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TRANSCRIPT
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has opened a website for Australian citizens and permanent residents in Israel and Iran to register their status and need for consular support.
There are 115-thousand Australians in the region, with many stranded by the closure of regional air spaces.
Australians are being advised to avoid travel to most destinations in the Middle East. This includes Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the government is limited in what support it can provide but every effort is being made to priortise the safety and security of Australians.
"We will certainly provide the information. As I said, given the numbers, the fastest way to get people home would be if commercial flights recommence. We want to see whether that commences. I think most of our like-minded (individuals) are in similar position, given the number of the people in the region. We are always looking at how we might support Australians."
Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has rejected Donald Trump's warning not to retaliate over the joint strikes by the US and Israel, saying there would be "no limit" to the country's self-defence.
The US and Israel have defended their attacks on Iran, saying it is lawful to stop Iran getting access to a nuclear weapon.
Iran has denied it seeks nuclear weapons - and says its nuclear program serves only peaceful purposes.
Iran has launched counter-attacks that it says targets US bases across the Middle East - but projectiles and debris have hit civilian buildings, including airports.
Mr Araghchi has told US Network ABC News, Iran has every right to defend itself.
"Our military is in place. They are capable enough to defend our country. They are more prepared and capable then previous war - the 12-day war (in June 2025). Quality-wise, quantity-wise; they are in a better position. And you have seen how they have acted so far."
A re-elected Labor government in South Australia is promising to abolish public school fees from next year onwards.
It predicts the cut will save about $8000 per child throughout their schooling.
South Australia's Premier Peter Malinauskas says the move would provide cost-of-living relief for families.
"There are 170-thousand kids who go to public schools in South Australia. 90-thousand families wear these costs and we're going to wipe them from the consideration of those household budgets."
In football, Sam Kerr has the Matildas off to a winning start in their Asian Cup campaign - but coach Joe Montemurro says the best is yet to come.
Australia has defeated the Philippines, one goal to nil, in Perth in the tournament's opening match.
Kerr scored the game's only goal in the 14th minute of play - her first goal for Australia in 851 days.
Australia only scored once despite having a whopping 85 per cent of possession, and 15 shots, compared to the Philippines's one shot.
