TRANSCRIPT
- Critical minerals deal likely to be discussed when Anthony Albanese meets Donald Trump
- The price of gold hits an all-time high
- Ariarne Titmus says she is looking forward to what's next after retiring from competitive swimming
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the role of Australia in the global supply of critical minerals - or rare earth elements - will be a feature of bilteral conversations with the United States.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent earlier this week said the US will be seeking support from allies like Australia to counter China's plans to introduce tighter export restrictions for rare earth metals.
China dominates the supply chain for rare earths, which are crucial for the production of everything from smartphones to fighter jets.
Dr Chalmers says the issue will be a part of the conversations between the Albanese government and the Trump administration.
"This will be an important part of discussions that I have with (White House economic adviser) Kevin Hassett tonight. No doubt, it will be part of the discussions that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has with President Trump next week. When it comes to critical minerals, we are concerned that the market for critical minerals is reliable and robust - as it could be with these supply chains. So Australia has got a lot to offer the world. We will engage with our partners to ensure that we can be a very reliable supplier."
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The family of Nepalese citizen Bipin Joshi is calling for his body to be repatriated.
The 23-year-old was among the foreign workers taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, two years ago.
His body has been confirmed as being one of the first four hostage bodies returned by Hamas under the Gaza ceasefire deal.
Kishore Joshi told SBS Nepali he wants to see the return of his cousin's body - and he is waiting for an update from Israeli authorities on when that can happen.
"Our wish is that it happens as soon as possible. It would be better if he could be taken home soon. We are just numb. There is nothing in our hands. What do you do?"
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A Senate inquiry has heard evidence that the government's proposed changes to Freedom of Information laws risks removing checks and balances guarding against corruption.
Some of the changes proposed include: introducing fees for certain applications, a ban on anonymous FOI requests; and stronger powers to deter vexatious, abusive and frivolous requests.
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland says the measures are needed to respond to the increase in caseload, particularly vague and anonymous requests.
Hansika Bhagani, from Transparency International Australia, says there are other factors that need to be considered.
"The Robodebt Royal Commission report cautioned against the misuse of cabinet confidentiality as a shield from scrutiny; and urged a more principled public interest-based approach. As drafted, this bill risks entrenching secrecy, slowing access and creating new barriers to accountability. First, an application fee for FOI requests would cut against the FOI Acts current objectives . We believe fees would deter engagement. (Secondly) restricting anonymity would silence vulnerable applicants."
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The price of gold has hit an all-time high, increasing to more than 50 per cent this year.
On Wednesday, the price of gold exceeded US$4,100 per ounce (A$6,300) for the first time.
Analysts say factors driving the rise include: expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate cut, and concerns over US-China trade tensions.
Michael Widmer is the head of metals research at Bank of America, told Bloomberg Television. He told investors should also be aware of the price volatility risks.
"One point I would make though ETF (gold exchange-traded funds) was up 800 per cent year over year. And that is ultimately a concern. You can't compound growth at 880 per cent forever. So at some stage, you run into an air pocket - and end up in a situation where gold might not rally."
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To sport, and in swimming,
Four-time Olympic gold medallist Ariarne Titmus says she is looking forward to what the future will hold for her after announcing her retirement this week.
The 25-year-old, who grew up in Tasmania, will retire as one of the greatest distance swimmers of all time.
She said she initially expected to return to swimming following a break after the Olympics, but changed her mind.
"People forget that in swimming you start really young. I first represented Australia when I was 14 - a decade representing this country. And I have so much to look forward to in my life; and hopefully people are going to see the work that I'm going to continue to do that ... they shouldn't question whether I've made the right decision or not."
