While You Were Sleeping: August 24

Good morning. A significant development in Australia’s bird-flu outbreak, free dental care emerging as a Victorian election battleground, fresh tensions between Iran and the United States, New Zealand preparing for an intense El Niño and a frustrating night for Oscar Piastri.

Here are the morning headline stories worth knowing this Monday, August 24.

1. Bird flu reaches an Australian mammal for the first time

Australia’s H5 bird-flu outbreak has reached another troubling milestone, with the virus confirmed in a long-nosed fur seal found dead at Beachport in South Australia.

It is the first confirmed detection of H5 bird flu in a mammal in Australia. South Australian authorities also confirmed another 10 events involving birds, bringing the state’s total to 194 confirmed events.

The development comes as authorities warn Australians to expect further wildlife losses as the virus spreads through the natural environment.

2. Free dental care becomes an election issue in Victoria

Victorians could gain access to free walk-in dental treatment regardless of whether they hold a healthcare card under a major Labor election pledge.

Premier Ben Carroll has promised 10 public dental clinics — seven in metropolitan Melbourne and three in regional Victoria — if Labor wins November’s election.

The $230 million proposal would cover services including check-ups, fillings and root canals and aims to treat more than 100,000 people annually once fully operational. With Medicare generally not covering adult dental treatment, the proposal puts one of healthcare’s biggest out-of-pocket expenses firmly into the election campaign.

3. Iran and US tensions rise again

Another potentially significant international story is developing this morning, with the United States preparing to announce new economic sanctions against Iran.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has foreshadowed what he described as extraordinarily tough new measures, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says further sanctions will fail.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of continuing conflict and enormous pressure on Iran’s economy and infrastructure.

4. New Zealand braces for an intense El Niño

Across the Tasman, firefighters and farmers are already preparing for what forecasters say could be a particularly intense El Niño.

The climate pattern is strengthening unusually quickly and is expected to bring hotter, drier and windier conditions to parts of New Zealand, increasing concerns around drought and bushfire conditions as the country moves towards summer.

5. Tough Dutch Grand Prix for Oscar Piastri

Australian Formula One star Oscar Piastri endured a frustrating Dutch Grand Prix as McLaren teammate Lando Norris claimed victory at Zandvoort.

Piastri was running strongly before a slow 5.4-second pit stop cost him track position. His race became progressively tougher as Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton moved ahead.

Norris eventually won ahead of Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, while home favourite Max Verstappen crashed out on the opening lap.