Australia Times

United, Strong, and Free

Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026

Isaac Herzog’s Visit to Australia Brings Solidarity to Jewish Community Amid Deep Division

Israeli President’s four-day trip offers reassurance after antisemitic attack but ignites protests and debate across the country

Australia Declares It Will Not Repatriate Thirty-Four Women and Children from Syrian Detention Camps

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese affirms firm policy of no government-assisted returns for Australian families linked to Islamic State amid legal and security debate

Australia Approves a 4.41% Rise in Private Health Insurance Premiums Amid Cost Pressures

Australia Approves a 4.41% Rise in Private Health Insurance Premiums Amid Cost Pressures

Federal government authorises average premium increase from April as insurers cite rising medical and hospital costs

Australia Moves Toward Mandatory Modern Slavery Due Diligence as Law Reform Looms

Australia Moves Toward Mandatory Modern Slavery Due Diligence as Law Reform Looms

Anti-Slavery Commissioner urges binding obligations on businesses to assess and address exploitation risks in supply chains

Macquarie-Led Consortium Agrees to Acquire Qube Holdings in A$11.7 Billion Transaction

Macquarie-Led Consortium Agrees to Acquire Qube Holdings in A$11.7 Billion Transaction

Australia’s largest integrated logistics group accepts takeover offer from Macquarie Asset Management-led investors, sending shares to record highs

KPMG Australia Fines Partner Over AI Misuse in Internal Training Exam Amid Broader Misconduct Review

KPMG Australia Fines Partner Over AI Misuse in Internal Training Exam Amid Broader Misconduct Review

Senior KPMG Australia partner penalised for using artificial intelligence to breach internal exam policy as firm tightens monitoring and faces scrutiny over AI misuse

How to Watch Australia Live at the 2026 Winter Olympics and What’s on the Schedule for Wednesday 18 February

How to Watch Australia Live at the 2026 Winter Olympics and What’s on the Schedule for Wednesday 18 February

Television and streaming information for Australian viewers along with key medal events planned in Milano-Cortina

Australia’s Energy Transition Faces a Permitting Wall as Renewables Projects Stall

Australia’s Energy Transition Faces a Permitting Wall as Renewables Projects Stall

Delays in approvals and regulatory bottlenecks threaten delivery timelines for large-scale clean energy infrastructure crucial to national climate targets

Australia Eliminated from T20 World Cup After Zimbabwe-Ireland Group Match Was Rained Off

Australia Eliminated from T20 World Cup After Zimbabwe-Ireland Group Match Was Rained Off

Rain-affected Group B fixture hands Zimbabwe the points needed to qualify for the Super 8s and ends Australia’s campaign with a game to spare

Australia’s Weak Productivity Growth Emerging as Central Driver of Persistent Inflation Pressure

Australia’s Weak Productivity Growth Emerging as Central Driver of Persistent Inflation Pressure

Economists and policymakers identify sluggish output per worker as a key factor restraining supply capacity and contributing to inflation dynamics

Australia Implements Social Media Minimum Age Framework, eSafety Commissioner Issues Regulatory Guidance

Australia Implements Social Media Minimum Age Framework, eSafety Commissioner Issues Regulatory Guidance

Government rolls out Social Media Minimum Age law requiring platforms to prevent under-16s from having accounts, backed by detailed industry guidance

Australia, Philippines and United States Complete Fourteenth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity

Australia, Philippines and United States Complete Fourteenth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity

Australia, Philippines and United States Complete Fourteenth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity

Australia, Philippines and United States Complete Fourteenth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity

Joint naval and air forces conclude planned drills in the West Philippine Sea amid heightened regional tensions

Australian Women and Children Attempting to Leave Syrian IS Camp Are Turned Back After Departure

Thirty-four Australians linked to Islamic State militants are forced to return to Roj detention camp after coordination with Syrian authorities breaks down amid Damascus control shifts

Moderate Liberals Urge Angus Taylor to Maintain Distinct Australian Approach on Immigration Policy

Moderate Liberals Urge Angus Taylor to Maintain Distinct Australian Approach on Immigration Policy

Internal party voices caution against replicating US-style border rhetoric as debate intensifies over the Coalition’s migration platform

Australia Commits $7.1 Million to Bolster Ukraine’s Energy Grid Amid Intensified Russian Strikes

Australia Commits $7.1 Million to Bolster Ukraine’s Energy Grid Amid Intensified Russian Strikes

Australia Commits $7.1 Million to Bolster Ukraine’s Energy Grid Amid Intensified Russian Strikes

Canberra channels new funding to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to help restore power infrastructure damaged by ongoing Russian attacks

Australia’s Inheritance Disputes Surge as Rising Wealth and Complex Families Fuel Bitter Legal Battles

Australia’s Inheritance Disputes Surge as Rising Wealth and Complex Families Fuel Bitter Legal Battles

Skyrocketing property values, deepening inequality and modern family structures are driving more contested wills and fracturing families across Australia

Sydney Police Appeal for Safe Return of 85-Year-Old Kidnapping Victim in Apparent Mistaken Identity Case

Sydney Police Appeal for Safe Return of 85-Year-Old Kidnapping Victim in Apparent Mistaken Identity Case

Authorities in New South Wales urgently seek information after elderly Sydney grandfather was abducted from his home, believed to be wrongfully targeted

Commonwealth Secretary-General Calls for Renewed Global Cooperation in Address to High Commissioners in Australia

Commonwealth Secretary-General Calls for Renewed Global Cooperation in Address to High Commissioners in Australia

Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey urges diplomats to strengthen democratic values, trade ties and climate action amid rising geopolitical tensions

Spotify Amplifies Australian Music Success With Latest Global Impact List

Spotify Amplifies Australian Music Success With Latest Global Impact List

Streaming giant highlights record international reach of Aussie artists via its Global Impact List and broader ‘Turn Up Aus’ initiative amid debate over local representation

Australia Moves to Modernise Corporate Financial Reporting With New Legislative Framework

Australia Moves to Modernise Corporate Financial Reporting With New Legislative Framework

Canberra introduces the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Reporting System Reform) Bill to consolidate and strengthen standards-setting for accounting, auditing and sustainability reporting

Trafigura’s Nyrstar Prepares First Antimony Exports from Australian Pilot Plant

Trafigura’s Nyrstar Prepares First Antimony Exports from Australian Pilot Plant

After casting its inaugural antimony metal batch at Port Pirie, the Trafigura subsidiary aims to begin commercial shipments in the first half of 2026 under Australia’s critical minerals strategy

Accused Bondi Beach Shooter Naveed Akram Makes First Court Appearance in Sydney

Accused Bondi Beach Shooter Naveed Akram Makes First Court Appearance in Sydney

The 24-year-old appears via video link on multiple murder and terrorism charges following Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades

Australia Advances ESG Fund-Labelling Regime with Fresh Consultation to Strengthen Market Clarity

Australia Advances ESG Fund-Labelling Regime with Fresh Consultation to Strengthen Market Clarity

Canberra seeks broad feedback on design options for a sustainable investment product labelling framework to boost transparency, investor confidence and confidence in sustainability claims

Australia’s Utility-Scale Solar Sector Accelerates Transition to Hybrid Solar-Plus-Storage Models

Australia’s Utility-Scale Solar Sector Accelerates Transition to Hybrid Solar-Plus-Storage Models

Australia’s Utility-Scale Solar Sector Accelerates Transition to Hybrid Solar-Plus-Storage Models

As standalone large-scale solar wanes, hybrid configurations with battery storage become the dominant paradigm in Australia’s National Electricity Market

Vogue Australia’s Inaugural Forces of Fashion Summit Sells Out Ahead of Debut Event

Vogue Australia’s Inaugural Forces of Fashion Summit Sells Out Ahead of Debut Event

Strong demand underscores appetite for industry insight as fashion leaders, designers and creatives prepare to gather for landmark Sydney forum

Alvarez & Marsal’s Aggressive Expansion Puts Australia’s Consulting Elite on Notice

Alvarez & Marsal’s Aggressive Expansion Puts Australia’s Consulting Elite on Notice

Global advisory firm intensifies local growth drive, challenging established players with performance-linked model and restructuring pedigree

Starbucks Australia CEO Braeden Lord to Headline 2026 GCR Leaders Symposium

Starbucks Australia CEO Braeden Lord to Headline 2026 GCR Leaders Symposium

Retail executive set to address innovation, growth strategy and leadership in evolving consumer markets

BYD Surges Ahead of Tesla in Australia with Ten-to-One Sales Lead After 641% Annual Jump

BYD Surges Ahead of Tesla in Australia with Ten-to-One Sales Lead After 641% Annual Jump

Chinese electric vehicle maker records extraordinary year-on-year growth as Tesla’s dominance in Australia’s EV market narrows sharply

Australian Father’s Death in Bali Sparks Outcry Over Consular Response and Emergency Passport Delay

Australian Father’s Death in Bali Sparks Outcry Over Consular Response and Emergency Passport Delay

Family recounts harrowing ordeal after 69-year-old died in an Indonesian hospital when efforts to secure a medical transfer were hampered by procedural barriers

Australian Treasury Weighs Adjustments to Tobacco Excise Amid Growing Pressure for Freeze

Australian Treasury Weighs Adjustments to Tobacco Excise Amid Growing Pressure for Freeze

Mounting concerns over illicit trade and declining revenue prompt review of long-running tax escalator on cigarettes

Priceless Ancient Egyptian Artefacts Stolen in Queensland Museum Break-In and Quickly Recovered

Priceless Ancient Egyptian Artefacts Stolen in Queensland Museum Break-In and Quickly Recovered

Queensland Police arrest suspect and retrieve most of the stolen items after early-morning heist at the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology

Australia Commits $3.9 Billion Down Payment to Advance Nuclear Submarine Shipyard Under AUKUS

Australia Commits $3.9 Billion Down Payment to Advance Nuclear Submarine Shipyard Under AUKUS

Federal investment kicks off construction of Adelaide’s Osborne Naval Shipyard as the nation accelerates its nuclear-powered submarine capability

How to Watch Australia Live at the 2026 Winter Olympics and Monday’s Key Medal Events

How to Watch Australia Live at the 2026 Winter Olympics and Monday’s Key Medal Events

Australian audiences can follow a packed day of Winter Olympic competition on Monday, 16 February, with live broadcasts and multiple medal finals across Italy’s Milano-Cortina Games

Australia’s Coming $5.4 Trillion Wealth Shift Deepens Divide and Tests Belief in the ‘Fair Go’

Australia’s Coming $5.4 Trillion Wealth Shift Deepens Divide and Tests Belief in the ‘Fair Go’

An unprecedented intergenerational transfer of assets, dominated by housing inheritance, is reshaping opportunity and social cohesion in Australia

UK Quran Burner May Receive Asylum in the US Amid Legal Challenges

UK Quran Burner May Receive Asylum in the US Amid Legal Challenges

UK Quran Burner May Receive Asylum in the US Amid Legal Challenges

UK Quran Burner May Receive Asylum in the US Amid Legal Challenges

UK Quran Burner May Receive Asylum in the US Amid Legal Challenges

Hamit Joushkon faces potential relocation as US government considers support amid British court appeal that may support colonialism in favor of terror rather than freedom of speech and western values.

Rubio Calls for Sweeping U.N. Reform, Saying It Has Failed to End Wars in Gaza and Ukraine

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, the U.S. secretary of state praised American-led diplomacy while arguing the U.N. is no longer fit for purpose on major conflicts.

Poland's President Advocates for Evaluating Independent Nuclear Weapons Development

Poland's President Advocates for Evaluating Independent Nuclear Weapons Development

Amid rising threats from Russia, a potential shift in Poland’s defense strategy is being considered.

Australia Sees Uptick in Chinese Visitors as Travel Patterns Shift from Japan

Rising geopolitical tensions and currency pressures redirect segments of China’s outbound tourism market toward Australia and Southeast Asia

Beijing Rebukes Western and Australian Governments After Jimmy Lai’s 20-Year Sentence

China’s foreign ministry accuses the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and the European Union of interfering in its internal affairs over Hong Kong national security ruling

Hailey Bieber and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Lead Star-Studded Vogue Australia Summer Ball at Sydney Opera House

Hailey Bieber and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Lead Star-Studded Vogue Australia Summer Ball at Sydney Opera House

International and Australian A-listers descend on inaugural Vogue Australia Summer Ball, celebrating fashion, culture and creativity

Australia’s Expanding Public Economy Rivals Scale of 2000s Mining Boom, Analysts Say

Australia’s Expanding Public Economy Rivals Scale of 2000s Mining Boom, Analysts Say

Surge in government spending and public-sector employment reshapes growth model as infrastructure, care and defence outpace private investment

Australia and EU Close to Historic Free Trade Deal After Years of Deadlock

Australia and EU Close to Historic Free Trade Deal After Years of Deadlock

Negotiators report major progress in Brussels on agricultural access, luxury car taxes and product names, potentially ending a long-stalled pact

Shared E-Bikes Surge Across Australian Cities as E-Scooter Uptake Falters Amid Safety Backlash

Shared E-Bikes Surge Across Australian Cities as E-Scooter Uptake Falters Amid Safety Backlash

Shared E-Bikes Surge Across Australian Cities as E-Scooter Uptake Falters Amid Safety Backlash

Rental electric bicycle programmes expand rapidly while e-scooter schemes stagnate under public safety concerns and regulatory pushback

Isaac Herzog’s Australia Visit: Solidarity Amid Support and Deep Division

Isaac Herzog’s Australia Visit: Solidarity Amid Support and Deep Division

Israeli President ends four-day visit energised by community support but met with widespread protests and internal discord within Australia’s Jewish community

Olympic Shock and Australian Triumph Mark Winter Games Action in Milan-Cortina

Olympic Shock and Australian Triumph Mark Winter Games Action in Milan-Cortina

‘Quad God’ Malinin falters in figure skating as Australia’s Jakara Anthony wins inaugural dual moguls gold

Prominent Conservative Leaders Reaffirm Sovereign Duty of States to Control Legal and Illegal Immigration

Prominent Conservative Leaders Reaffirm Sovereign Duty of States to Control Legal and Illegal Immigration

Former Australian prime minister and allied voices argue border control is fundamental to national sovereignty and social cohesion

Australia’s Record Medal Haul at the 2026 Winter Olympics: Full List of Winners

Australia’s Record Medal Haul at the 2026 Winter Olympics: Full List of Winners

Team Australia secures three gold medals and one silver, marking the nation’s best Winter Games performance in history.

Pentagon Reviews Anthropic Partnership After Claude AI Reportedly Used in Operation Targeting Nicolás Maduro

Pentagon Reviews Anthropic Partnership After Claude AI Reportedly Used in Operation Targeting Nicolás Maduro

Pentagon Reviews Anthropic Partnership After Claude AI Reportedly Used in Operation Targeting Nicolás Maduro

Pentagon Reviews Anthropic Partnership After Claude AI Reportedly Used in Operation Targeting Nicolás Maduro

Pentagon Reviews Anthropic Partnership After Claude AI Reportedly Used in Operation Targeting Nicolás Maduro

Pentagon Reviews Anthropic Partnership After Claude AI Reportedly Used in Operation Targeting Nicolás Maduro

Pentagon Reviews Anthropic Partnership After Claude AI Reportedly Used in Operation Targeting Nicolás Maduro

Pentagon Reviews Anthropic Partnership After Claude AI Reportedly Used in Operation Targeting Nicolás Maduro

Pentagon Reviews Anthropic Partnership After Claude AI Reportedly Used in Operation Targeting Nicolás Maduro

Pentagon Reviews Anthropic Partnership After Claude AI Reportedly Used in Operation Targeting Nicolás Maduro

Defense officials reassess ties after Anthropic sought clarification on whether its model supported a classified mission, highlighting tensions over AI oversight in national security.

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Australia Times

United, Strong, and Free

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Isaac Herzog’s Visit to Australia Brings Solidarity to Jewish Community Amid Deep Division

Australia Declares It Will Not Repatriate Thirty-Four Women and Children from Syrian Detention Camps

Australia Approves a 4.41% Rise in Private Health Insurance Premiums Amid Cost Pressures

Australia Moves Toward Mandatory Modern Slavery Due Diligence as Law Reform Looms

Macquarie-Led Consortium Agrees to Acquire Qube Holdings in A$11.7 Billion Transaction

KPMG Australia Fines Partner Over AI Misuse in Internal Training Exam Amid Broader Misconduct Review

How to Watch Australia Live at the 2026 Winter Olympics and What’s on the Schedule for Wednesday 18 February

Australia’s Energy Transition Faces a Permitting Wall as Renewables Projects Stall

Australia Eliminated from T20 World Cup After Zimbabwe-Ireland Group Match Was Rained Off

Australia’s Weak Productivity Growth Emerging as Central Driver of Persistent Inflation Pressure

Australia Implements Social Media Minimum Age Framework, eSafety Commissioner Issues Regulatory Guidance

Australia, Philippines and United States Complete Fourteenth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity

Australian Women and Children Attempting to Leave Syrian IS Camp Are Turned Back After Departure

UK Quran Burner May Receive Asylum in the US Amid Legal Challenges

Rubio Calls for Sweeping U.N. Reform, Saying It Has Failed to End Wars in Gaza and Ukraine

Poland's President Advocates for Evaluating Independent Nuclear Weapons Development

Australia Sees Uptick in Chinese Visitors as Travel Patterns Shift from Japan

Beijing Rebukes Western and Australian Governments After Jimmy Lai’s 20-Year Sentence

Pentagon Reviews Anthropic Partnership After Claude AI Reportedly Used in Operation Targeting Nicolás Maduro

UK Green Party Considering Proposal to Legalize Heroin for an Inclusive Society

Herzog Urges ‘New Beginning’ in Israel-Australia Ties as Protests Rock State Visit

Israeli President’s Visit Deepens Divisions in Australia Amid Tensions Over Gaza and Bondi Attack

Five Key Impediments Slowing a Comprehensive EU-Australia Trade Agreement

Australian Teen’s Emergency Call After Marathon Swim to Save Family Reveals Calm Bravery

Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Secures Historic Supermajority After High-Stakes Snap Election

Emergency Call Reveals Australian Teen’s Composure After Swimming Four Kilometres to Save Family

McDonald's Shortens Breakfast Hours in Australia Due to Egg Shortage

Epstein Files Trigger Deepening Political Crisis for UK Prime Minister Starmer

Tensions Flare in Sydney as Police Deploy Pepper Spray at Protest During Israeli President’s Visit

Herzog Arrives in Australia and Honors Bondi Beach Victims with Message of Solidarity and Resolve

Australian Government Presses Roblox to Review Child Safety and PG Rating Amid Grooming Concerns

Tens of Thousands Rally and Clash With Police as Israeli President Isaac Herzog Begins Australia Visit

UK Business Leaders Seek Fresh China Growth Prospects Following Starmer’s Beijing Visit

Albanese Defends Herzog’s Visit as Tensions Deepen with Palestinian Australian Communities

Albanese Hails Deepened Australia-Indonesia Security Partnership After Signing Strategic Treaty

Protest Rights Under Scrutiny as Demonstrations Planned During Israeli President’s Australia Visit

Australia’s eSafety Chief Leads Global-First Push to Restrict Under-16s from Social Media

Australia Braces for Widespread Protests as Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s Visit Nears

Indonesia and Australia Cement Deepened Security Partnership with Historic Treaty

Apple iPhone Lockdown Mode blocks FBI data access in journalist device seizure

Winklevoss-Led Gemini Cuts a Quarter of Jobs and Exits European, UK and Australian Markets

China unveils plans for a 'Death Star' capable of launching missile strikes from space

Inghams Secures Exclusive Supply Role for Nando’s Chicken Across Australia

US Congressional Analysis Weighs Scenario Where Australia Receives No AUKUS Nuclear Submarines

Von der Leyen Set to Visit Australia to Finalise EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement

Denmark’s Queen Mary to Return to Australia for Historic Royal Homecoming

Djokovic’s 2026 Australian Open Run Highlights Enduring Legacy Beyond Grand Slam Tally

Craig Tiley Champions Bold Overhaul of Australian Open With Sweeping Innovations

Alcaraz Makes History at Australian Open With Career Grand Slam Triumph

Star-Studded Spectacle: Celebrities and VIPs Light Up the Australian Open Crowd