Laos lays charges over fatal methanol poisonings; Telstra pays out compensation claims after last week's national outage; and in sport, Mauro Schmid wins stage 13 of the Tour de France.
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TRANSCRIPT
- Laos lays charges over fatal methanol poisonings
- Telstra pays out compensation claims after last week's national outage
- Mauro Schmid wins stage 13 of the Tour de France
Authorities in Laos have announced charges relating to its investigation into the fatal methanol poisoning of Melbourne teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles in 2024.
International media outlets were denied entry to the media conference held in the capital Vientiane, however Danish authorities have revealed what charges were announced.
In a statement, Denmark's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the distillery owner has been charged with the sale of food products harmful to health and operating an illegal business.
The charges carry a penalty ranging between three months to four years in jail, along with a fine.
More serious charges like negligent manslaughter may still be brought if there is sufficient evidence, with Lao authorities declaring the case will formally remain open for 15 years.
Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, in a statement yesterday said the Australian government is bitterly disappointed with the decision not to pursue more severe charges.
She says that envoy Pablo Kang has been dispatched to Laos to convey the Australian government's objections and reinforce expectations for an investigation that delivers justice.
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Telstra says it has paid out more $100,000 in credit to customers impacted by last week's national outage.
CEO Vicki Brady was among the Telstra executives who appeared before a Senate inquiry yesterday.
Chief financial officer Michael Ackland revealed that more than 8,000 compensation claims had been lodged by customers.
The total amount paid in compensation is expected to rise, with Ms Brady saying she wrote to 8.8 million Telstra customers after the outage explaining how to lodge a claim.
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Andy Burnham has pledged to take Labour in a new direction, after being confirmed as the party's new leader and Britain's next prime minister.
The former Greater Manchester mayor will formally take office on Monday [[20 July]], after succeeding Keir Starmer, who resigned last month.
Mr Burnham says his government will focus on reconnecting with voters, devolving power from Westminster and rebuilding trust in politics.
In his first speech as leader, Mr Burnham promised to stay grounded and keep Labour close to ordinary people.
"So I am setting out a new direction. It's wonderful to be able to be here with you on this really special day for me. I've had a long and winding journey to this moment in my life. What I can say is I'm not going to let this job change me. I'll remain on the ground. I will remain close to people. I will listen to what they say. I will put us back in touch with ordinary people. I will give it my all."
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The United States has launched strikes against Iran for a sixth night in a row, with Iranian state media saying at least eight people died and 20 injured from the attacks.
Iran announced it continues to target American assets across the region.
The developments have unravelled an agreement from a month ago when both sides agreed to take steps to end their war.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the escalation in hostilities, with spokesperson Farhan Haq saying there must be a return to diplomatic efforts.
"He's particularly concerned about attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran and across the region. Such attacks are unacceptable. He reiterates his firm conviction that there's no military solution to this conflict and calls for stepped up diplomatic efforts towards a peaceful and durable settlement. Such a settlement should include the full restoration of international navigational rights and freedoms in and around the Strait of Hormuz."
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In cycling, Swiss rider Mauro Schmid has edged Harold Tejada to win stage 13 of the Tour de France.
It is his first Tour de France stage win.
The 26-year-old - riding for Australia's Team Jayco AlUla - acknowledged the support work of his Australian team-mates who said they were motivated to get into the breakaway.
"I can't believe it at the moment. It was an incredibly hard day from the start. We were keen with the whole team to be there, to be in the breakaway. We've tried many times already these last couple of days and so far, it did not really go as planned. And then, yeah, I felt really good from the start but it was just full gas from the first minute. The boys came from the back so I could just sit on. So it was pretty much perfect."
And you can watch every stage of the Tour de France on SBS On Demand.
