Evening Brief – 30th of Sep

Health, humanitarian, economic and policy developments lead today’s briefing, with major updates from Australia and abroad.

Top Stories

1. WHO Reports Surge in Cholera Deaths in 2025 Alongside Meningitis and Plague Trends – The WHO reports that global cholera deaths rose sharply in 2025, reaching their highest annual level since 1999, alongside trends involving meningitis and plague.
2. UNHCR Warns Funding Cuts Put 8.3 Million Displaced People at Risk – UNHCR warns that severe funding shortfalls are putting refugees, displaced people and stateless people at risk of losing vital assistance.
3. NSW Planning Commission Approves Hunter Valley Operations Coal Mine Extension – New South Wales approved a 19-year extension for the Hunter Valley Operations open-cut coal mine, prompting criticism from environmental groups.
4. Australian Dwelling Approvals Drop 6.1 Per Cent in August – Australian dwelling approvals fell in August, driven largely by a sharp decline in approvals for higher-density housing.
5. WTO Goods Trade Barometer Signals Resilient Growth Driven by AI Demand – The WTO says global merchandise trade is expanding above trend, with demand for artificial intelligence products helping drive momentum despite geopolitical challenges.
6. NATO Secretary General and Lithuanian Prime Minister Meet to Discuss Regional Defence and Ukraine Support – NATO and Lithuania discussed regional security, eastern-flank defence and continued support for Ukraine.
7. Displaced Families in Yemen Face Growing Healthcare Barriers, MSF Reports – MSF says displaced families in Yemen’s Aden and Lahj governorates face growing barriers to healthcare after recent fighting along the West Coast.
8. OAIC Releases Guidance on Automated Decision-Making Privacy Requirements Ahead of 2026 Mandate – Australia’s privacy commissioner has released guidance on transparency obligations for automated decision-making and artificial intelligence systems.
9. APRA Proposes Stricter Investment Governance Rules for Superannuation Trustees – APRA has proposed stricter investment governance rules for superannuation trustees to strengthen oversight and protect members’ retirement savings.
10. NSW Commences Trial of Upgraded Digital Driver Licence in Western Sydney and Blue Mountains – New South Wales has begun testing an upgraded digital driver licence in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains ahead of a possible statewide rollout.