What we learned: Wednesday 17 September
That’s it for today, thanks for reading. Here are the main stories from the day:
Anthony Albanese’s strategy of pushing back against China in the Pacific has been dealt another blow, with a major defence treaty with Papua New Guinea delayed amid concerns about sovereignty.
Pat Conroy, the minister for Pacific affairs, has tried to tamp down any suggestions the failure to sign a defence treaty with Papua New Guinea is a backward step for Australia’s strategic plans in the region.
The opposition leader, Sussan Ley, said the cost of net zero “looks too high” as she sidestepped questions on climate ructions within the Coalition after delivering her first major economic speech.
The push to build a $1bn home for the first AFL team in Tasmania has hit a major hurdle, with the proposed stadium condemned by the state’s planning commission as a “monolithic” blot on Hobart’s landscape and cultural heritage.
Australia’s politicians have thrown their support behind an ABC journalist who was berated by Donald Trump after asking questions about the US president’s personal business dealings in Washington DC on Tuesday.
Alan Jones faces nine new counts of indecent assault. Jones, 84, had previously indicated he will plead not guilty to 35 historical offences. He was charged with another nine counts of indecent assault on Monday, bringing the total to 44.
One of the wettest winters on record has firefighters worried about a potentially deadly NSW bushfire season; and
The wet season in north Queensland usually begins in October, but areas around Cairns have seen “quite incredible rainfall totals” this week, with some recording five times their average monthly rain.
We will see you here again for more news tomorrow.
Updated
Measles alert in NSW
NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while visiting several locations in Northern NSW and Sydney, including flights from Perth to Sydney and Sydney to Gold Coast.
The person recently returned from Western Australia, where there is an active outbreak of measles.
Passengers and crew on board the flights or people who attended the following locations should watch for the development of symptoms. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk:
Friday 12 September 2025
Virgin Australia flight VA572 from Perth to Sydney Kingsford Smith airport.
Sydney Kingsford Smith airport (T2) from 6:30-7:00am.
Virgin Australia flight VA505 from Sydney domestic airport (T2) to Gold Coast.
Gold Coast airport main terminal baggage and arrival area, 8:30 to 9:20am.
Monday 15 September 2025
Tweed Valley hospital emergency department, 9:30am to 11am.
Updated
