Holiday staffing lull slows Australian visa decisions until mid-January
Nationwide heatwave triggers travel advisories and business-continuity plans
Bali proposes bank-statement rule for tourists, prompting Smartraveller warning to Australians
Latest News
Freight-train derailment on East–West corridor snarls national supply chains
A derailment north of Port Pirie has closed the East–West rail corridor until at least 10 January, diverting container freight to road and coastal shipping and disrupting passenger rail itineraries. The outage adds pressure to supply chains already stretched by holiday demand and extreme heat.
South Australia issues 344 skilled-migration invitations in first round of 2026
South Australia invited 344 skilled-migration candidates on 6 January 2026, the first invitation round of the year. Health, engineering and ICT occupations led demand. Monthly rounds will continue, giving employers and migrants predictable opportunities to secure permanent (Subclass 190) and regional (Subclass 491) visas.
Qantas unveils trans-Tasman expansion and first A220 international service
Qantas will add nearly 210,000 seats across the Tasman in 2026, deploy its new Airbus A220 on Brisbane–Wellington from February and launch a Jetstar Brisbane–Queenstown route in June. The move increases premium and low-cost options for business travellers while boosting capacity on key Australia–NZ corridors.
Extreme heatwave threatens travel disruption across Australia
Temperatures exceeding 45 °C are forecast across multiple states this week, prompting airlines, rail operators and road authorities to prepare for operational disruptions. Corporates may see flight weight limits, speed-restricted trains and road closures, highlighting the need for proactive travel-risk management during extreme-weather events.
Red Cross issues traveller safety checklist ahead of nationwide heatwave
Australian Red Cross has published a traveller-focused preparedness checklist ahead of this week’s extreme heat. The guidance covers hydration, itinerary planning and employer duty-of-care, reinforcing official weather warnings and helping mobility managers protect staff on assignment or business trips.