The Australian Defence Force is establishing a new specialist training centre in Canberra to bolster its Space Command workforce, enhancing national security capabilities in the space domain.
The Liberal and National parties appear divided in parliament, with the opposition reduced to crossbench size. Labor ministers mock the Coalition's disarray during question time.
Sussan Ley's proposed peace deal would force three National senators who opposed hate speech laws to sit on the backbench for six months, as Coalition reunification talks continue.
Chinese ambassador Xiao Qian warns Canberra that forcing Chinese firm Landbridge to sell its Port of Darwin lease could damage trade and trigger Beijing's intervention.
Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the first Australian-trained astronaut, has been honoured as Australian of the Year 2026, aiming to inspire youth and advance space exploration.