TRANSCRIPT
In this bulletin,
- An Australian aid worker reportedly dead after an Israeli airstrike;
- Hundreds of calls for help after torrential rain in Victoria;
- And the owners of Formula One agree to buy MotoGP for $6.9 billion dollars.
An Australian woman is reportedly among a group of aid workers killed in Gaza by an Israeli airstrike.
The Gaza government media office says at least five employees from the World Central Kitchen died in the Israeli airstrike.
Journalists in Gaza have posted pictures of three passports from Australia, the UK and POland with blood on them.
The WCK delivers food relief and prepared meals for people in need.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has told the ABC the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is investigating the reports.
"They are indeed very concerning. I'm very concerned about the loss of life that is occurring in Gaza. My government has supported a sustainable ceasefire. We've called for the release of hostages and there have been far too many innocent lives, both Palestinian and Israeli, lost during the Gaza Hamas conflict."
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Syria's foreign minister has condemned Israel for an airstrike that has destroyed the consular section of Iran's embassy in Damascus, killing or wounding everyone inside.
Iranian state media say a senior Revolutionary Guards commander, Brigadier-General Mohammad Reza Zahedi is among the dead.
Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad called it a criminal act carried out by Israel.
"We strongly condemn this criminal act carried out by the Zionist enemy, which led to the death of some innocent citizens who were passing by this street. So, again, we emphasize our position beside our brothers in the Iranian Embassy and the Islamic Republic of Iran and we assure that Syria and the Islamic Republic don't forget their enemies."
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Victoria's State Emergency Service is urging the public to avoid travelling through flooded roads, as severe weather lashes the state.
Thunderstorms with heavy rain caused flash flooding in the past 24 hours, causing four flood rescues.
The SES has reported over 100 flood-related incidents in the past 24 hours, as well as 250 reports of property damage.
This comes after a 58-year-old women almost drowned after being swept into a stormwater drain at Daylesford north west of Melbourne.
Fast-flowing water swept her away before she stopped in a culvert and grabbed hold of a metal pole.
The woman was eventually able to climb out of the embankment.
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The Federal Government has released its Draft Autism Strategy, aimed at improving outcomes for Autistic people in Australia.
The strategy identifies four key areas of improvement, including social and economic inclusion, diagnostic and support services, and health.
The draft strategy is the first of its kind in Australia, with hopes a national approach will reduce inconsistencies in care and outcomes for Australia people.
Consultation is open on the strategy until the end of May.
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Lawyers for the Northern Territory Police Association say the youth curfew in Alice Spings could be unlawful.
The 12 hour nightly curfew that starts at 6pm has been put in place for a fortnight but the Northern Territory government is considering extending it.
Chief Minister Eva Lawler says she would welcome any legal challenges.
"The curfew is still in place and we'll continue the curfew at this stage for a total of 14 days but over the next week we'll do some really solid work on the ground to look at next steps for Alice Springs."
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More than $62 million was donated to campaigns during the 2023 Voice to Parliament Referendum.
The Paul Ramsay Foundation was the highest donor during the referendum, with $7 million spent on the Yes campaign.
Australia's Big four banks spent a combined $7.9 million on the Yes campaign.
Australians for Unity received almost $10 million in donations for its No campaign
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In sport,
Formula One owners Liberty Media have agreed to buy MotoGP for $6.9 billion dollars.
MotoGP said in a statement that Liberty Media would acquire approximately 86 per cent stake from Spain-based owners Dorna.
The deal is expected to be finalised by the end of the year.
