Two earthquakes struck New South Wales within hours this morning, with the stronger tremor near Orange registering 3.4 magnitude and prompting reports of shaking from at least 108 people, according to Geoscience Australia.
The 3.4-magnitude quake hit around 5:45 a.m. local time near the central-western city of Orange, about 280 kilometers west of Sydney. A second, smaller quake—measuring 3.2—occurred near Wilcannia at 3:45 a.m., with only two people reporting feeling it, the national geological survey agency confirmed.
Geoscience Australia’s seismic records show the Orange quake was the strongest in the region since a 4.1-magnitude tremor in 2017, though no damage or injuries have been reported. The agency’s real-time monitoring system logged the tremors within minutes of their occurrence, with aftershocks ruled out due to the low magnitude.
While earthquakes in Australia are rare compared to tectonically active regions, the country experiences an average of 100 tremors annually, most below magnitude 3.0. The Australian Capital Territory and Victoria have recorded stronger quakes in recent years, including a 5.9-magnitude event near Melbourne in 2016.
Separately, federal Labor officials today defended controversial tax policy changes aimed at addressing housing affordability, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers reaffirming the government’s commitment despite partisan opposition. “If we’re given the choice between taking the easier path politically or doing the more difficult thing in the interests of first home buyers, young people, and workers in the tax system, then it will be worth it,” Chalmers said in a statement.
The comments came as the government faces criticism from opposition parties, including Pauline Hanson’s One Nation, which has labeled the proposed capital gains tax concessions as a “handout to the wealthy.” Chalmers dismissed political resistance, stating, “Our job isn’t just to take the easy political options. The more important thing is to get the policy right.”
Analysts note the government’s push to reform tax concessions—currently worth an estimated $2.5 billion annually—follows years of debate over Australia’s property market dynamics. The proposed changes would tighten eligibility for discounts on capital gains, targeting higher-value assets while preserving relief for primary residences.
Geoscience Australia’s earthquake monitoring director, Dr. [Redacted for privacy], emphasized that while tremors in New South Wales are uncommon, the region’s geology—including faults near the Lachlan Fold Belt—can produce localized seismic activity. “The Orange quake was shallow and likely felt over a wide area due to its proximity to population centers,” the agency’s records indicate.
No further updates have been issued by state emergency services, and authorities are advising residents to remain vigilant but not to expect additional tremors. The last significant seismic event in the region, a 4.2-magnitude quake near Dubbo in 2021, also resulted in minimal impact.
