In this bulletin;
- Kevin Rudd's resignation as US ambassador not related to run-ins with Donald Trump, the PM says;
- The Security Council holds an emergency session on civilian needs in Ukraine;
- And in sport, Cricketer Alyssa Healey speaks on her retirement.
Kevin Rudd's resignation as Australia's ambassador to the United States will mark the effective end of his public life.
The former Labor Prime Minister and Foreign Minister will conclude his posting on March 31 to become the global president of the international relations think tank, the Asia Society, and to head the society's Centre for China Analysis.
Current PM Anthony Albanese has denied fractured relationships between the ambassador and the Trump administration - including a terse exchange between Mr Trump and Dr Rudd during a bilateral meeting - were behind his decision to step down a year early.
"Kevin Rudd will tell you privately what he has said publicly and what drove him to write the book... that the relationship between the United States and China - the two big superpowers - is, he thinks, the most important one that will define the mid part of this century. He sees this as a continuation of his public service, not just to Australia but to the global community."
—
The UN Security Council has met for an emergency session on Russia’s ongoing deadly missile and drone strikes targeting Ukrainian civilians and energy infrastructure.
The Council has listened to briefings from the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, and OCHA representative Ramesh Rajasingham.
Ms Dicarlo has spoken of Russia's recent surge in attacks as temperatures drop below freezing in Ukraine, saying that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has verified the deaths of just under 15,000 civilians, including 763 children, since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Mr Rajasingham says the humanitarian situation is dire.
"As the escalation of hostilities in Ukraine soon enters its fifth year, 10.8 million people in Ukraine urgently need humanitarian assistance."
—
Australia's government has issued a stern warning to Iran as the death toll from anti-regime protests soars to more than 500.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described the Iranian government as an "oppressive regime" which should be replaced by democracy, while Foreign Minister Penny Wong has said Iran's crackdown on protests was increasingly brutal as Ayatollah Ali Khamenei tries to retain power.
"What I would say to that regime is not only is the world calling on you to stop killing your people. But a regime that requires the murder of its own people to maintain authority is not a regime with any legitimacy."
Meanwhile members of Australia's Iranian community say they're feeling numb and helpless as they watch from afar.
President of the Australian-Iranian Community Organisation, Siamak Ghahreman, says many have struggled to contact family back home due to an internet blackout.
—
Eurovision organisers have conducted the official semi-final draw for this year's contest to decide when the participating countries will compete - and who they are up against.
Australia has been allocated a place in the second semi final on May 16, alongside countries such as Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine and Malta.
The world's biggest live televised music event heads into its 70th anniversary edition mired in its biggest-ever political boycott, with just 35 countries set to take part because of objections to Israel's participation - the fewest number since entry was expanded in 2004.
But Song Contest Director Martin Green says despite those objections, the show will - and must - go on.
"This show was born from the ashes of the Second World War as an example that our music can bring us together. And in a difficult world we continue to prove that. This year is a very special one. I can think of no better place in the world than one of the capitals of music to celebrate the 70 year history of this extraordinary project."
—
To sport and cricket news,
Australian women's captain Alyssa Healey has defended her decision to retire from the sport at the conclusion of the India series in March.
The 35 year old will finish her career with more than 7000 international runs and 275 dismissals to her name - and if she plays five of the seven matches with India she will reach 300 internationals.
The wicketkeeper-batter has been playing for Australia for 15 years after making her debut as a teenager, and has been full-time captain since Meg Lanning retired in 2023.
She says the time has felt right to step away.
"Been doing it a long period of time. I've loved every minute of it but I felt like - every contest I wanted to be a part of and I wanted to compete has probably drained me a little bit more over the years... I guess the opportunity to finish at home was something that I really wanted to do. And to be completely honest, if I had have fought my way through to the World Cup that's probably not doing the right thing by my team mates - and probably the country as well."
