7News Just In

A 2019 national fuel emergency response manual revealed through freedom of information laws details a contingency plan to cap motorist spending at $40 per tank during fuel shortages. State and federal governments have ruled out implementing the rationing plan despite 164 service stations running out of petrol and diesel in a single day. The fuel crisis is causing flow-on effects including Australia Post tripling its fuel levy to 12%, Jetstar cutting services, and waste collectors warning of rubbish pile-ups due to high diesel costs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's inflation rate cooled to 3.7% in February, down from 3.8% in January, with underlying inflation holding at 3.3%. Economists warn that inflation could surge above 5% in March as the impact of soaring petrol and diesel prices from the America and Israel war on Iran hits the economy. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has cautioned business leaders that the economic shock from the Iran conflict could exceed the impacts of COVID-19 and the Global Financial Crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Victorian government has announced a new electricity scheme offering households three hours of free power daily during midday periods, potentially saving families around $300 annually. The initiative, called Midday Power Saver, requires households to have a smart meter and opt in through their retailer, with the possibility of higher tariffs during other times of the day. The scheme will be available from October, approximately seven weeks before the state election, and is expected to benefit 2.6 million eligible households.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria faces a worsening petrol crisis with 134 fuel stations running low or out of at least one fuel stock. The transport industry held urgent talks calling for emergency powers, warning that garbage collection services could be affected if fuel surcharges aren't recognised. The federal government has ruled out $40 fuel purchase limits from a 2019 emergency plan, while companies like Australia Post are nearly tripling fuel surcharges for parcel deliveries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police have arrested 23-year-old Decklin Donnelly and his girlfriend Jenessa Thurston at a Seven Hills home in connection with the kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian. Detectives allege Donnelly was contracted to kidnap an underworld figure's relative but mistakenly abducted innocent Mr Baghsarian from the wrong house in North Ryde on February 13. Police believe up to nine people were involved in the crime, with multiple guns, ammunition and drugs allegedly found at the property.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns calls for national COVID-style protocols including work from home rules and fuel rationing, with proposals for a $40 fuel cap revealed. Melbourne's City Council faces criticism as an eight-metre high kangaroo sculpture project costs blow out to $22 million, with ratepayers covering half the expense. Workplace culture debates emerge around reintroducing office lunchrooms, with experts arguing that eating lunch at desks is detrimental to business productivity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NASA has cancelled its Lunar Gateway orbital space station project to redirect resources towards building a permanent base on the Moon's surface. Administrator Jared Isaacman announced the agency will invest approximately $20 billion over seven years to construct the lunar base in stages, working with commercial and international partners. The announcement precedes NASA's Artemis 2 mission launching next week, which will send astronauts around the Moon for the first time since 1972, while plans for a nuclear-powered spacecraft to Mars by late 2028 were also unveiled.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate's February visit to Mar-a-Lago in Florida was funded by the Trump Organisation, including accommodation, meals featuring an expensive tomahawk steak, and airport transfers. Council documents confirm the expenses exceeded $500, refuting earlier criticism that ratepayers' money was used. The visit was to witness a deal between Eric Trump and a Gold Coast developer for a proposed 91-storey, $1 billion tower in Surfers Paradise, expected to go through council approval this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson will receive a $100,000 salary increase, bringing her annual pay to approximately $310,000, following her party's elevation to minor party status in federal parliament. The party achieved this status after gaining five or more members, boosted significantly by Barnaby Joyce's defection to One Nation. Hanson has formally requested Prime Minister Anthony Albanese approve additional staffing resources to match those allocated to the Greens party.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil prices have fluctuated significantly in response to Donald Trump's statements about potential negotiations with Iran, dropping 14% to $96 per barrel before climbing back to $102 as Iran denied the existence of any talks. Intense fighting continues between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, with Israeli strikes flattening buildings in the south and Hezbollah gunfire killing a woman in northern Israel. The United States is deploying 3,000 additional troops to the Middle East, supplementing two vessels of Marines already en route to the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian government has a contingency policy document that recommends capping fuel purchases at $40 per motorist (equivalent to 16 litres) during fuel emergencies. Approximately 160 petrol stations across Victoria have run out of fuel, with the state experiencing a 300-400 per cent surge in fuel demand. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned the economic impact of the fuel crisis and Middle East conflict could rival the COVID pandemic, while electric vehicle purchases at auction dealerships have surged in response.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran appoints Mohammed Barger Zalgada as new security chief following the death of Ali Larajani in US-Israeli strikes. Two teenagers aged 14 and 15 have been killed after their motorcycle collided with a bus in Sydney's west, prompting tributes at the scene. Brisbane's new $3.8 billion Victoria Park stadium design has been unveiled, featuring 63,000 seats with shaded seating and giant digital screens, with construction beginning 1 June.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A petrol station worker in Armidale suffered serious facial injuries after attempting to stop a fuel drive-off and remains in stable condition in the state trauma unit at Royal Perth Hospital. Glenn McCaw, 39, was arrested after an 11-hour manhunt and faced court on charges including stealing, dangerous driving and failing to stop. The accused is currently remanded in custody with his next court appearance scheduled for next month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Maylands couple's home construction project with Sovereign Building Company remains incomplete and riddled with defects, despite the building watchdog ordering fixes to more than 50 issues. The builder has ignored 40 of the ordered defects, leaving Rob and Pina Martin in financial and emotional limbo. Sovereign Building Company has requested an extension until May 25th to complete remediation work, while the case highlights systemic issues favouring builders over homeowners in Western Australia's construction industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electric vehicle sales are surging with demand fuelled by record high petrol prices, inflation and interest rates. Motorists are scrambling to cut costs sending new and second-hand EV sales skyrocketing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A selfless state MP is playing a powerful role in a new ad campaign to raise funds for MND care. Emma Vulin is fighting the incurable disease herself and wants to help others while she can. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's biggest airports are joining forces, calling for urgent immigration upgrades. They claim Australia is fast falling behind other nations which use safer and faster passport processing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former AFL umpire Troy Pannell’s legal woes are worsening with his estranged wife now declaring bankruptcy. She has been left in limbo by his alleged $10 million fraud. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 160 petrol stations across Victoria have now run out of fuel. Demand has soared 400 per cent but the state government insists supply is not the issue, panic buying is. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heartless criminals have started siphoning petrol out of cars parked on the street as the crime wave from the fuel crisis gets worse by the day. Now the price of fruit and veggies across Sydney is skyrocketing as grocers try to cover their ballooning costs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 35,000 fed-up Victorian teachers have stormed out of classrooms and into the city, rallying for hours in their fight for better pay. It marked the biggest education strike in the state's history, leaving families in limbo with organisers promising more to come. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electric vehicle sales in Australia have surged to record levels, with dealerships reporting 25 EVs sold in just three days compared to the usual eight per month. More than 11,000 electric cars were sold nationally in February alone, double the number from the same time last year, driven by petrol prices reaching $2.50 per litre. Both new and second-hand EV sales are experiencing unprecedented demand, with Pickles Auctions reporting a 30% uplift in EV searches as Australians seek to save approximately $3,000 per year on running costs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electric vehicle sales in Australia have surged to record levels, with dealerships reporting 25 EVs sold in just three days compared to the usual eight per month. More than 11,000 electric cars were sold nationally in February alone, double the number from the same time last year, driven by petrol prices reaching $2.50 per litre. Both new and second-hand EV sales are experiencing unprecedented demand, with Pickles Auctions reporting a 30% uplift in EV searches as Australians seek to save approximately $3,000 per year on running costs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electric vehicle sales in Australia have surged to record levels, with dealerships reporting 25 EVs sold in just three days compared to the usual eight per month. More than 11,000 electric cars were sold nationally in February alone, double the number from the same time last year, driven by petrol prices reaching $2.50 per litre. Both new and second-hand EV sales are experiencing unprecedented demand, with Pickles Auctions reporting a 30% uplift in EV searches as Australians seek to save approximately $3,000 per year on running costs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electric vehicle sales in Australia have surged to record levels, with dealerships reporting 25 EVs sold in just three days compared to the usual eight per month. More than 11,000 electric cars were sold nationally in February alone, double the number from the same time last year, driven by petrol prices reaching $2.50 per litre. Both new and second-hand EV sales are experiencing unprecedented demand, with Pickles Auctions reporting a 30% uplift in EV searches as Australians seek to save approximately $3,000 per year on running costs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The King's Baton Relay arrives in Sydney with 121 days remaining until the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. For the first time, all 74 Commonwealth nations have their own unique baton, with Australia's hand-painted by First Nations artist Chern'ee Sutton. The baton was carried by gold medallist Georgia Godwin and Matt Shirvington before being delivered to Governor-General Samantha Mostyn at Admiralty House, before continuing to Tasmania for the final leg of its Australian tour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The King's Baton Relay arrives in Sydney with 121 days remaining until the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. For the first time, all 74 Commonwealth nations have their own unique baton, with Australia's hand-painted by First Nations artist Chern'ee Sutton. The baton was carried by gold medallist Georgia Godwin and Matt Shirvington before being delivered to Governor-General Samantha Mostyn at Admiralty House, before continuing to Tasmania for the final leg of its Australian tour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Air Canada Express jet crashed into a fire and rescue truck while landing at New York's LaGuardia Airport, killing both the pilot and co-pilot. The collision occurred when the truck crossed onto the runway, with audio from the control tower suggesting the controller had given permission to cross just moments before impact. Investigators have recovered the flight recorder and are examining the wreckage, with early indications pointing to human error in what is being described as New York's worst aviation disaster in over three decades.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

84% of Australian employees use artificial intelligence tools daily, but only 7% are considered proficient, leaving 5 million workers classified as AI beginners. New modelling by RMIT Online and Deloitte Access Economics suggests that if half of these beginners improved their AI skills to intermediate level, it could boost the Australian economy by nearly $19 billion and increase individual worker earnings by approximately $7,000 annually. Almost a third of workers express anxiety about losing their jobs to AI, with admin and tech sectors already experiencing significant impacts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Westmead Hospital's emergency department in western Sydney has been captured on video showing patients lying on the floor and waiting up to 20 hours for treatment. The Health Minister's office states many patients presenting are lower urgency triage levels 4 or 5, and is encouraging people to call Health Direct for advice. The government has announced its biggest ever recruitment drive for hospital staff to reduce wait times, while the opposition is calling for an inquiry into western Sydney healthcare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 39-year-old man has been charged after allegedly mowing down a service station attendant while fleeing without paying for fuel in Perth's south-east. The accused was on the run for almost 11 hours before police arrested him. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch has warned that rising fuel prices may increase this type of offending, while the injured worker remains in a stable condition in hospital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.