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The federal government has announced a $12 billion boost to Australia's naval shipbuilding and submarine capabilities to support the AUKUS agreement.
Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed the spending this morning, ahead of a speech from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese later today.
The money will go towards the delivery of the Henderson defence precinct within the maritime hub on Cockburn Sound in the south of Perth.
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Marles dismissed suggestions the announcement was timed in response to a US review of the AUKUS pact.
"Henderson is a key piece of the AUKUS story, and from that point of view, it will be welcomed in the US as it will be welcomed in the United Kingdom, for sure, but this is about what Australia needs to do in order to meet its strategic moment."
He says the cost of the Henderson facility is expected to grow to $25 billion over a decade.
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A warning this story references sexual assault.
Labor has claimed victory against disgraced New South Wales MP Gareth Ward after his conviction for rape led to a byelection in the state seat of Kiama.
It's the first time in three decades a party has won a byelection from government, and represents the first major electoral test for the Minns government.
The loss could undermine the position of Liberal leader Mark Speakman.
Labor candidate Katelin McInerney says she was motivated to run by issues like health and education.
"Today, many people of this electorate voted for the New South Wales Labor team for the very first time. And many people voted Labor for the first time in a long time. I just want to say, I thank them deeply for putting their faith and their trust and their confidence in me and in the New South Wales Minns Labor government."
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
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Romania's defence ministry says it scrambled two F16 fighter jets after a drone breached the country's airspace during a Russian attack on Ukrainian infrastructure on Saturday.
Authorities in the Eastern European country - a NATO member that shares a 650-kilometre border with Ukraine - also warned citizens in a southeastern county to take cover.
It follows a similar incident in Poland earlier in the week that prompted NATO countries to send reinforcements to support the bloc's eastern flanks.
As tensions intensify, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is striking a cautious note, saying the earlier incursion into Poland may not have been deliberate.
"The drones were intentionally launched. There's no doubt about the drones were intentionally launched. The question is whether the drones were targeted to go into Poland specifically. If that's the case, that the evidence leads us there, then, obviously it would be a highly escalatory move. There are a number of other, possibilities as well, but I think we'd like to have all the facts and consult with our allies before we make, you know, specific determinations."
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The killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has sparked recriminations in the US amid accusations of disrespect and online campaigns targeting his detractors' jobs.
Reuters news agency has compiled a list of at least 15 people - including journalists, academics and teachers - who have been fired or suspended over perceived disrespect.
The assassination has exacerbated an already-firey atmosphere, with Republicans linking the killing to broader criticisms of the political left.
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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the reported killing of at least 40 people during an attack by armed gangs in a fishing village north of Haiti's capital.
Local media widely reported the attack took place on Thursday night at Labodrie, in another sign of escalating gang violence now spreading outside Port-au-Prince.
Mr Guterres expressed alarm in a statement posted to X, urging Haitian authorities to bring perpetrators to justice.
A spokesperson for the National Police declined to comment on the alleged killings.
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To sport now, and in the AFL ...
The Gold Coast Suns have had their finals dreams dashed by the Brisbane Lions, who sprang back to life in a 53-point semi-final rampage at the Gabba last night.
Despite being plagued by injuries, the Lions showed depth of class, winning 100 points to 47 to book a spot in next week's preliminary finals.
It will be the defending champions' fourth straight preliminary final, when they face Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday.
