In this bulletin, Colombia’s earthquake death toll climbs to at least 132, interest rates are on hold at 4.35 per cent. And in sport, test cricket returns to Darwin as Australia takes on Bangladesh.
Key Points
- Colombia quake toll exceeds 132
- Reserve Bank holds rates steady despite mixed data
- Australia to play Bangladesh in Darwin this week
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TRANSCRIPT
The death toll from a powerful earthquake in western Colombia has risen to at least 132, with hundreds more injured.
The magnitude 7.4 quake has damaged or destroyed more than 1,500 buildings, as rescue crews race to find survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
The government has declared a national disaster and deployed soldiers to affected areas.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella says all available resources are being deployed to support the search and assist affected communities.
"We will not leave them on their own; they are in our hearts, and we will reach out to them with unwavering determination. The national government continues to deploy all its resources to protect lives, assist affected communities, and deliver aid to every area in need.”
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The Reserve Bank has held interest rates at 4.35 per cent, in line with many economists' expectations.
The quarterly trimmed mean - the RBA's preferred measure of inflation - is currently at 3.6 per cent, sitting above the two to three per cent target range.
There are mixed economic indicators, with falling house prices across the nation and mixed spending data and the central bank's governor, Michelle Bullock says inflation is expected to sit within the target range by the end of next year.
"So we still need to see some further progress to be confident that we are going to get inflation back to target with current monetary policy settings. The board will raise interest rates further if that is what is required to bring inflation down."
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Australia and Vietnam have agreed to a new joint statement on economic resilience; and committed to greater co-operation across defence, agriculture, digital economy, minerals, science and innovation.
Vietnamese President To Lam is on his first state visit to Australia, which has included talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra.
It comes two years after Australia and Vietnam elevated their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Mr Albanese says he is pleased that their meeting has resulted in a further deepening of ties.
"At a time when the world is becoming more uncertain, resilient supply chains matter more than ever. Whether it is food, energy or critical goods - both of our countries have an interest in keeping trade open and reliable. I am particularly pleased that Vietnam has agreed to provide market access for Australian kangaroo and deer meat. This will open up avenues for up to half a million dollars in trade."
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Speaking through the translator, To Lam says the bilateral talks have been very productive.
"The prime minister and I have had a very open and candid - and substantive - bilateral talks. We welcome the excellent and substantive relationship between the two countries, and it has led the bilateral relations into the next phase of development with stronger political trust; better alignment of interests and an open and every more expansive space for co-operation. And we have agreed on the directions to deepen such ties."
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US President Donald Trump has hit back at Iran's demand for war reparations, saying Tehran should instead compensate the United States.
Iran has made reparations one of its conditions for fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran is also demanding the lifting of sanctions and an end to the US naval blockade.
Mr Trump says Washington will seek compensation for deaths and injuries he blames on Iran over the past 50 years.
"Well, they asked for reparations, you might say, or they asked for money for the damage that we've done. I said, that's a good idea. Well, we're going to ask for money for that damage they've done over a 50-year period, So if there's damages to be paid, I think Iran should pay those damages.”
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The Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory says it has received a high number of requests for help completing Census forms.
The organisation is running sessions with translators and community volunteers to assist people on Census Day.
Five million forms have been completed across Australia so far.
Council president Edwin Joseph says extra volunteers have been brought in to meet demand.
"Getting some help from the community volunteers who contacted the community groups. Australia China friendship society kindly organised a volunteer. He is an international student. He is here. And there are others - those from a Japanese background, Vietnamese as well. They're going to be here in the afternoon. They're going to help us with any people who drop in."
Fines apply for each day the Census form remains incomplete.
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To sport and in cricket, Australia is preparing to face Bangladesh in the first Test in Darwin on Thursday, its first Test match in more than six months.
The match is also a rare homecoming for opener Jake Weatherald, who was born in Darwin and watched the city’s last Test matches as a child more than 20 years ago.
Weatherald averaged 22-point-33 against England and says he knows he needs more runs to strengthen his place at the top of Australia’s batting order.
"You know you are required to make runs all the time when you go out there and I've got a good opportunity to play two games hopefully and make some good runs if I don't do that yeah I put fate in somebody else's hands and haven't done enough."
Local fans are being urged to wear bald caps, fake tattoos and earrings in honour of their hometown Test cricketer.
