Canberra

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed Monday to deepen cooperation on energy, defense, and critical minerals, with strategic talks covering China and North Korean abductions.

Iran's embassy in Canberra is promoting a recruitment drive for a paramilitary campaign to defend Iran from US forces, prompting an Australian Federal Police investigation and alarm among diaspora groups.

Health Minister Mark Butler announced that more than 160,000 people will lose access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme as part of a major overhaul to control spending, which is the Commonwealth's second-fastest growing expense at about $50 billion a year.

King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark have started a six-day state visit to Australia, marking the first trip by a Danish monarch in 40 years and Queen Mary's first return since becoming queen in January 2024.

Diesel prices have climbed past $3 per liter across most Australian capital cities, with Canberra recording the highest average price, amid heightened fuel security concerns.

Independent and Greens senators are calling for urgent intervention to address racist abuse in federal parliament, demanding an inquiry and mandatory anti-racism training.