LATEST
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…
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…
Unemployment Rate Holds at 4.3 Per Cent in March
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports the unemployment rate remained at 4.3 per cent in March 2026, with employment increasing by approximately 7,000 people and the participation rate recorded at 66.6 per cent. FLIR – Pressure Point: Persistent labour market…
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…
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…
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.
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.
◆ ASX 200 – Weekly Close
The ASX 200 closed the week up +0.74%, making YTD gains since Jan 1 down -1.70%, at 8579.50 it is currently trading -2.15% below its six-month end of week rolling average.
ENVIRONMENT
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.
ENSO Returns to Neutral as El Niño Risk Builds
The Bureau of Meteorology reports El Niño–Southern Oscillation indicators have returned to neutral levels, with oceanic and atmospheric conditions no longer meeting La Niña thresholds. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicates increasing likelihood…
ECONOMY
Unemployment Rate Holds at 4.3 Per Cent in March
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports the unemployment rate remained at 4.3 per cent in March 2026, with employment increasing by approximately 7,000 people and the participation rate recorded at 66.6 per cent. FLIR – Pressure Point: Persistent labour market…
◆ ASX 200 – Weekly Close
The ASX 200 closed the week up +0.74%, making YTD gains since Jan 1 down -1.70%, at 8579.50 it is currently trading -2.15% below its six-month end of week rolling average.
Government Halves Fuel Excise for Three Months
The Prime Minister of Australia confirmed the fuel excise on petrol and diesel will be reduced by 50 per cent from April 1 to June 30 following a National Cabinet meeting, lowering fuel costs by 26.3 cents per litre.
Household Wealth Rises 2.5 Per Cent in December Quarter
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows total household wealth increased by approximately $389 billion to $16.2 trillion in the December quarter 2025, driven by gains in residential property and superannuation assets.
NATIONAL
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.
National Address Confirms No Change to Fuel Policy or Supply Settings
Anthony Albanese delivered a nationally broadcast address on the Middle East conflict and fuel supply, with no new policy measures, regulatory actions, or supply interventions announced.
HEALTH
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
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…
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…
SPORT
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…
SailGP – KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix
Podium 1 United States 2 Emirates Great Britain 3 Spain Season 1 Emirates Great Britain – 29 2 Australia (BONDS Flying Roos) – 25 3 United States – 20 4 Spain 5 Italy 6 Denmark 7 Canada 8 Germany…
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…