Stories from Australia

Conditions are easing for a 24-hectare bushfire in the northern Tablelands of New South Wales. The blaze on the western edge of Rallertownship has been downgraded to a watch and act status. The New South Wales rural fire service provided the update.

Pre-polling has commenced in the southern New South Wales electorate of Farah. The seat was previously held by former federal opposition leader Susan Lee for over two decades.

Former Queensland Premier Anastasia Palaszczuk launched her autobiography, titled "The Politics of Being Me," in Sydney on Wednesday. The book covers her career and includes personal details regarding her early years.

The AFL Commission has approved a draft of changes to the National Draft. These compensation picks are limited to one per club and are only available to clubs that finished in the bottom five the previous season.

Shares of a company utilizing CTVQ technology have increased by more than 1300 percent over the past 12 months. The technology converts standard lung scans into detailed functional maps without requiring injections or additional radiation.

Australian medical technology company 4D Medical has entered the ASX200, which tracks the top 200 companies on the Australian share market. The company's share price has increased by more than 1300% over the past 12 months.

Police in Alice Springs are searching for 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis, a suspect in a child abduction case. The item was located five kilometers south of Old Timers Town Camp, approximately 10 minutes from the Alice Springs CBD. Vigils were held last night for the community to mourn the loss. The investigation follows the discovery of a body in a remote South Australian park. A person named Lewis is being held in relation to the murder of a five-year-old. Police have alleged that 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis is responsible for the abduction and murder of a baby named Kumanjaya. Authorities are expected to lay formal charges within the next 20 hours or the coming days. The specific nature of the charges remains unconfirmed. Alice Springs experienced a period of calm on Friday, though local representative Robin Lamley warned that conditions could become difficult tonight.

Bill Grayden, a war hero and the longest-serving parliamentarian in Western Australia, has died at age 105. He was recognized for his extensive service to the country and his local community. Graydon followed in the footsteps of his father, Len Graydon. William Graydon, Western Australia's longest-serving Member of Parliament and a war veteran, has died in Perth.

Former Panthers player Luay will leave the Wests Tigers to play for the PNG Chiefs starting in their first NRL season in 2028. The move is described as a opportunity for the player and the landscape of rugby league. The transition is expected to provide financial benefits and position the player as a face of the game. Several Penrith Panthers players are reportedly considering options to play for the Chiefs starting in 2028. Players mentioned include Nathan Cleary, Mitch Kenny, Moses Leota, Liam Martin, Brian Tauho, and Isaiah Yeo. Panthers co-captain Isaiah Yeo admitted to looking at various options for his future. Penrith co-captain Isiah Yio described the signing as a smart move that will change the landscape of the sport.

The AFL commission has approved changes to the national draft to level the playing field. New rules will limit the number of matched bids on top father-son and academy prospects. Clubs finishing in the bottom five of the previous season can receive a second-round compensation pick if their first-round pick slides due to match bids on concessional players. Each club is limited to one compensation pick per draft. Clubs are now limited to a maximum of two picks to match a bid on top father-son or academy prospects up to pick 36.