1. Cyclone Alfred: Significant update on cyclone’s path
Cyclone Alfred will cross the southeastern Queensland coast later than initially expected, according to the latest forecast from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Schools will remain closed, and millions of citizens have been urged to stay off the roads, while public servants are working from home. The impending storm is expected to cause dangerous tidal surges and flooding, with rainfall potentially reaching 400mm. Around 1 meter of rain may fall by the weekend, and residents in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Moreton Bay are preparing for possible evacuations.
2. Issues with National Disaster Warning System
The federal government has acknowledged delays in the rollout of the new national disaster messaging system, which was expected to be operational by the end of 2024. While the government has pledged to develop a more modern system to send warnings to citizens, existing state systems are still in use. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland and former Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt had committed to the swift development of the new system.
3. Fires in Ballarat area: Emergency evacuations
Firefighters have managed to bring two fires under control near Ballarat, forcing the evacuation of the Scotsburn Primary School. A fire on Mount Buninyong caused significant damage, prompting authorities to urge residents in Scotsburn and Buninyong to evacuate. Reinforced firefighting crews continue to work in the area as the fire remains under control.
4. Arson fire in Tullamarine
In Tullamarine, up to 80 firefighters responded to a blaze that destroyed a factory early this morning. The intense fire is believed to have been caused by deliberate arson, with a car reportedly colliding with the factory before being set on fire. The fire caused serious structural damage to the building, and authorities have warned residents to avoid the area due to heightened risks and heavy traffic disruptions.
5. Pressure from Trump administration to increase military spending
The Trump administration is urging Australia to increase its military spending to address the growing threat from China. Specifically, it is proposed that defense spending rise to 3% of GDP, up from the current 2%, which would require billions of additional dollars each year, potentially affecting other budget priorities, including health and education.
6. Australian economy growth: Recovery in the third quarter
Australia’s economy grew by 0.6% in the December quarter and 1.3% year-on-year, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This increase represents a significant recovery from the previous quarter, when growth was the slowest since the 1990s recession.
7. Significant investment in road projects in Victoria
The Labor government in Australia has secured $1.1 billion for the upgrade of the dangerous Western Freeway in Victoria. The road improvements come during a period of declining political support for the Labor government in the state, making the project even more urgent.
8. Albanese government’s advertising spending: Record funding for political campaigns
The Albanese government has spent tens of millions of dollars on advertising campaigns to promote its policies ahead of the upcoming elections. The budget for promoting the “Future Made in Australia” program and other government initiatives has exceeded $70 million, according to recent reports.
