TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to SBS News In Easy English. I'm Catriona Stirrat.
Police have praised the actions of friends of a teenager who was bitten by a shark.
A 13-year-old boy is in intensive care after being bitten by a shark in Sydney Harbour yesterday.
The group were jumping off a 6-metre rock ledge in the Vaucluse area when the incident happened.
Superintendent Joseph McNulty says he commends the actions of the boy's friends who worked hard to assist him.
"That young boy of that rock shelf was unconscious at the time. He had been bitten by a large shark. And what I can say is the action of his mates who have gone into the water to pull him out have been nothing been brave. A gallant recovery from his mates on the rock platform at Vaucluse Point. And they met the Water Police at that rock face. And they applied first aid , tourniquets were applied. They stemmed the bleeding."
The boy sustained serious injuries to both of his legs and is being treated at Sydney Children's Hospital.
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Parliament has returned a fortnight early to debate legislation on gun reform and hate speech.
An alliance of gun safety advocates has called for bipartisan support for the proposed gun reforms, rejecting criticisms that the changes would target and harm primary producers.
Stephen Bendle, an advisor at the Alannah and Madeleine Foundation, says the reforms are reasonable and needed.
"Australians have been rightfully proud of our gun laws for the last 30 years, but unfortunately are blissfully unaware of the growth in the number of firearms, the types of firearms; and the availability of firearms. The recommendations to states and territories do not stop or prevent any firearm user from pursuing their hobby, their sport, or their job. And we call on all jurisdictions to step up, ensure that they join a bipartisan approach to gun laws."
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The federal government is seeking more details on the terms attached to an invitation to join Donald Trump's so-called Board of Peace for Gaza.
A copy of the letter and draft charter states the board would be chaired for life by Mr Trump and would start by addressing the Gaza conflict and then be expanded to deal with other conflicts.
Member states would be limited to three-year terms - unless they pay A$1.5 billion each to fund the board's activities and earn permanent membership.
Australia's Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, says the government welcomes the invitation.
"We'll work through it and talk to the US about what it entails and what it means. I think what I would say is we also very much welcome the efforts of President Trump; and the Trump administration are bringing about peace in the Middle East. We need to see that take hold. We need to see the parties in the Middle East work with this peace arrangement. We need to see an end to the conflict. We need to see humanitarian assistance brought forward. And we need to see that part of the world rebuilt."
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Indigenous musicians are celebrating the 54th country music festival in Tamworth.
The 10-day event features more than 700 artists, including Troy Cassar-Daley, Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole.
It also hosts more than 400 buskers who have also registered to be a part of what organisers say is the largest and longest-running country music festival in the southern hemisphere.
Barkandji musician Glen Hunt told NITV, the atmosphere is incredible.
"I mean there is so many amazing buskers that have come up through the ranks. Troy Cassar-Daley started out on the street. Adam Brand started out on the street. I think that is one of my favourite things is the Aboriginal showcase on the fan zone stage that happens every year. I always like to go up there and see what they have go to offer. It's great."
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In sport, tennis great Venus Williams says she is still getting better with every match at the age of 45.
The seven-times Grand Slam champion returned to tennis last season after a 16-month break.
She received a wildcard to become the oldest woman ever to compete in the singles main draw on her return to the tournament after five years.
The veteran lost to Olga Danilovic 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4 .
Williams says she won't let the result detract from her next goal - her performance in the doubles campaign with Ekaterina Alexandrova.
"Also, it is the biggest lead I've had since I've been back (laughs). In a lot of ways I am having to relearn how to do things again - if that makes any sense. So I am really proud of my effort today, as I am playing better with each match and getting to the places that I want to get to. And right now, I'm just going to have keep going forward and working on myself and working to control my errors. And those are things that come too, with playing extra matches. Like getting your feet in the exact right position."
That was SBS News In Easy English. I'm Catriona Stirrat.
