TRANSCRIPT
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says more pressure must be applied to Russia to finalise a ceasefire deal
- At least nine civilian deaths reported, after the US launches strikes against Yemen's Houthis
- The potential for rain adds extra challenge for drivers in the Australian Grand Prix
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says pressure must be applied to Russia to engage in peace negotiations in good faith.
The Kremlin has so far resisted a proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire that is supported by Ukraine and the US.
Russia says it would only agree to the ceasefire proposal if Ukraine agrees to abandon its aim of joining NATO - and gives up some of its territory to Russia.
More than two dozen world leaders have attended an online meeting overnight hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on progressing plans to support Ukraine with a peacekeeping force, in the event a peace deal is agreed to.
Mr Albanese says Australia remains open to potentially contributing to such a peacekeeping force, but the focus right now must be on securing a peace deal first.
"It is premature to talk about that detail. Australia has a proud record over 80 years of participating in peacekeeping missions, including Africa, in Cyprus; in a range of countries around the world. It would be a small contribution if we chose to do so. But what we want to see is peace so that you can have peacekeeping."
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A US official has told Reuters news agency that a US military campaign of strikes against the Houthis in Yemen could last for days or even weeks.
US President Donald Trump announced the start of the operation earlier today, in what is the first strike on the Yemen-based Houthis under the second Trump administration.
Yemen’s Houthi-run Health Ministry says at least nine civilians were killed and nine injured in the US strikes on Yemen's Sanaa.
National security and military analyst Dr Rebecca Grant told Fox News says care is being taken to avoid civilian deaths.
"Avoiding civilian casualties is a big requirement. This is part of the reason for striking at night. And remember every target selected goes through a collateral damage evaluation, particularly if it's a building that is close in among some civilian facilities. But the vast majority of these things are straight up legitimate targets. Active radar sites, active missile launch sites. And I know that are planners in central command are being extremely careful."
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The federal government has announced new funding to add drugs to support women's reproductive health to the list of government-subsidised medicines, the PBS.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler will formally announce the listings for three drugs later today in Adelaide.
The listings are in addition to the government's pledge last month to allocate $573 million for women's health measures such as cheaper hormone replacement therapies and new oral contraceptives.
The new listings from May 1, include: a progestogen-only contraceptive pill called Slinda, the endometriosis treatment Ryeqo; and improved access to IVF treatment, Pergoveris.
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First Nations artist Reko Rennie says it has been an honour to be commissioned to create a bespoke design of a McLaren supercar to celebrate the Melbourne Grand Prix.
The one-off supercar design features his work over the car's entire body, featuring a geometric design using the colours yellow, black and pink.
The Kamiliaroi artist told NITV Radio, the design is a bold declaration of proud identities, with the intention to convey maximum impact.
"They wanted a First Nations artist to create a work that was about shifting perspectives and wanted something different, in terms of an international tourist-type of work that would be identifable as Australian, and First Nations art. But not the usual touristy romanticised notion of authenticity focused on dots. They've seen my practice and my work before and were keen to explore the geometric and camouflage works . And yeah, it just went from there."
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In motor sports, Oscar Piastri says he feels relaxed heading into his third Australian Formula One Grand Prix.
The Melbourne-born driver will start today's F1 season-opener from second on the grid, behind teammate Lando Norris.
Piastri is aiming to become the first Australian driver to stand on the podium in Melbourne, let alone win.
The 23-year-old says the potential for rain could add an extra challenge for the drivers.
"If it's dry then I think we're in a good place. If it is wet it is difficult to tell what Lando described ... there are a lot of places that can catch you out here. There are a few corners that in the dry are not corners, but are very much corners in the rain. It becomes a fair bit trickier. And you've got white lines everywhere with there obviously being roads."
