Treasurer Jim Chalmers is expected to lay out his key priorities for reform today, as he faces mounting pressures on the country's economy.
On the top of his list is fixing the nation's stagnating productivity and turning around the budget's outlook amid forecast deficits.
He is set to push for the nation to understand the issues that are in the way of higher living standards.
Dr Chalmers is vowing to ensure Labor's second term is consistent with those priorities in mind.
—
Waves of Russian drones and missiles have struck districts across the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, reportedly killing 14 people and injuring 44.
The Russian attack has struck 27 locations around the capital, damaging residential buildings, educational institutions, and critical infrastructure facilities.
Ukraine's Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko called the strikes one of the largest attacks on the city since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
One local resident who lives opposite an apartment block struck by Russian missiles says the destruction is terrifying.
"I have never seen anything like this. It is horrible. When people were being taken out of the rubble, when they were taking them out, some were wounded. There were elderly and children, they had cuts on their hands, a little boy from our part of the building had his neck cut, was taken to hospital to have it treated. It was all horrible. I do not know how much they (Russians) want to torture us, we are innocent civilians, what do they want from us? It is beyond me."
—
The Prime Minister’s diplomatic agenda marches on, even after the sudden exit of its most high-profile participant.
Anthony Albanese’s much-anticipated meeting with U,\.S. President Donald Trump on the final day of the G7 summit in Canada was cancelled after Mr Trump cut his visit short due to the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
But Mr Albanese has little time to dwell on the setback as he prepares for a series of talks with other global leaders.
He is scheduled to hold formal meetings with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Japanese President Shigeru Ishiba, U-K Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa.
The Prime Minister is also expected to speak with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the summit, after a planned bilateral was cancelled due to a scheduling conflict.
—
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that American patience is running out, though he says there are no immediate plans to remove Iran’s Supreme Leader.
He also suggested diplomatic envoys could be sent as the Israel-Iran aerial conflict enters its fifth day.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning, saying Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, could meet the same fate as former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, who was ousted in a US-led invasion and later executed.
“I warn the Iranian dictator against continuing to commit war crimes and fire missiles at Israeli citizens. He should remember what happened to the dictator in the country neighbuoring Iran who took this path against the State of Israel. We will continue to act today against regime targets and military targets in Tehran as we did yesterday against the propaganda and incitement broadcasting authority."
Shortly afterwards, explosions were reported in Tehran and in Isfahan, in central Iran.
Israel says Iran has launched more missiles, triggering air raid sirens in Tel Aviv and southern Israel.
—
A Melbourne resident whose family is trapped in Iran's capital Tehran amid deadly Israeli air bombardment says he is under significant stress.
Since Israel's surprise attack on Tehran last Friday, more than 220 people have been killed in Iran while 24 people have been killed in Israel amid Iran's retaliation.
Mohammad, a permanent resident living in Melbourne, tells SBS Persian he has lost contact with his father, mother and sisters who live in the bombarded capital.
He also says he has not been able to go to work for four days due to severe stress.
"What can I say? I have not been able to work for three to four days. And I have been at home alone, thinking what should I do? I have been stressed out. I am alone. I can't sleep at night. I can't sleep during the day. I'm just trying to get in touch with the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Immigration. I've called everywhere. No matter what, night or day, their 24-hour numbers. I'm stressed. I don't know, I've lost my way. What should I do?"
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says 650 Australians in Iran and 600 in Israel have registered a request to return to Australia with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
—
In tennis, Aryna Sabalenka has apologised for her remarks on her defeat to Coco Gauff after the French Open earlier this month.
The world Number One women's singles player suggested she lost the game due to her own errors, rather that Ms Gauff's performance.
Ms Sabalenka says her remarks were unprofessional, adding that she has written to Ms Gauff and apologised for her comment.
Ms Sabalenka also lost to Ms Gauff in the 2023 U.S. Open final.
***
