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TRANSCRIPT
In this bulletin...
- Ceasefire deadline looms as the world waits to see whether Iran will join peace talks
- NDIS cuts due to be outlined today
- The Sydney Swans prepare for a tough test against the Western Bulldogs
President Donald Trump says he has extended the United States' deadline for its ceasefire with Iran until an Iranian proposal is submitted and pre-negotiations are concluded.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States of breaching the truce by striking a commercial vessel and blockading ports, saying Tehran will defend its interests and resist pressure.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar says mediation efforts are ongoing to bring Iran to the table.
US Vice President JD Vance had been expected in Islamabad, but reports suggest he has not departed.
Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says the bloc has agreed to expand sanctions on Iran.
"On Iran, ministers were clear that the freedom of navigation is non-negotiable. Daily U-turns, whether the Strait of Hormuz is open or closed, are reckless. Transit through the strait must remain free of charge. Europe will play its part in restoring the free flow of energy and trade once the conditions allow. ... The EU already has sweeping sanctions in place on Iran, but today we also reached a political agreement to widen our sanctions regime to also target those responsible for breaches to freedom of navigation.''
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Lebanon's Prime Minister says his government is not seeking confrontation with Iran-backed Hezbollah, but it would not allow itself to be intimidated as it continues direct talks with Israel to end the conflict.
Speaking at a news conference alongside France's President Emmanuel Macron, Nawaf Salam says he would need all Lebanon's partners to help as direct talks at ambassador level continue later this week in Washington.
President Macron says France will help Lebanon prepare for direct talks with Israel.
Mr Salam says they know what they want from the talks.
"We are going there (Washington) with a clear objective. What we are seeking to achieve through negotiations is a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon."
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The Federal Opposition says it will consider the government's plans to bring down the cost of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, including efforts to stop rorting.
Health Minister Mark Butler will outline changes to the scheme in a speech at the National Press Club.
Shadow Minister for the NDIS Melissa McIntosh has told Sky News NDIS rorts cost billions of dollars each year.
"Australian taxpayers are paying around $5 billion dollars a year on these rorts which isn't surprising when around 94 per cent of providers are not registered. So, we'd like the government to have a good plan. Right now, they're scaring Australians."
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Smartphones are to be banned in classrooms in England.
The Department of Education says the ban will provide legal force to what schools are already doing.
Under the changes, phones can't be seen or heard which means they have to be switched off and placed in a bag at the very least.
Some schools have chosen to have lockers or magnetically sealed pouches for phones.
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A parliamentary inquiry will hear from those opposed to the imposition a new tax on gas exports.
The Greens-led parliamentary inquiry has heard from environment groups who are calling for the tax and will hear today from opposing the measure.
The inquiry is due to report back just before the Federal Budget on May the 12th.
WA Premier Roger Cook says he's told Prime Minister Anthony Albanese he's opposed to the idea.
"I don't support it but I understand that for many people it seems like an attractive proposition, but I don't think it would be good for Western Australia, and I've made those views clear to the prime minister. If we are going to continue to attract the investment that we need for these projects which deliver prosperity, literally over decades, you have to make sure you provide a stable environment for these companies to be able to make those investment decisions."
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In AFL,
Sydney coach Dean Cox says the Western Bulldogs should not be underestimated, despite several of their leading players nursing injuries.
They include captain Marcus Bontempelli who is recovering from a knee injury.
Cox says the Swans will be expecting a tough contest when they meet the Bulldogs on Thursday.
"They've shown for most parts of this season that they're one of the best teams in the competition and that's the way we'll be preparing our players because what they have out on the football field is still an unbelievable football team."
