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SBS News in Easy English 3 May 2023

A high-angle photo shows a small inflatable boat with people in it, positioned next to a large whale. The whale is partially tangled in a fishing net, and a rescue effort appears to be underway.

Rescuers help a whale caught in a shark net off the coast of Queensland. Source: AAP / Jerome Delay

A daily five-minute news wrap for English learners and people with a disability.


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Presented by Claire Slattery

Source: SBS News


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A daily five-minute news wrap for English learners and people with a disability.


This is SBS News in Easy English... I'm Claire Slattery...

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Fracking has been approved in the Northern Territory, which will allow the controversial Beetaloo basin project to begin.

Fracking is a method of extracting gas from rock, and experts want it banned because of its impact on the environment and climate.

In 2018, the Northern Territory's Pepper inquiry found environmental risks from fracking could be manged if a series of recommendations were implemented.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles says the government has implemented the 135 recommendations, clearing the way for fracking projects.

"The territory government will move carefully to manage the onshore gas industry through our strengthened regulatory framework, ensuring greater transparency and accountability and ensuring that traditional owners - Aboriginal people - have a seat at the table."

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A further 36 Australians and their families have been evacuated from Sudan.

The Royal Australian Air Force joined the international evacuation effort overnight.

Its flight carried the Australians and their families, as well as citizens from six other nations, safely to Cyprus.

It brings to 190 the number of Australians and their families who are recorded as having left Sudan since the latest conflict began.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the situation in Sudan is getting worse, and that authorities are in contact with registered Australians about more departures.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he will swear allegiance to King Charles the third despite being a life-long republican.

Mr Albanese is in London for the Coronation, and met with the King earlier in the day.

He's told U-K Sky News presenter Piers Morgan there is no contradiction in being a republican and still respecting the monarchy.

"I think you can be a lifelong republican - which I am - and still respect our institutions and certainly I have a great deal of respect for King Charles and it's a great honour to be here representing Australia - all Australians."

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Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe has defended the R -B-A's decision to deliver a surprise interest rate hike, the 11th in 12 months.

The Bank yesterday defied most predictions and lifted rates by 25 basis points to 3.85 per cent.

Mr Lowe has told a community dinner in Perth the decision to lift interest rates is all about returning inflation to the 2-3 percent target band.

Mr Lowe says it's still possible to bring inflation back to target without causing a recession, but it's a narrow path for the bank to tread.

"I know higher interest rates are unwelcome by many people but the alternative is persistent high inflation and ultimately even higher interest rates and a worse outlook for jobs.

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You've been listening to SBS News in Easy English... I'm Claire Slattery.


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