TRANSCRIPT
In this bulletin;
- The Communications Minister to meet with Optus bosses, following a succession of triple-zero outages;
- Australia's budget deficit shrinks to $10 billion;
- And in rugby, England's women's team celebrate their win over Canada.
The bosses of Singtel and Optus are set to meet with Communications Minister Anika Wells today to discuss the technical failure a fortnight ago that has been linked to multiple deaths.
The issue meant hundreds of triple-zero calls failed to be connected across three states - South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia.
It comes after another triple-zero outage in New South Wales over the weekend meant nine emergency service calls could not be connected.
Optus says the callers are okay; and the issue with affected mobile phone tower near Wollongong has been resolved.
Optus has issued another apology to the 5,000 customers affected by the latest outage.
Singtel CEO Yuen Kuan Moon, Optus Chair John Arthur and Optus CEO Stephen Rue are expected to be at the meeting.
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A Senate inquiry has heard evidence on a proposal to form a so-called Climate Army of youth volunteers to respond to the immediate aftermath of natural disasters in Australia.
On the first day of public hearings [[29 Sept]], the inquiry heard from Derm Ryan from the Centre of Excellence: Young People & Disasters.
He says the idea of Climate Army is a chance to give younger people a greater role in responding to climate change.
"We see an opportunity for the Australian government to better include young people in governance and decision-making roles. We recommended the establishment of a youth advisory structure for government. We think that these initiatives also offer an opportunity to create opportunities for young people to have pathways to gain new qualifications and skills in areas that will help us respond to disasters."
The inquiry is due to release its final report on November 6.
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Finance Minister Katy Gallagher says the improved budget position means the government is in a position to better fund health, disability and defence programs.
The final budget outcome released today shows a deficit of just under $10 billion for 2024/25, which is an improvement on the government's original forecast of a $28 billion deficit.
The federal government says a robust jobs market and a rise in take-home pay for workers - are factors behind the improved budget position.
Ms Gallagher says it's good news.
"You know finding savings is hard. And it has been hard over the last three years. But we need to do it. It has to be part of our story. We must make room to make sure the budget is in better shape. And that we have the capabilities and resources to invest in the things that matter to people. So it is an ongoing piece of work. It is never easy. But we will continue to focus on it."
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The US Democratic-run state of Oregon has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump, following his move to send military forces into the city of Portland.
President Trump announced on Saturday plans to send troops into the city, saying they would be used to protect federal immigration facilities against what he described as domestic terrorists, authorising them to use full force if needed.
There have been other legal challenges against Donald Trump's deployments of military forces into other municipalities led by Democrats, including Los Angeles and Washington DC.
The lawsuit accused Mr Trump of exceeding his powers, saying the defendants have "infringed on Oregon's sovereign power" to manage its own law enforcement.
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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In Rugby Union,
England have celebrated their Rugby World Cup win with fans in London.
The team outclassed Canada 33-13 in front of a record crowd at Twickenham on Saturday.
The clearcut victory by five tries to two capped an astonishing World Cup cycle in which England won every match, 33 in a row, the greatest streak in international rugby.
Player Sarah Bern says she feels incredibly proud.
"Unbelievable. I'm lost for words. I don't think many of the girls can describe the feeling like we've worked so hard and for the girls who, you know, haven't quite done it before, the last two times, like to actually have the medal like..."
