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Australia Evacuates Officials' Families Amid Middle East Tensions

3/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong announced families of Australian officials must leave the United Arab Emirates due to escalating Middle East conflict.
Travel advice was updated to reflect this directive.
Shadow Foreign Minister Ted O'Brien urged Australia to consider Gulf aid requests and supported Israel and the United States against Iran.
Flooding in the Northern Territory prompted evacuations with 1,000 people moved to shelters in Darwin and surrounding areas.

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Story summary

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong announced families of Australian officials must leave the United Arab Emirates due to escalating Middle East conflict.
Travel advice was updated to reflect this directive.
Shadow Foreign Minister Ted O'Brien urged Australia to consider Gulf aid requests and supported Israel and the United States against Iran.
Flooding in the Northern Territory prompted evacuations with 1,000 people moved to shelters in Darwin and surrounding areas.