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TRANSCRIPT:
- Search intensifies in Iran for downed US fighter jet pilot
- Australia moves to diversify fuel supply as shortages persist
- Sydney beat West Coast by 128 points in Perth
The search is ongoing for a US crew member after an American fighter jet was shot down over southern Iran.
Iran says it is also looking for the missing pilot, after claiming responsibility for downing the aircraft.
Authorities have offered a reward to local residents who help locate the individual first.
Retired US Army Major General Randy Manner has told CNN Iran is exploiting asymmetric warfare to its advantage.
"While the offensive capabilities have been greatly diminished. They have substantial ability to still strike out at our neighbours to strike out at our military bases. On top of that, their ground capability, if we were to go in and occupy anything is quite frankly massive. We do have the strongest military on the planet. We have to be able to be thoughtful in how we would do any kind of operation, if it were to involve ground forces."
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The Israeli military says it has struck more than 3,500 targets across Lebanon over the last month.
Lebanon’s health ministry says a hospital in the coastal Lebanese city of Tyre was damaged by Israeli strikes on nearby buildings that wounded 11 people.
The head of the Lebanese Italian hospital in Tyre, Youssef Jafar, says the damage is extensive.
"Between roughly 11 PM and 12 AM, a strong strike occurred. We say strike, but it was more than one missile, very, very close. It caused… because of the loud sound, glass shattered, and doors were broken."
The Israeli military later issued an urgent evacuation warning to residents of the city ahead of more planned strikes.
Tens of thousands of people have left Tyre, but around 20,000 remain, including 15,000 displaced from surrounding villages.
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The assistant minister for foreign affairs and trade says discussions have taken place with Japan, Singapore and South Korea to diversify the sources of fuel supply.
Matt Thistlethwaite says the war in the Middle East needs to end soon, to limit the impact of disruptions to fuel supply.
Australia's emergency fuel stock levels remain stable, with about a month's supply of petrol, diesel and jet fuel held in reserve [[as of Sun 5 April]].
However, fuel outages at petrol stations continue to be reported, with shortages of at least one fuel type at 296 sites around the country*.
Mr Thistlethwaite has told Sky News, the government is taking a number of steps to ensure fuel security.
"Most of our supply comes from Southeast Asia. So, I met last week with the Japanese Minister and requested that supply continue and they've given us an assurance that normal supply will continue. I've done a similar thing with the South Koreans, and they've given us assurances and Singapore as well. They're our main suppliers. But at the same time, Andrew, we're starting to diversify so we're receiving shipments from the United States as well. So, we're covering all the bases to make sure that we diversify our supply."
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A 5.3-magnitude earthquake has rocked the outback on the Northern Territory-South Australian border.
Geoscience Australia says the earthquake hit around 4.30am Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
The epicentre was south of Yulara, a township near Uluru and south-west of Alice Springs.
Beyonce Matthew, who was on the night shift at Sails In The Desert Hotel, told AAP there was shaking for a few minutes that woke up some guests.
There are no early reports of damage.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has attended an Easter Sunday church service in Canberra.
In a statement, he wished Australians a Happy Easter, saying the holiday is a time of reflection and joy.
This parishioner says it was a good experience meeting the prime minister and attending the same service.
"I mean obviously we are struggling as well, but then we are thankful to God that we are - you know - that it is not bad for us. But we really hope and pray that this Easter brings joy and hope and peace; and all the necessities to people who are struggling."
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To sport, and in the AFL, Sydney have defeated West Coast, coming away with a 128-point win in Perth.
The Swans kicked the first 11 goals of Saturday night's match on the way to the stunning 163) to 35 victory in front of more than 50,000 fans in Perth.
Returning from a hamstring injury, midfielder Isaac Heeney was the star of the show with 26 disposals, four goals and eight marks.
Swans coach Dean Cox says Heeney continues to deliver.
"He has been doing it for years. I can't speak highly enough of Isaac and what he does for our football club. His work as on-baller (midfielder), his ability to push forward. He stands up in big moments. And a lot of people probably see goals and speccy marks (spectacular mark or catch where a player defies gravity by sitting on an opponent's back or shoulders to grab the ball). But he is selfless, team-orientated. And he is our vice-captain for a reason."
