What we learned; Sunday 1 March
We’ll wrap up our Australian news live blog here for today. The Guardian’s ongoing coverage of the US-Israel war on Iran continues here.
This is what made the news today:
Both Labor and the Coalition have expressed support for the US-Israel military strikes in Iran, which killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.
The Greens described the attacks as an “illegal bombing campaign” and raised concerns that Australian facilities, such as Pine Gap, were used to aid the strikes.
The Australian foreign minister, Penny Wong, said Australia did not have prior notice of the strikes.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, says Khamenei will “not be mourned” and that Australia is concerned about escalation in the Middle East, but supports the action. Albanese urged Australians to leave Gulf countries if they could.
Dozens of flights from Australia were cancelled on Sunday, amid uncertainty about when airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha would reopen.
Members of Australia’s Iranian diaspora have joined pro-democracy demonstrations in Canberra, Melbourne and elsewhere.
Updated
Iranian diaspora in Australia attend pro-democracy rallies
Members of the Iranian diaspora in Australia have joined a number of pro-democracy demonstrations, following news of the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
A group has gathered outside the Iranian embassy in Canberra.
Guardian Australia reporter Catie McLeod captured the below footage of people celebrating and dancing on the steps of the Victorian parliament this afternoon, in front of a “Free Iran” banner. They were waving Iranian, American and Israeli flags.
Updated
‘Freeze, don’t squeeze’: experts on the safest way to remove ticks
Experts have warned people against squeezing ticks, or removing them with tweezers, following the New South Wales coroner’s finding that Central Coast teenager Jeremy Webb died of a meat allergy triggered by a tick bite.
Guardian Australia’s heath reporter Natasha May spoke to Prof Sheryl van Nunen, a clinical immunologist and allergist at the National Allergy Centre of Excellence, who says that after two or more tick bites, one in two people’s bodies will make the allergy antibody.
Therefore, preventing a tick bite from occurring is the most important strategy: “No tick bites, no problem,” Van Nunen says.
“You’re probably going to be able to negate the effect of the tick bite if you deal with the tick properly.
“Pulling it out with your fingers, taking it out with tweezers – get ready to have mammalian meat allergy or tick anaphylaxis – that’d be the same as putting on a black wetsuit, taking a surfboard and hopping in after the big rain when we had all the bull sharks,” she says.
The best advice is “freeze, don’t squeeze!”: killing the tick in situ with an ether-containing spray, then waiting for it to drop off or seeking medical attention for it to be removed.
Updated
More flights to Middle East cancelled
Several airlines have now cancelled additional flights from Australia to the Middle East, including flights due to leave late on Sunday night.
Earlier, we reported that Emirates and Etihad had advised travellers that Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports – along with others in the Gulf – were closed pending until this evening.
Most Emirates flights due to leave Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane tonight are now listed as cancelled. One Melbourne flight remains scheduled, and travellers should check their flight status with the airline.
Virgin Australia has advised customers of several cancellations of Qatar Airways flights travelling via Doha.
Updated
Pro-democracy rally to be held at Iranian embassy in Canberra
Australia-based supporters of democracy in Iran will hold a rally at the Iranian embassy in Canberra this afternoon.
The Association to Defend Freedom and Human Rights in Iran – Australia say supporters will gather at 3pm AEDT to demand democratic reforms after the US-Israel backed strikes.
In a statement the group said: “This huge uprising made it very clear that the people want no more dictatorship – no Supreme Leader, no Shah – they want a secular democratic republic.”
Updated
One teen charged after Perth out-of-control gathering, police say
WA police have charged a 15-year-old boy after officers declared an out-of-control gathering in Perth on Saturday night.
Police said they were called to Wembley Downs, in north-western Perth, at about 8.15pm on Saturday after receiving multiple reports of antisocial behaviour at a residential party.
Police identified a group of 150 juveniles in the street, allegedly fighting, shouting and refusing to leave the area. A number of them were observed to be intoxicated and behaving in a disorderly manner, police said.
A 15-year-old male was arrested and charged with one count of assaulting a public officer. He is due to appear in the Perth children’s court on 6 March.
A second 15-year-old was arrested and later released with a formal caution.
Updated
Peak Jewish group ‘profoundly disturbed’ by reports of foiled terror plot to attack mosques and public buildings
Australia’s peak Jewish body says it is “profoundly disturbed” by reports of a foiled alleged terrorist attack targeting a number of public buildings and Islamic places of worship.
WA police on Friday charged a 20-year-old man with preparing a terrorist attack.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry said it backed calls made by the WA premier for an end to “dog whistling” and the “language of division” in public discourse, regardless of the issue.
Daniel Aghion KC, president of the council, said
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry is profoundly disturbed by reports of a terror plot that included plans to attack a number of mosques in WA as well as the police.
As a community that has suffered a series of attacks over the past two and a half years, including arson and vandalism at our places of worship, and culminating in the horrors of 14 December 2025, we are keenly aware of how distressing and unsettling such threats can be.
It is for this reason that we have advocated so strenuously for legislation that protects not just Jewish Australians but all Australians from the hateful actions and hateful speech that have cost us so dearly since October 7, 2023.
Updated
Victoria police extend retail crime operation until the end of the year
Victoria police will extend a crime crackdown on Melbourne shopping centres until the end of the year.
Police arrested more than 450 people since Operation Pulse launched in December. A man who allegedly stole $2,000 worth of knives is among those arrested.
In a statement, Victoria police said almost 1,000 charges had been laid in the first nine weeks of the operation. Of these charges, almost half are for retail theft and drug offences.
Acting deputy commissioner Libby Murphy said:
We’ve also had a lot of positive feedback from both retailers and shoppers in relation to this operation, and they are regularly approaching our members to tell them they feel much safer and have noticed a considerable drop in crime.
Updated
‘She’s in the sky’: K’gari tragedy teen farewelled
Mourners from across the world have farewelled a teenager who died alone on an Australian beach surrounded by a pack of dingoes, AAP reports.
Close friends and family gathered in the Campbell River Baptist Church in the Canadian province of British Columbia to remember Piper James, the 19-year-old backpacker whose life was cut short on the Queensland island K’gari on 19 January.
Her Australian friends joined the service in spirit, watching online on Sunday morning to farewell the brave teenager who ran toward danger, who loved deeply and was filled with joy.
James and her best friend, Taylor Stricker, were on the trip of a lifetime when World Heritage-listed K’gari captured their hearts.
The pair landed a job on the island working at a hostel before James took a dawn walk on the beach from which she never returned.
Updated
Iranian government is ‘murderous regime’: Executive Council of Australian Jewry
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry says it welcomes military strikes in Iran, while “regretting the necessity for military action and the risks it poses to the people of Israel and Iran”.
In a statement, the peak body for Australia’s Jewish community says such action was “unavoidable and inevitable”.
President Daniel Aghion said the Iranian government was “a murderous regime”.
”It has attacked synagogues and Jewish targets in Australia and around the world. It funds terrorist groups Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis. It massacres its own civilians.
“Western nations, led by Israel and the US, must curtail the nuclear aspirations of the Iranian government, disrupt its international terrorism network, and protect the Iranian people from their own leadership.
“At this time, our thoughts are with the people of Israel and Iran.”
Updated
Albanese says Australians should leave Middle East and Gulf countries ‘if it is safe to do so’
The prime minister says there is limited consular assistance available to Australians who might be in Iran, after the decision to close the embassy in Tehran last year.
”We have travel advice for Israel, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar United Arab Emirates travel. Australians should leave now if it is safe to do so,” Albanese says.
”The closure of transport hubs in the Middle East will likely lead to flight disruptions.”
Updated
Legality of attack is a question for US and others involved, Albanese says
Albanese is asked whether he believes the attacks were legal under international law.
He says such judgments were for the United States and others involved in the attack.
”What I would say is that the threat to international peace and of the Iranian regime is real,” Albanese said.
”The fact that they orchestrated attacks here, from the other side of the world, underlines the threat that this regime presented to the rule of law and to international norms of behaviour.”
Updated
PM says ‘we are concerned about regional escalation’ but supports ‘action’ against Iran
Anthony Albanese has reiterated Australia’s support for the US and Israeli actions in Iran.
He says Australia’s priority is the safety of Australians in the region.
We have long recognised that Iran, Iran’s nuclear [program] is a threat to global peace and security.
We have called for the Iranian regime to uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Iran’s citizens. Sadly [these calls have] gone unheeded and action has now been taken.
We support the states acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran from continuing threaten international peace and security.
We are concerned about regional escalation and urge the protection of civilians for those on the ground.
Updated
Ayatollah Khamenei ‘will not be mourned’: Albanese
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, says Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is believed dead in US-Israeli airstrikes in Iran, “will not be mourned”.
Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against what is oppressive regime. Ayatollah Khameini was responsible for the regime’s nuclear program, support for armed proxies and its brutal violence and its own people. This claimed countless lives in Iran, but also internationally. He was responsible for orchestrating attacks on Australian soil. He will not be mourned.
Updated
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is due to address reporters in Sydney in a few minutes.
Updated
Queensland ‘adult time, adult crime’ laws to be expanded to more offences
The Queensland government has said it will expand its signature “adult crime, adult time” laws to 45 offences including a number of domestic and sexual violence offences.
Children as young as 10 face potential life sentences under the Queensland LNP’s youth crime regime, which it concedes is contrary to state and international human rights law, is discriminatory and will disproportionately affect First Nations people.
The premier, David Crisafulli, says the laws will be expanded to include 12 new offences, in addition to more than 30 already subject to the “adult time” rules, which mean children can face punishment on par with adults.
The new offences include assault occasioning bodily harm, stalking, conspiracy to murder, and riot.
They also include indecent treatment of a child under the age of 16, domestic violence choking, aiding suicide, and administering poison with intent to harm.
The government says it is following the recommendations of its hand-picked expert panel.
Updated
Travellers in limbo after flights between Australia and Middle East cancelled
International flights between Australia and major hubs in the Middle East have been cancelled, leaving travellers in limbo.
Virgin Australia says four Qatar Airways flights headed from Australia to Doha have been turned around.
Emirates and Etihad flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Dubai and Abu Dhabi – common stops on long-haul flights to Europe via Gulf carriers – were cancelled on Sunday morning.
Emirates says it has “temporarily suspended” all flights in and out of Dubai, until at least 10pm AEDT on Sunday.
“We apologise to customers affected by disruptions for any inconvenience caused, and we are assisting them with rebooking, refunds, or alternative travel arrangements,” the airline said in a message to passengers.
“The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.”
Etihad has issued an update to passengers saying it had suspended arrivals and departures until 9pm AEDT. Any flight scheduled to arrive beforehand has been cancelled, but services due to arrive after were still “expected to operate, subject to operational conditions”.
The airline says it is dealing with a high volume of calls.
“Affected guests are being contacted directly and are being supported with rebooking options and hotel accommodation where necessary.
“Situation remains fluid and further adjustments may be required.”
Updated
Activists say trans woman with Palestinian flag was ‘violently restrained’ by police at Mardi Gras
The activist group Pride in Protest says a trans woman holding a Palestinian flag was “violently restrained” by police at the Sydney Mardi Gras on Saturday night.
The NSW police released a statement on Sunday commending the crowd for its behaviour. It said there were no charges laid but that four people – who were part of a group that had been prevented from marching – were arrested for a breach of the peace.
Pride in Protest had been blocked from participating in the parade due to social media posts criticising Jewish group Dayenu.
“[The people who were arrested] were removed from the parade ground and were issued with move on directions, which they complied with. No charges were laid as a result of the incident,” a police statement said.
Pride in Protest said police were seen “assaulting a trans woman attendee of the parade, yanking a Palestinian flag out of her hand”.
“As [a] float entered the road to prepare to march, NSW police officers with the riot squad grabbed a Palestine flag away from a trans woman participant and violently restrained her, with four officers grabbing her,” a statement issued by the group said.
”The woman was heard crying out ‘help me’ and other participants called for the police to let her go.”
Updated
Travel advice updated for Middle Eastern countries: Wong
Penny Wong has confirmed travel advice has been updated for Israel, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
She says Australia is engaged with international partners and consular staff around the world.
“We have activated our crisis centre to provide consular support to Australians in the region and this morning we are opening our registration portal in Iran and Israel.”
Updated
Wong dodges question on legal basis for US-Israel attacks on Iran
Penny Wong has been asked about the legal basis for the bombings under international law.
“I will leave it for the United States and Israel to speak of the legal basis for the attacks.
“What I would say to Australians is that Iran has been a destabilising force in the region for decades. It has orchestrated attacks on Australia and I think we all understand this issue did not start yesterday.”
Asked about assistance for Australians seeking to come home, Wong says the government does anticipate a difficult period ahead but won’t be drawn on repatriation flights.
“In this situation, the airspace is closed.”
Updated
Australia did not know about strikes in advance: Wong
The foreign minister, Penny Wong, says Australia was not told in advance about the bombing of Iran but won’t say whether intelligence facilities here were used.
“We weren’t told advance. You wouldn’t expect us to be but you would see there’s obviously been a lot of discussion,” she said.
“We are not at the centre of the issues in the Middle East but we obviously play a role international community.”
Wong says Australia stands with the people of Iran in opposing an oppressive regime.
“Ultimately Iran’s future must be determined by the people of Iran.
“Australian involvement, obviously, we did not participate in the strikes and you would not expect us to participate.”
She says Australians in the region should follow travel advice and seek safety.
Updated
Shadow treasurer says ‘aim should be that Iranian people take control of their destiny’
Tim Wilson told ABC TV the international rules based order still matters, despite the bombing of Iran.
“The aim should be that the Iranian people take control of their destiny, they decide their future and that is not with mullahs in charge, as far as I’m concerned, and clearly not as far as the Iranian people are concerned.
“But it’s their decision about how want to run their lives, and their country, rather than having something imposed on them by the Islamic regime that has caused terror, led to the punishment and subjugation of women, homosexuals and exported terrorism world.”
Wilson said he expects the US to continue to be a critical leader in the world.
Updated
Opposition supports Iran bombing
The shadow treasurer, Tim Wilson, says the Coalition supports the US and Israeli-led bombing of Iran.
He told ABC TV the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei means “the world is now a safer place.”
“The reality is this situation’s been building for some time. Iran has exported terrorism around the world, including into Australia,” he said.
“A co-ordinated attack to address what has clearly been an ongoing build up of their nuclear program is something that is very good for international peace and security.
“Of course we hope the situation is contained and we watch it closely.”
Burke coy on US notice of Iran bombing
The home affairs minister, Tony Burke, won’t say if Australia was told about the US and Israel-led bombing of Iran overnight.
The Albanese government has offered support to the US president, Donald Trump, and Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
But Burke won’t say if there was any warning from Australia’s closest ally and defence partner.
“The actions, as stated by the United States and Israel, have been taken by them,” he told Channel 7.
“I won’t go into what conversations happen back and forth. But those two governments are the ones taking the action.”
He said Australia’s role was to look after Australian citizens in the region, including diplomats.
“You’ve got temporary closures of a number of airports at the moment, but we expect that commercial options will still be available, and people should take them.
“Overnight, for Australians who are in Lebanon, in Israel, or in Qatar, we have upgraded our travel advice to do not travel. That means if you are already there, if it is safe to leave, leave.
“Get out. Don’t delay.”
Updated
‘Leadership needed not sycophantic capitulation’: Labor anti-war group voices disappointment in party
ALP members who oppose war are disappointed Australia has offered support to the US and Israeli bombing of Iran overnight.
The patron of Labor Against War group, former senator Doug Cameron, said the government had made the wrong decision in supporting Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Albanese’s backing of Israeli and US attacks on Iran shows that we are completely devoid of acting independently from Trump and Netanyahu,” Cameron said.
“There was a time when Labor pursued peace not war. That time is long gone. Leadership needed not sycophantic capitulation to militarism.”
Updated
Australia supports Trump's bombing: Labor
Labor frontbencher Andrew Charlton says the Australian government hopes the bombing in Iran achieves peace and stability in the region.
Speaking on Sky, the cabinet secretary said Australia has a very small presence in the region, with officials supporting diplomats and their families to get home safely.
“Australia stands with the people of Iran,” he said.
“They have faced brutal repression and Iran has been a destabilising force in the region and they’ve been pursuing nuclear weapons in contravention of international law.”
Charlton said Australians should pay attention to the Smartraveller website if they are in the region or contemplating travel to risky locations.
Updated
‘Iran is an enemy of Australia’: Andrew Hastie
Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie says he supports the bombing in Iran by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu.
Speaking to Sky News, Hastie said:
Iran is an enemy of Australia. They’ve conducted terrorism on our shores and they’re also a geopolitical bad actor.
They’ve been seeking a nuclear weapon for some time and they’ve just murdered upwards of 25,000 of their own citizens over the last few months.
Hastie, an SAS veteran, says he’s not surprised Trump has taken the opportunity to strike Iran, likening the moves to actions in Venezuala and Nigeria.
Hastie says Trump is “setting the conditions for regime change in Iran”:
There is a lot of risk and as a veteran of the so-called forever wars, I’m very suspicious of regime change by force.
Updated
Greens label US-Israel war on Iran a ‘new illegal bombing campaign’
Greens leader Larissa Waters has warned the Albanese government against supporting the growing war in Iran, calling it “a new illegal bombing campaign” by US president Donald Trump and Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu.
Waters said there is a strong likelihood the bombing has direct or indirect assistance from military facilities at Pine Gap and North West Cape:
Trump and Netanyahu’s illegal attacks last night have unleashed chaos across the Middle East.
This war will not bring safety to the brave Iranian people who are fighting for liberation from the brutal regime. Innocent people have already been massacred, including at least 60 children in southern Iran killed by US and Israeli strikes on an elementary school last night. Our hearts ache for their families. This war will see homes and cities razed to the ground and countless innocent lives lost.
Waters said the Greens condemned the “illegal, abhorrent and unilateral attacks”:
Australians do not want to be dragged into another US-Israeli war.
Australia’s support of Trump and Netanyahu’s illegal attack last night was disgraceful.We cannot bomb our way to peace.”
Updated
NSW unveils sweeping foster care reform
The NSW Labor government has announced major changes to the state’s out-of-home-care system.
The Minns government this morning announced it will implement tougher accountability measures for non-government providers in the sector that cares for more than 13,000 vulnerable children.
The government will also spearhead foster care recruitment and reduce the outsourcing of child protection services.
The minister for families and communities, Kate Washington, said:
Despite significant and rising taxpayer investment, rates of restoration, guardianship and adoption continue to fall. It’s clear the current program has failed to deliver, that’s why we undertaking significant reform.
Accountability is non-negotiable when it comes to children’s safety and public trust. We are building a new foster care system where kids come first – every child deserves to grow up with love, safety and stability.
Updated
Welcome
Good morning. Welcome to our live news blog this Sunday.
The federal government is moving quickly to respond to events in Iran.
Last night, Australia declared its support for US action to stop Tehran obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent threats to international peace and security.
Anthony Albanese said in a statement: “Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression.”
The prime minister said Iran’s ruling regime had been a “destabilising force” for decades through its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, support for armed proxies, and “brutal acts of violence and intimidation”.
The national security committee of cabinet is due to meet about 8.30am this morning, and the foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, will speak from Adelaide about 9.45am.
The government has criticised the Iranian regime’s brutal crackdown on protesters, which has left thousands of Iranian civilians dead, and highlighted Iranian-led foreign attacks in Australia.
Iran directed at least two attacks on Australian soil in 2024, carried out to target the Jewish community. Australia expelled Iran’s ambassador to Australia last year.
