The Latest Breaking News from Australia

The new National Defence Strategy feels written for a bygone era – and ignores the elephant in the room

Sometimes new government strategies really aren’t newsworthy. The 2026 National Defence Strategy (NDS) is like that.

The Conversation · Apr 16

'Inspiration': Freeman receives top civilian honour

Athlete and campaigner Cathy Freeman has been presented with the Companion of the Order of Australia award by Governor-General Sam Mostyn.

AAP · Apr 16

Australia: Refinery fire raises fuel supply concerns amid Iran war

Fire at Viva Energy's Geelong refinery, which supplies 10% of Australia’s fuel, sparks supply fears as Iran war keeps global prices elevated.

Euronews · Apr 16

What does the Geelong refinery fire reveal about Australia’s fuel supplies?

Late on Wednesday, Victorian firefighters were called to a large fire at Viva Energy Group’s oil refinery in Corio, a suburb of Geelong. The blaze is believed to have been an equipment failure. Thankfully, no-one was injured.

The Conversation · Apr 16

‘Unprecedented’ fire at Australian oil refinery threatens already dwindling petrol supplies

Supplying around half of Victoria’s fuel and 10 per cent nationally, the refinery processes about 120,000 barrels of oil per day

The Independent UK · Apr 16

Australian federal court warns lawyers over ‘unacceptable’ use of AI

New guidance to legal profession ‘embraces’ use of technology but flags penalties for lawyers who ‘mislead the court’ with AI-generated errors

The Guardian - AU · Apr 16

Albanese cuts fuel diplomacy mission short to rush to Geelong as Bowen calls oil refinery fire ‘a setback’

Some petrol stations may see short-term outages and energy experts warn Victorian fuel prices could spike up to 20 cents a litre

The Guardian - AU · Apr 16

Meghan Markle says she was the ‘most trolled person in the entire world’

She made the comments during a group discussion with young people at Melbourne’s Swinburne University of Technology

The Independent UK · Apr 16

Meghan says 'I was the most trolled person in the world' as she opens up on her online bullying ordeal

Duchess of Sussex tells students in Melbourne she was ‘bullied and attacked’ every day for 10 years on social media

Evening Standard · Apr 16

Ex-US Marine loses extradition appeal over Chinese pilot training allegations

Mr Duggan is fighting extradition to the United States over allegations he illegally trained Chinese military aviators

The Independent UK · Apr 16