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TRANSCRIPT
- Opposing rallies held amid mixed emotions on Australia Day
- At least 15 dead in the Philippines as a ferry sinks
- And in cricket, the Perth Scorchers claim a record sixth Big Bash League title
Police in Sydney and Melbourne have managed to keep apart rival rallies on Australia Day.
In Sydney, there were A few minor scuffles as anti-immigration protesters were kept separated from those attending the Invasion Day rally.
Gomeroi woman Gwenda Stanley says for her, today is a day of mourning - and she takes heart from the thousands who have attended Invasion Day rallies around the country.
"Today is about a day of mourning. In 1838, the Australia Day Waterloo creek Massacre happened. So since 1838 we have been mourning. This is a day about acknowledging the past. But also it has been a trauma that has been embedded with us. So we are mourning - not only today but every other day. It is just that this day is of all days is what triggers them traumas."
In Melbourne, a March for Australia rally ended in a brief stand-off on Swanston Street, as those attending opposing rallies moved through the city.
This protester says he felt it was important to attend the March for Australia rally in Melbourne.
"Then we have got ask someone else's permission to say what we need to say that is not Australia. I love my country very much and I see it slowly dying. Freedom of expression, which is an Australian thing for me. I love everyone from all over the world - but please look after Australia first. That is all I wanted to say. That is why I am here."
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says his trip toTimor-Leste [[LESS-tay]] this week is an opportunity to celebrate the close ties between the two countries.
He is travelling to Timor-Leste via Darwin for a three-day visit [[beginning 27 Jan]], which will include addressing the country's parliament.
Mr Albanese says the bilateral relationship is significant.
"Our relations with our neighbours have never been more important than they are today. And Timor, the relationship goes back a long way. But one of my mentors, Tom Uren, was captured by the Japanese and became a prisoner of war on Timor in 1941. And what happened then was that the Timorese helped out so many Australian diggers during that moment of crisis during the Second World War. And I had the great privilege of speaking to many of those former prisoners of war through my friend Tom Uren and hearing firsthand the stories of how grateful they were for the solidarity that was shown."
Asia's youngest nation, Timor-Leste became a member state of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations last year in October.
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US President Donald Trump has signalled his intention to withdraw soldiers from Minneapolis.
Over the weekend, intensive care nurse Alex Pretti was named as the second civilian to be shot dead by immigration agents.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Mr Trump says his administration is reviewing the incident - and immigration-enforcement officers will "at some point" leave the area.
Heartbroken colleagues of Alex Pretti have gathered at a vigil.
"We're a special breed and we're tough and we care. And this is getting to all of us. It's getting to everybody. But the fact that he was a nurse makes it hit so much harder. And I don't know how to express that."
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A ferry carrying more than 350 people has sunk near an island in the southern Philippines, with at least 240 passengers rescued and 15 bodies recovered.
The ferry was travelling to the southern Jolo island in Sulu province, when it reportedly suffered technical problems and went down shortly after midnight.
Coast guard and navy vessels, aircraft and local fishing boats are continuing search and rescue efforts.
Authorities say the ferry had been cleared before departure and showed no signs of overloading.
An investigation is underway.
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In cricket, the Perth Scorchers are celebrating their record sixth Big Bash League title.
The team defeated the Sydney Sixers by six wickets with 15 balls to spare in front of 55,000 fans in Perth.
In 15 completed seasons of BBL, Perth have reached a remarkable nine grand finals and boast a 6-3 record in those title deciders.
Scorchers captain Ashton Turner told Fox Sports, the team's preparation paid off.
"It is a really satisfying feeling. You know this is a really enjoyable time of the year for us, but a lot of hard work goes into it. It can be a stressful couple of weeks at times. A mountain of work has gone on the field - but also behind the scenes to allow us to play the cricket that has been good enough to win this competition again. And it feels like a weight has been lifted off our shoulders. We have high expectations. And to be able to deliver on those expectations is really satisfying."
