The westernmost Australian state, bounded by Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and neighboring states.
Australia's states and federal government are implementing temporary free public transport measures to counter rising fuel prices caused by the Iran war. Victoria and Tasmania are providing free travel until July, while other states focus on different cost-of-living relief strategies. The measures aim to ease household financial pressures.
From May 4–5, Japan has signed defence and security pacts with Indonesia and Australia and has elevated economic and energy cooperation with Australia. Tokyo has agreed frameworks for defence-industry cooperation, intelligence sharing and joint exercises with Indonesia, and has agreed a package with Australia on energy, critical minerals and deeper defence collaboration.
A 38-year-old man has died after a 4m white shark bit him while spearfishing near Horseshoe Reef, Rottnest Island, west of Perth. He was taken ashore but could not be revived. Police will prepare a coroner’s report; beaches remain open as authorities urge extra water caution.
The diphtheria outbreak in Australia has reached multiple states and territories, with the Northern Territory reporting hundreds of cases and at least one death. Health authorities warn vaccination rates are driving transmission, while Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected. Officials say cases are now decreasing after peaking earlier in 2026.
A 39-year-old man has died after a shark bite while spearfishing near Kennedy Shoal, 28 miles off northeast Australia. He was rushed to shore but could not be revived. Several sources note a recent fatality near Rottnest Island and ongoing shark activity in eastern Australia.
A 35-year-old man has died after a shark bite while spearfishing near Michaelmas Island off Albany, Western Australia. A 4.5-metre shark was sighted in the area. Authorities urge caution and remind the public of beach closures as shark activity is monitored.
A 35-year-old woman has been bitten by a three-to-four-metre shark about 30 metres from Coogee Beach, Sydney. She remains in hospital in stable condition. Beaches were closed for 24 hours as drones and shark-spotting measures were deployed. Authorities say the incident will intensify calls for safety measures.
A migratory brown skua in Cape Le Grand National Park has tested positive for avian influenza. Testing is ongoing to confirm the H5 strain. Authorities say a rapid, coordinated national response will follow if confirmed.