An attack on a major Saudi oil pipeline to put more pressure on global supply; An investigation into the death of a Queensland child in care; And in NRL, Wests Tigers prepare for their first NRLW finals appearance.
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TRANSCRIPT
- An attack on a major Saudi oil pipeline to put more pressure on global supply
- An investigation into the death of a Queensland child in care
- Wests Tigers prepare for their first NRLW finals appearance
A major Saudi oil pipeline could be largely out of action for up to five weeks, after being struck in a drone attack.
The pipeline has become a crucial export route since the US war with Iran restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials say repairs to the East-West Pipeline could take three to five weeks, although some oil may continue to flow.
The attack comes as Iran-backed Houthi forces step up pressure on Saudi oil and shipping routes, seizing strategic islands near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
US Vice President JD Vance says Washington is talking to both its regional partners and the Houthis.
“We’ve been in constant contact with the Emiratis, the Saudis, and others who are affected in the region. We’ve also been engaged in direct conversations with the Houthis themselves.”
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The US and China have downplayed warnings over AI, issued by leading experts including the CEO of Anthropic, to slow the speed of A-I development and put in guardrails to protect humanity.
US President Donald Trump issued a strong rebuttal on social media platform, X, writing that the warning, which has been reiterated by other prominent technology figures, is a 'hoax'.
In his essay, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei singled out China as a key concern, warning a Chinese advantage in AI would pose national security risks to the United States.
China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, didn't reference the essay but told a media briefing the development of AI is about the common well-being of all humanity.
"All parties should work together to advance AI in a manner that is open, inclusive, beneficial to all, and oriented toward the good. Spreading various threat narratives and engaging in confrontation and malicious competition will only disrupt the global AI governance process and serve the interests of no one."
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A full investigation has been ordered after a girl died from a suspected drug overdose while in Queensland government care.
The girl died at a residential care home in Brisbane, with the state's Child Safety Department now reviewing the circumstances surrounding her death.
Advocates say the case raises serious questions about the safety of vulnerable children living in residential care.
Sisters Inside chief executive Debbie Kilroy says the death should not be treated as an isolated tragedy.
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Debate is continuing over One Nation's proposed migration cuts, with an immigration lawyer warning the plan could have wider consequences for Australia's workforce.
The party wants to reduce the temporary migrant population by 750-thousand over three years.
Mona Khadour says international students, graduate visa holders and skilled migrants would be among those most affected.
She tells SBS Arabic limiting skilled migration could put further pressure on businesses struggling to find workers.
"It is a worry we do see a lot of businesses especially in regional Australia who are finding it very difficult to find employees whether it's in construction , hospitality there's a lot of businesses and companies coming to us and telling us you know can you help us find workers? can you help us find employees? and that's where the skilled migration comes in."
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One Nation leader Pauline Hanson is under fire over comments describing Indigenous Australians as "the most primitive race on Earth".
The remarks were made on a podcast last year and have now resurfaced, drawing criticism from across the political spectrum.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy has described the comments as racist and divisive.
She says Australians should speak out against such language.
"I do believe as all Australians we have to stand up and stand out against such divisive commentary no matter whether it's on a comic, cartoon, show or whether it's on a podcast, that is not the Australia I know it is not the Australia I want to see and i call on all Australians to condemn such commentary."
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To sport, and in the NRL, Wests Tigers are preparing for their first NRLW finals appearance after finishing fourth on the ladder.
The Tigers will host the Canberra Raiders at Campbelltown Stadium on Friday night.
Captain Kezie Apps says she always believed the group was capable of making a strong run this season.
"I feel like I had high expectations of the group and just how hard they're worked pre-pre-season and then obviously throughout that pre-season period I knew we had a really special group who would go all the way so it's nice to see all that hard work has definitely paid off and we're sitting where we are."
The Roosters and Titans have earned the week off after finishing as the top two sides, with the undefeated Roosters finishing as minor premiers after a record-breaking regular season.
