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KPMG analysis shows wealth disparities remain across Australian generations and age groups
KPMG Australia stated on 22 January 2026 that Baby Boomer households remained the wealthiest in Australia with an average net worth of $2.375 million, while Millennials averaged $905,000. The analysis found Gen X households held the highest wealth in dwellings and…
AFL Round 9 Results
AFL Round 9 Results • Fremantle 12.16 (88) def Hawthorn 11.7 (73) • Brisbane 14.16 (100) def Carlton 13.11 (89) • W. Bulldogs 10.14 (74) def Port Adelaide 10.12 (72) • Sydney 16.9 (105) def North Melbourne 14.13 (97) •…
Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Wins Farrer By-Election
Pauline Hanson’s One Nation secured victory in the 2026 Farrer by-election in New South Wales, with candidate David Farley elected to the federal House of Representatives following the resignation of former Liberal member Sussan Ley.
Kimi Antonelli Wins Miami Grand Prix
Kimi Antonelli secured victory at the Miami Grand Prix, finishing ahead of Lando Norris in second and Oscar Piastri in third. 2026 Miami Grand Prix Top 10 Results Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) Lando Norris (McLaren) Oscar Piastri (McLaren) George Russell (Mercedes)…
Cash Rate Increased to 4.35% by Reserve Bank of Australia
The Reserve Bank of Australia increased the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.35 per cent at its May 2026 monetary policy decision, citing inflation remaining above target and ongoing strength in the labour market. The Board stated that further tightening of monetary…
Long-range forecast indicates below-average rainfall for eastern Australia
The Bureau of Meteorology’s May to July outlook shows rainfall is likely to be below average for much of eastern Australia and parts of the south. Daytime and overnight temperatures are projected to be above average for most of the continent during this period.
Dwellings Approved Decrease 1.9% in March 2026
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported total dwellings approved fell 1.9 per cent in March 2026, following a revised 0.9 per cent increase in February, with private sector house approvals down 3.8 per cent.
Annual CPI Inflation Recorded at 4.6% in March 2026
The Australian Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 4.6% in the 12 months to March 2026, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data released on April 29, 2026. This annual rate increased from 3.7% in February 2026, driven primarily by housing (+6.5%),…
ENVIRONMENT
Long-range forecast indicates below-average rainfall for eastern Australia
The Bureau of Meteorology’s May to July outlook shows rainfall is likely to be below average for much of eastern Australia and parts of the south. Daytime and overnight temperatures are projected to be above average for most of the continent during this period.
International Models Indicate Increasing Probability of El Niño Development
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports a 62 per cent probability of El Niño developing between June and August 2026 and persisting through the end of the year, with multi-model guidance from the International Research Institute for Climate and…
Tropical Cyclone Maila Active in Solomon Sea with Uncertain Track Toward Queensland
The BOM is monitoring Tropical Cyclone Maila in the Solomon Sea, currently assessed around Category 3 intensity and located well offshore to the northeast of Queensland, with movement expected to remain in the region over coming days. The system remains offshore…
Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake Recorded in Outback South Australia
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake was recorded near Amata in South Australia’s outback, with tremors felt across the region and minor aftershocks reported. The event represents a higher-magnitude seismic occurrence relative to typical activity in South Australia.
ECONOMY
KPMG analysis shows wealth disparities remain across Australian generations and age groups
KPMG Australia stated on 22 January 2026 that Baby Boomer households remained the wealthiest in Australia with an average net worth of $2.375 million, while Millennials averaged $905,000. The analysis found Gen X households held the highest wealth in dwellings and…
Cash Rate Increased to 4.35% by Reserve Bank of Australia
The Reserve Bank of Australia increased the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.35 per cent at its May 2026 monetary policy decision, citing inflation remaining above target and ongoing strength in the labour market. The Board stated that further tightening of monetary…
Dwellings Approved Decrease 1.9% in March 2026
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported total dwellings approved fell 1.9 per cent in March 2026, following a revised 0.9 per cent increase in February, with private sector house approvals down 3.8 per cent.
Annual CPI Inflation Recorded at 4.6% in March 2026
The Australian Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 4.6% in the 12 months to March 2026, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data released on April 29, 2026. This annual rate increased from 3.7% in February 2026, driven primarily by housing (+6.5%),…
NATIONAL
Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Wins Farrer By-Election
Pauline Hanson’s One Nation secured victory in the 2026 Farrer by-election in New South Wales, with candidate David Farley elected to the federal House of Representatives following the resignation of former Liberal member Sussan Ley.
Government Secures 100 Million Litres of Diesel Through International Supply Agreements
The Australian Government confirmed it has secured 100 million litres of diesel through international agreements following recent global supply disruptions, with the Prime Minister announcing the arrangement after meetings with regional partners. The secured volume is…
Major Fire at Geelong Oil Refinery Reduces Capacity at Critical National Fuel Facility
A fire at the Geelong Oil Refinery in Corio on 15 April 2026 forced key petrol production units to shut down, with the facility continuing operations at reduced capacity while emergency response and safety assessments are underway. The refinery supplies over 50 per…
Ben Roberts-Smith Arrested on Alleged War Crimes Charges
Ben Roberts-Smith was arrested by Australian authorities in relation to alleged war crimes offences, with legal proceedings underway following prior civil court findings connected to his conduct in Afghanistan.
HEALTH
Government Removes Higher Private Health Insurance Rebate for Australians Aged Over 65
The Australian Government confirmed the removal of the higher private health insurance rebate tier for Australians aged over 65, aligning rebate levels with those applied to younger policyholders and increasing out-of-pocket premium costs for affected individuals….
Sugary Drink Purchases Higher in Disadvantaged Areas
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows households in the most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas purchased approximately 26 per cent more sugar-sweetened drinks than the national average, while those in the least disadvantaged areas purchased around 29 per cent…
WORLD
Strait of Hormuz Remains Functionally Disrupted Despite Ceasefire Activity
Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely reduced, with only a small number of vessels transiting daily compared to pre-conflict levels of over 130 ships per day. Recent incidents including vessel seizures, gunfire, and ongoing military presence…
Chuck Norris Dies Aged 86
Chuck Norris, the American martial artist and actor known for roles in Walker, Texas Ranger and The Way of the Dragon, has died aged 86. His family confirmed he died on 19 March 2026 in Hawaii following a recent hospitalisation.
DFAT issues “Do Not Travel” advisory for multiple Middle Eastern destinations
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has updated its travel advice advising Australians to “Do Not Travel” to several Middle Eastern countries — including Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — due to a volatile and…
United Kingdom updates ETA entry rules for dual Australian–British/Irish citizens
Effective 25 February 2026, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Smartraveller) advises that dual Australian–British or Australian–Irish citizens must present a British or Irish passport to board flights under the United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel…
SPORT
AFL Round 9 Results
AFL Round 9 Results • Fremantle 12.16 (88) def Hawthorn 11.7 (73) • Brisbane 14.16 (100) def Carlton 13.11 (89) • W. Bulldogs 10.14 (74) def Port Adelaide 10.12 (72) • Sydney 16.9 (105) def North Melbourne 14.13 (97) •…
Kimi Antonelli Wins Miami Grand Prix
Kimi Antonelli secured victory at the Miami Grand Prix, finishing ahead of Lando Norris in second and Oscar Piastri in third. 2026 Miami Grand Prix Top 10 Results Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) Lando Norris (McLaren) Oscar Piastri (McLaren) George Russell (Mercedes)…
AFL Round 2 Match Results
Hawthorn 14.15 (99) def. Sydney 13.4 (82) Western Bulldogs 14.10 (94) def. Adelaide 13.10 (88) Gold Coast 19.14 (128) def. Richmond 9.6 (60) St Kilda 11.12 (78) def. GWS Giants 10.14 (74) Fremantle 17.16 (118) def. Melbourne 10.10 (70) Port Adelaide 20.13 (133) def….
Australia Formula 1 Grand Prix
Mercedes opened the 2026 Formula One season with a dominant one-two finish at the Australian Grand Prix, with George Russell converting pole position into victory ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli. Ferrari initially challenged for the lead through Charles Leclerc…