Monetary Policy: The RBA held the cash rate at 4.35% but Governor Michele Bullock kept the door open to more hikes, saying it was “quite possible” rates may need to go up if inflation risks re-emerge. Housing & Tax: The central bank also pointed to Budget-driven property investor tax changes and construction costs as part of the housing slowdown backdrop. Census 2026: Nearly 28 million Australians are set to complete the national census tonight, with new questions on gender and sexual orientation and a legal fine for non-response. Bird Flu Response: Australia will begin vaccinating vulnerable native birds against H5 bird flu, prioritising species in captivity where possible, as authorities warn mass die-offs may continue. Pacific Security: Australia moved to ratify a defence alliance with Fiji aimed at strengthening joint response in the Pacific amid rising geopolitical pressure. Governance & Integrity: NSW corruption watchdog Icac heard a lobbyist admit commissioning a “shit sheet” about a former Liberal MP, while a separate political row continues over alleged leaking of a Japanese diplomatic note. Illicit Trade: Authorities foiled an illegal emu egg export plot to Vietnam, and a coordinated ABF raid targeted suspected illicit tobacco and vapes at service stations nationwide.