Brisbane news as it happened: Outback Queensland, NSW break their states’ heat records; Man steals caravan with three children inside; Inquest into ‘cluster’ of patient suicides at Brisbane hospital

Million-dollar homes are increasingly commonplace in Australia, with new research showing roughly one in every three suburbs pack a median seven-figure price tag.

According to a new paper by Cotality, 195 suburbs have jumped into the exclusive club after strong housing market gains over the last 12 months.

In news likely to make first home-buyers weep over their cornflakes, 30 per cent of all sales in the last year were for $1 million or more.

Brisbane has had the most suburbs crash through the benchmark figure, with 38 joining the million-dollar pricetag club.

There are also 141 across regional Queensland with a median above $1 million.

The majority are on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, but now include four Toowomba suburbs, Castle Hill in Townsville, and Cannon Valley, inland to Airlie Beach.

Australia’s new seven-figure suburbs:

Queensland: Capalaba, Boondall, Keperra, Oxley, Springwood, Murrumba Downs, Nerang, Pelican Waters, East Toowoomba.

NSW: Rooty Hill, Plumpton, Kingswood, Kembla Grange, Diamond Beach.

Victoria: Clayton South, Keilor Lodge, Taylors Lakes.

WA: Bouvard, Bayswater, Maylands, Jindalee, Margaret River, Chittering.

SA: Northgate, Morphettville, Plympton Park, Richmond, Warradale.

ACT: Fraser, Strathnairn, Kaleen, Casey, Monash.

AAP

Rex Airlines will be purchased by US-based air services company Air T Inc, with the deal to lift the debt-laden airline out of administration and be recapitalised, ending a period of uncertainty for Australian aviation.

The deal will provide regional Australia with the first glimmer of stability over its air transportation options after Rex spent more than a year in limbo.

However, administrators E&Y warned that 4800 creditors who are owed a combined $500 million will probably receive nothing.

Rex Airlines was placed into administration with crippling debts in July 2024, with the Albanese government vowing to back the airline, which has a crucial role in connecting regional Australia to major cities.

The Charlotte, North Carolina-based aviation servicing company’s decision to buy Rex draws to a close a saga that has dragged over a year, as the administrators sought to sell the troubled airline.

Here is the answer to today’s brainteaser, which was written by our resident data guru Craig Butt. Did you get it right?

Answer: Bruce was in the United States, so he had been driving on the wrong side of the road.

The PM has dismissed calls by the Coalition and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley for Kevin Rudd to step down from his position as ambassador to the US after his awkward moment with Donald Trump at the White House yesterday.

Here is that moment:

“It was just some banter that went on in response to a question that was asked of the president. It wasn’t certainly a significant moment... So all’s good,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told ABC News Breakfast this morning.

“Kevin Rudd is doing a fantastic job, and the work that he put into this outcome is certainly recognised by me and recognised by all of his American friends as well.”