WA hits headlines for record heat and apocalyptic red skies from cyclones; sparse biographic note: Western Australia is the westernmost Australian state.
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.
Japan's prime minister has visited Australia and has signed agreements with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to deepen cooperation on energy, critical minerals, economic security and defence. Leaders have said the Strait of Hormuz shipping squeeze is inflicting an "enormous impact" on the Indo‑Pacific and have pledged closer consultation and investment.