Wong mentioned Australia holds ‘grave issues’ for Oscar Jenkins
The international affairs minister, Penny Wong, has been talking with ABC RN because the Division of Overseas Affairs makes “urgent inquiries” amid experiences Australian Oscar Jenkins, 32, who was captured by Russian forces whereas preventing for Ukraine has been killed.
Wong mentioned that the Australian authorities holds “grave concerns for his welfare.” She mentioned the federal government had had “a number of discussions” with Russia and the Russian ambassador to Australia “seeking information” on his whereabouts.
We have now additionally engaged with the Ukrainian ambassador, however we now have [also] reached out to the Ukrainian authorities.
She mentioned the Russian ambassador had been referred to as in, at her course, earlier this week in relation to Jenkins.
Is there any cause to doubt the experiences that Jenkins has been killed? Wong mentioned experiences must be verified and “we’re working very hard to do that.”
My ideas are with Mr Jenkins household. They’ve lived with a concern and uncertainty of a cherished one in the midst of a international struggle for a lot of months. I do know these experiences can be devastating to them, and they’re in my ideas, and I’m certain the ideas of many Australians.
Key occasions
‘Reaching a ceasefire is critically important’: Husic
Ed Husic additionally instructed this system there was “promising signs” a couple of ceasefire occurring within the Center East.
That is off the again of many months of labor, notably by our mates in the USA. Others within the area additionally, and there are a variety of members of the worldwide neighborhood, in addition to Palestinians and Israelis that need to see an finish to this battle.
We have to see the hostages launched. We want civilians protected and we additionally must see support urgently go into Gaza, the place it’s wanted desperately. Reaching a ceasefire is critically necessary.
Husic on Oscar Jenkins: authorities is ‘deeply and clearly concerned about his welfare’
The science and trade minister, Ed Husic, simply spoke with ABC Information Breakfast amid experiences Oscar Jenkins has been killed – as we flagged earlier within the weblog.
Husic mentioned the Australian authorities was “deeply and clearly concerned about his welfare.”
On the international minister’s course, we now have referred to as within the ambassador from the Russian Federation to comply with up on these inquiries and in addition to remind the Russian Federation of their obligations below worldwide humanitarian legislation, notably across the therapy of prisoners of struggle.
We’re offering consular assist to Mr Jenkins’ household, who’ve requested privateness presently, whereas they get some information and element about what has occurred with Oscar.
Requested if the Russian ambassador to Australia ought to be expelled, Husic mentioned “at this point in time [we will not] engage in hypotheticals but rather try to provide the type of details that not just the family rightly should obtain, but Australians as well.”
Rishworth echoes international interference warning from PM forward of federal election
The social providers minister, Amanda Rishworth, has backed a message from Anthony Albanese yesterday, warning tech giants – notably X’s proprietor, Elon Musk – that Australian elections are a matter for Australians and that the nation has international interference legal guidelines.
(You’ll be able to learn extra on this in yesterday’s weblog, right here).
Chatting with Dawn this morning, Rishworth mentioned “the decision of who governs our country should be left to the Australian people”:
That’s the nook stone of democracy. It’s important for our prime minister to be sending a transparent message that if anybody is considering interfering in our elections, we gained’t stand for it …
In fact, folks can touch upon social media and the like, however what has received to be actually clear is that they’ll’t intervene with our elections … we’re a sovereign nation and we have to arise for our nationwide pursuits and it’s actually, actually necessary that the message is on the market that Australia is it personal nation and we gained’t stand for international interference.
Geotechs persevering with to watch landslide at McCrae that introduced down one house yesterday
SES Sorrento unit controller Mark Daw has been talking with ABC Information Breakfast after a landslide introduced down a home in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula yesterday, with close by houses evacuated.
Daw mentioned crews had been monitoring and measuring the scene each hour in a single day and “at the moment we’ve had no movement, which is a fantastic occurrence.”
Geotechs would proceed to watch the scene by the day, he mentioned, as a result of crews are nervous there’s “potential for a further slip”.
As for the scene yesterday after the landslide, Daw mentioned it was “total destruction of that house”.
We have now moved seven everlasting residents out of locations … Till we make the hill secure and deem that hill secure, and once we speak to the geotechs to what they assume may occur up there, they gained’t be allowed again into their properties.
Wong ‘hopeful’ that ceasefire deal might be reached in Gaza
Amid widespread experiences that Hamas and Israel have been within the “final stages” of agreeing a ceasefire settlement, Penny Wong mentioned she is “hopeful” this may be reached.
She instructed ABC RN this had been talked about “for some time” and president elect Trump had been “very clear in his language about his expectation that this deal must be done.”
I noticed what secretary [Antony] Blinken needed to say, and I do know that is one thing that the outgoing Biden administration has been engaged on for months.
So we now have each the outgoing administration and a really clear language and engagement from the incoming Trump administration, and I believe all of us are hopeful that we are able to see the ceasefire that we now have been advocating for and so many all over the world have soared for therefore lengthy.
Wong ‘absolutely confident’ authorities can work with Trump as US president
Transferring to a different subject, Penny Wong was requested about her invite to Donald Trump’s inauguration within the US, and responded:
Donald Trump has been elected President of the USA, and I’m honoured, on behalf of the nation, to have been invited to his inauguration.
Wong mentioned she would “always stand up for alliances and partnerships” as a result of Australia believes in “partnership, alliance and democracy”.
The international minister mentioned she is “absolutely confident” the federal government can navigate this relationship with the US.
Wong says Australia will ‘consider all options’ as soon as details ascertained round Jenkins
Persevering with from our final put up: Penny Wong was requested how would the Australian authorities view an extrajudicial execution of an Australian citizen, if that was proven to be true?
She mentioned that Russia is “obliged to treat all prisoners of war in accordance with international humanitarian law”.
This contains humane therapy and the fitting to a good trial. So that’s their obligation, [and] we’ll take a look at the details after they have been ascertained.
However I need to be clear, all choices are on the desk. These choices embrace expelling the ambassador and recalling Australia’s ambassador in Russia … I want, because the international minister, to establish and confirm the details beforehand.
Wong mentioned the connection with Russia had been “difficult” for a few years, “including the downing of MH 17 in 2014 as well as the illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine.”
Australia has maintained diplomatic relations with Russia by that interval below completely different governments. Nonetheless, we’ll take into account all choices as soon as we now have ascertained the details and as soon as we are able to confirm what has really occurred.
Wong mentioned Australia holds ‘grave issues’ for Oscar Jenkins
The international affairs minister, Penny Wong, has been talking with ABC RN because the Division of Overseas Affairs makes “urgent inquiries” amid experiences Australian Oscar Jenkins, 32, who was captured by Russian forces whereas preventing for Ukraine has been killed.
Wong mentioned that the Australian authorities holds “grave concerns for his welfare.” She mentioned the federal government had had “a number of discussions” with Russia and the Russian ambassador to Australia “seeking information” on his whereabouts.
We have now additionally engaged with the Ukrainian ambassador, however we now have [also] reached out to the Ukrainian authorities.
She mentioned the Russian ambassador had been referred to as in, at her course, earlier this week in relation to Jenkins.
Is there any cause to doubt the experiences that Jenkins has been killed? Wong mentioned experiences must be verified and “we’re working very hard to do that.”
My ideas are with Mr Jenkins household. They’ve lived with a concern and uncertainty of a cherished one in the midst of a international struggle for a lot of months. I do know these experiences can be devastating to them, and they’re in my ideas, and I’m certain the ideas of many Australians.
NSW rail passengers warned to anticipate delays amid industrial motion
Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink has warned passengers of main service reductions and cancellations “due to the impact of more than 350 ongoing and new industrial bans”.
Transport for NSW mentioned in a press release the Mixed Rail Unions have been requested to assist full essential in a single day upkeep at Bondi and Homebush. This was not offered, leading to important infrastructure “booked out of use”, creating important delays.
Passengers ought to anticipate delays, service cancellations and huge service gaps, notably on the T1 North Shore and Western, T4 Japanese Suburbs and Illawarra, T8 Airport and South strains. These impacts may have a flow-on impact throughout the community.
One each day return Bathurst Bullet service may even be cancelled and changed by buses between Lithgow and Bathurst.
As well as, work bans on the Rail Operations Centre (ROC) might make managing the impacts difficult, and we anticipate cancellations and delays to compound all through this week.
It mentioned buses would assist prepare providers on some strains in and off peak the place attainable, and the Metro would function on an elevated 4-minute frequency. Passengers are requested to delay non-essential journey and go away loads of further journey time.
Australia’s peak mining foyer group selling nuclear to younger girls on social media
We’re reporting at present how Australia’s peak mining foyer group is selling nuclear vitality to younger girls with a social media marketing campaign producing thousands and thousands of views on TikTok by memes about Depraved, The Grinch, and seasoning steak with sawdust.
However there’s a cautionary story for Australia’s nuclear spruikers from the UK this morning, the place it has been revealed that the place the price of constructing the Sizewell C nuclear energy plant in Suffolk has doubled to £40bn (round $80bn).
An increase in development fees over current years, mixed with value overruns and delays at EDF’s Hinkley Level C nuclear undertaking in Somerset is predicted to extend the ultimate invoice to construct a successor undertaking at Sizewell, based on the Monetary Occasions.
Right here’s the story from our UK group:
Sarah Basford Canales
Federal authorities holds snap assembly with NSW and Victorian premiers over rising antisemitism incidents
The Albanese authorities says it’s prepared to help NSW and Victoria in responding to rising antisemitism incidents after holding a snap assembly with premiers and the federal police on Tuesday.
In a joint assertion launched on Tuesday night time, the Albanese authorities, together with the Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, and appearing NSW premier, Penny Sharpe, mentioned the governments have been working collectively to “stamp out the scourge of antisemitism”.
The rise of antisemitism is abhorrent and there’s no place for the sort of hate speech and assaults we now have seen lately in our nation.
An Australian federal police taskforce set as much as crack down on antisemitism, threats, violence and hatred in direction of the Australian Jewish neighborhood has to date acquired 124 experiences, with 102 of them below investigation.
Anthony Albanese in Tasmania to construct assist
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Sarah Basford Canales
Anthony Albanese will go to Tasmania at present as Labor seems to be to win assist in key seats forward of the upcoming federal election.
Labor holds two of the apple isle’s 5 seats – Lyons and Franklin – however is seeking to enhance its vote in Braddon and Bass, held by the Liberal MPs Gavin Pearce and Bridget Archer on skinny margins. The ultimate seat, Clark, is comfortably held by long-serving impartial Andrew Wilkie.
The prime minister can be joined by finance minister, Katy Gallagher, house affairs minister, Tony Burke, and infrastructure minister, Catherine King, as he continues his pre-election blitz of the nation.
The go to will spruik the federal government’s $3bn funding announcement on Monday to complete upgrades to the Nationwide Broadband Community.
Albanese will say greater than 21,000 Tasmanian homes can be eligible for NBN upgrades because of the brand new funding.
Labor’s senior ministry can be joined by Lyons and Bass candidates, former Tasmanian Labor chief Rebecca White and Jess Teesdale, in addition to the Tasmanian senator Anne Urquhart who’s now contesting the seat of Braddon. Albanese mentioned:
My authorities cares about Tasmanians. That’s why we’re delivering on value of dwelling aid, investing in housing and infrastructure, childcare and healthcare for Tasmania.
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Caitlin Cassidy
Extra on the colleges report, persevering with from our final put up
Nationally, faculty charges have risen yr on yr throughout authorities, impartial and Catholic colleges, the Futurity report confirmed.
Whereas a public training is free, most colleges request voluntary contributions and small necessary charges.
A complete authorities training averaged $409 nationally in 2025, up from $274 in 2024, whereas Catholic training additionally rose from $2,507 final yr to $2,802.
Unbiased colleges have been as much as a mean of $8,418 in contrast with $8,213 in 2024 and $7,807 in 2023.
Melbourne was the costliest capital metropolis for kids enrolled in authorities colleges from 2025, costing a mean of $626 over 13 years of training.
Adelaide ranked second for presidency training, at $467, adopted by Sydney at $386. Perth was the most cost effective capital metropolis, totalling $206 for college students enrolled in public colleges.
The info was sourced by ACARA’s faculty revenue from charges, fees and mum or dad contributions for the 2022 monetary yr, listed to the latest CPI figures.
Brisbane most costly metropolis for personal colleges, report finds
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Caitlin Cassidy
Brisbane is the costliest metropolis on common for an impartial training, whereas Canberra tops the record for Catholic colleges, based on a brand new report from an training bonds group.
The info, launched by Futurity Funding Group as a part of its annual value of training index at present, discovered impartial faculty charges in Queensland’s capital metropolis for a pupil beginning in 2025 would complete $12,405.
Melbourne got here second, averaging at $11,062, whereas Sydney sat at $9,838 and Canberra ranked fourth at $8,503.
Catholic colleges have been considerably cheaper, averaging at $3,334 for the ACT, adopted by $3,112 in Brisbane and $2,972 in Sydney. Melbourne was most cost-effective at a complete of $2,363.
Futurity Funding Group’s Sarah McAdie mentioned training prices have been inserting a considerable burden on many Australian households.
Spiralling value of dwelling, hire and mortgage reimbursement pressures imply many households are below appreciable stress. With much less discretionary cash to spend, it will be a problem for a lot of households to pay for training, together with faculty charges and voluntary contributions, which have all elevated up to now yr.
Welcome
Good morning and welcome to our reside information weblog. I’m Martin Farrer with a few of the finest tales making the information this morning earlier than Emily Wind takes over.
Anthony Albanese is visiting Tasmania at present with a high-powered delegation of ministers and is predicted to spruik federal funding for the NBN and housing. The prime minister is joined at present by the finance minister, Katy Gallagher, house affairs minister, Tony Burke, and infrastructure minister, Catherine King, as he continues his pre-election blitz of the nation. Extra particulars quickly.
A report out at present says that Brisbane is the costliest capital metropolis on common by which to ship youngsters to a personal faculty. The info exhibits that the fee for a pupil beginning this yr would complete $12,405, whereas it’s Melbourne in second, averaging at $11,062, Sydney at $9,838 and Canberra ranked fourth at $8,503. Extra developing.
The Matildas captain and soccer celebrity Sam Kerr has appeared in court docket within the UK charged with alleged racially aggravated harassment of a police officer. The Chelsea striker, sporting a black coat and a white jumper, attended a listening to at Kingston crown court docket on Tuesday.