TRANSCRIPT
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese set to speak at the Garma festival
- The Supreme Court to decide if pro-Palestinian protest on Sydney Harbour Bridge can go ahead
- Melbourne Vixens prepare to take on the West Coast Fever in the Super Netball grand final
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to arrive in north-east Arnhem Land to speak at the annual Garma festival today.
He's expected to make major funding announcements aimed at building economic capacity within First Nations communities.
The visit comes amid criticism of the Northern Territory government's controversial youth crime laws, including the recent reinstatement of spit hoods.
Djawa Yunupingu is the chairman of Yothu Yindi Foundation, which organises the Garma festival.
He tells NITV that the NT government has failed to consult First Nations elders on its approach to youth justice.
"The Northern Territory government hasn't had been in consultation with the elders in the Northern Territory, just this social reform, they do not want us to speak about that, which in my mind is a missing thing, because we are happy to speak to the Northern Territory government on these issues."
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A court decision is expected in coming hours after New South Wales Police sought a legal order in response to planned pro-Palestine protests.
The police are seeking a prohibition order that would mean those who participate in the event over the Sydney Harbour Bridge would not be immune from offences such as blocking roads or traffic.
New South Wales Police claim the protest on the bridge could impact 40,000 vehicles.
Josh Lees from Palestine Action Group, which is organising the protest, says protesters are determined to have their say.
"We just reiterate what we're trying to do: we try to stop a genocide in Gaza, that's what's motivated this whole effort, we wanna march over the bridge to make that happen, or to be part of that, making that happen around the world."
Meanwhile, Victoria Police says extra officers will be deployed on Sunday to a planned pro-Palestinian protest that would block the city's King Street Bridge.
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Russian forces have launched over 300 drones and missiles at Kyiv, killing 31 civilians, including five children, and injuring more than 150 others.
Ukraine has now declared the 1st of August a national day of mourning, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renews urgent calls for powerful new sanctions on Russia.
"This was one of the most brutal Russian strikes on Kyiv, 159 people were injured. Ordinary buildings, enterprises, and even one of Kyiv’s mosques were hit. There was no military purpose at all. Many around the world have supported Ukraine, many have condemned Russian terror, their strikes, and their refusal to end the war. Ceasefire proposals were made long ago – Ukrainian proposals, US proposals, and many others around the world have communicated this to the Russians. Each time, the only response from there has been attempts to gain more time for war, more time for terror. Russia does not operate otherwise."
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has ordered two nuclear submarines to be re-positioned to what he called the 'appropriate regions'.
It comes after he criticised what he called 'provocative remarks' by former president and current deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev.
Mr Trump is also warning that if Russia doesn’t accept a ceasefire in Ukraine by the 8th of August, further sanctions and tariffs will follow.
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Trade Minister Don Farrell says Australian goods are now more competitive in the US market, after Donald Trump's latest tariffs announcement.
The US President has announced steeper tariffs for 92 nations - including Canada at 35 per cent, and India at 25 per cent.
Australia has been spared from an increase in tariffs and the rate remains at the lowest level of 10 per cent.
Mr Farrell says that outcome is good for Australia.
"What this decision means in conjunction with all the other changes to other countries is that Australian products are now more competitive into the American market. This means products like wine, like beef, like lamb, like wheat, are cheaper into the United States."
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In sports, the Melbourne Vixens are preparing for a tough fight against the West Coast Fever today as they get set for the Super Netball grand final today.
The Vixens are determined to send off retiring coach Simone McKinnis with a win, despite the Fever being on a 13-game winning streak.
The grand final will be held on the Vixen's home turf in Melbourne, and tickets have already sold out.
