In this bulletin, Donald Trump uses a primetime address to raise concerns of foreign interference in US elections; Australia sends an envoy sent to Laos over concerns about an investigation into methanol poisoning deaths; and in football, FIFA considers whether Argentina's team will be fined over a banner about the Falkland Islands.
Listen to Australian and world news and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts.
TRANSCRIPT
- Donald Trump uses a primetime address to raise concerns of foreign interference in US elections
- Australia sends an envoy sent to Laos over concerns about an investigation into methanol poisoning deaths
- FIFA considers whether Argentina's team will be fined over a banner about the Falkland Islands
US President Donald Trump says the US government is releasing documents he says shows China's efforts to meddle in US elections.
He made the remarks in a primetime address a number of US television networks including ABC, NBC and CNN announced they would not be broadcasting live.
Democrats allege the 80-year-old, second-term president is trying to strengthen his position ahead of the midterm elections in November by making unproven claims of voter fraud.
Mr Trump says intelligence he's received has revealed shocking vulnerabilities in the election infrastructure.
"This evidence shows that this election system, we have dangerously exposes - and really exposes like levels never thought possible - the hacking exploitation and foreign interference."
.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong says the Australian government will be engaging in high-level discussions with Lao authorities over the decision not to pursue the most serious charges over the methanol poisoning deaths of Australian citizens Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones.
Authorities in Laos are expected to announced later today, the conclusion of the investigation into the deaths of the two 19-year-olds in November 2024.
Father Shaun Bowles says DFAT told him Lao authorities have decided not to proceed with the most severe charges, that if proven could have seen the operators of the Tiger alcohol brand jailed for at least five years.
Instead, the most serious charge expected to be brought carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a fine.
Speaking to Channel 9, Mr Bowles says it's not right.
"We were hoping that there was a charge of Article 183, which would hold a greater custodial sentence - potentially 10 years. And that was for breaching food and safety regulations. But that charge isn't forthcoming. That is one of the biggest disappointments for us about this."
In a statement, Minister Wong says envoy Pablo Kang has been sent to Laos today to convey the Australian government's objections and reinforce our expectations for an investigation that delivers justice for Holly, Bianca, and the other victims of the methanol poisoning.
.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner, Mike Bush, says he is seeking more powers for Victoria Police to combat corruption in the construction industry.
Leaders of a police taskforce established to look into allegations organised criminals have infiltrated the state's Big Build infrastructure program say there are legislative gaps limiting their ability to investigate without a witness coming forward.
Commissioner Bush says he is in discussions with the state government about the need for legislative change.
"There are various - and we're very happy to provide the detail at some point. But they focus on unexplained wealth, more powers to track money, to intercept communications et cetera et cetera."
.
The community of Wurrumiyanga in the Northern Territory is celebrating the opening of its first community-run child and family centre.
The $12.4 million facility - funded by the federal government - is the first of its kind for the Tiwi Islands and offers a dedicated space where young and vulnerable people can access help without having to travel to Darwin.
Mantiyupwi Traditional Owner Wesley Kerinauia says the centre is run by local leaders who know how to support the community best.
"Because you know, people like the traditional land owners know what's happening on the ground. Especially in the communities. People who live in the communities come for support to the TOs (Traditional Owners)."
.
New data shows smoking rates in Australia continue to decline, bringing the country closer to achieving a national target of reducing adult daily smoking to 5 per cent or less by 2030.
The data is contained in the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's National Drug Strategy Household Survey, which also found those Australians who do smoke are increasingly using illicit tobacco.
.
And to sport, in football,
The British government has urged FIFA to investigate Argentina's team, after players celebrating their 2-1 win over England in the World Cup semifinals posed with a banner that claimed sovereignty over the contested Falkland Islands.
FIFA has not issued any public sanction, saying it is currently "assessing match reports" before making a decision.
Under its disciplinary code, FIFA prohibits political messaging at stadiums, with fines ranging from around A$7,000 to A$29,000.
UK Falklands War veteran Simon Weston says, in his view, there should be a sanction for what the players did.
"FIFA have to do something. We can't wear a poppy on our international jerseys because they say that's a political symbol, which we all know it isn't. But Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, America, Canada, the symbol was created in America many years ago. It's not political at all. And yet we can't put that on a football jersey and yet these people are getting away with all of this."
