TRANSCRIPT
- Contingency plans developed for sending Australian troops to help secure peace in Gaza
- Australia signs a tax treaty with Ukraine
- In the AFL, Western Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan heads the Gold Coast Suns
A Labor frontbencher has confirmed the Australian Defence Force is preparing contingency plans in case a decision is made to send peacekeeping troops to support an international stabilisation force in Gaza.
Health Minister Mark Butler says has not yet received any request from the United States or any other country to send Australian military support to the devastated enclave, following a tenuous ceasefire with Israel.
Opposition Frontbencher Jane Hume says the Coalition would not support the deployment of Australian troops to Gaza in the current situation.
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United States President Donald Trump says he will hold a summit with Vladimir Putin following a two-hour long phone call between the two leaders.
Putin's top aide Yuri Ushakov says the location will be Budapest, which was proposed by Trump and immediately supported by the Russian leader.
"Vladimir Putin provided a detailed assessment of the current situation in Ukraine, emphasising Russia's interest in achieving a peaceful political and diplomatic solution. It was noted, in particular, that during the special military operation, the Russian armed forces are holding strategic initiative along the entire line of contact."
The summit has been set one day before the US president was due to speak with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Ukrainian president is heading to the White House in Washington DC to push for more military support, including long-range offensive missiles.
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Australia has signed its first-ever tax treaty with Ukraine in an effort to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the treaty will allow businesses from both countries to invest in each other more efficiently by reducing compliance tax rates.
Dr Chalmers signed the treaty with Ukraine's Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko during a trip to Washington DC.
He says it sends a strong signal of support.
"We salute and we support the extraordinary bravery and courage of the Ukrainian people in the face of Russian aggression. we support the Ukrainian people and its government militarily. We support them across the board, but today was an important demonstration of our effort to build even closer economic relations between Australia and Ukraine. At a time when its economy for obvious reasons is under maximum pressure."
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In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra is performing alongside a soloist singing in Yolngu Matha language.
"Nguy Gapu" which translates to "the ocean" - was written by Yolngu Songman, Rrawun Maymuru.
It blends his ancestral Songlines of Arnhem Land with the classical orchestral works of an 18th century European composer.
Rrawun Maymuru has told NITV it is a powerful work.
"For Yolngu, it is a very big understanding, a very deep feeling when we sing about the water. And water is a giver of life - similar to the land. We're both working at the same system."
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In sport,
AFL star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has been traded to the Gold Coast Suns.
The 23-year-old has been let go by the Western Bulldogs at a heavily discounted price, with the club receiving pick 74 for the former number one draft pick.
In a social media post, Jamarra has thanked his former club, saying he treasures the memories and friendships made during his time there.
The Noongar-Gunditjmara-Djab Wurrung man didn't play this season due to personal issues, but Ugle-Hagan was the Bulldogs top goal-scorer in 2024 with 43 goals.
