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South-east Australia experienced record-breaking May warmth over the weekend, with temperatures soaring 10–14°C above average in some areas, before a cold front and polar air mass are set to bring rain, thunderstorms, and a sharp drop in temperatures. The unseasonable heat was driven by a stalled high-pressure system, while drought conditions persist across NSW and other regions.
Amid conflicting signals from the Trump administration about the end of military operations in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran's latest peace proposal. Meanwhile, Australia announced a $10 billion fuel security package as the economic impact of the war continues to be felt.
Lee Lai's graphic novel 'Cannon' has won the 2026 Stella Prize, marking the first time a graphic novel and a non-binary author have taken the award. The $60,000 prize recognizes the work of women and non-binary writers in Australia.
The EU-Mercosur trade agreement provisionally entered into force on Friday, creating one of the world's largest free trade areas with over 700 million consumers. The deal eliminates most tariffs but faces opposition from French farmers and a pending EU court ruling on its legality.
Landbridge Group, the Chinese-owned company that operates Darwin Port, has initiated international arbitration against Australia over the government's plan to force its sale. The company claims the move is discriminatory and violates a free trade agreement, while Canberra says it will defend the claim.
Ministers and experts from more than 50 countries gathered in Santa Marta for the first conference dedicated to transitioning away from coal, oil and gas. Hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, the talks produced agreed outcomes and plans for further cooperation, even as major emitters stayed away and details of the next meeting remain unsettled.
A $135 million assistance package for Nyrstar's lead smelters in Port Pirie and Hobart has expired, leaving the future of over 1,000 workers in doubt. Negotiations among federal, state, and Tasmanian governments continue, with officials citing Chinese competition as a key challenge. Local businesses and political leaders warn of severe regional economic and security consequences if the smelter closes.
A record 66 deaths in custody and police operations were recorded in New South Wales last year, including 39 in-custody deaths and a record 12 Indigenous deaths. A coroner’s report and a separate prison death have renewed scrutiny of prison conditions and government responses.
Australia has confirmed it is in discussions with the US over a proposal to form an international coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Australia is engaging with partners including the UK, France, and the US, while reports indicate Australia may contribute its E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to a related mission.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has confirmed it will stop funding LIV Golf after the 2026 season, citing a shift in its investment strategy. The breakaway league, which has spent over $5 billion since 2022, is now restructuring with a new board and seeking alternative partners, while players like Cameron Smith express confidence in its survival.
Israeli naval forces intercepted a humanitarian flotilla heading to Gaza in international waters, detaining at least six Australians among 21 boats stopped. The Australian government faces criticism from families of detainees, while Israel's foreign ministry claims contraband was found on board.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says ensuring young Australians can access housing is 'driving deliberations' on possible tax changes ahead of the May 12 budget. Reports suggest a rollback of the capital gains tax discount and changes to negative gearing may be considered, though Chalmers has not confirmed specifics.
Northern Territory Police have recovered a body believed to be that of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, who vanished from Alice Springs a week ago. Jefferson Lewis, 47, has been arrested and charged with her murder, while three child protection workers have been stood down during an investigation into the girl's death.
A Queensland man, James Lake-Kusviandy Blee, has been found guilty of aiding his father in a cocaine smuggling operation linked to the Port of Newcastle. The trial heard the father pleaded guilty to importing drugs and smuggling two Brazilian divers, one of whom died. The defence argued there was no direct evidence the son knew about the drugs.
Tasman Drive in Gerringong, Australia, has become a viral social media sensation, drawing international tourists and causing traffic congestion and frustration among residents. While some locals express anger over the disruption, others note economic benefits for local businesses, prompting the council to consider traffic management measures.
New Zealand's Court of Appeal has rejected Brenton Tarrant's attempt to overturn his guilty pleas for the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, ruling his arguments were 'utterly devoid of merit'. The court found his claims of coercion due to prison conditions were inconsistent with evidence from prison authorities and mental health professionals.
A Chinese student at the University of Sydney is reportedly serving a six-year prison sentence in China after joining pro-democracy protests in Australia, raising concerns about transnational repression and prompting Australia's human rights commissioner to call for a parliamentary inquiry.
During a visit to Beijing, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong secured a Chinese commitment to facilitate jet fuel supplies to Australia, easing disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. The move is seen as a first step in stabilizing fuel flows and strengthening bilateral ties.
The Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has released its interim report, recommending reforms to gun laws, policing of Jewish festivals, and counter-terrorism coordination. The report found the national counter-terrorism plan had not been updated since 2019 and that agencies had shifted resources away from counter-terrorism, amid warnings of complacency.
A rightwing provocateur's plan to register a 'Free Palestine party' in Victoria to funnel preferences to conservative parties has sparked alarm over the state's group voting ticket system. The move, inspired by a similar tactic from an anti-lockdown activist, highlights the ability to use misleading party names to influence the upper house election.