Good morning, Australia! Today is October 18 and here is your news briefing!
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Today's reading time is 7 minutes. - Miko Santos
Here’s what else you need to know to get going and get on with your day.
1️⃣ AUKUS Submarine Program Confirmed
US President Donald Trump provided strong assurances on the trilateral submarine partnership during Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s White House visit, describing Australia as one of America’s most reliable allies. The Osborne Naval Shipyard project will create 7,000 jobs and represents the largest increase in Australian military capability since the Navy’s establishment over a century ago.
2️⃣ Critical Minerals Agreement Signed
Australia and the United States formalized an $8 billion critical minerals deal, with both governments committing over $3 billion in project investments within six months. The agreement includes offtake arrangements and price protections designed to secure supply chains for rare earth elements essential to defense systems, technology manufacturing, and renewable energy infrastructure.
3️⃣ Ambassador Rudd Faces Scrutiny
President Trump publicly stated he does not particularly like Australian Ambassador Kevin Rudd during the bilateral meeting, prompting Opposition Leader Susan Ley to call for Rudd’s resignation. The government defended Rudd’s performance, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Communications Minister Anika Wells crediting the ambassador’s work in facilitating the successful diplomatic outcomes.
4️⃣ Australia-China Dispute Over Airspace Incident
China rejected Australian claims that a Chinese fighter jet acted unsafely near an Australian P-8 surveillance aircraft over international waters, with Chinese officials asserting the Australian plane illegally entered disputed airspace. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy firmly stated the incident occurred over international waters and called for professional military conduct, marking the third such confrontation in recent months.
5️⃣ Barnaby Joyce Exits Nationals Party Room
Former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce announced he will not recontest his New England seat after 15 years, citing deteriorating relationships with party leadership and fundamental disagreements over net zero climate policies. Joyce expressed philosophical alignment with some One Nation positions while remaining technically a National Party member, exposing internal Coalition divisions ahead of the upcoming election.
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