Economic benefits of the deal between Australia and Vanuatu examined; rain threatens rescue efforts in earthquake-hit Venezuela; Paraguay knocks Germany out of the World Cup.
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TRANSCRIPT
- The economic benefits of the deal between Australia and Vanuatu examined
- Rain threatens rescue efforts in earthquake-hit Venezuela
- Paraguay knocks Germany out of the World Cup
Foreign policy analysts say a security deal struck between Australia and Vanuatu could strengthen Australia's economic capabilities and influence in the Pacific.
The Nakamal Agreement cements Australia as the Pacific island nation's primary aid and policing partner, and includes a provision that Vanuatu will consult with Australia when it considers third-party engagement in its critical infrastructure.
The two countries have also agreed to facilitate links between private sectors, with Australia committing to support Vanuatu's domestic labour market through training assistance, as well as Vanuatu's participation in the digital economy.
Lowy Institute Pacific Islands Program Director Oliver Nobetau says this part of the agreement bolsters Australia's ability to compete economically in the region.
"Something that you don't always see is that there's a strong commitment within the agreement as well for private sector linkages to assist with propping up Vanuatu's economy. And that's a key win for Australia to ensure that it has a say, or that it can direct Australian investment going into Vanuatu. And that's a key area that we've been seeing competition with other countries as well, where there's a lot of Chinese investment."
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Labor MP Josh Burns has appeared before the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion to give evidence about his experience as a Jewish Australian.
Mr Burns, who represents the inner Melbourne seat of Macnamara, previously said the period since October 7 2023 had been one of the hardest in his life.
He says he has received threats and has to take safety precautions with his public engagements.
In a written submission to the commission, Mr Burns calls for the further extension of hate laws.
"I don't know want to see death and destruction on anyone. And to attribute intent or maliciousness to a Jewish person, or to attribute some sort of dual loyalty – it is a complete de-humanisation of Jewish people. And I think that is where antisemitism in the mainstream can catch on. And that's where it can get really dangerous."
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Heavy rain is forecast for Venezuela in coming days, as officials grapple with ongoing rescue efforts for thousands trapped under the debris of collapsed buildings in the wake of two earthquakes last week.
More than 1,700 people have been killed in the disaster, with growing concerns for thousands who are displaced without shelter in the face of worsening weather.
Amarilis Ocanto's home – within a government housing structure – has been damaged.
She and her family are among more than 1,000 others now sleeping in a tent community in Caracas.
"We're afraid. There are walls that could collapse and hurt us. The structure is fine, thank God. Our structure is fine; it's solid. But there are many damaged walls on the first floor, the second floor, and at the entrances to the buildings. It's dangerous to be inside the buildings in case there's another tremor and the walls come crashing down on us."
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The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched legal action against Amazon's Prime streaming service in the Federal Court.
The watchdog alleges unfair contract terms left customers facing a choice between paying more or receiving ads that weren't included as part of the service they had originally signed up for.
ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb has alleged the company relied on five unfair contract terms over almost two years, with around one million subscribers affected.
"Those terms enabled Amazon to unilaterally make negative changes during the contract period without providing subscribers a refund or any remedy. Amazon relied on those terms to introduce advertisements to the Amazon Prime Video Service, which had previous been almost entirely ad-free."
A spokesperson for Prime Video said in a statement the company is reviewing the case, and that it has cooperated with the ACCC throughout its investigation.
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And in the FIFA World Cup knockout stages,
Four-time winners Germany have been eliminated in the round of 32, after a 1-all draw led to a penalty shootout that Paraguay won.
The VAR disallowed a Jonathan Tah goal in extra time to frustrate the Germans.
Paraguay missed two opportunities to send Germany home before José Canale scored in sudden death.
This was how the moment was called on SBS.
"It is José Canale. Surely this time for Paraguay. He does score! Paraguay's most powerful World Cup result in their history."
Paraguay will play France or Sweden in the last 16 on the weekend.
