Australia's economy grew 0.8% in the December quarter of 2025, reaching 2.6% annual growth - the strongest pace since March 2023. The Australian Bureau of Statistics attributes the growth to construction sector demand, consumer spending during end-of-year sales, and major events including the Ashes cricket series and Oasis concerts. Treasurer Jim Chalmers and opposition shadow treasurer Tim Wilson debate government spending levels while acknowledging risks from the Middle East conflict, as Foreign Minister Penny Wong coordinates the return of stranded Australians through consular crisis response teams.

7News Just In is a daily podcast that brings you Australia's latest news. 

<p>7News Just In is a daily podcast that brings you Australia's latest news. </p>

7News Just In

Australian economy surges amid Middle East tensions

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/82e27d6d-8b70-46ae-8d8a-b4030064cfa7/transcript

Iran is deploying Shaheed suicide drones, the same weapons used by Russia in Ukraine, to attack Western targets including America's consulate in Dubai. These drones cost only $10,000-$20,000 to produce, feature fibreglass construction with GPS systems and 50 kilograms of high explosive, and fly low and slow to evade radar detection. The drones, powered by simple motorbike engines, are being mass-produced and can overwhelm sophisticated defence systems like the Iron Dome by attacking in groups of five to ten, making them significantly more cost-effective than the million-dollar interceptor missiles required to stop them.

Iran's $10,000 suicide drones evading billion-dollar defences

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/037647d2-04a6-4bc9-bc3f-b40301841f72/transcript

The conflict in the Middle East has escalated beyond the region, with the US sinking an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka's coast and NATO intercepting an Iranian ballistic missile targeting Turkey. Iran has now struck 11 countries in the first 72 hours of expanded hostilities, including attacks on travel hubs in the United Arab Emirates. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong discusses the unpredictable nature of the spreading conflict, evacuation efforts for Australians in the region, and the importance of defence capabilities including the AUKUS partnership.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong speaks on Middle East conflict 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/2f4dd6e3-95ca-4cbd-a3a9-b4030152a735/transcript

Jacinta Allan has unveiled new details of the work-from-home laws she hopes will get her across the line in November's state election. New polling shows the Premier falling behind Jess Wilson on major issues.

Victoria's work-from-home rules explained

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/c64ecd4f-edc5-48bb-b0ab-b40300848f3b/transcript

Australian economy surges amid Middle East tensions

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