Queensland's flood crisis continues amid a search for missing backpackers. 

Dozens of countries have agreed to the largest release of emergency oil supplies in history, as the war in the Middle East causes havoc with global supplies.

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The Queensland flood emergency continues, as police hold grave fears for two missing backpackers in the Gympie region.  

The Queensland town of Chinchilla in the Western Downs, is bracing for major flooding at about lunchtime today.

The huge deluge in the Wide Bay region has already cut roads and isolated communities while hundreds of properties are feared to have been inundated in Bundaberg.

Meanwhile in the Northern Territory, dramatic stories of survival are emerging from flood-hit communities there.

Some residents south of Darwin, say they were forced to wade through crocodile-inhabited floodwaters to reach safety.

Several emergency warnings remain in place.

The International Energy Agency has announced the largest release of oil reserves in its history, in an effort to curb soaring energy prices as the war in the Middle East drags on.

It comes after three commercial ships were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, which is a crucial shipping passage for oil.

In Australia, analysts say fuel prices could continue to rise, although the pace of increases may begin to slow.

Motorists are being urged not to panic buy petrol and the countries leaders insist fuel is still coming to Australia.

It's also sparked discussion about encouraging more people to drive electric cars here to reduce reliance on overseas oil.

Former ASIO boss Dennis Richardson has resigned from his role on the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.

Dennis Richardson was hired to deliver an interim report detailing the actions of security and intelligence agencies in relation to the Bondi terror attack.

The reason for his resignation isn't yet known and senior members of Mr Richardson's team will remain working for the commission until the interim report, due at the end of April, is complete. 

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Listen to the latest updates from ABC News

Listen to the latest updates from ABC News

The ABC has heard a voice note sent from the mother of an Iranian women's soccer player warning her to stay in Australia, or "they" will kill her.

Iran's Foreign Ministry has described US and Israeli strikes as "organised bullying at its finest" and accused them of trying to control global energy resources.

The New South Wales government has launched an investigation after two foster children were allowed to share a home with a triple-killer in Sydney's west.

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US President Donald Trump's administration says Iran has been hit with the "most intense" day of strikes since hostilities began as it looks for ways to bring an end to the fighting and re-open the vital trade route, the Strait of Hormuz.

But calls from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging Iranians to rise up against their repressive regime have been met with an ominous warning to those who might be planning to take part in protests.

The head of Iran's police force has warned the country's citizens that they will be treated as "the enemy" if they hold protests or try to bring down their rulers.

One of the Iranian women who sought asylum in Australia has changed her mind and decided to return home.

The government has confirmed several Australian consulates in the Middle East have physically closed due to the escalating conflict.

And technical glitches have impacted the first day of NAPLAN assessments at schools around the country, with 1.3 million students unable to access the online system used for testing.

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The Nationals have elected Matt Canavan as their new leader ahead of the upcoming Farrer by-election, which will be a highly-contested race for the conservative side of politics.

Ukraine says its military experts are on their way to the Middle East to share their expertise on downing drones, as the U-S and Israel continue striking Iran. 

And Australian fashion designer Katie Perry has won her High Court battle with international pop star Katy Perry, in a long running trademark case.

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The Nationals have voted in conservative Matt Canavan as their new leader following the shock resignation of David Littleproud.

He says Australians are losing their standard of living and he wants them to rediscover their relaxed and larrikin nature.

He's a renowned supporter of the coal industry and has railed against action on climate change, especially the net zero goal.

Victorian MP Darren Chester's been elected deputy leader.

The Iranian regime's warning its residents not to take to the streets, with its chief of police saying protesters will be 'treated as the enemy' and his forces 'have their fingers on the trigger'.

The US and Israel have been pounding Iran with strikes and want residents to overthrow the regime.

The war's disrupting global fuel supplies and in Australia that's hurting many businesses especially farmers, while also raising fears it'll push up inflation and see interest rate rises.

South Australian police have returned to a remote station where four-year-old boy Gus Lamont went missing in September last year.

Police say they're searching several locations at Oak Park Station for evidence in the case.

Police have previously said two of Gus's family members are not cooperating with investigators, and have indicated they have a suspect.

Queensland Senator Matt Canavan is the new leader of the Nationals following a partyroom vote to replace David Littleproud after his shock resignation.

Victorian MP Darren Chester has been elected as his deputy.

They take the helm of the party at a time of turmoil as the Coalition reels from dire polling and the rise of One Nation.

The war in the Middle East continues to cause deep concern globally.

The closed Strait of Hormuz is disrupting global fuel supplies and the US says it's destroyed Iranian mine laying ships near the key shipping route.

Petrol stations in Australia are urging people not to panic buy fuel and the overall impact on inflation means there's more expectation of an interest rate rise.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission's found two people investigated over the so-called 'Robodebt' scheme engaged in serious corrupt conduct but it won't refer either to face charges.

The commission says key statements made during the investigation are not admissible in criminal proceedings.

The former Coalition Government scheme incorrectly demanded tens of thousands of welfare recipients pay debts they don't owe.

The commission cleared four other individuals of corrupt conduct including former Prime Minister Scott Morrison.