TRANSCRIPT
- A Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal to take effect
- Hate speech laws in New South Wales to be strengthened
- And in Tennis, Aryna Sabalenka advances to the quarterfinals at the Australian Open
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he is hopeful a Gaza ceasefire deal will hold.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will come into effect within hours, bringing with it a six-week pause to 15 months of fighting.
The deal also involves the release of 33 Israeli hostages and 1,890 Palestinian prisoners.
There is also a term specifying an increase in aid deliveries to 600 trucks a day.
The three-phase agreement also includes a broad outline to tackle issues such as a full Israeli troop withdrawal and the reconstruction of Gaza further down the line.
Mr Albanese says it is important the terms of the deal are upheld.
"Well, we're certainly hopeful, as I think the world is that this ceasefire holds. It is what the world has wanted to see. And it is good that it has occurred and it will come into place. We want to see hostages released. We want to see proper aid be able to get to people of Gaza. And we want Israelis and Palestinians to be able to live in peace and security."
—
The pre-election campaigning continues, with Opposition leader Peter Dutton addressing voters at a rally in Brisbane, announcing a policy of tax-deductible lunches for small businesses.
After criticising federal government's economic policies during a cost-of-living crisis, Mr Dutton outlined a plan for small businesses with a turnover of up to $10 million to access a yearly tax deduction of up to $20,000 for taking clients out to restaurants, cafes and pubs.
It won't cover alcohol.
Mr Dutton says he sees clear benefits to the plan.
"Small business is in our DNA. And we want to help those businesses survive Labor's time in office. We want other small businesses to spend more at their local cafes, clubs and pubs. And if they can take their employees - or indeed a customer to celebrate a milestone sales event, or acknowledgement for above and beyond hard work. Or a team-building exercise then it is a win-win for both businesses. It will help retention and provide a reward to employees."
