'From death to America to God bless America': Conflict expands rapidly
9NewsThe exiled Iranian crown prince has rallied Americans behind his vision for the country, as fresh strikes drag another country into the conflict.
Two tonnes of cocaine found on sailboat in island paradise
9NewsThe turquoise blue ocean and lush greenery of Vanuatu's Havannah Harbour turned into an international crime scene last week after nearly two tonnes of cocaine were found on a half-sunken sailboat.
The drugs, believed to be headed to Australia, were found by the Vanuatu Police Force after the turned-over sailboat sparked concerns from locals.
It's believed the boat was docked offshore near Havannah Harbour, but a storm blew it up onto the reef, tipping it over in North West Efate.
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According to local media reports, two men approached a man in the middle of the night, asking for his help to dig the sand out from under the boat to get it sailing again.
The local resident found the interaction suspicious and called police, leading to the discovery of 1.6 tonnes of bagged white powder on the deck of the boat.
Forensic testing later confirmed the drugs were allegedly "pure cocaine".
A Lithuanian man and a British national have been arrested and are being detained in relation to the alleged smuggling incident.
Nine.com.au has reached out to the VPF for comment about when they are expected to front court.
Local news outlet The Daily Post reported on Tuesday that AFP officers were already monitoring the boat and were planning to arrest the crew when they arrived in Australia, but the sailboats' crash onto a coral reef derailed the alleged drug smugglers' plans.
While the AFP pointed nine.com.au to the Vanuatu Police Force for comment, the South Pacific branch of the federal agency posted about the drug bust on Facebook last week, confirming they were assisting in the investigation.
"At the request from VPF, the AFP is working side by side with the VPF, providing operational, specialist investigative and forensic support to their investigation into a yacht that had run aground close to the shoreline in the harbour, believed to have contained the drugs," the Facebook post reads.
As the investigation continues, Vanuatu locals told nine.com.au they have growing concerns over the South Pacific drug trade.
One Port Villa resident, who has asked to remain anonymous, says locals are "terrified" that illegal drugs will eventually find their way onshore, adding they don't want their peaceful island paradise overrun by alleged syndicates.
Last week's bust is the latest in a string of operations dedicated to cracking down on alleged drug smugglers routing through the South Pacific to reach Australia by the AFP and their Pacific partners.
The route has become so popular that the AFP announced a focused South Pacific organised crime branch in collaboration with the Fiji Police Force in December last year.
"Australia's insatiable appetite for illegal commodities, and the high price the Australian public pays to consume these really dangerous substances, is putting significant pressure on our Pacific family,'' Commissioner Barrett said at the time.
"While the majority of these drugs are still trafficked to Australia, there is a growing concern that organised crime is now sending illicit commodities directly to the Pacific to find another market."
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'Businesses are going under now': Truckies knock Albo's fuel crisis plan
9NewsThe peak body for road transport says fresh national measures to combat the burgeoning fuel crisis is inadequate and overdue, warning businesses are going under "today".
Prime Minister Anthony Albanesetoday announced the government will be granted new powers to help private importers bring more fuel into the nation as the government attempts to curb spiking fuel prices and panic buying.
But Australia's transport industry needs instant relief, National Road Transport Association (NatRoads) chief executive Warren Clark said.
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"It's simple, if you don't have the funds to buy fuel – which has doubled in cost for most – or to meet your financial obligations, you're cooked," he said.
Clark urged the Alabanese Government and National Cabinet to urgently introduce more "practical measures" for operators, including emergency financial support payments for transport businesses.
"Even if operators can renegotiate contracts, it will take weeks for payments to catch up," Clark said.
"We're not talking small change here. This month alone we know of operators who have outlaid half a million dollars in cash or more to cover the gap between what their contracts pay and the pump."
NatRoad also wants to see the Road user charge for heavy vehicles canned immediately, and a six-month grace period on loan repayments for heavy vehicle equipment.
"Businesses are going under now — not in weeks, not in months. Today," he said.
"Drivers are having fuel cards declined. Operators are travelling between stations just to find diesel.
"This is happening right now and if we don't see action it will be too late."
Clark said most small to medium operators simply could not survive until Fair Work Changes flowed through
Long-term operators have been forced to stand down staff, park up their trucks and walk away from their businesses, the association said.
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NatRoad is now receiving multiple calls from members daily, desperate for help. Many long term operators have parked up trucks, stood down staff and walked away from their businesses.
The impact of the fuel crisis is only expected to worsen for the industry in coming weeks, when March fuel bills are due.
"When the fuel card bills arrive next month, for many, that will be the end of the road. When trucks stop, Australia stops," he said.
"This will affect us all if we don't act. We need to keep supermarket shelves stocked, construction moving and essential goods flowing."
The federal government's private importer powers are set to come into effect on Monday and will allow the government to use public funds to underwrite the purchase of fuel by the private sector.
The prime minister said it will also allow for the purchase of fertiliser and other essentials.
Albanese said that the government is in talks with local and international fuel suppliers "to help firm up and source new cargoes required to keep Australia moving".
"Put simply, we will use Export Finance Australia to underwrite the purchase of shiploads of fuel that will add to supply here in Australia.
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"This support from the government will not be business as usual."It has to be additional supplies that are available on the international market, and it literally will be underwriting the purchase of shiploads of fuel to get here to Australia.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said Australia currently has 1.6 billion litres of petrol, which roughly equates to nine days' worth, which is up "very slightly".
He also said the nation has 2.7 billion litres of diesel, which is approximately one month's worth, and is "pretty flat".
"What that tells me is that while the fuel is flowing strongly out the door, especially to regional Australia."
Australians need to remain prepared as the war in the Middle East escalates, so too will volatile fuel prices, Bowen said.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission found the daily average diesel price across five of the largest cities was $3.03 a litre on Wednesday, up by 10 per cent from the previous week.
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'Not the Australian way': PM announces new plan to tackle fuel crisis, calls out fuel hoarders
9NewsPrime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that the government will be granted new powers to help private importers bring more fuel into the nation as the government attempts to curb spiking fuel prices and panic buying.
The new powers are set to come into effect on Monday and will allow the government to use public funds to underwrite the purchase of fuel by the private sector.
The prime minister said it will also allow for the purchase of fertiliser and other essentials.
"I want us to have the strongest possible plants, so we're ready for what may come. I want to keep our people, our economy and our nation moving," he said.
Albanese said that the government is in talks with local and international fuel suppliers "to help firm up and source new cargoes required to keep Australia moving".
"Put simply, we will use Export Finance Australia to underwrite the purchase of shiploads of fuel that will add to supply here in Australia.
"This support from the government will not be business as usual.
"It has to be additional supplies that are available on the international market, and it literally will be underwriting the purchase of shiploads of fuel to get here to Australia."
The prime minister said the measures are being enacted to keep Australia prepared and ensure fuel "gets to the right places".
He said that recent footage circulating on social media showing people filling multiple jerry cans at petrol stations to hoard fuel is "not the Australian way".
"People need to take what they need and no more," he said.
"I don't want things to be mandated, common sense should apply as well."
"This isn't toilet paper that's been piled up in some garages. It's actually fuel.
"That's not sensible on a range of levels. One, it's not doing the right thing by your fellow Australians. But importantly, as well, it can be dangerous."
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Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen backed the prime minister's sentiments, saying that fuel demand in rural Australia is at "a very busy time".
"[Demand] remains exceedingly high, and this supply is still not enough, but we are increasing supply and working in a very complicated supply chain to get the fuel to where it needs to go."
"The fact of the matter is, cargo internationally available, but is getting increasingly expensive and increasingly risky in a volatile environment."
Bowen said Australia currently has 1.6 billion litres of petrol, which roughly equates to nine days' worth, which is up "very slightly".
He also said the nation has 2.7 billion litres of diesel, which is approximately one month's worth, and is "pretty flat".
"What that tells me is that while the fuel is flowing strongly out the door, especially to regional Australia."
Bowen said that Australians need to remain prepared as the war in the Middle East escalates, so too will volatile fuel prices.
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Queensland could fast-track the opening of an oil lake the size of Singapore
9NewsAs the fuel crisis continues to deepen, the Queensland government is reportedly looking to fast-track the opening of an oil lake the size of Singapore.
The Queensland government has already granted several companies approval to conduct exploration work at the Taroom Trough, an oil lake the size of Singapore, just 300km west of Brisbane.
The investigation of the site will allow the government to learn by the end of 2026 whether it is viable to drill into the lake and extract the supplies.
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While it is not an immediate relief from the ongoing shortage, if it is deemed usable, oil could be extracted from the site as early as 2028.
In Queensland alone, more than 100 service stations were out of fuel yesterday, with even more shortages across the nation.
The reports come just days out from the federal government being poised to reveal a national emergency fuel plan that will allow industries that require the supplies most to secure quantities.
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The plan would aim to create safeguards for supplies going to industries, such as farming, trucking and emergency services, as well as to regional areas.
There are calls from the opposition, however, to slash the fuel excise to immediately reduce costs for drivers.
"When you fill up your car, about 52 cents every single litre goes to taxation," Shadow Foreign Minister Ted O'Brien told Today.
"So we need to cut that taxation in half for a three-month period."
Cutting the tax would carry consequences for the federal budget, which brings in billions of dollars each year.
However, the fuel crisis is expected to affect the budget regardless.
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Donald Trump to put his name on all US paper money
9NewsDonald Trump's signature will be added to all US banknotes in a first for a sitting president.
Historically, the only signatures to appear on American money are the Treasury Secretary and the Treasurer.
But Treasurer Brandon Beach's name will be taken off the cash to make room for Trump.
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The announcement was made in a statement by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
"Under President Trump's leadership, we are on a path toward unprecedented economic growth, lasting dollar dominance, and fiscal strength and stability," Bessent said.
"There is no more powerful way to recognise the historic achievements of our great country and President Donald J Trump than US dollar bills bearing his name, and it is only appropriate that this historic currency be issued at the Semiquincentennial."
The United States is marking its 250th anniversary this year.
Beach will become the first treasurer of the United States since 1861 to not have their name on American paper money.
But in a statement, Beach did not mention his own name getting bumped.
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"The President's mark on history as the architect of America's Golden Age economic revival is undeniable," Beach said.
"Printing his signature on the American currency is not only appropriate, but also well deserved."
The decision has been panned by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
"Now Americans will know exactly who to blame as they're paying more for groceries, gas, rent, and health care," he wrote on Bluesky.
"Americans now have to pay a dollar more on average for a gallon of gas because of Donald Trump's war with Iran.
"But don't worry! Our beloved president is moving heaven and earth to make sure he...can golf all day at his private golf course this weekend."
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As Trump staffers tout his economic achievement, Wall Street has seen its biggest drop since the beginning of the Iran war overnight.
The S&P 500 fell 1.7 per cent, as it braces for its fifth week of losses.
The Dow Jones and the Nasdaq composite also saw steep falls.
The ASX 200 also began the morning down on the back of Wall Street's drop.
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Iconic outback music festival Big Red Bash cancelled due to flooding
9NewsQueensland's iconic Big Red Bash music festival has been cancelled due to widespread outback flooding.
Organisers had been attempting to relocate the festival from its Birdsville location after intense rainfall flooded the region.
"After careful consideration of the available options, we decided that relocating the Birdsville Big Red Bash was not feasible for 2026," event founder and managing director Greg Donovan said.
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"Mother Nature is the highest authority; this year she has spoken and we have heard the message."
He said patrons were surveyed before the decision was made to cancel.
The event was 90 per cent sold out.
The 2026 line-up included Missy Higgins, Hoodoo Gurus, The Teskey Brothers, The Living End, Birds of Tokyo, Jessica Mauboy, Shannon Noll, Kate Ceberano, The Whitlams, Tim Finn, among others.
Organisers say next year's event will go ahead with the majority of this year's line-up confirmed for 2027.
The three-day event has drawn thousands of campers to the edge of the Simpson Desert for more than 10 years.
"We fully understand and appreciate the planning, excitement and anticipation all our adventurous patrons have when they buy tickets and lock in plans to head into the great Australian outback for the Bash," Donovan said.
"We also know our own team's excitement and passion for delivering the festival in this unique and amazing location. It's a very special and spiritual place."
Ticketholders can request a refund via Oztix, transfer their tickets to the 2027 Birdsville Big Red Bash or transfer to the 2026 Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash from 20–22 August 2026.
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Dire warning as 60 people potentially killed by Super-K flu strain
9NewsAt least 60 people have potentially died from the deadly Super-K flu strain so far this year, with doctors warning the figures will only rise.
The new and highly mutated strain of influenza A (H3N2), dubbed 'Super-K', was first detected in the United States in June and led to the deaths of dozens of children.
Now, the highly contagious strain has been confirmed in Australia.
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More than 22,000 flu cases have been reported in Australia so far this year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
And 63 deaths were recorded in January - roughly double the typical figures for the month.
Mater Director of Infectious Diseases Paul Griffin believes the Super-K strain has caused the unusually high number of deaths.
"This is largely due to the Super-K variant, which is easily transmitted, and also due to low vaccination rates," he said.
This year's flu vaccinations have been updated to combat the new variant ahead of the flu season, which typically starts in April.
But fewer people are getting their shots.
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Only about one in three Australians are receiving their flu shots, compared to more than half before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those most at risk of flu hospitalisations and deaths include the elderly, children, pregnant women and immunocompromised people.
Only 25 per cent of children under five received a flu shot and 60.5 per cent of people over 65 were vaccinated last year - the lowest number in six years.
Low vaccination rates have contributed to the deadliest flu season in a decade after 1701 people died from influenza last year.
That was about 400 more deaths than the national road toll.
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Griffin urged people to get their flu, COVID and RSV vaccines ahead of the flu season as it typically takes about two weeks for them to kick in.
"Flu is a major public health threat, and everyone should have the annual vaccine, especially those who are most vulnerable and need the added protection it brings," he said.
"This year, we need to do better and get as many people vaccinated as possible, before more lives are lost unnecessarily."
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Truckie left stranded twice on remote highways as diesel runs dry
9NewsTruck drivers are facing dangerous situations as diesel shortages in Australia's remote outback leave them stranded on isolated stretches of highway.
Long-distance driver Robert Cook has been stuck twice on his Melbourne to Perth run, first for over 24 hours on the Nullarbor Plain and again in Keith in South Australia's south-east.
Cook waited hours alongside five other drivers for a fresh supply of diesel to be delivered to a remote fuel station on SA's Limestone Coast yesterday evening.
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He had been driving for around 500 kilometres without seeing a single drop of diesel at any service station.
"Some of the guys I've been speaking to have said, 'Look, we're thinking about hanging our keys up'," Cook, who runs his own heavy haulage company Helco Group, told Nine.com.au.
"I've had to stand down two trucks. It's a struggle."
After filling up late yesterday, Cook said he may only manage to make it to Brisbane before needing to fork out for another tank, if he drives "conservatively".
Diesel fuel costs for Cook's regular Melbourne to Perth drive have now doubled from $5000 to $10,000.
The cost of diesel is now over $3.15 per litre at some petrol stations.
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Although the ballooning price of keeping his trucks on the road is not the biggest problem.
Careful fuel management is crucial even without a global oil crisis – at one point, there is a 192-kilometre gap between fuel stops on the Nullarbor, which is among the longest straight stretches of road in the country.
Cook is now worried for the safety of his drivers.
"I tell our drivers, minimum 20 to 30 litres of water, enough canned food and stuff... because our trucks have microwaves and inverters, so they're completely self-reliant," he said.
"It can go south very quickly, especially out there in the summertime.
"It's very dangerous."
Cook is on the road for a job with freight carrier Loadshift.
Loadshift's Operations Coordinator Alex Randall said drivers like Cook are being left "high and dry", despite trucking companies being the backbone of Australia's supply chain.
"There's no system telling them which servos have fuel and which don't. They're driving blind," Randall said.
"What makes this even worse is that a third of trucks on Australian roads are running empty at any given time. "
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The Transport Workers Union (TWU) and Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO) have also warned surging diesel prices have now reached "deadly" new heights.
The unions have called on the government to pass emergency laws to keep truck drivers in business.
"Businesses are at imminent risk of collapse and workers are under deadly pressure because there are huge retailers and other clients out there refusing to pay their fair share for skyrocketing fuel costs," TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said.
"The federal government must act now to put in place emergency powers to ensure the industry can cope with the current crisis – otherwise we will see more transport workers die on our roads, more businesses go under, and our supply chains at breaking point."
The time spent waiting for diesel to arrive has put Cook almost two days' behind schedule.
He warned the knock-on impact is not "sustainable" and that prices will inevitably rise across the board.
"The problem is that we have to pass that on to somebody, and unfortunately, it's going to be the consumer," he said.
"It's double for us, it's going to be double for them, just to stay afloat. It's going to affect a lot of people, like, without a doubt."
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'Iran's enemies' preparing ground invasion of island, says top politician
9NewsIran is anticipating a ground invasion of one of its islands, one of the country's top politicians has said.
Speaker of Parliament Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf announced the news via X this morning.
"Based on some data, Iran's enemies, with the support of one of the regional countries, are preparing to occupy one of the Iranian islands," Ghalibaf said.
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"All enemy movements are under the full surveillance of our armed forces.
"If they step out of line, all the vital infrastructure of that regional country will, without restriction, become the target of relentless attacks."
Ghalibaf did not specify who he meant by Iran's enemies or which regional country he was referring to.
But Iran is surrounded on several sides by nations with which it has long and animus histories.
The most obvious target Ghalibaf might be alluding to is Kharg Island, a vital infrastructure hub from which 90 per cent of Iran's oil is exported.
Because mainland Iran lacks substantial deepwater ports, oil is piped to the island where it is loaded onto tankers.
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The US has already conducted air strikes on the island, and Axios reported on Saturday that Trump was considering an invasion there.
Iran has been laying land mines as well as moving more troops and air defences to Kharg Island.
The rough, rocky terrain and substantial layered defences of the island indicates that if Iran were to resist a US invasion there, it would be bloody.
But there are other islands that are of strategic value to Iran.
Located in the Strait of Hormuz, Qeshm Island is another likely potential target.
The island reportedly contains underground tunnels hiding anti-ship missiles, mines, drones and attack craft.
It remains one of the most strategically vital locations for Iran if it wants to continue cutting off the Strait of Hormuz to foreign shipping.
Abu Musa is another potential target.
The island in the Persian Gulf contains significant military infrastructure. The United Arab Emirates has also staked a claim on the island, but Iran currently occupies it.
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Yesterday the US confirmed it was sending 2000 paratroopers to the Middle East.
The 82nd Airborne Division is considered an elite unit that was among the first boots on the ground in Normandy on D-Day in 1944.
Earlier today Iran dismissed any talks of a ceasefire with the US.
The US had drafted a 15-point proposal that would end the conflict.
But Iranian officials refused to consider the deal.
"Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met," the official was quoted as saying.
Iran has thus far publicly rejected any overtures of peace and denied claims from Donald Trump that negotiations were taking place.
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