United States President Joe Biden meets Anthony Albanese, a Sydney council votes to fly the Palestinian flag in support of Gaza, and in sport, the Matildas face Iran in Perth tonight, as speculation continues over the future of coach Tony Gustavsson.
Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts.
TRANSCRIPT
* United States President Joe Biden meets Anthony Albanese ...
* A Sydney council votes to fly the Palestinian flag in support of Gaza ...
And in sport ...
* The Matildas face Iran in Perth tonight, as speculation continues over the future of coach Tony Gustavsson.
United States President Joe Biden has met Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House, with both leaders discussing maritime and cybersecurity defence.
The leaders are discussing security in the Pacific, including a joint deal for undersea cables to power internet access in Pacific island nations.
Both countries are also coordinating their strategy on China while separately seeking to ease tensions with its government.
Mr Albanese says the relationship between the two nations has never been more important.
"In today's uncertain world, the alliance between Australia and the United States and the way that we stand steadfast against aggression, whether it be Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine or whether it be Hamas' terrorist attack on Israel is something that can be relied upon, for us to stand up for our common values. And that's why I very much welcome this visit and welcome the cooperation."
US President Joe Biden has expressed his confidence that the AUKUS submarine deal will get the approval of the US Congress.
It comes after the Biden administration provided $6.34 billion funding to boost the local production line, addressing the concerns of Senate Republicans.
Mr Biden says Australia has made a significant investment in his country.
"Last week, we requested $3.4 billion in supplemental funds to boost submarine production and maintenance to meet US needs and also support AUKUS. Australia's making a significant investment in the United States and its ability to produce submarines as part of this deal. And, more importantly, it's important that Congress move quickly. And the fact is that I'm confident that we can get this done."
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has defended Labor's support for Israel, amid concern from the country's Arab community about the government's actions towards and support for Israel.
Randa Kattan, from the Arab Council Australia, says communities feel betrayed because they believe only Israel has been supported with public statements and the lighting of monuments in blue and white colours.
Nasser Mashni, from the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, says the government is also not doing enough diplomatically.
"We look forward to the day when our Foreign Minister stands up to Israel and applies international humanitarian law and says enough, stop. A ceasefire now. Humanitarian aid, now. And until such time, we're going to start sanctioning the state of Israel. It's past time."
Senator Wong says Labor has always strived to take a principled position on their Middle East policy, and have consistently advocated for a two-state solution for that reason.
She says one side is not being favoured over the other in Australia.
"I understand that this is a conflict which has longstanding historical grievances... I also know that it's important for the Palestinian community - and, more broadly, Australians of the Islamic faith - to know that the government is listening, just as it is important for members of our Jewish community to know that we are there for them at this time."
To sport,
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson says he remains committed to the Matildas squad, despite being in the running for a coaching role in the United States.
Speaking ahead of the Matildas' match against Iran in Perth today [[Thurs 26th Oct]], Mr Gustavsson has said he's proud to be linked to the US vacancy, but wants to stick around in Australia past his contract end date next year.
He says more investment in football would make Australia an even more attractive destination for him.
"This is my full focus. I love working with this team. I have one year left on my contract, and what we did in the World Cup was not the end of something, it was the start of something. But I was also clear then - and I want to be clear now - I want to see investment for me to be motivated to stay as well. We can't be complacent and think we're done now."
