New search launched for fugitive Dezi Freeman in Victoria | Midday News Bulletin 2 February 2026

David Littleproud remains Nationals leader after a failed spill motion; an Australian woman dies after a skiing accident in Japan; record attendance figures at this year's Australian Open.

New search launched for fugitive Dezi Freeman in Victoria; data released on the top political spenders at the last federal election; and two staff working with Australia's Winter Olympic team test positive for COVID-19.

Fresh police search for Dezi Freeman at Mount Buffalo National Park; Rafah crossing reopens for the first time in two years, as Israeli strikes kill 32; Carlos Alcaraz defeats Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open.

Pakistan's military say over 120 dead after multiple attacks, Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd denies meeting with sex offender Jeffery Epstein after US release new files, Scotty James eyes a gold medal in the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics...

David Littleproud says he'll back the Nationals even if he loses his job, ahead of a leadership challenge tomorrow; Australia's Foreign Minister urges Myanmar to urgently improve conditions for its people; Pat Cummins ruled out of the T20 World Cup next month.

Israel expected to re-open the Rafah border crossing today; Australia confirms Afghanistan embassy in Canberra to cease its operations mid-year; Elena Rybakina knocks world number one Aryna Sabalenka out of the Australian Open.

South Australia's Premier says focus of housing deal should be to build new homes as fast as possible, India to introduce a new tobacco tax, Melbourne City outside top six after two-all draw against Wellington Phoenix.

South Australia becomes first state to sign on to the federal government's housing deal.. the UN might be running out of money... and a Socceroos contender does his World Cup chances no harm, with a strong performance for his English club

US President Donald Trump says peace deals are on the way in both Iran and Ukraine... bushfire-ravaged communities granted a funding lifeline... and Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz win two epic Australian Open semi-finals

Four people dead in suspected murder-suicide in Perth; the federal government agrees to pay extra $25 billion to fund public hospitals; and John Peers and Olivia Gadecki win back-to-back Australian Open mixed doubles titles.