TRANSCRIPT
- The Nationals call for independent review into decision to lift ban on US beef imports...
- Two civilians killed as tensions between Thailand and Cambodia boil over...
- Wallabies to receive reinforcements for second Test clash with British and Irish lions.
The Nationals have called for an independent scientific review of the government's decision to lift biosecurity restrictions on U-S beef imports.
The decision lifts a ban on U-S beef products made of cattle from third countries, which was part of 2003 restrictions to limit the risk of mad cow disease and foot and mouth disease on Australian farms.
This removes a key grievance of the Trump administration which cited the restrictions in their decision to apply tariffs on Australian products.
The Albanese government had promised it would never jeopardise Australia's biosecurity as they seek an exemption from the tariffs.
The Agricultural Minister says the decision will not compromise the safety of Australians and follows a 10-year review of Australia's biosecurity exemptions.
Nationals leader David Littleproud says the timing is convenient for the government and there must be an independent review to reassure Australians.
"It has raised my suspicion about the speed and timing of this decision and I think the prudent way forward is to have an independent scientific panel review the department's decision and the protocols when they come out. We need to give confidence to the Australian public, not just to the agricultural sector. We are not just talking about animal welfare, we're talking about the welfare of Australians."
At least two civilians have been killed after weeks of simmering tension and diplomatic spats between Thailand and Cambodia have boiled over into armed clashes along a disputed area of their border.
Each country is accusing the other of firing the first shots near the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple along the eastern border between Cambodia and Thailand.
Thailand's military says they have now bombed Cambodian military targets using their F-16 fighter jets.
A spokesperson for Thailand's Internal Security Command Center says they have attempted to evacuate civilians in affected areas.
"The Thai side has evacuated civilians from affected areas for safety, however there have been three serious injuries including a five-year-old boy and one death reported in a community in Surin province."
The skirmishes come after the Thai government recalled its ambassador to Cambodia on Wednesday accusing their neighbour of laying new landmines in a disputed area after two Thai soldiers lost a limb to mine explosions in the space of a week.
South Australian Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has welcomed a new Senate inquiry into the algal bloom that could cripple Australia's sea life.
In a rare moment of political unity, Labor, the Coalition and the Greens all backed the inquiry into the crisis that has killed tens of thousands of marine animals since it was identified off the Fleurieu Peninsula in March.
It has since spread along the coastline, prompting a jointly funded $28 million investment package from the South Australian and Federal governments for clean-up, recovery, research and industry support.
Senator Hanson-Young says the inquiry will require the government to further consider the severe impacts to the South Australian community and environment.
"I look forward to South Australians and experts feeding into that Senate inquiry. Being able to really get into the details of what the government knew before this deadly, toxic algae took hold and really hear from the impacted communities about what is going on and from the experts about what we need to do."
In rugby,
Rob Valetini, Will Skelton and Dave Porecki will add some crucial muscle to the Wallabies' forward pack as the Australians look to level the Test series against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.
After a 27-19 loss in the opening Test in Brisbane, the Wallabies need a victory in Melbourne to keep the three-match contest alive.
The experienced trio missed the Suncorp Stadium clash through injury but will make a timely return as the Wallabies try to match the physicality of the Lions.
Coach Joe Schmidt is counting on some extra size to prove the difference in game two after the visitors dominated the Australians early in the opening Test.
