Offshore Wind Auction (Victoria): Victoria has opened Australia’s first offshore wind auction, launching a Request for Proposal for the state’s first 2GW, aiming to replace retiring coal with more reliable power and unlock major investment and jobs. Disaster Response (Nepal floods): After glacier-flood devastation across Nepal and China, 42 Australians remain missing as the death toll nears 800; Australia has lifted aid to $8m and is sending further humanitarian support and Defence assistance while rescue operations face fresh flooding risks. Immigration Politics (Labor vs One Nation): Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek was grilled on immigration after One Nation’s Secret Harbour by-election win, with the party claiming there are “no more safe Labor seats” and voters showing strong trust in One Nation on migration. Pacific Governance (Palau hosts PIF): The Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Palau is politically charged by Palau’s Taiwan recognition, shifting regional diplomacy and raising the stakes for security and climate discussions. Health Policy (SA rebate cuts): South Australia warns federal cuts to health insurance rebates for older people could worsen elective surgery waiting lists. Regulatory Integrity (migration agents): OMARA sanctioned 17 migration agents over misleading visa claims and misuse of client money, signalling a tougher crackdown on misconduct. Local Infrastructure (Melbourne growth fight): Inner-city councils say they’ll resist a plan to add a million residents without close to $1b in new infrastructure funding. AI & Privacy (smart glasses): Australia’s online safety regulator is pushing for smart glasses to blur faces automatically, alongside privacy moves giving people stronger control over their data.