Australia won't join Trump's Strait of Hormuz blockade as deadline looms | Evening News Bulletin 13 April 2026

A U-S deadline looms for a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as Australia declines to join in; Australia appoints the first female army chief in history; Rory McIlroy takes out the Augusta masters for a second year running.

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TRANSCRIPT:

• A U-S deadline looms for a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as Australia declines to join in;
• Australia appoints the first female army chief in history;
• Rory McIlroy takes out the Augusta masters for a second year running.

The U.S. Military deadline for a naval blockade of the Hormuz Strait is just hours away, after weekend talks failed to reach a deal to end the war.

The Prime Minister has maintained that the Australian government will not be sending ships to the Strait.

Anthony Albanese says a blockade would put global trade in a very difficult position.

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Meanwhile the Prime Minister will travel to Asia tomorrow [[Tues 14 Apr]] as the government ramps up efforts to safeguard the flow of petrol and other critical imports into the country.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong will also meet her counterparts on the four-day visit to Brunei and Malaysia.

Both nations play important roles in Australia's fuel-supply chains.

And the PM has told Channel 7 the trip will build on a recent visit to another vital exporter, Singapore.

"One of the benefits of travelling to Singapore is that Singapore was able to show us - by going to the refinery there - of the work that they've been able to achieve, which is to replace the Middle East fuel with stocks from Africa and the Americas. So they're very confident that they won't be imposing any export controls and Australia is at the front of the queue, because of the strong relationship that we've built up with Singapore."

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Australia's navy boss has been named the country's next chief of armed forces.

Vice Admiral Mark Hammond will take over the job in July from David Johnston, who has served in the role since mid-2024.

The prime minister has also named Susan Coyle as the next chief of the army.

Defence Minister Richard Marles says the Lieutenant General is the best candidate for the job - and he's also noted the historic moment as the first time a woman has been appointed to the highest ranking position in the Australian army.

"As Susan said to me, you cannot be what you cannot see and Susan's achievement will be deeply significant to women who are serving in the Australian Defence Force today and women who are thinking about serving in the Australian Defence Force in the future."

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Three Victorian Labor ministers are retiring from state politics ahead of the next election.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, Finance Minister Danny Pearson and Water Minister Gayle Tierney have all said they won't be contesting the ballot in November.

"I'm really proud of the work I've done in relation to WorkSafe and trying to make sure this scheme is sustainable, I'm proud of the fact so many people will be saved from the ravages of silicosis and death because we led the nation in relation to banning engineered stone."

They're also immediately stepping down as ministers.

Premier Jacinta Allan says Labor MPs will meet tomorrow [[Tuesday]] to decide new appointments.

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Police have urged people to take care around outback swimming holes after a woman drowned at a popular tourist spot in the Northern Territory over the weekend.

Northern Territory Police says the 25 year old could not be saved after entering the water at Ellery Creek Big Hole, west of Alice Springs on Sunday afternoon.

They say those visiting remote locations must follow safety advice.

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One of the recipients of a bravery medal stemming from the Bondi stabbing attack two years ago says he is honoured to have received the award.

Muhammad Taha was one of the two security guards who responded to the "code black" call on that day, surviving the attack while his colleague Faraz Tahir did not.

Frenchmen Silas Despréaux and Damien Guerot are among the others awarded bravery medals for confronting Joel Cauchi and using metal bollards to try to stop his rampage, before finding Inspector Amy Scott and leading her to his location.

Mr Taha has told SBS Urdu he is moved to have been recognised - and sees the bravery award as an opportunity to reflect on the contribution of migrant workers to this country.

"Moments like that show that we are not just workers, we are part of this society. And we stand up when it matters. And I think there is growing recognition that. But there is always more that can be done."

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To sport and in golf news,

Rory McIlroy has become just the fourth player in Masters history to defend his title at Augusta, Georgia.

The Northern Irishman has held off Justin Rose, Cameron Young and Scottie Scheffler to claim victory and don the winner’s green jacket two years in a row.

His victory puts him on par with legendary English golfer Nick Faldo.

But McIlroy says he hasn't reached his destination yet.

"Yeah, I said it at the start of the week and there I felt like the Grand Slam was the destination... and I realised it wasn't and you know I'm on this journey to... I don't know. I've just won my sixth major and I feel like I'm in a really good spot with my game, and my body."