian SailGP Team, helmed by Tom Slingsby, secured 1st place in the Auckland event to move to the top of the season championship standings.