Australia news LIVE: At least 68 killed in Spanish train crash; Labor under renewed pressure after inflation rise

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By Daniel Lo Surdo

Welcome to the national news live blog for today, Thursday, October 29. Here’s a look at today’s biggest stories:

At least 68 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in Spain after two high-speed trains crashed south of Madrid. The two trains, departing Madrid six minutes apart, were carrying 500 passengers combined, at the time. Officials have warned the death toll could rise, as rescue workers scour the crash site. Spain will enter three days of mourning.
The man accused of running down Helen Haines claims he had no grudge against the politician and that striking her repeatedly with his car was entirely accidental. Two sources familiar with the case, but unable to speak publicly, said Nugent has said he never intended to drive into Haines and that his behaviour at the scene was caused by panic. Haines, 65, is in a serious but stable condition after losing both legs in the attack.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers is under renewed pressure after inflation rose in September, all but guaranteeing another cash rate rise on Melbourne Cup Day. The 4.3 per cent headline inflation rate, and 3.6 per cent underlying measure, were described by Reserve Bank deputy governor Andrew Hauser as too high. The Reserve Bank has lifted rates four times this year, with another threatening to lift the cash rate to an 18-year high of 4.85 per cent on Tuesday.