Concerns around social cohesion in Australia amid conflict in the Middle East, David McBride's family stands by him as he pleads guilty to leaking classified information, nd in basketball, the Adelaide 36ers come from behind to defeat the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
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TRANSCRIPT
- Concerns around social cohesion in Australia amid conflict in the Middle East
- David McBride's family stands by him as he pleads guilty to leaking classified information
- The Adelaide 36ers come from behind to defeat the South East Melbourne Phoenix
The federal government admits it is concerned about the effects of the war in the Middle East on social cohesion in Australia.
The latest round of the Israel-Hamas conflict is about to enter its seventh week, and more local rallies on the issue are planned for this weekend.
There have been reports of prejudice against both local Jews and Muslims expressed as result of events in the Middle East.
Agriculture Minister Murray Watt says concern for what is happening in the Middle east is no excuse for bigotry in Australia.
"Everyone must be able to worship, and to practice their faith, without fear, intimidation, or interference. There is no place for prejudice, no place for antisemitism, and no place for Islamophobia in Australia. Australians are rightly distressed by the events that are unfolding in he Middle East. So we are very concerned about the level of social cohesion."
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The family of whistle-blower David McBride is standing by him, despite his guilty plea for leaking classified information.
Mr McBride's leaks helped expose allegations of war crimes committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan.
He's pleaded guilty after prosecutors rejected his argument that he acted in the public interest by releasing the information.
Justice David Mossop has ordered Mr McBride undergo an assessment for a custodial sentence served in the community.
If such a penalty is applied, Mr McBride would need permission to lave Canberra.
Mr McBride is unrepentant about his actions, saying he did his duty, and his actions are the beginning of a better Australia.
His wife, Sarah, says he will eventually prevail.
"It's been a very long battle, both financially and emotionally. Our two girls have been through a hell of a lot- more than anyone should be going through. I'm not giving up hope. He's done the right thing. I've said that from the beginning. Truth and justice will prevail. And I'm incredibly proud of him- as are his two girls."
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Workplace safety charges have been laid in relation to a Tasmanian primary school jumping castle tragedy which killed six students.
Chace Harrison, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan and Peter Dodt died after the incident at Hillcrest Primary School on December 16, 2021.
Tasmania's workplace safety regulator has revealed the Director of Public Prosecutions had filed a complaint in the Devonport Magistrates Court.
It is alleged Taz-Zorb failed to comply with a health and safety duty in a way which exposed the children to a risk of death or serious injury.
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The lower house of Russia's parliament has approved its biggest-ever federal budget, with record amounts going to defence.
Overall spending will increase by about 25 per cent, whilst about 39 per cent of all spending will go to defence and law enforcement.
With the war in Ukraine ongoing, defence spending is expected to overtake social spending for the first time in modern Russian history.
Russian politicians are saying the budget was specifically designed to fund the military and work around sanctions that have been placed on Russia as a result of its invasion of Ukraine.
The chairman of the state Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, says it is no a matter of choosing between military or social needs- he claims this budget accounts for both.
"It should be noted that while we have everything for the front, everything for victory, all the questions for the home front are also reflected in the budget. Everything is resolved. Moreover, additional obligations have been taken and will be implemented with regard to the indexation increases in pensions, salaries, and social benefits."
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In the National Basketball League,
DJ Vasiljevic has starred for the Adelaide 36ers, in their 96 points to 93 victory over the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
Vasiljevic scored 29 points in the win in Adelaide- 20 of them in the second half, as the 36ers rallied from an 18-point half-time deficit.
36ers coach CJ Bruton says Vasiljevic is an elite player.
"I'm taking no credit for that- that's DJ being DJ. When you've got a switch, and you've got a flame, then you do what you do. You're an elite player for a reason. And he'll continue to find his rhythm and his range, and again, our guys need to keep finding ways to get him open."
