Australia's best and brightest recognised for extraordinary contributions to society

NSW slashes toll cap to save drivers $10 weekly

The New South Wales government is reducing the weekly toll cap from $60 to $50, benefiting approximately one million toll users annually who will save up to $10 per week. The budget measures also include scrapping administrative costs on tolls, which often exceed the toll charges themselves. These toll relief initiatives are part of broader cost of living measures to be announced in the state budget. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

WA poultry lockdown as bird flu spreads

WA Premier Roger Cook has issued warnings as poultry producers enter voluntary lockdown following detection of the H5 avian influenza strain. A second bird has tested positive in the Esperance area, with 26 reports of unwell birds believed linked to migratory birds. Six Australians and one New Zealander have been released from a Perth quarantine facility after 42 days following a Handa virus cruise ship outbreak, all testing negative for the virus. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Defence force joins search for missing magician

Twenty-six-year-old magician Daniel Hiddin has been missing for 10 days in the dense bushland of the Gold Coast hinterland after his car and caravan were found in a Currumbin Valley car park. The Australian Defence Force is joining police and SES volunteers to search more than 20 walking trails spanning from Currumbin Valley to northern New South Wales. The search has proven dangerous, with some volunteers sustaining injuries in the difficult terrain. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Keir Starmer resigns as UK Prime Minister

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, making way for the UK's sixth Prime Minister in seven years. His departure follows declining popularity, the surge of Nigel Farage's right-wing Reform party to become the most popular party in the UK, race riots, and a struggling economy. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, dubbed 'the King of the North', has emerged as Labour's preferred successor after winning a critical by-election and is expected to lead the party into the next election. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

One Nation surges ahead in latest polling

Roy Morgan polling shows One Nation's primary support has risen to 31.5%, placing them ahead of the ALP at 27% and the Coalition. On a two-party preferred basis, 51% back the Albanese government while 49% support Pauline Hanson's One Nation, making a potential federal election too close to call. One Nation's 'Fire the Liar' online fundraiser has reached $4.7 million, while New South Wales polling suggests the party could surge past the Coalition to become the official state opposition in next year's state election. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.