News
Prince Charles opens Parliament in Queen’s absence
Prince Charles steps up as health issues force Queen Elizabeth the second to miss the annual state opening of parliament in the UK for the first time in 59 years
Prince Charles delivers the opening speech to the parliament for the first time, outlining the UK government’s political agenda amid Queen Elizabeth’s absence.
The Sovereign’s Throne sits empty in the parliament with the heir Prince Charles sitting by the Imperial State Crown on the Consort’s Throne. His wife, Camilla and son, Prince William also accompany him in the House of Lords Chamber.
“Her Majesty’s government’s priority is to grow and strengthen the economy and help ease the cost of living for families,” Charles says, delivering the speech written by the government.
“Her Majesty’s government will level up opportunity in all parts of the country and support more people into work. Her ministers will continue to support the police to make the streets safer, and fund the National Health Service to reduce the COVID backlogs.”
The Queen’s original speech would have included ‘My Government’ but Charles replaces it with ‘Her Majesty’s Government’.
Charles concludes his eight-minute address with a mention of the upcoming celebration of the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.
The world’s longest reigning monarch is said to be suffering from ‘episodic mobility problems‘ which has been forcing her to miss several public events over the past months including the parliament opening.
This marks her third absence from the state opening of parliament since she took over the throne in 1952. The last two times being when she was pregnant with Prince Andrew in 1959 and Prince Edward in 1963.
Rijul Baath contributed to this report
News
Australia issues evacuation advisory for diplomats and citizens in the Middle East
Australian diplomats’ families in Israel and Lebanon urged to evacuate amid rising tensions; all Australians advised to leave soon.
Australian diplomats’ families in Israel and Lebanon urged to evacuate amid rising tensions; all Australians advised to leave soon.
Families of Australian diplomats in Israel and Lebanon have been ordered to evacuate as tensions in the region continue to rise. The government is prioritising the safety of its personnel and their families.
All other Australians have been urged to leave while commercial flights and other travel options are still available. Authorities are emphasising the importance of acting quickly before options become limited.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned that the security situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable and volatile.
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News
Trump signals possible action on Iran nuclear threat
Trump warns Iran on nuclear weapons and highlights threats, as US boosts military presence amid stalled talks.
Trump warns Iran on nuclear weapons and highlights threats, as the US boosts military presence amid stalled talks.
President Donald Trump laid out a strong warning to Iran during his State of the Union address. He labelled Tehran as the world’s biggest sponsor of terrorism and signalled that the U.S. might take action if Iran continues its nuclear ambitions.
Trump emphasised that Iran’s missile and nuclear programs, along with its backing of militant groups, pose serious threats to regional stability.
This comes amid growing concerns over Iran’s nuclear developments and the stalled diplomatic efforts to curb them.
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News
Qantas announces 8,500 jobs and frequent flyer changes
Qantas announces 8500 new jobs and frequent flyer program revamp after record half-year profit of $1.46 billion
Qantas announces 8500 new jobs and frequent flyer program revamp after record half-year profit of $1.46 billion
– Qantas reported a $1.46 billion half-year profit, planning to create 8,500 jobs by 2030.
– Frequent Flyer program changes include earning status credits on the ground and rolling over excess credits.
The Qantas Group reported a record half-year profit of $1.46 billion for the first half of the 2026 financial year, an increase of $71 million compared to the previous period. The airline plans to create 8,500 jobs by 2030 and re-establish a cabin crew base in Singapore, along with new initiatives for frequent flyers.Statutory profit after tax rose to $925 million, allowing shareholders to receive a fully franked dividend of 19.8 cents per share.
The current underlying profit surpasses the record set in 2023 under former CEO Alan Joyce. Chief executive Vanessa Hudson highlighted a commitment to customer, employee, and shareholder satisfaction while emphasizing ongoing investments in fleet renewal.
As Qantas adds new aircraft to its fleet, it anticipates the creation of jobs, including 3,500 additional cabin crew and 1,000 pilots.
A new Jetstar cabin crew base will open in Perth later this year, generating 90 roles, while Singapore is expected to accommodate 400 cabin crew members.
Qantas CEo Vanessa Hudson.
Frequent Flyer Changes
Qantas will implement significant changes to its Frequent Flyer program. Members can now earn status credits on the ground through credit cards and program partners.
They will also have the option to rollover up to 50% of excess status credits from one year to the next.
Hudson stated the overhaul aims to enhance flexibility and recognition for members amid a changing loyalty landscape.
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