Australian news roundup: runaway train, oil refinery, abuse cases, and union resignations

In late July 2026, Australia saw a mix of major stories. A runaway train in the Hunter Valley was described as a 'worst-case scenario' for rail safety by ABC News. Separately, the country's first new oil refinery in decades was announced for Western Australia. Meanwhile, two men were jailed for life after filming a murder victim's suffering, and previously unheard survivors detailed horrific abuse at Christian Brothers institutions. In union news, Sally McManus and Michele O'Neil resigned from top jobs at the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).