New South Wales leads the way on a national gun buyback scheme; The government puts the brakes on working holiday visa processing; Alex de Minaur powers into the next round of the Cincinnati Open.
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TRANSCRIPT
- New South Wales leads the way on a national gun buyback scheme.
- The government puts the brakes on working holiday visa processing.
- Alex de Minaur powers into the next round of the Cincinnati Open.
The New South Wales Premier says the state's new gun buyback scheme is expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
From November, New South Wales will become the first state to roll out the scheme promised by the federal government following last year's Bondi Beach terror attack.
The state and federal governments will split the cost, with payments ranging from 650 dollars for single-barrel shotguns to 1,000 dollars for revolvers.
Premier Chris Minns says a second phase, targeting higher-value firearms, is expected to begin in early 2027.
"We don't have plans to extend it beyond November 2027. We anticipate the vast majority will be in government hands or registry hands, police hands by the end of next year."
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The Australian government is trying to establish whether any Australians have been caught up in a deadly earthquake off the Indonesian island of Flores.
At least 51 people were killed after the 7.7 magnitude quake, while around 5,000 residents have been evacuated.
Rescue teams are struggling to reach some of the worst-hit areas because of widespread damage.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has responded to the disaster.
"I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families and loved ones of those who've lost their lives. Australian officials in Indonesia continue to make enquiries with Indonesian authorities to determine whether any Australians have been impacted."
(Australians in affected areas are being advised to follow the instructions of Indonesian authorities and DFAT. Those needing emergency consular assistance can call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia, or +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas.)
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The Federal government says it is slowing down the processing of working holiday visas in Australia.
The move is part of a range of changes to Australia's migration policy with further details yet to be announced.
The visa allows people to extend their stay in Australia by working in regional areas.
Home Affairs Tony Burke has confirmed the changes.
"At the moment the processing of working holiday visas at the moment, they are still being processed but they are being processed more slowly."
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Aunty Pat Turner has been named Person of the Year at the 2026 National NAIDOC Awards in Alice Springs.
The Arrernte and Gurdanji woman has spent more than five decades advocating for the rights, wellbeing and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The ceremony marked 50 years of NAIDOC recognition, with ten awards presented across culture, community, education, sport and innovation.
Aunty Pat was unable to attend, with Dr Josie Douglas from the Central Land Council accepting the award on her behalf.
"Tonight we gather on Mparntwe Country to honour a truly extraordinary Aboriginal woman, a woman whose life has been grounded in culture, family and an unwavering commitment to our people."
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Australia's Alex de Minaur and Rinky Hijikata have won the round of 64 matches at the Cincinnati Open in the US.
Fifth seed de Minaur fell to Quentin Halys in the first 26 minutes, 1‑6, but soon after rallied to win 6‑3 and 7‑6 (7‑4) in the following sets.
It was de Minaur’s first win over Halys, who won their only previous meeting at the Miami Masters in 2023.
Earlier, Novak Djokovic was beaten in three sets by Argentine Thiago Agustin Tirante.
