LATEST
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…
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
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.
Jakara Anthony defeats Jaelin Kauf to win Dual Moguls gold in Livigno
Jakara Anthony claimed the gold medal in the women’s dual moguls at Livigno, defeating USA’s Jaelin Kauf in the final.
◆ ASX 200 – Weekly Close
The ASX 200 closed out the week at 8,917.60. +2.40% for the week, +1.41% above 6 month average and +2.17% YTD since Jan 1.
Josie Baff wins gold in Women’s Snowboard Cross
Australian snowboarder Josie Baff won the gold medal in the women’s snowboard cross event at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics in Livigno, finishing ahead of Eva Adamczyková (CZE) and Michela Moioli (ITA)
Scotty James claims silver in Men’s Snowboard Halfpipe
Australian snowboarder Scotty James secured the silver medal in the men’s snowboard halfpipe final at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics in Livigno, with Japan’s Yūto Totsuka taking gold and Ryusei Yamada bronze.
ENVIRONMENT
Emergency Warning
Bushfire, Leave Immediately for Cape Otway, Maits Rest.
Victorian Bushfires
State of Disaster declared for bushfire emergencies.
ECONOMY
◆ ASX 200 – Weekly Close
The ASX 200 closed out the week at 8,917.60. +2.40% for the week, +1.41% above 6 month average and +2.17% YTD since Jan 1.
First Home Buyer Loans Rise 6.8%
New first home buyer loan commitments increased 6.8 per cent in the December 2025 quarter to 31,783 loans, according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on 11 February 2026. This is the highest quarterly volume in approximately four years.
Household Spending Down 0.4% in December
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported on 9 February 2026 that household spending in Australia fell by 0.4 per cent in December 2025 compared to November, following strong increases in earlier months.
◆ ASX 200 – Weekly Close
The ASX 200 closed the week at 8,708.80, down approximately 1.8% for the week.
NATIONAL
ADV Reliant Delivers 400,000L of Water to Kiribati
Australian Defence Vessel ADV Reliant has completed a three-day mission delivering 400,000 litres of fresh water and 15 pallets of humanitarian supplies to Banaba Island, Kiribati. The deployment followed an official request for assistance from the President of…
Government Reviews Online Game Ratings After Safety Concerns
Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells has written to the Classification Board and eSafety Commissioner to review whether Roblox’s PG rating remains appropriate following media reports of child grooming concerns. The review request is part of broader federal…
Australia and Indonesia Sign Landmark Security Treaty
The Australian and Indonesian governments signed the Australia–Indonesia Treaty on Common Security on 6 February 2026 in Jakarta, establishing a framework for ongoing bilateral cooperation on defence and regional security matters. The agreement is intended to enhance…
Federal Government Launches “Once-in-a-Generation” Defence Estate Reform
The Federal Government has confirmed the divestment of 64 Defence sites and partial sale of three others, including HMAS Penguin and RAAF Williams, with funds redirected to strengthen northern and western bases in line with shifting strategic priorities.
WORLD
Landslide in West Java kills 23 soldiers, dozens missing
A landslide at a military training site in West Java, Indonesia, has killed 23 soldiers and left dozens missing, according to official reports.
New Zealand Landslide
Search and recovery ongoing for 6 missing persons including children at Beachside Holiday Park, Mount Maunganui. 2 fatalities previously confirmed
Board of Peace
United States President Donald Trump is asking countries to pay $A1.5 billion for a permanent spot on his so-called “Board of Peace”. Originally conceived as a board to oversee the rebuilding of Gaza, the proposed international body is seemingly expanding…
Japan will head for a snap election
Japan’s Prime Minister has announced plans to dissolve the parliament and trigger a snap election in less than three weeks. Sanae Takaichi is hoping to capitalise on her surging public opinion ratings.
SPORT
Jakara Anthony defeats Jaelin Kauf to win Dual Moguls gold in Livigno
Jakara Anthony claimed the gold medal in the women’s dual moguls at Livigno, defeating USA’s Jaelin Kauf in the final.
Josie Baff wins gold in Women’s Snowboard Cross
Australian snowboarder Josie Baff won the gold medal in the women’s snowboard cross event at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics in Livigno, finishing ahead of Eva Adamczyková (CZE) and Michela Moioli (ITA)
Scotty James claims silver in Men’s Snowboard Halfpipe
Australian snowboarder Scotty James secured the silver medal in the men’s snowboard halfpipe final at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics in Livigno, with Japan’s Yūto Totsuka taking gold and Ryusei Yamada bronze.
Cooper Woods wins gold in Men’s Moguls
On the final run in the men’s final for Moguls, Cooper Woods has laid down the run of a lifetime to finish first on the podium winning the first gold medal in Australia’s Olympic campaign at Milano Cortina 2026.