Australian shares fell sharply today, erasing more than $60bn in value amid fears that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East will drive up energy prices and trigger an inflation breakout. The sell-off came as the first Emirates flight from Dubai to Sydney since Saturday departed the UAE, offering a glimmer of hope for stranded travellers.
The Coalition criticised the Labor government for not acting sooner to help Australians stuck in the region, as the war with Iran escalates. Meanwhile, crisis teams have been deployed to assist thousands of travellers and expats who remain stranded.
In other news, Adelaide University cancelled a high-profile event featuring UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese, prompting accusations of censorship. The Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young called for radio host Kyle Sandilands to be sacked over serious misconduct, and Acoss urged robodebt victims to claim a share of a $475m settlement before a Friday deadline.
Question time was rowdy, with the shadow treasurer Tim Wilson accusing the government of fuelling inflation through reckless spending. The NSW water minister Rose Jackson blamed wet wipes for a giant fatberg at a Sydney sewage plant. As the day ended, Australians awaited further updates on the Middle East crisis.
