Authorities in Australia have rolled out emergency cost-of-living measures—including halving fuel taxes and offering free public transport in some states.

The federal government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, announced a temporary cut to the fuel excise tax, reducing it by 26.3 cents per litre for petrol and diesel over three months. The move is expected to save motorists between A$10 and A$20 per tank, though it will cost the government about A$2.55bn.

The spike in fuel prices has been driven by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, alongside disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—a critical corridor for around 20% of the world’s oil and gas.

At the state level, Victoria has announced free travel on trains, trams, and buses throughout April. Premier Jacinta Allan said the measure aims to ease pressure on households and reduce fuel demand.

Similarly, Tasmania will provide free public transport—including buses, coaches, and ferries—until the end of June. Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the policy is designed to shield residents from rising living costs, with additional savings for families using school transport services.

However, other states have stopped short of adopting similar measures. In New South Wales, Transport Minister John Graham said offering free public transport would impose significant daily costs, arguing funds must be preserved for longer-term economic resilience.

A court in Taiwan has sentenced former Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je to 17 years in prison after finding him guilty of corruption and misuse of political donations.

Ko, 65, was accused of accepting more than NT$17.1 million ($535,000; £400,000) in bribes linked to a real estate deal during his time in office, as well as misreporting campaign finances during his 2024 presidential run. Prosecutors had initially sought a sentence exceeding 28 years.

The former mayor, who founded the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Party chairman Huang Kuo-chang previously described the charges as politically motivated.

Ko was arrested in 2024 but had been released on bail since September. His conviction marks a dramatic turn for a figure once seen as a rising force in Taiwanese politics.

In the 2024 presidential election, Ko emerged as a strong third-party contender, securing more than 25% of the vote. He finished behind Lai Ching-te of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), who won with about 40%.

Ko built his political identity as an alternative to Taiwan’s two dominant parties, often criticising the DPP for heightening tensions with China, while also accusing the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) of being overly accommodating toward Beijing.

Despite finishing third, analysts viewed his strong electoral performance as evidence of growing public appetite for a more pluralistic political landscape.

His arrest and trial have sparked protests among supporters, who allege the case is politically driven. Some backers have vowed to continue supporting him and push for what they describe as justice, even after the court’s ruling.

Before the verdict, Ko had indicated plans to remain active in politics and potentially run again in the 2028 presidential election.

Former Australian Football League (AFL) player Leigh Ryswyk has publicly come out as gay, becoming the first man linked to the competition to do so.

Ryswyk, who played a single AFL match for the Brisbane Lions in 2005 before injuries ended his top-level career, later went on to play more than 220 games for North Adelaide Football Club in the South Australian league.

Speaking in a radio interview, the 41-year-old revealed he has been openly gay among close friends for around five years and recently shared the news publicly. He said both of his parents responded with strong support when he came out to them.

His announcement follows that of Mitch Brown, who in 2025 became the first AFL player to come out as bisexual after retiring from a career that included time with the West Coast Eagles. Until then, the AFL had been notable among major men’s professional sports leagues for never having an openly gay or bisexual player, even post-retirement.

Ryswyk expressed optimism that the sporting environment has evolved and would be supportive of any current player choosing to come out.

“I think the AFL, and the community, will wrap their arms around that player,” he said during the interview on Melbourne-based station Joy 94.9.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Ryswyk described the emotional experience of coming out to his family, saying it took several years to find the courage. He recalled heartfelt conversations with both parents, who reassured him of their unconditional support.

Despite being open within his inner circle, Ryswyk noted that he has generally kept his private life out of the public eye until now.

Originally from Victoria, he moved to Queensland to join the Brisbane Lions and made his sole AFL appearance against Fremantle in Perth. He later built a distinguished career at state level and was inducted into the AFL Queensland Hall of Fame.