Stories from Australia

Adelaide ruckman Ivan Soldo has announced his immediate retirement from the AFL. The 30-year-old player finished his career with 66 senior games. Soldo is currently undergoing knee rehabilitation following surgery in February to repair an ACL. The Adelaide club stated it will continue to support his recovery process.

Australia faces a potential shortage of bitumen or asphalt supplies within 30 days due to supply chain constraints. Chief Executive Michael Caltebiano warned that high sun intensity causes bitumen to oxidize rapidly under local conditions. This oxidation is expected to strip years off the lifespan of Australian roads. The industry will require refreshment and rejuvenation efforts within six to eight years to maintain infrastructure.

Shell Australia Chair Cecile Wake testified before a Greens-led Senate inquiry regarding future energy policy. Wake stated that implementing a new tax on gas risks future investment in the sector. The testimony comes amid discussions regarding Australia's long-term gas requirements. Political leaders across various lines agree that the country will require increased gas supplies in the future.

A group of women and children suspected of having links to IS fighters are planning to fly back to Australia. These individuals have been under surveillance by Kurdish authorities following the collapse of the IS Caliphate. While a group with Australian passports attempted to leave the camp in January, they were turned back by Syrian authorities. Advocates and lawyers have been involved in the ongoing efforts regarding their repatriation.

The Australian government has reiterated it will not repatriate a group of 13 women and children suspected of having links to ISIS. These individuals are part of a larger group of 34 women and children held in Syria's al-Rajid detention camp for seven years. Reports indicate some members of the group are planning to fly back to Australia. The government maintains its stance against repatriation despite the group's movement. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Miles stated this morning that the Australian government has not and will not assist in the repatriation of the ISIS-linked group. Taylor expressed support for the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) during a press conference. This follows attempts by members of the cohort to return home from a Syrian refugee camp. Taylor declined to comment on specific confidence levels regarding the agency's role in this specific case.

North Melbourne suffered a seven-point loss to GWS in Canberra during an AFL match. Forward Nick Larky kicked five goals for the Kangaroos during the game. The Giants maintained a lead for much of the match despite challenges from North Melbourne. The result leaves North Melbourne facing missed opportunities following the narrow defeat. Greater Western Sydney (GWS) secured a seven-point victory against North Melbourne in round seven of the AFL in Canberra. The Giants finished with a score of 105-98 against the Kangaroos' 98. Captain Toby Green contributed two goals and 28 disposals during the match. The final score was 15-15-105 to 14-14-98.

The Australian Steelers won the bronze medal at the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge held in Adelaide. The tournament results also included the Highlanders defeating Pacifica 27 to 17. In the Super Round matches played in Christchurch, the Chiefs secured a victory. The event marks the final year of a two-year deal for the international sport to be held in South Australia.

Foreign energy companies are booking approximately $3 billion in gross profit every month from liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. The companies identified include Chevron, Exxon, Impax, and Woodside. These high profits are occurring against the backdrop of Trump's actions regarding Iran. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the federal government are currently involved in related matters.

Gas prices in eastern Australia have trended downward over the last month. This follows previous concerns regarding companies inflating prices despite their social license to operate. Shell Australia Chair Cecile Wake testified before a Greensled Senate inquiry regarding potential gas taxes. Wake stated that implementing such a tax would be an ill-advised move. The testimony highlighted concerns that new taxes risk future investment in the gas sector. There is broad political agreement that Australia will require increased gas supplies in the future. Opposition leader Angus Taylor argues that a new gas tax would discourage investment during the current energy crisis. Taylor claims the tax's motive is to stop investment rather than generate revenue. Western Australian Premier Roger Cook stated he does not support a proposed 25% flat tax on gas.

Economist Bruce Mountain and energy executive Ted Woodley have described the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project as one of the biggest disasters in Australian infrastructure. The project is reportedly exceeding both its original budget and its timeline. Calls for a Royal Commission have emerged following reports of the project's mismanagement. The project was originally announced by former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Demands for an independent inquiry into Snowy Hydro 2.0 continue as successive governments are accused of failing to address the project. Concerns remain regarding the exclusion of interest during the 14-year construction period and the financial expenditure involved. Analysis suggests a continuing blowout in the cost of the Snowy Hydro scheme. There is discussion about potentially initiating a Royal Commission due to secrecy surrounding the project and some of the contracts made.