Australia news live: Qantas seeks answers on data breach, storm prompts asthma warning, property values fall further

Qantas said it’s trying to learn if any customer bookings have been affected by a cyber breach involving global reservation provider Amadeus, after a number of airlines said their customer data had been exposed.

While Qantas itself has not been hacked, the airline is trying to learn whether its customers’ records have been affected.

“We have been advised by global travel technology provider Amadeus that there has been unauthorised access to one of their systems,” said a spokesperson for Qantas.

“Amadeus advised the issue was contained in September and we’re working with them to understand the impact to any Qantas bookings.”

Victorians have been warned about epidemic thunderstorm asthma conditions in parts of the state today.

Victoria’s Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Evelyn Wong sent out an alert due to the combination of forecast high grass pollen levels and strong thunderstorm wind gusts that could see a large number of people develop asthma symptoms for a short period of time.

“People in Mallee, North Central, North East and Wimmera districts who have asthma or spring hay fever need to be alert and prepared while this high-risk forecast is in place,” Dr Wong warned yesterday.

“The safest place to be during the strong wind gusts before and during a thunderstorm is indoors, with windows and doors closed.”