31 October 2026An interest rate decision looms, Australians unaccounted for after the Spain train crash, and the Binance hack.
Featured image: The Reserve Bank of Australia. Photo: Bidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
In brief
Top story: The Reserve Bank board announces its next decision on Tuesday, with markets tipping another increase after four rate rises this year.
Australia
1. Reserve Bank decision due Tuesday
Markets are tipping another rate rise after four increases this year. Energy Minister Chris Bowen said a rise would be a significant blow for households, and that the government respects the independence of the Reserve Bank.
2. Two Australians unaccounted for after Spain train crash
A DFAT spokesperson said Australian officials are working with Spanish authorities to determine the welfare of two Australians and are providing consular assistance to their family. Relatives gathered in Toledo, and the crash has raised rail safety concerns ahead of Spain’s national election next month.
3. Albanese travels to Commonwealth leaders’ meeting
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is overseas until Wednesday for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda. Opposition Treasury spokesman Tim Wilson questioned the timing amid cost-of-living pressure, while Bowen defended the trip and said the agenda includes climate change, trade and AI.
4. Two killed in crash near Byron Bay
Two people died at the scene of a three-vehicle crash on Broken Head Road, Suffolk Park. A passenger in one vehicle was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition. NSW Police are investigating and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
Around the World
5. Binance says hack affected about US$6.3 billion
Binance said it is working to resolve a complex attack, which it said began with a compromised laptop belonging to one of its engineers, and that it will cover all losses. Two US blockchain analysis firms claimed the attack originated in North Korea, and President Donald Trump said US officials are investigating.
6. G20 foreign ministers meet in Atlanta
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the opening session the G20 must work together to confront threats to the global economic order, calling it a moment of choosing. South Africa was not invited, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is attending.
7. Final results in Israel’s election
Netanyahu’s bloc won 53 of 120 seats, below the 68 it held at its peak in the previous parliament, while the main opposition won 48 and Arab-led parties 19. Netanyahu has ruled out a coalition with Arab parties, and the new Knesset is expected to be sworn in on 10 November.
