TRANSCRIPT
- The Opposition to consider proposed hate speech reforms as Parliament returns early
- Talks with Iran possible after US threats over deadly protests
- Bernard Tomic takes a step toward his first Australian Open main draw berth in five years
The Opposition says it will consider the federal government's proposed hate speech reforms - but is concerned about the inclusion of changes to gun ownership.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced parliament will return on Monday to debate a bill aimed at combating antisemitism, hate speech and extremism in response to the Bondi Beach terror attack.
The laws would also set up the National Guns Buyback Scheme, which would limit the number of firearms a person could own and make Australian citizenship a condition of holding a gun licence.
But Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonathon Duniam says including both aspects could have unintended consequences.
"We reserve our right of course to make any amendments necessary to ensure that we do get the balance right. We want these laws to do what is promised: to end hate speech in this country and restore a degree of safety for those in our community that have been impacted so terribly over the last little while."
---
The lawyer for a man accused of assaulting an Islamic religious leader in Melbourne says her client has been unable to face court because he is withdrawing from drugs.
23-year old Brendan Nicholls and a 22-year-old man from Cranbourne East were charged over the alleged racial abuse of Imam Ismet Purdic and his wife on Saturday.
Mr Nicholls' lawyer has told the court her client could not be brought up from the cells because he is at risk of self-harm and withdrawing from drugs.
He has been remanded in custody to return to court today where he may apply for bail.
---
United States President Donald Trump says Iran has proposed negotiations after his threat to strike Iran over its deadly crackdown on anti-government protesters.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency says at least 544 people have been killed and more than 10,000 arrested in the demonstrations throughout Iran.
Media reports from the White House suggest President Trump and his national security team are weighing a range of responses, including cyberattacks and direct strikes by the US or Israel.
Mr Trump says the administration is in talks to set up a meeting with Iran, but warned he may have to act first if the death and arrest toll increases further.
"Well if they do that, we will consider things targets they wouldn't believe, if they do that we will hit them at levels that they've never been hit before and they won't even believe it. I have options that are so strong. So I mean, if they did that, it'll be met with a very, very powerful force."
---
The International Court of Justice has begun hearings on a landmark case accusing Myanmar of committing genocide against its minority Muslim group, the Rohingya.
The proceedings are expected to set precedents that could affect South Africa’s case against Israel over the war in Gaza, as this will be the first genocide case the ICJ has heard on its merits in more than a decade.
Myanmar's military rullers, who have denied claims of genocide, will present their side before the court over five days beginning on Friday.
Rohingya survivor and advocate Monaira says he and other victims are in the Hague to demand justice.
"I would like to mention that this time we don't just hope to get justice, we demand it and we would like to ask the court to take the actions against the Myanmar dictators, the leaders of the Myanmar military who committed the genocide. They have to be accountable, and they should be punished. So this time we want to see a real, real output from the court and actions."
---
In tennis, Bernard Tomic has taken a step toward his first Australian Open main draw berth in five years.
He won his match in the first round of qualifying for the Australian Open, defeating Bolivian Hugo Dellien in straight sets.
Olivia Gadecki is also a first round winner.
The 23-year-old Queenslander has set up a clash with former world No.3 Sloane Stephens.
Three other Australians also won their matches, including Tina Smith, Lizette Cabrera and Dane Sweeney.
