The Reserve Bank of Australia has raised its cash rate target from 3.85% to 4.1%, marking the second consecutive monthly increase. The decision was split, with five board members voting for the hike and four voting to hold, the narrowest margin since vote disclosures began in July.
Household budgets face additional pressure from soaring petrol prices, attributed to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz oil corridor. Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen criticised people buying jerry cans from Bunnings, calling the practice 'unhelpful and un-Australian'.
In international news, former US President Donald Trump is reportedly seeking to delay a summit with China's Xi Jinping amid the Iran war. Meanwhile, a US embassy in Baghdad was reportedly targeted in an air attack.
Domestically, a court was told that Naveed Akram's family members could be killed if their identities are not suppressed. The online safety regulator warned that child abuse material is 'systemic' on Elon Musk's X platform amid the Grok scandal.
Former Australian tennis No. 1 Marinko Matosevic received a four-year ban for doping offences. In a viral video, Victorian Liberals surprised with teamwork despite failing at sport.
Advocacy groups expressed devastation after a 35-year-old Aboriginal woman died in custody at Perth's Bandyup women's prison, citing overcrowding and punitive policies. Police use of 'less lethal' weapons like stinger grenades and bean bag rounds against protesters has been linked to multiple deaths.
