TRANSCRIPT
- The Prime Minister says Easter is a time to highlight the values of grace and kindness.
- A controversial new national security law comes into effect in Hong Kong.
- And in sport, Indigenous AFL great Eddie Betts he will continue to call out racism - and urges others to do the same.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Easter is a time to remember the values of grace and kindness to those in need, as people gather for Easter Sunday church services around the country.
In Christianity, Easter commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, with Easter Sunday marking the culmination of the Holy Week.
Mr Albanese says it is also a time for family gatherings and community connection.
"Easter is a time of hope and renewal. For Christians here and across the world, it is a moment to reflect on the resurrection. Celebrations and services across the country remind us that the importance of forgiveness, grace and kindness to those in need. Qualities that are so much a part of the compassion and virtue of this - the greatest country on Earth."
Federal opposition leader Peter Dutton says it is an important time to reflect on the message of hope, renewal and new life.
"At Easter, Christians will remember the life, teachings and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The values of service and humility, gratitude and forgiveness, tolerance and love have shaped democratic nations and peoples; including our own country, our institutions and our national character. But whether you are Christian or not, Easter is a time for rest and reflection; of gathering with family and friends."
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Well-wishers of Pope Francis say they hope his health makes a turn for the better, after he withdrew from the traditional Good Friday procession at Rome's Colosseum.
Five minutes before the event, the Vatican press office announced the pontiff would not be appearing to "conserve his health".
The 87-year-old Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has been battling what he and the Vatican have described as a case of the flu, bronchitis or a cold all winter long.
Marlene Steuber, from Costa Rica, says it was disappointing to not see the Pope at the Way of the Cross procession, but she understands the need for the pontiff to look after his health.
"I think of course it causes concern for the people who make sure that he is doing well, but he must have his reasons for the decisions that he makes. Still I think that people are involved and very blessed and happy to be here and experience these events here in Rome."
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The United States says it is taking steps to impose new visa restrictions on multiple Hong Kong officials over the crackdown on rights and freedoms.
Hong Kong's new national security law has now come into effect (30 March), introducing life imprisonment for the crimes of treason and insurrection.
In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the State Department "is taking steps to impose new visa restrictions on multiple Hong Kong officials".
He says it is a response to "intensifying repression" and restrictions on "civil society, media, and dissenting voices".
The government of Hong Kong condemned the announcement of visa restrictions, saying it won't be stopped from safeguarding national security.
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In sports, Indigenous AFL great Eddie Betts says he has no regrets about calling out the racism targeted at his children who were playing basketball in the front yard of his home.
A police investigation is underway.
In a post on social media, Betts posted CCTV footage showing a car driving past, with the occupant repeatedly yelling an racial slur multiple times.
In the post's caption, he wrote: "If you know who this is please let me them know that I’m open to having a chat about how much this hurts our kids."
The club where Eddie Betts played the majority of his AFL career, Carlton, posted a statement of support, saying it stands in solidarity with Eddie Betts, urging everyone "to stamp out racism".
Speaking on the Fox Footy show, he says racist attacks happen too often - and it needs to stop.
"I'm glad that I brought awareness to this because if I didn't, you wouldn't have know what happened. And this continues to happen to Aboriginal people all over the country. We have to keep calling it out. And it is exhausting. And I have called this out many, many times. And I will stand here in front of everybody and call it out - and continue to educate because we need to stamp out racism in Australia altogether. Because it does hurt."
