Welcome, readers, to Afternoon Update.
Victoria’s petrol prices could spike up to 20c a litre due to a huge blaze at Viva Energy’s oil refinery in Geelong, but oil and supply chain experts say the effects should be short-lived.
Late on Wednesday, a fire broke out at the facility that provides about half of the state’s petrol, and 10% nationwide, with an equipment error thought to be the cause.
The federal energy minister, Chris Bowen, has said petrol, diesel and jet fuel continues to be produced at the refinery at reduced levels as a safety precaution. He said there would be an impact on petrol production.
Top news
More than 80 unopened ballots found in SA seat won by One Nation prompts recount
NSW’s highest court strikes down anti-protest law introduced in wake of Bondi beach terror attack
Australian federal court issues warning to lawyers over ‘unacceptable’ use of AI
Democrats file articles of impeachment against Hegseth for ‘high crimes and misdemeanors’
In pictures
Are the Coalition and One Nation singing from the same songsheet? Or is the Coalition just following One Nation’s tune, ponders cartoonist Fiona Katauskas.
What they said …
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“Australia faces its most complex and threatening strategic circumstances since the end of world war two.” – Richard Marles
Appearing at the National Press Club on Thursday, the defence minister clarified that while he doesn’t think “big conflict is inevitable … the world feels less safe, and we understand that”.
Full Story
Angus Taylor’s Trumpian immigration plan
The Liberal leader, Angus Taylor, has announced his new immigration policy including a crackdown on immigration and an emphasis on “Australian values” in determining who is allowed to come to the country.
Guardian Australia’s political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy speaks to Reged Ahmad about why the Liberal leader is borrowing from One Nation’s playbook and how the policy could backfire on the Coalition
Before bed read
We’re often taught that breathing is automatic. We barely think about it, as with blinking or the quiet, constant work of the heart. Because we often don’t think much about it, many people do not know their breathing is problematic – here’s what to know about dysfunctional breathing.
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: RIPP. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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