The United Arab Emirates has withdrawn from the OPEC oil cartel, delivering a significant blow to the group and its de facto leader, Saudi Arabia. The move comes amid global energy market turmoil caused by the Iran war and is seen as a win for former US President Donald Trump. The withdrawal reshapes regional dynamics and underscores tensions within the oil alliance.
Australian Politics and Leadership Approval
An exclusive Guardian Essential poll reveals that a majority of surveyed Australians approve of Pauline Hanson's leadership of One Nation, giving her a higher job approval rating than Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor. The rightwing populist party is outperforming the Coalition for the first time in the poll's history.
King Charles Addresses US Congress
King Charles has addressed the US Congress in a speech that acknowledged disagreements with the UK but emphasized the irreplaceable and unbreakable bond between the two nations. The visit aims to repair trans-Atlantic ties, with Donald Trump praising the special relationship despite recent tensions with the Labour government.
Northern Territory Evacuations
Hundreds of evacuees from remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory have been housed behind temporary fences and denied visitors after being forced to flee their homes during the worst wet season on record. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in the region.
Other Key Stories
- Confidentiality Crackdown: The Victorian government will strengthen laws protecting victim-survivors' confidential communications after a push by advocates including Brittany Higgins.
- Visa Agony: Lebanese citizens with family in Australia report being refused visitor visas despite living under constant threat of bombardment in the Middle East.
- Hospital Transition: Sydney's Northern Beaches hospital officially enters the public system, ending a troubled eight-year public-private partnership.
- Prisoner Swap: Polish-Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut has been freed after five years in a Belarusian penal colony as part of a US-brokered multi-country swap deal.
- OpenAI Trial: Elon Musk has accused Sam Altman of betrayal as the trial over the founding of OpenAI begins.
- Buddhist Monks Detained: Twenty-two Buddhist monks are in Sri Lankan police custody after customs found 110kg of high-grade cannabis in their luggage.
In-Depth: Fuel Crisis and the Vampire Index
As the fuel crisis continues, data experts have created interactive tools to illustrate the Vampire index, which measures vulnerability to mortgage, petroleum, and inflation risks and expenditure. People in Melbourne's outer suburbs are being hit hardest by higher costs.
Not the News: Deborah Mailman on New Film
Ahead of the release of her new 1930s frontier western Wolfram, Deborah Mailman discusses racism, the importance of Country, and why director Warwick Thornton is a genius.
Sport
- NRL: Wests Tigers star Jarome Luai is expected to become the face of the Papua New Guinea Chiefs after agreeing to join the NRL's 19th team in 2028.
- Tennis: Jannik Sinner suggests Madrid Open organizers reconsider scheduling to avoid late-night finishes after his quarter-final win.
- Football: PSG plays Bayern in the Champions League semi-final first leg, while Arsenal prepares for their semi against Atlético.
Media Roundup
The Trump administration has expressed frustration at Australia's refusal to repatriate families with Islamic State links, reports the Sydney Morning Herald. Victorian teachers will be offered a 28% pay rise to avoid strikes, according to The Age. The Herald Sun covers the shock sacking of Melbourne Demons CEO Paul Guerra.
What's Happening Today
- Economy: Inflation figures for March released today.
- Canberra: Hugh de Kretser, president of the Australian Human Rights Commission, speaks at the National Press Club.
