Military assets have been deployed to the Middle East, with a Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster and a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport now in operation. The government has kept the specific locations of these assets under wraps. This action follows a US submarine sinking an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, an event that reportedly claimed 87 lives. The first commercial flight from Dubai since the escalation of conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has landed in Sydney, carrying over 200 Australians. Greens Senator David Shoebridge pressed Foreign Minister Penny Wong on whether any Australians were aboard the deployed assets during Senate Question Time.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog's state visit to Australia has also stirred debate. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has declined to confirm whether Herzog will address Parliament House in Canberra during his four-day trip. Wong stated that such matters fall under the purview of the Department of Veterans' Affairs and was unable to provide figures on the cost to taxpayers for the visit. Herzog has apparently refuted claims that his statements constituted incitement, suggesting they were misrepresented.
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In other news, the Australian Open in 2026 is set to commence on January 18th, running for two weeks. The men's and women's singles quarter-finals are scheduled for January 27th, with the women's semifinals on January 29th and the men's on January 30th. The women's singles final is slated for January 31st, followed by the men's final on February 1st. Notable participants include Iga Świątek, winner of last year's Wimbledon and currently ranked world number two, and Coco Gauff, winner of the French Open and ranked world number three.
Separately, the Australian Championship is to be broadcast live and free on SBS On Demand starting October 10th. Seventeen matches will be shown live on SBS, with the opening match broadcast on SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand. Creating an account for SBS On Demand is free. The opening fixture features a Group A clash between South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic FC.
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Finally, the Australian National Anthem, "Advance Australia Fair," and the citizenship pledge are available in multiple languages. The pledge asks individuals to vow loyalty to Australia and its people, sharing their democratic beliefs, respecting their rights and liberties, and committing to upholding their laws.