Top World News
Angus Taylor says his new frontbench will take the fight to Labor, but his biggest battle is to save the Liberal party
Feb 17, 2026 - World 
Opposition leader picks Tim Wilson as shadow treasurer while rewarding his supporters and elevating some strong performersGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIt is almost impossible to overstate the challenge facing Angus Taylor just days into the job as opposition leader.Announcing a new frontbench to fight Labor on Tuesday afternoon, his remade shadow ministry lineup is really about fighting for the life of the Liberal party. Continue reading...
Gentoo penguins the first birds on Australian territory to contract H5N1 as bird flu spreads
Feb 17, 2026 - World
Australian Antarctic Program scientists say virus on Heard Island has spread to new speciesFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesSign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter hereThe gentoo penguin has become the first bird to test positive for the H5N1 bird flu on an Australian territory, with samples confirming the virus has spread on a sub-Antarctic island.The deadly and contagious strain of bird flu, which has already killed millions of seabirds, wild birds and poultry overseas, was confirmed in southern elephant seals on Heard Island in November 2025. Continue reading...
Gisèle Pelicot’s memoir launches, turning horror into hope for survivors
Feb 17, 2026 - World 
Gisèle Pelicot has released a memoir that recounts her drugging and mass rape case and sends a powerful message of hope and support to victims of sexual abuse
Labor approves 4.41% increase for health insurance premiums – as it happened
Feb 17, 2026 - World
This blog is now closedAngus Taylor unveils Coalition frontbench with Tim Wilson as shadow treasurer and Nationals returnedGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastTotal fire ban across much of Victoria todayA total fire ban has been declared across a large stretch of southern Victoria today. The ban applies to the central, north central, south west, west and south Gippsland and Wimmera fire districts amid forecasted hot, dry temperatures.We’re seeing very dry fuels across large parts of the state, and when that’s paired with low humidity, fires can start easily and spread quickly.Any spark under these conditions has the potential to turn into something serious, particularly ahead of gusty winds or thunderstorms. Continue reading...
Russian and Ukrainian officials are in Geneva for US-brokered talks after almost 4 years of war
Feb 17, 2026 - World
U.S.-brokered talks have taken Russian and Ukrainian delegations to Geneva although both sides are far apart on issues such as land, security and a possible ceasefire
Feb 17, 2026 - World 
Feb 17, 2026 - World
Feb 17, 2026 - World
Feb 17, 2026 - World
Feb 17, 2026 - World
Feb 17, 2026 - World
Feb 17, 2026 - World
Feb 17, 2026 - World
Feb 17, 2026 - World
Feb 17, 2026 - World