Listen to Australian and world news and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts.
TRANSCRIPT
- Iran responds to a US proposal to end the war in the Middle East
- The federal government allocates more than $500 million in new funding for environmental law reforms
- Socceroos to face former coach Graham Arnold with Iraq pool match in the Asia Cup
---
Iran says it has responded to the latest US ceasefire proposal through Pakistani mediators, and is calling for negotiations focused on a permanent end to the war.
Iranian state media says Tehran also wants an end to fighting in Lebanon and guarantees for shipping security through the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest US proposal reportedly includes ending the conflict, reopening the strategic waterway, and eventually addressing Iran’s nuclear program, which Tehran says should be discussed later.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, says his government has conveyed Iran's response to the US.
"Even today, the Field Marshal was telling me that a response from Iran has been received, and beyond this, I cannot go into further details here. I would like to pay tribute to the efforts of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and especially extend my heartfelt congratulations to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for dedicating himself day and night to this task."
In a statement on social media, US President Donald Trump accused Iran of "playing games", saying the US would not be exploited when it comes to negotiations.
--
Health officials in Gaza say Israeli strikes killed at least three Palestinians, including two police officers, in separate attacks in central and southern Gaza.
One strike reportedly hit the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza, killing one person and wounding two others, while a separate strike in Khan Younis killed two members of the Hamas-run police force.
The Israeli military says the officers were carrying out what it described as “suspicious activity” and posed an immediate threat to Israeli forces.
The attacks come despite a US-brokered ceasefire reached in October last year.
Gaza health officials say more than 850 Palestinians have been killed since the truce took effect, while Israel says four Israeli soldiers have also died during the period.
--
The upcoming federal budget is set to include $500 million in new funding to help implement reforms to Australia’s national environment laws.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says Tuesday's budget will include funding to streamline environmental approvals, unlocking investment in areas of national priority like housing, energy and critical minerals.
On Sunday, the federal government announced $2 billion is being allocated to enabling infrastructure like roads, water, power and sewerage to build more homes for Australians.
Dr Chalmers spoke to SBS, saying they will respond to some of the concerns that people have about intergenerational fairness.
He says this includes in particular young people's ability to access their full opportunities.
"We have to see what what's in the budget on Tuesday night. You know, we've made it really clear that when it comes to some of the issues that have been speculated about, our focus in housing is on housing supply. The challenge begins there, but it doesn't end there. The status quo in the housing market and the tax system is unfair, and that makes it unacceptable to us, and so we will respond to some of those legitimate concerns that people have about intergenerational fairness and other issues."
--
Analysts say the Coalition could be reduced to a regional party, and Labor seats will come under threat if One Nation continues to build momentum.
One Nation's David Farley ended 77 years of Coalition rule in the southern New South Wales seat of Farrer, defeating Independent Michelle Milthorpe.
Former Labor strategist turned pollster Kos Samaras says the result could be replicated in some outer suburban seats, as well as some urban areas such as Western Sydney.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has told Channel Nine that her party is a strong electoral force.
"This election is going to be a turning point for Australia, because this will be the first One Nation seat that's won in the lower house."
--
The draw for the 2027 Asian Football Confederation Cup in Saudi Arabia has been revealed, with the Socceroos to face Tajikistan, Iraq and Singapore in Group D.
The Australians are set to come up against former coach Graham Arnold - who's now the Iraq national team's coach - after being drawn in the same group as Iraq for Asia's showpiece tournament in Saudi Arabia.
It will be the first time Arnold has faced the Socceroos since being replaced by Tony Popovic as coach in 2024.
"I've never coached against my own nation before, but the good part of it is that it's not a knockout phase, it's the opener of the draw where we can help each other qualify for the next round."
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic says the team’s immediate focus remains on this year’s FIFA World Cup.
