What we learned; Monday 9 March
That’s all for today’s live news coverage. Before we go, let’s recap the big headlines.
Australian shares plunged on Monday, wiping about $90bn from the value of the ASX, after a sharp rise in oil prices caused by the Middle East conflict sparked concerns of a breakout in global inflation.
Foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, said in a post late last night that families of Australian officials have been told to leave the United Arab Emirates as war in the Middle East spreads. Meanwhile, the shadow minister for foreign affairs, Ted O’Brien, has said military requests from Gulf nations should be “duly considered” after Wong said Australia may offer support to Gulf nations facing Iranian strikes.
Katherine’s mayor has warned locals to be wary of flood waters inundating the town after a crocodile was spotted on the town’s AFL oval, as residents are warned to boil their water amid the record-breaking deluge.
Sydney’s M12 motorway, the “driveway” to the new Western Sydney airport, will open this Saturday, the federal and NSW governments have announced.
The Nationals have selected a former army colonel, Brad Robertson, to contest former Liberal leader Sussan Ley’s seat of Farrer at the upcoming byelection on 9 May.
Former Socceroo and refugee advocate Craig Foster said he is “very worried” about the fate of the Iran women’s team after they were defeated by the Philippines 2-0, ending their Women’s Asian Cup bid.
Harry and Meghan will visit Australia in April for a number of engagements.
And tourists will soon have to pay an entry fee to see the Twelve Apostles on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, in a move the government says will help protect the site for generations to come.
Thanks for joining us, we’ll be back first thing tomorrow.
Updated
Two climbers rescued at WA’s Stirling Range national park
Emergency crews were deployed this morning to rescue two injured climbers at Bluff Knoll, in Western Australia’s Great Southern Region.
WA Police said in a statement:
About 8.20am on Monday, 9 March 2026, emergency services received a report of two injured hikers - a 30-year-old female and a 29-year-old male - requiring assistance on Bluff Knoll in the Stirling Range National Park.
Both parties were rock climbing when they both fell and sustained serious injuries.
Emergency WA confirmed the state’s 24/7 emergency helicopter service provided assistance:
The RAC Rescue helicopter will take a man and woman to Albany Airport before they are then transported by St John Ambulance to Albany Hospital.
The RAC Rescue helicopter is expected to land at the airport by 1:00PM.
Updated
