Penny Wong announces RAAF aid to Nepal and raises alarm over 43 missing Australians

Acting prime minister and foreign affairs minister Penny Wong warned that 43 Australians remain unaccounted for after the Nepal-Tibet flash flood, as a RAAF aircraft loaded with shelter, hygiene and solar lighting kits prepares to depart for Nepal. The federal response includes $8 million in aid and a matching $2 million from a public appeal, with additional supplies on the way. Over 4,400 individuals are still missing across the border and more than 930 have been confirmed dead; nine of the missing Australians were on the Chinese side at the time of the disaster.

Treasury officials said artificial intelligence is poised to lift Australia’s productivity back to its historical average, targeting a 1.2 % long-term growth rate. Property data firm Cotality reported that median home prices in capital cities fell below $1 million by the end of August, indicating a buyer’s market. The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Union plans a march to New South Wales parliament demanding a new public holiday on 1 September, and Labor’s Penny Wong criticised One Nation leader Pauline Hanson for offering few solutions after a recent by-election loss.