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Five Sydney Swan players stood down for AFL season | SBS News in Easy English 19 August 2026

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Five Sydney Swans players have been stood down for the remainder of the AFL Season, following an alleged sexual assault investigation by Victoria police involving an incident at a Melbourne hotel on Monday.

In a statement, the club announced Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Chad Warner as the players not available for selection.

The AFL says it is supportive of the sanctions handed down by the Sydney Swans.

The club says they respect that there is an ongoing investigation by Victoria Police, and the actions taken are independent of that.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Thailand's Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, have both issued a joint statement pledging deeper co-operation to combat transnational crime.

The Thai leader received a ceremonial welcome at parliament house in Canberra, in his first visit to Australia since taking office in late 2025.

Mr Albanese says the Royal Thai Police and Australian Federal Police already work side-by-side to intercept narcotics, dismantle scam syndicates, and boost regional responses to transnational crime.

"Today we undertake to expand on decades of work between our countries by committing law enforcement agencies to strengthen operational cooperation to disrupt increasingly sophisticated global criminal networks."

He says he's also pleased both countries have agreed to elevate their defence relationship, by committing to a biannual defence ministers meeting, which he says is an important evolution.

Thailand is Australia’s fourth-largest trading partner in Southeast Asia - and the 11th-largest trading partner overall.

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Fire authorities are warning of an increased bushfire risk across parts of Australia this spring.

The Australasian Fire Authorities Council says heightened fire potential is expected across northern and south-eastern New South Wales, southeast Queensland, north-eastern Tasmania, parts of Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, and much of the Northern Territory.

Below-average rainfall is increasing the risk in parts of Tasmania and Victoria, while dry soils and higher fuel loads are lifting fire potential in Western Australia.

The council's president, Darren Klemm, is urging communities to prepare now, rather than wait until a fire starts.

"It's the perfect time to prepare don't wait for a bushfire to start. Take the time now to make a plan, understand your risks; and discuss it with your loved ones."

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