TRANSCRIPT
- Australia welcomes Israel and the Hamas signing the first phase of peace deal
- India's Defence Minister visits Australia, as both countries deepen defence ties
- Matildas coach Joe Montem calls for more investment in A-League Women teams
In Australia, both sides of politics have welcomed the signing of the first phase of a peace deal between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by the United States.
Speaking during Question Time, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also says the signed deal bring hope to Gaza and the world.
"In the Middle East, the past two years have been full of dark days. Today we see a ray of light. Today the world has cause for real hope. Hope for the families of the hostages who have kept the two-year vigil that must have felt like an eternity. Hope for the people of Gaza who have been endured suffering beyond imagining. And hope that after eight decades of conflict and terror, we can break the cycle of violence and build something better."
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New South Wales Police says it expects a large number of people at the pro-Palestinian protest on Sunday, despite the Court of Appeal blocking the protest from being held outside Sydney Opera House.
Rally organiser the Palestine Action Group says it's planning to appeal the court decision, but is also considering taking a different route that will go through central Sydney.
New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna says police are working with the rally organisers to ensure crowd safety.
"We are expecting large numbers still to come to that public assembly, we will be able to manage that. I would say if you are coming to the city on Sunday, be aware of that public assembly taking place. Please, if you are coming to the city, there will be a large police presence, so listen to police officers, if you need any directions or guidance."
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A new defence agreement has been signed between Australia and India.
The signing ceremony took place during a visit to Australia by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The visit has included discussions on enhancing maritime security cooperation, increasing consultation and building cooperation on joint activities.
Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles says he looks forward to visiting India to further deepen bilateral ties.
"In recent times, what we also had is a deep strategic mind. And this has been reflected in a growing relationship. Today's meeting take these steps further. For the first time, we are instituting our meeting as our annual defence minister's dialogue. And we look forward to come to India to have the second meeting with defence minister Singh."
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Martin Dole has been named the new Northern Territory police commissioner, seven months after his predecessor was stood down from the role.
Mr Dole had been acting commissioner, and is set to be officially sworn in at the end of the month.
He vowed to do his best to make the Territory a safer place.
"I'm incredibly honoured and privileged to be asked to continue this role - and lead the Northern Territory Police Force into the future. To the people of the Northern Territory, can I say to you - my commitment to you is to continue to build on restoring trust and confidence in the Northern Territory Police Force. Our members are out there everyday, serving and protecting the community; and making the Northern Territory a safer place."
It comes seven months after the departure of former commissioner, Michael Murphy.
He was sacked after the Territory's Independent Commission Against Corruption found he engaged in "improper conduct" in hiring a friend for a senior role in the NT Police.
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In football, Matildas coach Joe Montemurro says allowing investment in A-League Women teams - without involving their male counterparts - could open up new opportunities to professionalise the women's game.
With the minimum wage currently just $26,000, Professional Footballers Australia have pushed for the A-League Women to be fully professional by the 2026-27 season.
Montemurro acknowledged the struggles of clubs to remain financially viable while running men's and women's teams.
He says he believes the separation of clubs could be a solution.
