LATEST
Australia Formula 1 Grand Prix
Mercedes opened the 2026 Formula One season with a dominant one-two finish at the Australian Grand Prix, with George Russell converting pole position into victory ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli. Ferrari initially challenged for the lead through Charles Leclerc…
◆ ASX 200 – Weekly Close
The ASX 200 closed the week down -3.78%, making YTD gains since Jan 1 up +1.41%, at 8851.00 it is currently trading +0.42% above its six-month end of week rolling average.
RBA Backs Regulatory Framework for Cash Distribution System
The Payments System Board of the Reserve Bank of Australia has expressed support for a proposed regulatory framework for Australia’s cash distribution sector. The framework would include public-sector crisis powers to maintain continuity of cash services. The Board…
Severe Weather Warning for Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding in Far North Queensland
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for parts of the North Tropical Coast, Tablelands and Peninsula districts, with heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding as Tropical Low 29U approaches the Queensland coast. Six-hour rainfall totals…
Household Spending Rises 0.3% in January Driven by Services
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported household spending rose 0.3% in January 2026, following a decline in December. The increase was driven by services spending, which rose 1.0%, while spending on goods fell 0.3%.
Tropical Low 29U developing in Coral Sea; moderate chance of cyclone formation
The Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed Tropical Low 29U in the northern Coral Sea and issued an active Tropical Cyclone Watch for parts of the North Tropical Coast (Cooktown to Lucinda), noting there is a moderate chance the system could develop into a tropical…
DFAT issues “Do Not Travel” advisory for multiple Middle Eastern destinations
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has updated its travel advice advising Australians to “Do Not Travel” to several Middle Eastern countries — including Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — due to a volatile and…
◆ ASX 200 – Weekly Close
The ASX 200 closed the week up +1.29%, lifting YTD gains since Jan 1 to +5.39%, at 9,198.60 it is currently trading +4.53% above its six-month end of week rolling average.
ENVIRONMENT
Severe Weather Warning for Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding in Far North Queensland
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for parts of the North Tropical Coast, Tablelands and Peninsula districts, with heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding as Tropical Low 29U approaches the Queensland coast. Six-hour rainfall totals…
Tropical Low 29U developing in Coral Sea; moderate chance of cyclone formation
The Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed Tropical Low 29U in the northern Coral Sea and issued an active Tropical Cyclone Watch for parts of the North Tropical Coast (Cooktown to Lucinda), noting there is a moderate chance the system could develop into a tropical…
Category 3 Cyclone Mitchell to Hit Pilbara Coast; Port Closures and Evacuations Active.
Destructive winds up to 220 km/h. Major ports (Port Hedland, Dampier) closed. Flash flooding expected through Gascoyne. Evacuation centres open in Karratha and Onslow.
Cyclone Watch Issued for WA Coast as System Luana Intensifies
Residents in Western Australia’s north are on alert as the Bureau of Meteorology issues a formal cyclone watch for a system expected to reach Category 2 strength.
ECONOMY
◆ ASX 200 – Weekly Close
The ASX 200 closed the week down -3.78%, making YTD gains since Jan 1 up +1.41%, at 8851.00 it is currently trading +0.42% above its six-month end of week rolling average.
RBA Backs Regulatory Framework for Cash Distribution System
The Payments System Board of the Reserve Bank of Australia has expressed support for a proposed regulatory framework for Australia’s cash distribution sector. The framework would include public-sector crisis powers to maintain continuity of cash services. The Board…
Household Spending Rises 0.3% in January Driven by Services
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported household spending rose 0.3% in January 2026, following a decline in December. The increase was driven by services spending, which rose 1.0%, while spending on goods fell 0.3%.
◆ ASX 200 – Weekly Close
The ASX 200 closed the week up +1.29%, lifting YTD gains since Jan 1 to +5.39%, at 9,198.60 it is currently trading +4.53% above its six-month end of week rolling average.
NATIONAL
Australian Government commits $310 million to AUKUS submarine propulsion systems
The Albanese Government announced a $310 million payment for long-lead items from the United Kingdom to manufacture nuclear propulsion systems for Australia’s first two SSN-AUKUS submarines at Osborne, South Australia.
Federal Government announces $39.2 million for Perinatal Mental Health Centre network
Assistant Minister Emma McBride announced the establishment of a new Perinatal Mental Health Centre in Devonport as part of a $39.2 million federal investment to create 20 specialized centres nationwide.
Federal Government approves 4.41% average private health insurance premium increase
The Australian Government confirmed it has approved an average 4.41 per cent increase in private health insurance premiums from 1 April 2026
Angus Taylor elected leader of the federal Liberal Party
The federal Liberal Party elected former energy minister Angus Taylor as its new leader in a partyroom ballot, defeating incumbent Sussan Ley 34 votes to 17 and ending her nine-month tenure; Victorian senator Jane Hume was elected deputy leader by party members.
WORLD
DFAT issues “Do Not Travel” advisory for multiple Middle Eastern destinations
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has updated its travel advice advising Australians to “Do Not Travel” to several Middle Eastern countries — including Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — due to a volatile and…
United Kingdom updates ETA entry rules for dual Australian–British/Irish citizens
Effective 25 February 2026, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Smartraveller) advises that dual Australian–British or Australian–Irish citizens must present a British or Irish passport to board flights under the United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel…
DFAT updates Smartraveller Middle East travel advice citing unpredictable regional tensions
On 16 February 2026, Smartraveller updated its travel advice for countries in the Middle East, warning Australians that the security situation is unpredictable and that conflicts could lead to airspace closures, flight cancellations, demonstrations, and travel…
DFAT Releases 2024–25 Consular Report
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has released its 2024–25 Consular State of Play report, detailing more than 26,000 consular assistance cases involving Australians overseas. Thailand recorded the highest number of country-specific cases during the reporting…
SPORT
Australia Formula 1 Grand Prix
Mercedes opened the 2026 Formula One season with a dominant one-two finish at the Australian Grand Prix, with George Russell converting pole position into victory ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli. Ferrari initially challenged for the lead through Charles Leclerc…
SailGP – KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix
Podium 1 United States 2 Emirates Great Britain 3 Spain Season 1 Emirates Great Britain – 29 2 Australia (BONDS Flying Roos) – 25 3 United States – 20 4 Spain 5 Italy 6 Denmark 7 Canada 8 Germany…
Final Medal Tally Confirmed for 2026 Winter Olympics
The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has concluded with Australia finishing 14th on the official medal table securing a record final tally of six medals, including three gold, two silver, and one bronze. This result establishes Australia’s highest-ever…
Danielle Scott wins Silver in Women’s Aerials
Danielle Scott claimed the silver medal in the Women’s Aerials event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, finishing with a score of 102.17 behind China’s Xu Mengtao.