Two by-elections underway in Queensland; Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of trying to disrupt a Russian presidential election; And in rugby, Western Force's coach apologises to fans after his team played what he says was some of the "worst rugby".
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In this bulletin,
- Two by-elections underway in Queensland;
- Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of trying to disrupt a Russian presidential election;
- And in rugby, Western Force's coach apologises to fans after his team played what he says was some of the "worst rugby".
TRANSCRIPT
Two by-elections are underway in Queensland at two Labor strong holds, Ipswich West and Inala.
Ahead of Queensland's general election in October, the votes are set to provide new premier, Steven Miles with a better idea on the Labor government's election hopes in the state.
Mr Miles says he's remaining optimistic despite what the result may be.
"Look let's see what the results are, we don't have to wait too long now. But it's not unusual to expect large swings against government. By-elections are hard for governments and easy for oppositions. But we will continue to work hard for Queenslanders regardless of the result, we'll continue listening to them, hearing from them, what their priorities are and then aiming to deliver for them."
According to the Queensland Electoral Commission, about a third of voters have already submitted their decision before election day across both seats.
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Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of trying to disrupt a Russian presidential election that is almost certain to hand him six more years in the Kremlin, and says Moscow will punish Kyiv for its latest attacks.
The first of three days of voting was marked by disruptions including dye being poured into ballot boxes, a Molotov cocktail thrown at a polling station in Putin's home town, and reported cyber attacks.
Millions of Russians cast their ballots across the country's 11 time zones, with officials putting turnout on day one at more than 35 per cent.
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Australian wine exports to mainland China could start surging back to their pre-pandemic peaks by the end of March.
According to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the stabilisation of relations means local producers can soon regain access to the huge market.
Exporting wine to mainland China was a growing industry worth more than $1.1 billion at the end of 2019, when Australia sent more than 135 million litres.
According to Wine Australia's export data, it had dropped to about 1.4 million litres, worth just over $10 million at the end of 2023.
Mr Albanese says if the interim decision is confirmed it would be a great benefit to wine producers across the country, particularly South Australia.
"What that means is more jobs for South Australians, what that means is more jobs for people throughout regional Australia which is where the wine industry is based and the wine industry isn't just about the production of wine. It's a critical factor in tourism and attracting people to wonderful sights in the Barossa and the Clare, Mclarenvale here in South Australia and in other parts of Australia."
Discussions will continue when China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi visits Canberra this week.
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An AI companion is helping people living with dementia at a care home in Sydney, Australia.
Viv is an AI companion for people living with dementia created at the University of New South Wales.
Jill Bennett is with the Felt Experience and Empathy Lab at UNSW and part of the team behind Viv's creation.
She says Viv can help support staff in providing stimulation to patients with memory problems, as the AI companion can provide 24-hour presence.
“When we get old, it's lovely to have friends and family. And obviously technology will never replace them, but they're not there 24/7. So, Viv is potentially around the clock presence. If you want to have a conversation in the middle of the night with Viv, you can."
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In rugby,
Western Force coach Simon Cron has apologised to the club's loyal fans after his team played some of the "worst rugby" he's ever seen.
The Force slumped to a 0-4 record after crashing to a 22-14 Super Rugby Pacific loss to Moana Pasifika in Perth last night.
Cron was left annoyed by the display with various mistakes against Moana.
He says they were horrendous and it was not a good example of rugby by the team.
