Tropical Cyclone Rusty (a category 3 cyclone) is currently located off the Pilbara coast in north-west Australia and expected to move south over the next 2 days.  New Zealanders in Western Australia along the expected path of the cyclone should be aware that heavy rain and damaging high winds are expected. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has advised that wind gusts up to 120 kilometres have already been experienced in Port Hedland and gales are occurring on the coast between Sandfire Roadhouse and Whim Creek.

While flood waters are receding in many parts of Queensland and New South Wales, some areas are likely to remain affected by moderate flooding. 

The Australian government's Department of Human Services has made available an ex-gratia payment  to assist New Zealand 'non-protected' special category visa holders (sub-class 444) who have been adversely affected by the Queensland floods that began on 21 January 2013.

You have until 29 July 2013 to lodge a claim for the following Local Government Areas:

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain has announced that from Friday 2 November New Zealanders will pay less for their adult passport and be able to renew their passports online.