Major stories from SBS Korean News on Wednesday, 23 Jan
- The Prime Minister has defended the Liberal Party's decision to parachute in Warren Mundine as its candidate for the marginal New South Wales federal seat of Gilmore. The decision has sparked a backlash from some local party members after the NSW executive dumped locally endorsed candidate Grant Schultz. Mr Schultz will now run as an independent in this year's election.
- Foreign Minister Marise Payne says Australia is making what she's termed "extensive efforts" to seek the return of Melbourne-based footballer resident Hakeem Al-Araibi from a Thai prison. Mr Al-Araibi, a Bahraini footballer and Australian permanent resident, says he is losing hope in his battle to be released. Mr Al-Araibi was visiting Thailand with his wife in November when he was arrested by authorities because of an Interpol Red Notice warrant issued by the Bahraini government.
- Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is calling on the federal government to review English entry requirements at Australian universities. However, federal Education Minister Dan Tehan says it is the responsibility of universities to ensure their students have adequate language skills.
- Korean Rep. Sohn Hye-won held a press conference in Mokpo where she is allegedly speculated in real estate.
- In tennis, Serena Williams has crashed out of the Australian Open, blowing four match points in a three-set quarter-final loss to seventh-seeded Czech Karolina Pliskova.
[The full story is available on the podcast above]
