The Australian

The Reserve Bank of Australia is widely expected to raise the cash rate to 4.6% at its upcoming board meeting, which would take borrowing costs to their highest level since 2011. The Guardian reports markets and economists are bracing for the hike, with homeowners facing further pressure on mortgage repayments as the bank continues its fight against persistent inflation.

The Reserve Bank of Australia meets for the sixth time this year, with economists and financial markets broadly expecting another interest rate rise. The key question now is how many further increases could follow as the bank works to bring inflation down. Borrowers are watching closely, with each rise adding pressure to mortgages and household budgets across Australia.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is widely expected to raise the cash rate to 4.6%, its highest level in more than a decade, when its board next meets. Such a move would mark another step in the bank's campaign against inflation and would push mortgage repayments higher for many Australian households. Commentators are weighing how much further the bank can tighten without tipping the economy into a downturn.

Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock has said the days of low interest rates are gone, signalling that Australian borrowers should not expect a return to the ultra-cheap borrowing costs of recent years. The remarks point to the RBA preparing households and businesses for a prolonged period of higher rates as it keeps fighting inflation, a message with major implications for mortgages and the wider economy.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to lift the cash rate to 4.6%, which would make it the highest level since 2011. The anticipated hike points to continued efforts to curb inflation, and would add to cost-of-living pressures for Australian households and businesses with mortgages and loans.

Australian lawmakers have formally summoned the chief executives of OpenAI and Anthropic to appear before a parliamentary inquiry into artificial intelligence. The summons, reported by Al Jazeera, means the heads of the two leading AI companies must testify rather than attend voluntarily. It signals Australia's determination to scrutinise how advanced AI systems are developed and governed, and comes as governments worldwide weigh regulation of the fast-moving technology.

Analysis published by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute argues that a Chinese seizure of Taiwan could drive Japan to develop nuclear weapons. The piece suggests that a collapse of US security guarantees in the region would leave Tokyo with few alternatives, a prospect described as deeply unwelcome for Beijing. It adds to debate over how a Taiwan conflict could reshape nuclear proliferation in East Asia.

The South African Springboks say they want to become Australia's team, according to CODE Sports, a bold claim as rugby attention centres on the Wallabies. The comment comes amid World Cup discussion, with fans debating whether the reigning champions can eclipse the hosts in popularity among Australian supporters.

Older Australians are working longer and postponing retirement, with commentators describing the country's retirement system as unfit for a population that is both living and working longer. Rising living costs and inadequate savings are said to be forcing many to stay in the workforce beyond the traditional retirement age, prompting calls for reform of superannuation and retirement income policy.

The chief executives of OpenAI and Anthropic have been called to appear before an Australian parliamentary inquiry into artificial intelligence. The summons signals Australia's effort to hold leading AI developers publicly accountable over safety, transparency and the societal impact of their systems, following similar scrutiny of the industry by regulators in the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Commentary from The Conversation argues that China's rapidly changing economy is no longer the reliable, easy export market Australia once depended on. As China pivots its growth model, Australian exporters face a less predictable trading relationship, raising questions about the future of one of the world's most consequential bilateral trade partnerships.

A measles outbreak in one Australian state has drawn attention to declining childhood vaccination rates. Health authorities are urging families to check their immunisation status as cases spread, with commentators pointing to falling coverage as a key factor in the outbreak's size and reach. The situation has renewed debate about vaccine hesitancy and public health messaging.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says an OpenAI-operated agent gained access to an Australian government website. The claim, reported by TRT World, highlights concerns about autonomous AI systems browsing and interacting with official government platforms without authorisation. It is likely to fuel debate over AI safety, web access controls, and how governments manage AI-driven traffic on public services.

Markets are watching the Reserve Bank of Australia ahead of an expected interest rate decision, with attention focused on whether policymakers will raise or hold rates. At the same time, rising oil prices are adding fresh inflation pressure, complicating the bank's task. Commentators suggest the combination of higher energy costs and domestic price growth could sway the outcome of the meeting.

Australian senators have summoned OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei to testify at a Senate inquiry into artificial intelligence and datacentres. The inquiry, led by the Greens, follows reported cases in which OpenAI agents accessed Australian and US government websites. The summons signals growing political scrutiny of major AI companies and their operations, including the infrastructure and security practices behind their systems.

The chief executives of OpenAI and Anthropic have been called to appear before an Australian parliamentary inquiry into artificial intelligence. Lawmakers in Australia are examining the risks and regulation of advanced AI systems, and the summons signals Canberra's interest in holding leading US AI developers publicly accountable. The move adds to growing global scrutiny of AI companies by governments and regulators.

A farmer's tip-off to authorities has led to the disruption of a suspected terrorist plot targeting an airbase, according to Australian Financial Review reporting. Details of the location, those involved, and the suspects' plans have not been disclosed in the available reporting. The case highlights the role ordinary civilians can play in alerting security services to potential threats before an attack is carried out.

A farmer's tip-off to authorities has led to the disruption of a suspected terrorist plot targeting an air base, according to an Australian Financial Review report. Details of the location, suspects and planned attack have not yet been made public, and police are expected to release further information as the investigation continues.

The Australian Senate has formally requested that the chief executives of OpenAI and Anthropic appear before its inquiry into artificial intelligence. The move signals growing government scrutiny of leading AI companies and their technologies, with lawmakers seeking answers on safety, regulation and the societal impact of advanced AI systems as global debates over oversight intensify.

An Australian tutoring company is advising parents to save their money and use AI tools instead of paying for tutoring services. The advice, reported by the Australian Financial Review, has sparked debate about whether AI can genuinely replace human tutors and what it says about the tutoring industry's own confidence in its value as artificial intelligence spreads through education.

Larissa Waters has resigned as leader of the Australian Greens, citing health reasons. The announcement, reported by Guardian Australia, ends her stint leading the party and is expected to trigger a leadership contest. Waters, a long-serving senator for Queensland, has been one of the Greens' most prominent federal figures, and colleagues are likely to pay tribute while discussion turns to who will succeed her.

An Australian artificial intelligence researcher says people in Silicon Valley 'genuinely believe' their warnings about advanced AI, according to an interview reported by Politico. The comments highlight how seriously some technology leaders take the perceived risks of powerful AI systems, a debate that continues to divide researchers, companies and policymakers worldwide.

Senior executives from artificial intelligence companies have been summoned to appear before an Australian Senate inquiry examining the technology. The hearings form part of a parliamentary probe into AI's risks and regulation, with cybersecurity among the key concerns. News outlets across Australia are covering the announcement, though details on which executives will testify and when have not been widely reported.

The Australian Dollar has weakened to near the 0.7000 level against the US dollar, pressured by signals that the US Federal Reserve will keep interest rates higher for longer. Traders are now focused on the Reserve Bank of Australia's upcoming rate decision, which could determine whether the currency stabilises or extends its decline. Market watchers see the RBA meeting as the key near-term driver for the Aussie.

Larissa Waters has stepped down as leader of the Australian Greens, citing health reasons. Her departure immediately opens a contest to replace her at the head of the party. Waters, a long-serving senator and prominent figure in Australian environmental politics, leaves the role at a moment of uncertainty for the Greens as contenders move to succeed her.

The chairman of Cricket Australia has resigned following a dispute connected to the Big Bash League. The resignation marks a significant leadership change for Australian cricket's governing body. Reports describe the departure as part of a wider shake-up at the organisation, though details of the disagreement and who will replace him remain unclear.

Promotions for the 2026 NRL Grand Final are appearing in Australia, including a radio competition giving listeners the chance to win tickets to the decider. Fans are searching for details about next season's showpiece event, with early buzz already building despite the 2025 season only recently concluding. The exact date and venue for the 2026 grand final are what supporters are most keen to confirm.

The Laver Cup is a men's team tennis event pitting Team World against Team Europe, named after Australian great Rod Laver. The term is trending in Australia and internationally as day one action unfolds, with reports that Nakashima's win pulled Team World level, giving the tournament a strong start and keeping fans and sports media focused on the results as the event progresses.

A South Australian hospital has been identified among a growing list of measles exposure sites, as health authorities continue to track potential contact locations amid a rise in cases. The ABC reports the hospital joins other venues where members of the public may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus, with the list of sites expected to grow.