The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating a near collision between two passenger jets on the tarmac at Sydney Airport this morning.
The Bureau says a Jetstar A320 was taxiing prior to a planned flight to the Gold Coast when the crew spotted a Qatar Airways plane being towed by an aircraft tug in close proximity.
Both aircraft were stopped abruptly, but a Jetstar crew member was injured, and the connection between the Qatari plane's nose gear and the aircraft tug was damaged.
Investigation underway
The Bureau says it will interview those involved and examine relevant information, including CCTV footage.
The near miss comes during a weekend of significant delays at Sydney Airport, due to apparent staff shortages.
Other news
Nationals MP David Littleproud says Australia should cut international student numbers and redirect migration towards skilled workers who can help with a housing shortage. The member for Maranoa renewed the Coalition's push for caps on international student enrolments, arguing universities should prioritise Australian students.
Migration policy continues to be a hotly debated issue, with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke postponing his National Press Club speech on new migration rules earlier this week, saying some elements had not yet been finalised. Speaking to Channel Nine, Mr Littleproud says Australia needs migration, but that the overall number should be lowered while prioritising trades like construction workers.
"Australian universities should primarily be there for Australian students. We've got a skill shortage. We should be educating our own. I'm not against having foreign students come in, but when you see these numbers get out of hand, and we've got net migration out of control. And we need other skills like builders and electricians and tilers and roofers that should be prioritised instead of international students and their families."
Wildfires in Canada
The wildfire situation in Canada's British Columbia province is growing increasingly volatile, with the entire population of a town under an evacuation order. The order affects about 12-thousand residents in Summerland and another 8-thousand in nearby Peachland.
The Bald Range wildfire has grown to cover 130 square kilometres within hours, fuelled by strong winds. British Columbia Premier David Eby says the situation is volatile.
"Conditions are extremely dangerous and changing minute by minute. The fires are moving incredibly quickly. This new fire marks a significant shift in the overall fire situation in our province. Today, based on the advice of emergency officials, Minister Green has declared a provincial state of emergency."
Ukraine conflict
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russian energy infrastructure has suffered major losses as a result of a recent Ukrainian operation. Russia has intensified attacks on Kyiv in recent months, while Ukraine has targeted Russian oil facilities and logistics infrastructure.
The Ukrainian air force says Russia launched six ballistic missiles and 151 drones at Ukraine overnight. Ukraine also says its military hit Russia's Ilsky and Syzran oil refineries during overnight attacks, causing fires at both.
Bird flu in NSW
New South Wales Environment Minister Penny Sharpe says the state's first cases of H5 bird flu in Australian native birds are concerning, but not unexpected. Two greater crested terns tested positive for the strain in New South Wales, including the state's first case inland - at Wentworth in the far southwest, more than 500 kilometres from the coast.
The poultry industry so far remains clear of the virus, as the total number of confirmed cases in Australia rises to 215. Minister Sharpe says the state government has been preparing for H5 since 2024; and specialist teams are working with the wildlife sector and the poultry and egg industry.
NRL Grand Final speculation
There's speculation the 2028 NRL Grand Final could be moved outside of Sydney due to a clash with a planned visit by Pope Leo. Sydney traditionally hosts the decider with the exception of the 2021 game which was moved to Brisbane due to COVID restrictions.
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook says he'd be happy for the state to host the event. But New South Wales Premier Chris Minns says it'd be disappointing if the grand final was moved.
"We want it here, it's the home of rugby league, for understandable reason during COVID it was shifted but most teams are located here in Sydney and I think we've gotten used to that October grand final everyone can get excited about and has gotten used to over the years."
