Latest news in Australia? September 28th, 2026

Major Australian news headlines for September 28, 2026:

• Federal Budget & Economy: Australian Treasury figures showed an improved federal budget bottom line, buoyed by roughly $6 billion in savings, resulting in a smaller-than-expected deficit. This fiscal update comes amid ongoing economic scrutiny ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s imminent interest rate decision.

  SBS

• Law Enforcement: New South Wales Police concluded a high-visibility, 36-hour statewide weapons blitz. Officers conducted stop-and-scan operations on more than 4,400 people, confiscating 108 weapons and charging 150 individuals.

• Housing & Regional Trends: New labor and migration reports show regional Australia continuing to attract young professionals, with the employment gap between capital cities and regional centers narrowing across professional, health, and education sectors alongside more accessible entry-level home prices.

  CommBank

• Critical Minerals: State and federal agencies expanded assessments for critical minerals extraction, with Queensland reviewing dozens of exploration projects focused on domestic tungsten, antimony, and rare-earth deposits to support supply chain independence.

  SBS

• Sport: In rugby league, the Newcastle Knights secured their first NRL Grand Final appearance since 2001 following an upset preliminary final victory over the Penrith Panthers. In the NRLW, the Brisbane Broncos advanced to meet the Sydney Roosters in the season decider.