Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland ahead of a crucial meeting with US President Donald Trump. The meeting, set to take place early tomorrow, will focus on reviewing the AUKUS pact and discussing Australia’s role in supplying critical minerals to the West. This marks the first bilateral meeting between the two leaders since Albanese assumed office.
Meanwhile, Australian general practitioners are raising alarms over a record-breaking flu season, which they attribute to a surge in anti-vaccination sentiment. This ideological wave, which gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, is believed to be exacerbated by social media and even the influence of the White House.
Flu Surge and Anti-Vaccination Sentiment
The flu season in Australia has reached unprecedented levels, with over 410,000 confirmed cases in 2025, surpassing the previous record of 365,000 in 2024. This accounts for about 1.5% of the population. Despite the surge, flu vaccination rates have declined across almost all age groups, particularly among vulnerable cohorts such as children aged six months to five years and those over 65, with vaccination rates at only 25.7% and 60% respectively.
Dr. Rebekah Hoffman, a GP and chair of the RACGP, highlighted that the decline in vaccination rates is partly due to a rise in vaccine skepticism. She pointed to anti-vaccine sentiment from figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a critic within the Trump administration, as worsening the issue. “It’s now something that I’m having a conversation most weeks with my patients about,” Hoffman stated.
“There’s more out-of-pocket costs for people to get their annual flu vaccines amidst a time where people are experiencing more financial difficulty,” said Professor Julie Leask, a public health expert from Sydney University.
Jacinta Price’s Defamation Battle
In other news, Liberal senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price appeared in the Federal Court in Darwin for a high-stakes defamation case. The case, filed by Central Land Council chief executive Les Turner, accuses Price of defaming him in a media release. Although Turner was not named, the release referenced an unsuccessful motion of no confidence against “the CEO of the Central Land Council.”
The trial, expected to last seven days, will see Price giving evidence as Turner seeks to prove that his reputation was unjustly damaged by Price’s statements.
Economic Policies and Political Maneuvering
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has announced that the Coalition will propose personal income tax cuts at the 2028 federal election. Speaking at The Centre for Independent Studies in Sydney, Ley emphasized the focus on low and middle-income earners, who are facing financial pressures from rising living costs.
“This is not a passing policy preference. It’s more than just a commitment to lower taxes,” Ley stated, underlining the Coalition’s dual goals of reducing taxes and repairing the budget.
Meanwhile, Sydney Mayor Michelle Byrne criticized NSW Premier Chris Minns over his comments on housing development, accusing the state government of bypassing local councils. Minns, who later expressed regret over his remarks, aims to collaborate with councils to address the housing crisis.
International Incidents and Developments
On the international front, a cargo plane operated for Emirates Airlines skidded into the sea after a collision at Hong Kong International Airport, resulting in two fatalities. The incident occurred during challenging weather conditions, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
In Paris, a daring heist at the Louvre Museum saw thieves make off with priceless Napoleonic jewels in a meticulously executed operation. The theft, occurring just 250 meters from the Mona Lisa, has raised concerns about security at the world-renowned museum.
Stay tuned as we continue to provide updates on these and other stories from around the globe.
