Australia news live: government tells non-essential officials to leave Israel and UAE; NSW extends no-interest loans scheme

<p>Minns government extends scheme amid renewed cost-of-living concerns during conflict in the Middle East. Follow updates live</p><ul><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m <strong>Martin Farrer</strong> with the top overnight stories before <strong>Nick Visser</strong> takes you through to the weekend.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/mar/13/iran-war-politics-market-reactions-anthony-albanese-labor-angus-taylor-liberals-matt-canavan-nationals-ntwnfb">Continue reading...</a>