Bird flu spreads to Australian wildlife, The body of a missing 13-year-old girl is found in western Victoria, Bronson Xerri quits the Bulldogs for Melbourne.
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TRANSCRIPT
- Bird flu spreads to Australian wildlife...
- The body of a missing 13-year-old girl is found in western Victoria...
- Bronson Xerri quits the Bulldogs for Melbourne.
Australia's bird flu outbreak has widened, with the deadly H5 strain confirmed in a native seabird for the first time, while a dead fur seal in New South Wales is being tested for the virus.
The greater crested tern was found at Robe in South Australia, marking the first confirmed infection in a local seabird rather than a migratory visitor.
Three other H5 detections have also been confirmed in South Australia and Western Australia, taking the national total to 12. If the seal tests positive, it would be the first known infection in an Australian mammal.
South Australia's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Skye Fruean says the latest detection is an isolated case and there is still no evidence of widespread infection or cases in commercial poultry.
"While this is a new species, so an interesting development, it is an isolated case. And I just want to really commend the members of the public who are calling the hotline. The fact that we found this in a single dead animal is really quite incredible."
The body of a 13-year-old girl reported missing in western Victoria has been found in bushland.
Police discovered the remains near Byrne Street in the town of Donald late on Thursday afternoon, following an extensive search.
The teenager was last seen on McCracken Street on July 4 and was reported missing the following day.
The body has not yet been formally identified, but police believe it is the missing girl and are treating the death as suspicious.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers online or on the phone 1300 333 000]
Telstra's CEO has apologised for a nationwide outage that is being investigated by the company and several authorities, including the communications regulator.
Telstra's widespread network disruption on Wednesday impacted transport, businesses, emergency services and healthcare.
Police have confirmed the death of an elderly man in South Australia was not linked to the outage, during which emergency services reportedly could not be reached.
CEO Vicky Brady has denied speculation a recent company restructure could have created a lack of oversight that led to the outage.
"So, my view of what I've seen so far is that our people and our processes worked as they should have. As the incident occurred it was identified and then we worked to rectify it as quickly as possible. There is no indication that any restructure of jobs has impacted on this particular issue."
In response to the outage that impacted V/line trains in Victoria, commuters on those services will travel for free this Monday and Tuesday.
Outspoken media figure and former senator Derryn Hinch has died at the age of 82 after a long struggle with his health.
Born in New Zealand Hinch began in journalism at a local paper in his hometown aged just 15 before moving to Australia and working in print media and broadcasting.
Hinch had his fair share of off-air troubles, including alcoholism, which would come at great cost to his health.
In 2008, he served five months in home detention for naming two convicted child sex offenders and as a senator he convinced the then coalition government to introduce laws restricting overseas travel for convicted pedophiles.
Hinch was married five times and his output included novels, autobiographies, diet and health books, and a collection of short stories.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wrapped up his visit to Australia after unveiling a new sports cooperation roadmap with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne.
The two leaders launched the plan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, covering sports training, science and technology, investment and a proposed youth sports festival.
The visit also included talks on trade and investment, and a major community event attended by tens of thousands of supporters at Melbourne's Marvel Stadium.
Speaking through an interpreter, Mr Modi said the two countries should continue to build on their partnership.
"I am confident that just like in sports our partnership too will become a champion in every field once again I thank my friend Prime Minister Albanese for bringing us together for this wonderful celebration of sport, of India Australia friendship. Let us play together, let us win together! Thankyou very much."
Canterbury centre Bronson Xerri will leave the Bulldogs at the end of the season after signing a three-year deal with Melbourne.
The 25-year-old has agreed to join the Storm from 2027, despite remaining under contract with Canterbury for next season.
Xerri's future has been the subject of speculation after he was given permission to explore his options earlier this year.
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo says the club is ready to move on.
