Key Points
- Australia avoids latest round of US tariffs
- Uluru Dialogue condemns lack of progress on Closing the Gap targets
- Australia wins women's 200 metre freestyle final at World Championships
TRANSCRIPT
Australia has avoided a fresh wave of tariffs, after the Trump administration announced new import taxes targeting dozens of other countries.
The White House confirmed that President Trump would raise tariffs on products from nations that, in his words, failed to engage in negotiations with the United States or to align on economic and national security matters.
Australia has been spared, with its goods to remain under a baseline 10 per cent tariff.
By contrast, New Zealand imports will face a 15 per cent rate, while Canada and others have been hit with even harsher penalties.
The decision comes amid ongoing U-S concerns over non-tariff trade barriers, including Australia’s biosecurity rules.
Canberra recently eased restrictions on American beef, but ministers insist the timing was unrelated to the tariff announcement.
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The Uluru Dialogue has issued a strong statement ahead of the Garma Festival, declaring 'enough is enough' on Closing the Gap.
It says progress has stalled, and in some areas, is going backwards.
It blames government inaction, outdated bureaucracy, and the ongoing exclusion of Indigenous voices.
In a statement, the Uluru Dialogue says without a Voice to Parliament, decisions are still being made without Indigenous input.
"We continue to be sold the status quo as the solution, but how can we see any progress on Closing the Gap by doing more of the same? Our children are being locked up, our Elders are dying, and our people are continuing to live in a country where their rights are neglected. Their voices and calls for help falling on deaf ears."
Closing the Gap is a national plan to improve health, education, and life expectancy for First Nations people, but only four of 19 targets are on track.
The government is expected to highlight progress on 10 of 15 measures at Garma, but the group says that won’t resonate with struggling communities.
The Garma Festival runs from today to the 4th of August in northeast Arnhem Land, on Yolngu country.
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An underworld war looms in Melbourne after the daylight execution of 26-year-old Athan Boursinos, who had known links to organised crime.
The son of a former police officer, he was gunned down around 9:30am yesterday outside his home in Wollert as he was heading to court, a tactic often used by gangs to ambush rivals.
Eight shots were heard by neighbours.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas is with the Victoria Police.
"This is deliberate and obviously targeted. We will work now to piece together what has gone on."
Athan Boursinos had been a person of interest in the killing of underworld figure Sam Abdul Rahim, and his death has sparked concerns of violent retaliation linked to the ongoing illicit tobacco wars.
Police says investigators are now working to prevent further bloodshed.
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Russian missile and drone attacks have killed at least 15 people and injured 155 others in Kyiv, as Russia's President defies United States President Donald Trump's ceasefire deadline.
Rescue crews were seen sifting through the debris following attacks on 27 locations across four Kyiv districts Thursday night.
Senior US diplomat John Kelley tells the 15-member United Nations Security Council that President Trump wants a deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine within one week.
"Both Russia and Ukraine must negotiate a ceasefire and durable peace. It is time to make a deal. President Trump has made clear this must be done by August 8. The United States is prepared to implement additional measures to secure peace."
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Two Australians arrested by Israeli forces aboard the Freedom Flotilla boat Handala have returned safely to Australia.
Tan Safi and Robert Martin were among 19 activists trying to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza to deliver aid including nappies and baby formula.
The boat was intercepted in international waters on the 26th of July by Israeli soldiers and towed to Ashdod.
This morning, supporters greeted them at the airport waving Palestinian flags and chanting as they reunited with loved ones.
Ms Safi describes the treatment they faced in Israeli custody, especially that of fellow activist Chris Smalls, co-founder of the Amazon Labor Union.
"They pinned him down on the floor, seven or eight of them, and when i asked about him, they came into the room and dragged me out by my arms. I'm still bruised here on my arms from it. They pulled me out and threw me down on the floor, and they made me take off all my clothes. They strip searched me right there, made me, squat, up and down, and then go through all my things. And after that, maybe an hour passed, and we were able to see someone from the Australian Embassy."
The Handala was part of a wider Freedom Flotilla effort to raise awareness about conditions in Gaza.
All foreign nationals have since been deported from Israel.
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To sport and in swimming, Australia has won the women’s four by 200 metre freestyle relay final at the World Championships in Singapore.
The victory, securing Mollie O’Callaghan 11 world titles - equal to the record set by legend of the pool, fellow Australian Ian Thorpe.
Kyle Chalmers placed third 100 metres freestyle final at the event overnight.
The Australian came close to breaking the 46-second barrier in the race but fell just short of the mark.
Chalmers tells Channel 9 he is content with the result as he focuses on the arrival of his child.
"I have been training hard for that moment. I desperately wanted to get a 46 out tonight but wasn't quite there. But to get on a podium is so special. I'm just really excited to go home now and become a dad and that is my biggest priority this year. That was just a bit of fun and I enjoyed being part of that race."
