Here’s a summary of the key news stories from today:
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is preparing to present an economic and strategic case to U.S. President Donald Trump in an effort to prevent new tariffs on Australian steel and aluminum. The two leaders have arranged a critical phone call to discuss the trade crisis.
Partisan divisions have intensified in parliament as Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, Australia’s highest-ranking Jewish politician, accused the federal opposition of attempting to silence him while he addressed the rising issue of antisemitism.
In his Closing the Gap statement, the Prime Minister revealed that efforts to reduce disparities for First Nations people continue to fall short of their intended goals.
In New South Wales, over 20 individuals were rescued from floodwaters after a severe storm drenched Sydney with nearly 100mm of rain, causing significant traffic disruptions.
In Victoria, business leaders Paul Little and Jane Hansen, Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, sold their grand mansion in Toorak, reportedly breaking the state’s house price record.
A Gold Coast man is facing charges in Queensland after allegedly sedating his sick stepfather prior to his death, with motivations tied to financial gain. He also reportedly offered $100,000 to have detectives investigating the case killed.
The long-anticipated trial of four people accused of murdering 15-year-old Cassius Turvey in Western Australia has begun.
In business, three climate protesters who targeted Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill’s home were fined over $6,000, following a confrontation that was filmed by an ABC crew.
In sports, Sydney’s Jordan Mailata made history as the first Australian to play in a winning Super Bowl team, with the Philadelphia Eagles defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in New Orleans.
Internationally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s suggestion that a new Palestinian state could be established in Saudi Arabia sparked outrage among Arab leaders.
In political updates, Independent MP Kylea Tink has bid farewell to federal parliament after being forced out due to electoral boundary changes. Tink, who represented North Sydney, called on community independents to continue fighting for change and urged them to “hold the line” in future elections.
Liberal MP Paul Fletcher also gave his valedictory speech, advocating for rational policymaking over emotional politics and reflecting on his career as he prepares to leave parliament.
In a Victorian Supreme Court ruling, cabinet documents detailing the rationale behind the controversial demolition of public housing estates in Melbourne will remain secret after a decision to grant public interest immunity. The case involves tenants suing the government over its plan to redevelop 44 towers.
Labor MP Maria Vamvakinou, who represented Calwell in Melbourne’s north-west, delivered her farewell speech, championing multiculturalism and warning against intolerance as she prepares to retire.
In Alice Springs, a woman was killed in what police described as a “violent and horrific” domestic violence incident. This has sparked renewed calls to address the high rates of domestic violence in the Northern Territory.
On the financial front, the Australian stock market dipped following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Miners led the retreat, while consumer staples, utilities, and healthcare stocks helped offset losses. Star Entertainment Group saw a significant rise in its stock price after confirming talks to sell its Queen’s Wharf casino precinct.