TRANSCRIPT
- The Opposition says it will support government efforts to free Oscar Jenkins
- Israel and Hamas have resumed ceasefire talks in Qatar
- Tributes are flowing in for ex-Eagles player, Adam Selwood
The Australian government says an Australian man jailed for 13 years in a maximum-security Russian prison for fighting alongside Ukrainian forces was given a sham trial.
Oscar Jenkins was found guilty by a court of taking part in an armed conflict as a mercenary in a part of eastern Ukraine controlled by Russia.
The court ruled he took part in combat operations against Russian troops between March and December 2024.
Mr Jenkins, a teacher from Melbourne, was serving with Ukraine's military when he was captured by Russian forces.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Australian government was appalled at what she described as a "sham trial".
Opposition Home Affairs Minister James Patterson says the Opposition will support government efforts to free Mr Jenkins.
"There have been prisoner exchanges already as part of this conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and for the purposes of this exercise, Mr Jenkins is fighting for Ukraine, and Ukraine is making representations on his behalf, and that's appropriate. Australia's not directly party to negotiations as I understand it with Russia."
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Israel and Hamas have resumed ceasefire talks in Qatar, as Israel intensifies airstrikes on Gaza and prepares for a major new ground offensive.
At least 146 Palestinians have been confirmed killed in the past three days, according to Gaza’s health authorities, making this one of the deadliest bombardments since the March ceasefire collapsed.
Hospitals that remain in service are treating hundreds more with limited medical supplies, while many remain trapped beneath the rubble.
Israel says it is gearing up to capture more territory under the latest operation announced shortly after U-S President Donald Trump’s visit to the region.
Tamer Hussin was among those displaced from Jabaliya.
"Nights of terror, every day is terror, we live in terror, we wake up in terror and we sleep in terror, our children are terrified. We have no food or drink, the one who is talking to you, for a week has only eaten a little, we are unable, I swear to God we are unable, we are tired."
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Anthony Albanese will represent Australia at Pope Leo XIV's inauguration mass, which will draw together a rare concentration of world leaders and royalty.
The prime minister is expected to hold talks with other leaders as diplomatic activity is expected to play out on the sidelines of the historic event.
Since arriving in Rome on Friday, Mr Albanese has met with Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher and Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli, Nine newspapers reported.
The prime minister also spoke briefly about the importance of the inauguration mass for Australia's five million Catholics at a church in Rome that welcomes visiting Australians.
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The Eurovision 2025 Final is currently taking place in Switzerland with 26 countries battling it out for the top prize.
Australia's artist Go-Jo didn't make it through to the grand final.
Fans from all over Europe and the world have travelled to Switzerland including these Swedish fans who have come to support their country's entry.
MARIA: "They're doing catchy songs, I suppose. And it seems to be a very big thing, you know? A lot of people are involved; a lot of people think it's a big deal."
RASMUS: "We take it seriously. That's the thing. It's no joke. Even when it's a joke, it's no joke."
And if you want to wait to find out who the winner is you can watch a full broadcast of all the action on SBS and SBS On Demand at 7:30pm tonight eastern standard time.
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There are calls for the government to do more to encourage volunteering in Australia, after community groups have flagged a decline in volunteer numbers in recent years.
Around a fifth of Australia’s formal volunteers are involved in community services, welfare, and homelessness as well as emergency and natural disaster response.
Stephanie Harvey is CEO of First-Nations-led organisation Community First Development.
She says volunteering is all about reciprocal relationships.
"Volunteering in First Nations communities, when it's done the right way, it's not about giving, it's not about welfare, and it's certainly not extractive. It really is about connection and genuine relationships. Our volunteers don't help, they work alongside community members, learning from each other and building relationships. It really is that two-way exchange, where volunteers share their skills and experience, but also gain a deeper understanding of culture, respect and connection."
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Tributes are flowing in after the death of West Coast premiership star Adam Selwood - just three months after the passing of his identical twin and fellow former AFL player, Troy Selwood.
Adam and Troy were members of the AFL's famous Selwood family, brothers of Geelong champion Joel and former Eagles and Cats midfielder Scott.
The 41-year-old who died in Perth played 187 games for West Coast, including the 2006 premiership, before retiring from football in 2013.
In a statement via the AFL, the Selwood family said they are heartbroken by the passing of Adam, and that words cannot express the grief and sadness they feel.
They say they are devastated to have lost a wonderful husband, father, son and brother.
