A daily 5 minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability.
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TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to SBS News in Easy English. I'm Catriona Stirrat.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has arrived in Sydney to meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and discuss the two countries' security and economic relationships.
Prior to the trip, Mr Luxon said greater focus is needed on improving the business environment in both New Zealand and Australia.
It's his first official visit to Australia since becoming Prime Minister, with talks expected to focus on regional security and cross-Tasman trade.
Mr Luxon has paid tribute to the relationship between the countries.
"I am very pleased that the trans Tasman bond remains as strong as ever and it's been forged through the Anzac Spirit on the beaches of Gallipoli but more importantly by 80 years of diplomatic representation and as the prime minister said 40 years of our closer economic relationship."
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Australia has joined forty four nations in condemning the recent Houthi militant attacks on commercial ships travelling through the Red Sea.
The condemnation follows the United States launch of a ten nation task force operation to safeguard commerce in the passage.
Assistant Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite has revealed Australia still is considering whether or not to join the task force, which would require Australia to send warships into the region.
Deputy opposition leader, Sussan Ley has criticised the delayed decision.
"Well, I've got two questions here. Why is it taking so long to give our allies the response that they deserve, is it because we lack the will, or is it because we lack the capability. Which is it? This is weak and indecisive from our prime minister, we used to show up, we used to be there with our allies when they needed us. We used to support international efforts such as these. Our allies deserve us to be honest, upfront and responsive.'"
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In the United States,
The Supreme Court in the state of Colorado has disqualified former president Donald Trump from the ballot in the state's presidential election over his role in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol by his supporters.
The ruling makes Mr Trump the first presidential candidate in US history to be deemed ineligible for the White House under a rarely used provision of the country's constitution that bars officials who have engaged in "insurrection or rebellion" from holding office.
The ruling applies only to the state's March 5 Republican primary, but its conclusion would likely also affect Mr Trump's status for the November 5 general election.
Donald Trump says it's essential everyone gets out and votes.
"Don't sit home and say I think we'll take it easy, darling. It's a wonderful day beautiful. Let's just take it easy watch television and watch the results now because crazy things can happen. You got to get out. This is really important in our countries at stake. We have a country that's never been in trouble like it is right now. So get out and vote whether we're leading in the polls or not leading in the polls, and in this case, we're leading by 30 to 40 points, I guess, but we got to win. Maybe we can win by more than that."
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New South Wales emergency services have revealed another three people have died on New South Wales roads today as they join Premier Chris Minns to provide holiday safety advice.
Following this weeks alarming national road toll statistics, which found the nations road toll is it's highest in five years, authorities are urging extra care be taken on the roads over this busy holiday period.
New South Wales Minister for Police, Yasmin Catley joined emergency service authorities this morning to issue a road safety notice ahead of Christmas and New Years.
"Wear a seatbelt, I can't believe I'm still saying wear a seatbelt, but please put on a seatbelt. Reduce your speed. Make sure that you do not drink and drive. Do not drive under the influence of drugs. And make sure that you look at your surrounds, respect other drivers and take it easy. The trauma that can be caused from road accidents, not only for those people involved in the accident, but the broader community, is immense. And we just want to say to people, try and be safe on the roads."
That was SBS News in Easy English. I'm Catriona Stirrat.
