In this bulletin;
- A New South Wales prison returns to public hands;
- Authorities search for a missing Lithuanian rower off the Queensland coast;
- And in golf, an Australian rookie six shots from the lead in the PGA Tour.
The New South Wales government is making one of the state's largest prisons public again.
The Parklea Correctional Centre public was privatised in 2008 under a Labor government.
The prison's contract with MTC Australia will end in October 2026, as part of a Minns election promise to reverse the privatisation of public assets.
Premier Chris Minns says Labor must be accountable for their decision to initially privatise the jail, adding that the cost would actually be lower for taxpayers over the long term.
"We would never privatize the police or the courts. This just gives us more control, and I think that doesn't mean that we stop on reform to corrections in New South Wales. We want to make sure that we're reducing re-offending, that we are rehabilitating inmates, that we are getting value for money. But it's a lot easier to do that if you're dealing with a publicly owned and publicly run prison centre."
—
A search and rescue operation is underway for a Lithuanian man attempting to row from San Diego to Brisbane.
The rower named Aurimas Mockus is believed to be caught up in Cyclone Alfred which has formed off the Queensland coast.
Authorities received an emergency alert on Friday night from Mockus, who started his quest to row across the Pacific Ocean solo in August.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is working to maintain communication with the rower as aircraft and ships try to find him.
—
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia will continue to support Ukraine.
He is among world leaders reiterating support, despite a heated exchange between US President Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"We have unequivocal and unconditional support for the brave struggle of the people of Ukraine. Ukraine is defending its national sovereignty but it's also defending the international rule of law."
It comes as the UK signs a $4.57 billion loan agreement to support Ukraine's defence capabilities.
Mr Zelenskyy is expected to attend a wider summit of European leaders later today.
—
Liberal Senator James Patterson says Australia's humanitarian assistance to Ukraine should be extended where possible.
The Opposition Minister for Cyber Security told ABC Insiders he was concerned to hear in Senate estimates that there had been a delay in Australia's provision of tanks to Ukraine.
He also addressed questions about the prospect of Australia sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine.
"As far as I'm aware David there's been no request for Australian troops as part of a peacekeeping force, and I think it's premature to speculate about that, let's see where we go. But I think we also have to recognise our own neighbourhood is a pretty tough environment, and we have our own security challenges here that are our first priority."
—
And in sport,
Impressive Australian rookie Karl Vilips is six shots from the lead heading into the final round of the PGA Tour's Cognizant Classic in Florida.
There are 23 players packed ahead of Vilips, headed by Jake Knapp who is chasing a wire-to-wire victory at P-G-A National.
Knapp survived a wild third round on Saturday, making a pair of late birdies for a three-under 68 to get to 16 under and hold and a one-shot lead from Michael Kim.
