No signs of a breakthrough after Russia-US talks on Ukraine; The Coalition pushes new laws targeting flag burning and damage to war memorials; The Wallabies seal a historic series result in Argentina.
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TRANSCRIPT
- No signs of a breakthrough after Russia-US talks on Ukraine
- The Coalition pushes new laws targeting flag burning and damage to war memorials
- The Wallabies seal a historic series result in Argentina
Russian President Vladimir Putin and US envoys have held more than three hours of talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
The meeting came as Russia and Ukraine temporarily paused strikes on each other's capitals.
The discussions with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were described by Moscow as constructive and productive.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov says Mr Putin remains committed to continuing negotiations with Washington.
"Our president reaffirmed the commitment to continue working with the American side to find political and diplomatic solutions. The American representatives not only expressed an interest in a swift end to hostilities, but also articulated a range of ideas concerning potential avenues for a settlement."
The US envoys are expected to travel to Kyiv next for further talks.
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The Coalition is proposing jail terms of up to 12 months for serious public desecration of the Australian flag.
The plan would also create a new federal offence for damaging or destroying war memorials, replacing the current patchwork of state and territory laws.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has denied the proposal is aimed at countering the rise of One Nation in the polls.
He says recent incidents involving flag burning and damage to war memorials prompted the policy.
"We'll we need to stand up for Australia that's what's promoted it - but what we have seen on recent Australia Days and Anzac Days is burning of the Australian flag, grafitti on monuments, war memorial monuments around Australia. It's completely unacceptable, completely unacceptable."
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British politician Nigel Farage is insisting he did nothing wrong after an undercover investigation sparked questions about donations to his Reform UK party.
The investigation recorded senior party figures discussing possible ways money from an American businessman could be channelled to the party.
Two senior officials have stepped aside while Reform investigates, and police are assessing the allegations.
Mr Farage denies any breach of electoral laws and told the BBC he was barely involved in the discussions.
"I am not a compliance officer, I was in the middle of canvassing in the Clapton by-election, I turn up. I frankly wasn't even listening."
"You weren't listening?"
"I just asked, 'Is it all above board?' I was just there to come and say hello."
"So you were'nt listening when you were discussing donations of thousands and thousands?"
"I was told... I was told there was a global family office based in London... ..."
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Police forces across Australia are working to increase the number of culturally and linguistically diverse Australians in their ranks, with several active recruitment initiatives now underway.
In Queensland, seven per cent of officers say they were born overseas, while in New South Wales and Victoria around 12 per cent of officers self-identify as coming from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
The government says that in some of the nation's most multicultural communities, bilingual officers can help to bridge language barriers and foster trust between police and local residents.
Constables Al-Zuhari and Toma are probationary constables based at Sydney’s Liverpool Police Station.
They say their understanding of language and culture helps them better connect with the community.
[[OFFICER 1: "They're more likely to talk to us, you know chat to us, just tell us what is happening."
OFFICER 2: "Coming from the Middle East they have a different viewing of women's right and how the husband is the leader of the family. And whatever they do is right. Some of these issues would be like abusive behaviour, controlling of the victim. I've used my skills to engage with the victims."]]
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Fiji's first professional circus is flipping, flying and even hanging by its hair as it tours Australia.
The Fijian Flying Circus was created by Pacific dance company VOU, which has performed in more than 35 countries.
During the shows, acrobats flip and tumble, and fly across the big top, while one performer hangs suspended in the air using only her hair.
After a sold-out run in Darwin, the troupe is now wowing crowds at the Brisbane Festival before heading to Melbourne and Sydney.
Ticket sales help fund performing arts scholarships in Nadi, giving young Fijians a pathway from training to the professional stage.
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The Wallabies have snatched a 28-all draw with Argentina in the second Test in Mendoza.
Australia led 14-nil in the first half before the Pumas fought back and took a 28-21 lead late in the match.
The Wallabies levelled the scores with a penalty try with 10 minutes remaining, after Argentina were reduced to 13 players.
The result gives Australia a one-nil series victory, the Wallabies' first multi-Test series win on Argentinian soil.
