Coalition migration policy to mirror Trump-era social media checks | Midday News Bulletin 14 April 2026

The oil price surges as the US blockade of Iranian ports comes into effect; Roblox announces new aged-based accounts in Australia; More Australians sign contracts with the Women's N-B-A league in the United States.

SBS News Bulletin Source: AAP

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TRANSCRIPT:

• The oil price surges as the US blockade of Iranian ports comes into effect;
• Roblox announces new aged-based accounts in Australia;
• More Australians sign contracts with the Women's N-B-A league in the United States.

World oil prices have surged to above $100 US a barrel as the American blockade of Iranian ports comes into effect.

It's a blockade that a range of allies - including Britain and Australia - have refused to support.

In the meantime, France and Britain have confirmed they will co-host a conference this week - with more than 40 countries invited - to discuss a multinational mission to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric says peace talks should resume to ensure freedom of navigation is upheld.

"We need to remember that some 20,000 seafarers have been caught up in this conflict and are currently stranded on ships, with hardships increasing daily. Disruptions in the maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have already had a direct impact well beyond the immediate region, with increased global economic fragility and insecurity in many sectors."

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The Transport Workers Union has defended Uber's temporary fuel surcharge which comes into force tomorrow.

The five-cents-per-kilometre surcharge will last until June 8, and the union's National Secretary, Michael Kaine, says the fee may need to extend beyond June if the situation in the Middle East doesn't resolve.

He says there will be weekly reviews of fuel prices to make sure it's adjusted if costs continue to rise.

"We've had fuel prices go up double since February and to this point we've had uber drivers and workers in the ride share economy having to fund that out of their own pockets. That's just not sustainable."

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Opposition Leader Angus Taylor is outlining the Coalition's new hardline migration plan in a speech to the Menzies Research Centre today.

His presentation at the Liberal-aligned think tank comes as Pauline Hanson and her anti-immigration party One Nation breathes down the Coalition's neck in polling.

Mr Taylor says he wants to place greater scrutiny on people attempting to come to Australia from countries that are not Western liberal democracies and implement US style checks of applicant social media accounts.

"For too long, we've turned a blind eye to the reality, of immigration and integration. Those who migrate from Liberal democracies have a greater likelihood subscribing to Australian values compared to those from other places ruled by fundamentalists, extremists and dictators. Our door has been opened to people who far from having an allegiance to Australia are actively working against our nation."

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Roblox has announced the creation of new aged-based accounts in Australia.

Roblox Select will be for 9 to 15-year-olds, while the Roblox Kids account is for 5 to 8-year-olds, and will come with the chat function turned off by default.

The company was put on notice by the Australian government in February over ongoing concerns about online child grooming.

Roblux CEO David Baszucki has told Bloomberg News says the new measures are about protecting the platform's users.

"I do want to highlight, as I run this company, we're always leaning in on doing what we believe is the right thing for our huge community - almost 150 million daily users - and respecting that community and building a product with safety built in as a default"

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Russia says it hopes good relations with Hungary continues after Prime Minister Victor Orban was swept from power over the weekend after 16 years.

Incoming Prime Minister Peter Magyar is pro-EU and more wary of Russia - and Vladimir Putin's spokesperson Dmity Peskov says Russia is watching to see what direction he will take.

As the transition of power begins, Mr Magyar has accused the outgoing government of shredding important documents relating to sanctions.

Mr Magyar says outgoing Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has been at government offices, and that the outgoing government is not being fully co-operative.

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Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have arrived in Australia for a four day visit.

The trip is privately funded and not an official royal tour, as the couple renounced their status and are no longer working members of the royal family.

But taxpayers will cover their additional security costs and public safety operations.

While they're here, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will front a whirlwind round of private events, including a stop today at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital and a Victorian centre delivering homeless services for women.

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In sport,

More Australians have signed contracts with the Women's National Basketball Association in the United States.

Five players have secured training camp contracts, including W-N-B-L championship player Maddy Rocci who joins new franchise Toronto Tempo under coach Sandy Brondello.

21-year-old Isobel Borlase has signed a rookie-scale deal with Atlanta Dream.

The team's general manager, Dan Padover, says the contract - signed during the W-N-B-A free agency period - is part of a stellar line up.

"Overall, we're excited about the players we're bringing in. Obviously, Izzy Borlase has a great yar this past season in Australia. She will be coming in... So we're still evaluating depth, but we feel good about where we're at."