Key Points
- Canada, Australia spruik relationship after G7 talks
- Australia-wide childcare reforms due in September
- Oscar Piastri crashes to fourth in Canada Grand Prix
TRANSCRIPT
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says his talk with his Canadian counterpart at the G7 summit was a chance to reaffirm the strong relationship between the two countries as long-term allies and true friends.
He says the common challenge from climate change and the impact on fires in the two countries was a talking point - including the reciprocal arrangement to send firefighters to support the emergency response.
Mr Albanese says there was also no escaping the need to discuss tensions in the Middle East.
"We did discuss Israel and Iran. And both of us share a view, wanting to see a de-escalation of conflict, wanting to prioritise and diplomacy. I have expressed before our concern about Iran gaining the capacity of nuclear weapons as something that is a threat to security in the region."
The meeting will come ahead of Mr Albanese's meeting with US President Donald Trump, scheduled for Wednesday Australian time on the sidelines of the summit.
The Prime Minister is also expected to conduct bilateral meetings with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.
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Israel unleashed airstrikes across Iran for a third day - and threatened even greater force, as some Iranian missiles evaded Israeli air defences to strike buildings in the heart of the country.
Officials in Israel say at least 13 people are dead.
In Iran, at least 406 are reported dead in Iran, according to a human rights group that has long tracked the country, the Washington-based Human Rights Activists.
US President Donald Trump has expressed full support for Israel's actions, while warning Iran that it can avoid further destruction only by agreeing to a new nuclear deal.
Earlier, US officials said Iran's pre-dawn attack on Friday was a unilateral action.
Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, says his country was engaged in legitimate self-defence against Israeli strikes; and it won't stop unless Israel does.
He also accused the US of being a partner in Israel's attacks - and insisted the US take responsibility for its actions.
"We have extensive evidence of how American forces assisted the Zionist regime. But beyond our evidence, what is even more telling are the statements made by the US president himself. He clearly stated that such an operation would not have been possible without American equipment, and he openly said that further steps are to come. Therefore, from our perspective, the United States is a partner in these attacks and must take responsibility.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Tasnim news agency is reporting Israel's attack on Friday also killed the intelligence chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Mohammad Kazemi, and his deputy.
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Regulation of the childcare sector will be strengthened, with mandatory measures to take effect from September.
The changes have been agreed to by education ministers from Australia's states and territories.
They include: a requirement to report allegations of physical or sexual abuse within 24 hours instead of the current 7-day window.
There will also be a ban on vapes in all early education and care services; and a requirement for clear policies on digital technology use, such as CCTV practice and using service-issued devices.
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare says there will be another meeting next week to consider what further actions might need to be taken.
"In response to some of the evidence that emerged out of the Four Corners report earlier this year, we announced a series of other measures to improve safety and the quality of our services. And that includes where a provider is not up to scratch, stopping them from expanding other services. But also, not letting them move from childcare to another part of the care economy. And legislation to implement the reforms that have been announced earlier this year will come into the parliament later this year."
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$100 million is being set aside to build new film studio in Sydney to support making local and international films.
The New South Wales government says the funding is part of 2025-26 state budget that will be announced later this month and will form part a $380 million package to support the screen and digital games sector.
New South Wales Transport Minister John Graham says the money will support selecting a site and partnering with industry stakeholders.
"When screen production happens in Australia, half the time it happens here in New South Wales. This is the powerhouse. We're determined to keep that lead. That is why the government is investing strongly here. There have been proposals right across Sydney, right across New South Wales for new studio space. We will work carefully with industry to back those in. And it is a mix here of funding but also logistical support, cutting red tape. We want all of New South Wales to be a stage. That is what we're setting up for."
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To sport, and in Formula One, Mercedes driver George Russell has won the Canadian Grand Prix.
A collision between McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris resulted in Piastri placing fourth.
Norris hit the rear of Piastri's car three laps from the end - while trying to overtake.
However, the Australian has boosted his lead in the drivers' title race to 22 points - ahead of Norris and Max Verstappen.
Piastri says the collision is unfortunate.
"I haven't seen it. I was defending the inside - and then felt a small touch. And that is honestly all I have in this moment. Obviously, a shame for the team. And it was a bit of a difficult race apart from that. But yeah, not the easiest of weekends."
