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Key events
Smartraveller tells Australians not to travel to most countries in the Middle East
Smartraveller has updated its list of countries not to travel to in the Middle East, as conflict escalates in the region.
The countries include:
Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
The website says Australians should reconsider the need to travel to Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
In a statement out this morning, the foreign minister, Penny Wong, says Australians should expect travel disruptions.
We understand this will be a challenging time for many people, particularly those with family in the region or travel plans.
The Albanese Government’s priority is the safety and security of Australians. We will continue to support Australians to navigate the disruption ahead, providing regular travel advice updates and consular assistance where we can, noting there are limits to what any government can do in a fast-moving and uncertain environment.
Wong warns that even travellers not going through the Middle East should expect some disruptions.
The statement says Australians should:
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Closely monitor events and local media.
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Check directly with their travel agent or airlines to confirm their plans.
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Review their travel insurance to understand what is covered in the event of cancellations.
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Follow Smartraveller for the latest advice and subscribe for updates.
Krishani Dhanji
Good morning, Krishani Dhanji here with you for a very busy sitting day ahead.
There will be lots of domestic reaction to the unfolding situation in Iran and the Middle East with foreign minister Penny Wong issuing a statement this morning warning Australians about travel disruptions. Wong and defence minister Richard Marles will be doing the media rounds this morning for the government, so we’ll bring you those interviews as they come in.
As mentioned earlier, the House of Representatives is going to look pretty different today with Angus Taylor in the hot seat (opposition leader’s chair) for the first time since he ousted Sussan Ley. He’ll also have his new look frontbench sitting with him.
I’ve got my coffee, I hope you’ve got yours, let’s get straight into it.
House prices flatline in Sydney and Melbourne
Meanwhile, AAP reports, Cotality’s latest Home Value index shows home values in Sydney and Melbourne have flatlined, even as mid-sized capitals post bumper monthly gains. Perth remains the nation’s standout performer, with prices surging 27.1% in the last year..
Dwelling values climbed 2.3 % in February alone, adding more than $22,500 to the median home. Brisbane and Adelaide are also outperforming, rising 1.6% and 1.3%, respectively.
By contrast, median homes in Sydney and Melbourne saw zero growth over the month, rounding out a quarter of mild declines.
Cotality research director Tim Lawless described the “two-speed conditions” as extraordinary, saying the property markets of major and mid-sized capitals had been drifting apart for years. Tight supply and high demand are driving outsized gains in other capitals, he said.
Welcome
Good morning and welcome to Guardian Australia’s politics live blog.
Federal parliament sitting – as Anthony Albanese marks 30 years in politics and Angus Taylor his first week in the chair in Canberra as opposition leader. The Coalition is expected to press Labor on the return of women and children held in a camp in Syria, as well as speculated changes to capital gains taxes on investment properties.
Foreign minister Penny Wong has warned Australians to expect “serious travel disruptions” in coming days due to the conflict unfolding in Iran, including changes at short notice to Europe routes. In a statement this morning, her office noted “many Australians in the Middle East are unable to leave due to airspace closures, including around major transit hubs”.
As New South Wales readies for budget estimates, state health minister Ryan Park has ordered a snap review of “serious” hospital maintenance issues including instances of cockroaches, possums, bird lice, as well as mould, roof leaks and asbestos.
Krishani Dhanji will be with you soon.
