Stories from Australia

Woolworths reported $9.8 billion in sales revenue for the first three months of 2026. The company posted these quarterly sales results to the ASX on Friday morning. The report follows the company's recent financial disclosures to the Australian Securities Exchange.

Arthur Laundey and his family company have officially taken control of Australia's largest talk radio network. The newly formed TAP Media Group now operates Sydney's 2GB along with sister stations 3RW, 4BC, and 6PR.

Riots broke out outside a hospital in the Northern Territory after police refused to hand over a suspect to a gathered group. Health authorities have declared an outbreak of diphtheria in Australia's Northern Territory. This marks the first such outbreak in the region since the 1990s. The announcement was made by ABC NewsRadio AU. Cases of a potentially deadly strain have more than quadrupled within the last month. Chief Health Officer Paul Burgess described diphtheria as an uncommon bacterial infection. The outbreak is being monitored by local health officials. Public health officials are implementing a response involving case detection and contact tracing. The infection spreads via coughing and sneezing, especially in overcrowded housing. Northern Territory Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to protect a local hospital after a crowd attacked the facility with projectiles and fire.

The M6 motorway project in Sydney has been stuck in limbo since 2024. Motorists are currently unable to use the infrastructure despite its outward appearance. Minister Atchison issued a formal statement regarding the project in March.

Australian company Victorian Hydrogen is scoping a $3 billion green hydrogen fertilizer plant near Vicago. The project follows the company's Niagara expansion at its Kennington site. Mark Ross noted that processing and manufacturing associations are facing a tough market. The company is also investing $150 million to expand a re-manufacturing plant expected to be completed in late 2027. The Southland District Mayor stated that cheap locally generated electricity is powering regional industries.

Negotiations regarding a bailout for the 9 Star zinc smelter have halted, according to Federal independent MP Andrew Wilke. A $135 million assistance package was previously announced for smelters located in Hobart and Port Pirie.

Police Minister Anthony Carbine announced the government will act on advice to tighten laws regarding offenses against emergency workers. A potential loophole currently limits certain jail sentences to workers who are actively on duty.

A body was found in a remote South Australian park, according to reports. The discovery follows a five-day search effort that galvanized the local community. The deceased was located approximately five kilometers south of Old Timers. Police arrested 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis following the discovery of a missing girl's body in Australia on Thursday afternoon. Lewis was named as a suspect immediately after the girl's abduction and was identified again after her body was located. The girl had been reported missing in the early hours of the previous day. A suspect was arrested late Thursday night in Alice Springs after being identified by members of the local Aboriginal community. The arrest followed violent scenes where the suspect reportedly turned on police and paramedics. Approximately 400 people gathered outside the town's home during the incident.

Protesters threw rocks, lit fires, and damaged cars during a demonstration in Central Australia. Police deployed rubber bullets and tear gas to manage the crowd. The incident occurred amid community grieving, with reports of calls for retribution under Aboriginal law. The individual, identified as Mr. Lewis, was flown to Darwin for safety and medical reasons. Lewis is expected to appear in court later. The incident involved rocks and other projectiles being thrown. Protesters clashed with Australian emergency services workers in a remote town. The unrest follows the arrest of a man suspected of murdering a five-year-old Indigenous girl. The girl was reported missing from her home on the outskirts of Alice Springs last Saturday. Her body was discovered in dense bushland outside the town.

An interim report into the National Construction Code recommends a system-wide overhaul to increase housing supply and affordability. The report suggests slashing red tape to address current regulatory issues.