Winter’s on the way, but it might not follow the script.

Several activists stormed the stage before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a speech in Western Australia this morning.

Before the prime minister spoke at the Chamber of Minerals and Energy breakfast at the Westin Hotel in Perth, three people jumped on stage, shouting loud protests against a proposed expansion for a major oil project in the state.

The trio were quickly led away by security off the stage and out of the event.

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The protesters were later revealed to be part of the Disrupt Burrup Hub group, which is actively protesting against the expansion of Woodside's Burrup Hub in Karratha.

"Disrupt Burrup Hub! Block Browse!" one of the protesters, revealed by the group to be an 18-year-old man called Will, shouted.

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A female protester, 19, accused Woodside of committing "ecocide".

Disrupt Burrup Hub confirmed the trio were led away from the hotel and issued move-on notices.

The expansion of Woodside's assets in WA has caused controversy due to the potential impact on animal and marine life in the Browse Basin region, as well as important cultural sites potentially being damaged or destroyed.

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Speaking to reporters after the incident and after his speech, Prime Minister Albanese said he welcomed the protest, but said it had to be done in the "right way", though he did not specifically refer to this morning's events.

"People have a right to protest and by all means express their views, but they can do so in a way that is appropriate," he said, noting there had been an increase in threats towards him and other politicians.

"We need to turn the temperature down on public debate, there is no need for some of the positions that are put forward, in the manner which they are forwarded as well."

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Aussies are looking to fight back against shrinkflation, with more than half saying they would be willing to pay more to get more at cafes and restaurants.

Rising costs in hospitality are causing small businesses to either increase costs to cover for products getting more expensive, or shrink portion sizes so they spend less.

However, there are times where product or serving sizes will decrease but prices remain the same, which is referred to as "shrinkflation".

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In a money.com.au survey of 1000 Aussies last month, 56 per cent said they would prefer to pay more when dining out at cafes and restaurants, if it means they don't get less on their plates.

Nearly a quarter – 23 per cent – believe restaurants should absorb rising costs or cut costs in other areas of the business, rather than selling customers short.

Experts say as shrinkflation becomes more common, Aussies are becoming more perceptive of when it occurs.

"Shrinkflation can feel like businesses are trying to hoodwink customers and hope people won't notice they're getting only one piece of bacon instead of two with their eggs on toast for the same price they've always paid," money.com.au's Sean Callery said.

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He said people have become accustomed to it in supermarkets, but claims the situation in cafes and restaurants is different.

"In a café or restaurant, it's more of a leap of faith when you order that the portion size will be reasonable for the price and consistent," he said.

The survey found older Australians, Baby Boomers and Gen X, would be more willing to pay more to get more, but only 45 per cent of Gen Z surveyed held this view.

Gen Z also expect businesses to do more to absorb costs and not pass them on to the customer, potentially reflecting that they have less spending power than other generations.

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However, the cafe and restaurant industry argue they are in a lose-lose situation, being unable to absorb costs anymore.

CEO of the Australian Restaurant and Café Association (ARCA) Wes Lambert claimed portion sizes across the industry had remained consistent, but admitted some price rises had to be as high as 10 per cent.

"People would quickly notice if they were no longer satisfied, so reducing portion sizes is much harder to get away with," he added.

"It's very difficult to 'shrinkflate' in hospitality because portion sizes are often fixed by the vessel. A pint is a pint, a schooner is a schooner."

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At least 40 G8 Education childcare centres are set to shut across Australia.

In a statement today, the provider announced it will make an effort to respond to the challenges they say have impacted the entire sector following a dip in occupancy and trust following 'serious child safety incidents' in childcare centres across Australia involving a number of different operators, including G8.

It is not yet known what centres are to close.

"The early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector is experiencing unprecedented change and uncertainty, driven by a combination of socio and macro-economic factors, including evolving family demand, lower birth rates and changing operating conditions," the statement read.

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"Occupancy across the ECEC sector is lower compared to 2024 and 2025 due to families experiencing sustained affordability pressures, falling birth rates, increased long-day care supply and confidence being impacted by serious child safety incidents."

G8 is one of a number of operators in Victoria rocked by historical allegations of child abuse against accused paedophile Joshua Dale Brown.

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G8 said that operators in the field are also dealing with rising costs due to pressures across the economy, as well as changing compliance regulations and "a more complex operating environment".

"In this environment, G8 Education's focus remains firmly on safety, high-quality education and care, disciplined execution, as well as efficient and effective management of the areas within its control," G8 chief executive Pejman Okhovat said.

On April 24, occupancy at G8 centres saw a 7 per cent slump from the same day last year, dropping to 56.4 per cent, whilst total year-to-date occupancy fell 7.9 per cent to 56.1 per cent.

National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.

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Inflation has surged to its highest level in almost three years as borrowers brace for a potential third consecutive interest rate hike to start the year.

New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics released this morning showed the consumer price index rose 4.6 per cent over the 12 months to March, up from 3.7 per cent in February.

While that was slightly lower than economists' expectations, it remains far higher than the Reserve Bank's target band of 2-3 per cent, and is the worst figure since 2023, when inflation was coming down from a peak of more than 7 per cent.

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The surge was driven primarily by skyrocketing petrol prices caused by the war in Iran and ensuing closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the ABS, fuel costs rose a whopping 32.8 per cent in March – the highest monthly rise on record.

However, in a silver lining for borrowers fearing another rate hike, the trimmed mean – the RBA's preferred measure of underlying inflation – remained steady at 3.3 per cent.

Prior to today's data, financial markets had been pricing in a roughly three-quarters chance of an interest rate rise when the RBA's monetary policy board meets next week, and all big four banks are forecasting a hike.

Nine's Political Editor Charles Croucher said transport costs have been one of the key drivers of an unprecedented rise in monthly inflation.

"This is coming from the bowser, and it's jumping on board the inflation that was already outside the RBA's target band," Croucher said.

"We were already in a bad spot, this has just made it a whole lot worse."

Croucher warned that yet another rate hike at the Reserve Bank's May meeting is "almost inevitable".

Oxford Economics Australia economist Harry McAuley agreed that unwelcome rate announcements are likely to be on the agenda next month.

He said oil price shocks are a central bank's "worst nightmare" and that the RBA has a long road ahead to push the soaring inflation down.

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"But the longer the Strait remains closed, the fewer options the board will have; a prolonged closure would force the RBA's hand to hike rates multiple times this year to tame inflation and inflation expectations," McAuley said.

Inflation will get worse: Chalmers

The inflation figure may increase even further before it drops again as the Iran war continues, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said.

Chalmers addressed the media following the announcement of a 4.6 per cent inflation and offered a grim prediction for the next few months.

"This war could drive inflation up even higher before it comes back down again," he said.

"Treasury's expectation is that inflation is likely to peak higher than this, but they are still finalising their forecasts ahead of the budget next month."

But in a small triumph for the government's fuel-saving measures, Chalmers said inflation would have been even higher if the excise had not been halved.

"For the next couple of months, our fuel excise cut has been a very important factor, taking some of the sting out of fuel prices, and that's reflected in the movement in fuel prices," he added.

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A third man has been charged over an alleged kidnapping where a 53-year-old man had to be saved by a police raid on a Sydney home.

The man was allegedly snatched from outside a tobacco shop he owned in Mount Pritchard on February 24, with CCTV footage showing four men in balaclavas approaching him.

The group then allegedly assaulted the victim and forced him into a Hyundai hatchback.

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He tried to fight them off but was unable.

The man was allegedly taken to a property at Dural on Sydney's north-west fringes, but a covert police operation on February 26 led to his freedom.

The victim was not injured and in a stable condition when he was taken to hospital.

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A teenager and a man were previously arrested and charged with kidnapping offences, and now a third person, a 27-year-old man, has been arrested in Surry Hills.

He was taken to Surry Hills Police Station, where he was charged with multiple offences, including take and detain in company with intent to ransom and occasion actual bodily harm, and participating in a criminal group and contributing in criminal activity.

He was refused bail to appear in court today.

There is one individual seen in the CCTV footage who is yet to be found.

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Melbourne police are investigating a reported assault involving a woman who allegedly knocked a plate into the face of a cafe waitress, leaving her with damaged teeth.

La Vallee in Essendon yesterday posted CCTV footage of the incident last Friday, about 1pm, as it sought to identify the woman.

The waitress, standing outside the cafe on Keilor Road, was left with a chipped tooth.

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Police today said they were investigating the reported assault and issued a description of the woman.

"A woman assaulted the staff member, knocking the plate from her hand before walking off. The staff member sustained damage to her teeth from the incident.

"The woman was wearing a black long sleeve top, light blue jeans, sunglasses and a distinctive silver necklace with a charm. She was also carrying plastic bottles of iced-coffee and a black jacket."

The footage shows the woman narrowly avoiding the waitress, before suddenly knocking the plates from her hands.

Described on the cafe's social media posts, as a "grown woman", she then calmly continued walking down the street.

The business is now appealing for public help to identify her.

"We are beyond shocked at this abhorrent behaviour of this grown woman. If you know her please send us a private message."

"This incident led to one of our beautiful staff members CHIPPING THEIR TOOTH from the plate she pushed into her face.

"We love being part of the community in Essendon, and we hope our followers can share, tag and suggest this to local friends so we can get some justice AND hold this person accountable."

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Several people commented on the video shared by the business, including Australia billionaire Adrian Portelli.

"This behaviour needs to be stamped out. It doesn't belong here," he said.

A local Brazilian Jui-Jitsu gym, gforcebjj, offered assistance to the waitress.

"This may not be much, but we would like to offer your injured staff member a 12-month self-defence membership free of charge," they posted.

"This was very disturbing."

A nearby business, Beauty on Rose, said it would check all of its cameras and visit the restaurant with what it has found.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam or CCTV footage or anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson has been gifted a private plane and $2 million ahead of the party's first federal test at next week's Farrer by-election.

She shared the news on her social media this morning, saying it will help her visit more regional towns across the country.

"Yes it was donated. Yes I'm super happy. Yes it's fast. Yes it's amazing. Yes it's going to annoy the Guardian," she said.

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"Yes it's a Cirrus G7. Yes it's sexy. Yes I have a pilot.

"No I won't be doing welcome to country each we land. No it's not battery-operated."

A spokesperson for Hanson said Cirrus G7 aircraft costs about $2.1 million and was donated by a company owned by Australia's richest person and loyal supporter Gina Rinehart.

One Nation was handed the plane before the announcement today and has already put it to use. 

"Financial donations to the party are used to fund its normal operations and campaign activities," the spokesperson said. 

Hanson also received $1 million from stockbroker Angus Aitken and wife Sarah and $500,000 each from former Northern Territory chief minister Adam Giles and geologist and climate sceptic Ian Plimer.

Giles and Plimer are employed at Hancock Prospecting, which is owned by Rinehart.

Hanson has publicly declared that Hancock Prospecting has provided her with flights several times in 2025 and 2026.

Hanson said the "faith and investment" in One Nation would be an "enormous help" for their federal campaign. 

"We have a lot of additional fundraising to undertake between now and the cut-off in December to combat the uni-party ahead of the 2028 federal election," she said.

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"I want to pass on my sincere thanks to everyone who has made a contribution to One Nation over the years. I cannot thank you enough for the hope and encouragement you give me to help turn this country around."

One Nation will need to publicly declare the estimated $4 million in donations at the end of this year.

New rules that will cap how much politicians can receive in donations will come into effect around the end of the year. 

One Nation's record rise in popularity in the polls will be tested at a federal level in the Farrer byelection on May 9.

Former opposition leader Sussan Ley held the regional NSW seat for 25 years and left it empty when she retired from politics earlier this year.

One Nation's candidate David Farley has emerged as a real contender for Farrer and is in a close race with independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe.

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A nearly seven-metre-tall golden statue of Donald Trump has been installed at one of his golf courses.

The bronze statue, covered with thick gold leaf, depicts the president standing with his fist raised in the sky.

The pose is reminiscent of a famous photo of Trump in the immediate aftermath of an assassination attempt in 2024.

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It is now in place at Trump National Doral, one of the president's clubs in Miami.

While it is on display at a Trump property, it was bankrolled by a cryptocurrency group named $PATRIOT.

It was made by Ohio sculptor Alan Cottrill, who was locked in a legal dispute with the cryptocurrency group over its use.

Cottrill took issue with $PATRIOT using the statue to promote its business selling a memecoin.

The company paid Cottrill about $A500,000 for the statue.

But despite being on display at Doral, the Trump family has made clear they are not involved in $PATRIOT.

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"The Trump Organisation has no association of any kind with the Patriot Token or meme coin," Eric Trump said in February.

"We appreciate the support and enthusiasm, but we want to be crystal clear — we are not involved in this coin."

Doral is one of the president's favourite golf destinations, visiting twice in the past two months.

He has another visit scheduled this coming weekend, where he will presumably see the statue.

His visit to the course will take place during the PGA Tour's Cadillac Championship which is being held there.

Trump is also planning on being at Doral in December for the G20 summit.

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Meanwhile, Trump's face will be placed on some American passports, the US State Department has announced. 

The president's face and signature in gold text will be on the inside cover of passports marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.

"As the United States celebrates America's 250th anniversary in July, the State Department is preparing to release a limited number of specially designed US Passports to commemorate this historic occasion," a statement from the State Department read.

"These passports will feature customised artwork and enhanced imagery while maintaining the same security features that make the US Passport the most secure documents in the world."

The edition with Trump's face will become the default passport issued at the Washington Passport Agency.

People who don't want that specific passport will have to apply for another option online or go to another city to get one.

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At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Annastacia Palaszczuk was surprised to see an incoming call from then-prime minister Scott Morrison.

It was September 2021 and the Queensland borders had been slammed tightly shut for months – a decision the former premier said she doesn't "resent" making – and Morrison was asking for an exemption.

A young woman had wanted to attend her father's funeral in Brisbane.

Palaszczuk, on the advice of her chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young, said no.

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"It was a very, very tense phone call. I felt threatened. I felt it was a bit intimidating," Palaszczuk told Nine.com.au.

"I've been brought up in a household where you need to respect one another. I've always valued the way I have had respectful conversations with people, and I expect the same back.

"This particular phone call was very harsh. I just hung up the phone."

Palaszczuk accused Morrison of "bullying" her during that phone call in her new memoir The Politics of Being Me.

It allegedly unfolded on the same day, she ironically pointed out, as national R U OK Day.

But she stood firm in her cabinet's decision to keep Queensland as secure as Fort Knox during the pandemic.

"I don't resent the fact that I had to be strong and make these decisions with the expert advice of the chief health officer, because you only have to look at the evidence," Palaszczuk said.

"We had seven people who passed away in Queensland during that COVID time.

"We hardly had any lengthy lockdown period. There were some snap lockdowns… but really, in Queensland, people went about their jobs normally.

"In hindsight, you know, we'd love to have kept more families together."

Nine.com.au has contacted Morrison for comment. He has previously denied 'threatening' the Queensland premier on the call.

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Her book, published nearly two-and-a-half years since her resignation from politics, reflects on some of the toughest moments of Palaszczuk's early political career and tumultuous premiership.

Palaszczuk detailed the "devastating" 2012 Labor election bloodbath, which saw her party reduced to just seven members.

She clawed her way back from stunning defeat to be elected as Queenland's second-ever female premier in 2015.

"The enormity of the task was huge, but I sat down, I wrote a plan, and I was determined to do the best I possibly could," Palaszczuk said.

But Palaszczuk's rise to the top of Queensland politics was underpinned by shattering private pain.

Palaszczuk wrote candidly about her struggle with endometriosis and infertility, having suffered a miscarriage at just 11 weeks at age 33, when she worked as a media advisor.

Years of unsuccessful IVF followed – a series of emotional blows the ex-premier said amounted to the worst pain of her life.

"Whatever they do to me in politics, I said to myself, it will never hurt like this," Palaszczuk remembers thinking.

"Nothing could hurt as much as losing my chance of having a child and then realising afterwards that it was never going to happen, that the door was going to be shut on my chapter of my life."

The climate around infertility in the mid-2000s was vastly different.

Palaszczuk said she suffered in silence until she spoke publicly a few years ago.

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"It was very hurtful and very painful… I went through a lot of it privately," she said.

"And back then there wasn't a lot of help."

Palaszczuk remained in power following that very election, stepping down as premier and retiring from politics altogether in 2023 after nine years in the top job.

"Politics is very brutal, and anyone who goes into politics needs to realise it's one of the toughest of professions," Palaszczuk said.

"You need to be able to cope with the abuse, the social media attacks, which at times are very unkind.

"But you know, I stayed true to myself, and you know the evidence is three consecutive elections."

The Red Nose Grief and Loss Support Line is available 24/7 for anyone affected by the loss of a pregnancy, stillbirth or death of a baby or child on 1300 308 307.

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