ABC News Top Stories

ABC News 19.06.2026 1min

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Suspected bird flu detected in Western Australia | ABC News Top Stories 19.06.2026 1min

Western Australia's Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis has confirmed a Brown Skua has tested positive in a preliminary test for bird flu near Esperance on Western Australia's south coast. Ms Jarvis says the sub-Antarctic bird was discovered at Cape Le Grand beach on June the 14th -- and died after being taken into care. The public has been urged to avoid touching sick or dead birds and wildlife Planned talks in Switzerland between the U-S and Iran have fallen over..as Israel continues to strike Lebanon. Vice President JD Vance had been prepared to make an overnight flight - but the White House says he and his delegation were unable to finalise plans and that he'd stay in Washington. A Hezbollah-aligned news outlet is reporting Iran is delaying sending its delegation to Switzerland over Israel's ongoing attacks in southern Lebanon. Former KPMG Australia chief executive Andrew Yates has told a parliamentary committee he doesn't see himself or those at the company as "bad apples". The company is embroiled in a series of allegations over the misuse of confidential client information -- which has led to a series of high-profile resignations and demotions in recent months. The inquiry has now heard evidence from several leaders -- from KPMG, Lendlease and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Mr Yates denies he and another colleague took the fall for widespread problems. And for more news at any time you can follow the ABC Top Stories podcast.

Four matches, one broken leg and a World Cup curse | ABC News Top Stories 19.06.2026 1min

One horrific injury and the fraying tempers that followed have soured an otherwise historic win for Canada. While Brazilians fear the 'Rocky Curse' in Philedelphia.

Planned US and Iran talks cancelled | ABC News Top Stories 19.06.2026 1min

Talks that had been planned for later today between the United States and Iran in Switzerland won't take ‌place. The announcement from the Swiss foreign ministry comes ‌after a White House spokesperson said U-S Vice President ‌J-D Vance had pulled out ⁠of ‌a planned trip to ‌meet Iranian negotiators at a Swiss resort. The meeting had been planned to begin talks ‌on implementing the interim agreement struck between Tehran and Washington to end the war. The federal government has confirmed that the first suspected case of a deadly strain of bird flu has been found in Western Australia. The H5 strain which has killed millions of birds and mammals worldwide was first detected on Heard Island in the Southern Ocean late last year, when researchers discovered hundreds of southern elephant seal pups dead. Previously warnings have indicated the strain could have devastating impacts on wildlife as it spreads to new areas. Former New South Wales premier and ex K-MG board member Mike Baird says the whistleblower claims factored into his decision to leave the board.. and that there was insufficient urgency and transparency. A government inquiry into the consulting firm has heard confidential information from Lendlease was misused by the firm. It's also heard confidential information from telco Optus was allegedly shared with the team that was pursuing the audit of Telstra. And for more news at any time you can follow the ABC Top Stories podcast.

Third person charged over Melbourne synagogue fire | ABC News Top Stories 19.06.2026 1min

Counter-terrorism detectives have charged another person over the firebombing of Melbourne's Adass Israel Synagogue in December 2024. A 20-year-old man - already in custody for unrelated offences - was charged this morning, with criminal damage by fire, conduct endangering life, and theft of a motor vehicle. Authorities allege he's one of three men involved in the attack, with two others arrested last year. Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is claiming U-S President Donald Trump signed ‌their ceasefire agreement to end the war "out of desperation".. adding that upcoming talks over Tehran's nuclear program will not be easy. U-S Vice President J-D Vance says the agreement is already bearing "real fruits" for the American people -- with oil prices dropping to their lowest level since March. Meanwhile, traffic is moving through the Strait of Hormuz, with analysts hoping exports through the Strait return to normal in the coming months. A former head of auditing at KPMG has admitted he authorised a search of a whistleblower's computer.. out of concern they would leak the company's own confidential information. A joint parliamentary committee is investigating allegations the consultancy firm used confidential information from LendLease to win other audit contracts. Former head of audit Julian McPherson told the committee today that he authorised a covert computer search of the employee who blew the whistle on the practice because of concerns they were looking for a new job. And for more news at any time you can follow the ABC Top Stories podcast.

Skinny dips and shorter daylight: it's the winter solstice 19.06.2026 1min

June 21st is the shortest day of 2026, and Australians are celebrating with naked swims and lantern festivals.

Is Ukraine getting the upper hand over Russia? 19.06.2026 3min

Ukraine has put Russia under pressure with a large attack on Moscow while its drones harass its troops and supplies. So will this eventually help Kyiv get a better peace deal?

Who are the Socceroos? Get to know the squad 19.06.2026 4min

You might be rooting for Australia in the FIFA World Cup, but do you the players behind this diverse 26 man squad? Get to know the Socceroos

All World Cup teams have now played their opening match | ABC News Top Stories 18.06.2026 1min

Every team has now played their first game this world cup after the last of the opening games in the group of 48. As the Socceroos continue training for their face off with team USA.

Data centers emerge as climate risk hot spots | ABC News Top Stories 18.06.2026 1min

A global analysis of planned data centres has found many digital infrastructure hubs have emerged as climate-risk hotspots. As data centres rapidly come online in Australia, the research has prompted warnings for governments to ensure development doesn't outpace adequate planning. State and federal energy ministers will meet next month to decide how they can ensure the federal government's data centre expectations are complied with. The federal government has announced changes to its capital gains tax reforms, after pressure from business groups. It'll increase the small business threshold, from turnover of up to two million dollars -- to 10 million dollars The prime minister has also announced that startup founders and employees will get an extra 50 per cent concession of their own, with details to be finalised following further consultation. The carve-outs will cost the budget half a billion dollars over forward estimates. The interim peace deal signed today between the United States and Iran is drawing criticism from some U-S Republican Senators. The 14 point Memorandum of Understanding states the Strait of Hormuz will be toll free for 60 days.. but leaves open the possibility tolls could be imposed in the future. Iran has also reaffirmed its commitment to not procure or develop any nuclear weapons.. but leaves the key questions around its broader nuclear program to final negotiations. And for more news at any time you can follow the ABC Top Stories podcast.

Government unveil small business tax concessions | ABC News Top Stories 18.06.2026 1min

The federal government has unveiled larger concessions for small business, as part of its tax shake-up, following complaints from business groups. The government will increase the small business threshold, from turnover of up to two million dollars to 10 million dollars -- meaning 98 per cent of all active businesses will get a 50 per cent capital gains tax concession. But Opposition Leader Angus Taylor says he wants the government to go further and dump the budget. The White House has released a video on social media showing U-S President Donald Trump signing the Iran Memorandum of Understanding at the Palace of Versailles in France. Iran's state-run news agency has also published its own images of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signing the M-O-U. The interim agreement which was ratified a day earlier than expected, calls for a final deal to be made in 60 days, extendable by mutual consent. Gold Coast woman Maree Mavis Crabtree -- accused of killing two of her adult children -- has been cleared of all murder charges. She was arrested in 20-18 over the deaths of Jonathan Crabtree in 20-17 and Erin Crabtree in 20-12 -- with police alleging she drugged them with prescription pain medication and then staged their overdoses. Last month, a Brisbane Supreme Court jury acquitted her of her son's murder, an earlier attempted murder, and fraud -- and today, prosecutors discontinued several remaining charges, including her daughter's murder and other fraud offences. And for more news at any time you can follow the ABC Top Stories podcast.

US, Iran sign memorandum to end the war. What's in it? 18.06.2026 3min

The US and Iran have signed an MOU to get talks underway to end their conflict.

What is AusAlert, the new emergency warning system? 18.06.2026 2min

AusAlert triggers a loud noise and message on mobile phones, as part of a strategy to alert people to dangers like natural disasters.

Unpacking Pauline Hanson's Press Club address 17.06.2026

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has addressed the National Press Club for the first time in her political career.

Kyle Sandilands' life after legal battles, what's next? 17.06.2026 3min

Controversial radio shock jock Kyle Sandilands has reached a settlement with the media company that sacked him over his on-air row with his co-host Jackie “O” Henderson. So what is next for the media figure who has long been causing outrage on the air?

The BOM’s declared an El Nino. So what now? 17.06.2026 3min

Australian’s weather bureau has declared an El Nino has formed and it is on track to be a big one.

Businesses on the brink as fuel fallout persists 17.06.2026 2min

Businesses in regional Australia have been hit hard by the war in the Middle East and want the federal government to extend fuel and freight discounts. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he will decide about the fuel excise at the end of next week.

What’s being done about shark attacks in NSW? 16.06.2026 3min

The shark attack at one of Sydney's most popular beaches on the weekend has reignited debate about shark management strategies in NSW.

Why a hand gesture caused controversy at the World Cup 16.06.2026 2min

An Australian referee has been in the middle of a controversy over a hand sign at the FIFA World Cup.

What’s at stake with the US, Iran nuclear talks? 16.06.2026 3min

The US and Iran are about to start negotiations many countries hope will stop the regime from developing nuclear weapons. But what are the chances of US President Donald Trump getting a good deal?