Vanuatu deal set to boost Australia's influence in the Pacific | Midday News Bulletin 30 June 2026

A man arrested on people smuggling charges after a boat arrival in far north Queensland; Iran and the US wrap their latest negotiations; Tragedy strikes celebrations in Mexico after their knockout victory against Ecuador.

Royal Commission hears the social media platform X is amplifying antisemitic content; crossbench MPs back a call for the government to implement online gambling recommendations; Mexico beats Ecuador 2-nil to go through to the Round of 16.

Australia sees the largest monthly drop in home values in more than three years; almost two thousand confirmed dead after twin Venezuelan earthquakes; France beats Sweden 3-nil led by star player Kylian Mbappé.

In this bulletin, Fuel tax relief scaled back from today, with petrol prices to rise, disagreements cloud prospects for US-Iran talks. And in basketball, NBA legend Le Bron James is a free agent after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers.

Funding pulled from a service that failed to meet minimum child safety standards; South African police deployed ahead of anti-immigrant protests; Netherlands crash out of FIFA World Cup.

Economic benefits of the deal between Australia and Vanuatu examined; rain threatens rescue efforts in earthquake-hit Venezuela; Paraguay knocks Germany out of the World Cup.

China warns Australia against 'geopolitical games' over Vanuatu pact; Pay rises, tax cuts and super changes for millions, begin tomorrow; And in the World Cup, Brazil and Japan deliver a nailbiter in Houston.

Australia and Vanuatu agree to differ over Chinese influence in the Pacific; tens of thousands still missing after the Venezuela earthquakes; excitement grows ahead of the Brazil-Japan World Cup match.

Royal commission hears evidence on the spread of antisemitism online; the WHO says Europe's heatwave linked to 1,300 deaths; Socceroo Lucas Herrington reflects on his World Cup debut.

The US warns it will strike Iranian targets if Tehran blocks Strait of Hormuz; The prime minister of Vanuatu arrives in Canberra today; And in the World Cup, the Socceroos say Egypt will deliver a major challenge in their next match.