TRANSCRIPT
- The Prime Minister remains guarded on the timing of the next election after a rate cut.
- US and Russian officials meet - without Ukraine - for talks on ending the war in Ukraine.
- American basketballer Kyrie Irving says he wants to make the USA-to-Australia switch.
Anthony Albanese has not clarified when Australia will head to the polls, after the Reserve Bank’s decision to cut the cash rate.
There have been suggestions that the first interest rate cut in almost five years will be the trigger for a federal election because cost of living issues are set to dominate the campaign.
But the Prime Minister says the cut will not have an impact on the timing of the election, which must be held by May 17.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says his focus is currently the budget, due to be released on March 25th - and he also won't be drawn on election speculation.
"That's certainly what we are working towards. We acknowledge that the timing of the election is a matter for the Prime Minister in consultation with his senior colleagues. But we are certainly working towards that budget."
Russia and the United States have agreed to work towards an end to the Ukraine conflict.
Officials from both countries have made the pledge after meeting in Saudi Arabia's capital - without a representative from Ukraine, in what is being seen as an extraordinary about-face in foreign policy under President Donald Trump.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the two sides have not only agreed on talks to end Russia's invasion, but they also will pursue the restoration of staffing at their respective embassies in Washington and Moscow and to explore closer relations and economic cooperation.
US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff says that was the outcome they were hoping for.
"It was positive, upbeat, constructive. Everybody there to get to the right outcome. Solution based. We discussed it afterwards. We couldn't have imagined a better result after this session. It was very, very solid."
The Australian government says it continues to hold serious concerns for the welfare of prisoner-of-war Oscar Jenkins, after the appearance of an unverified video that features him.
The 32-year-old is seen in the video being asked by a person off camera about his health, and he responds that he would like more freedom and that he has sustained a broken arm.
The Melbourne school teacher had been fighting for Ukraine's foreign legion in its war against Russia before reports of his capture surfaced in December.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says she is repeating calls for his release - and for him to be treated appropriately by Russia.
"Mr Jenkins is a prisoner of war. That there are Geneva conventions, international law which apply to him, and Russia must observe them."
At least 30 people have died and 15 have been injured after a bus plunged into an 800-metre-deep ravine in southern Bolivia.
Officials say the bus was driving along a ravine on a narrow two-way road when the accident occurred, with the cause of the crash still unknown.
Local news outlet Unitel have reported that three children are among the injured, who are all being treated in hospital.
Government data indicates that road accidents kill an average of 1,400 people every year in Bolivia.
The Queensland Police Service has reinstated its Indigenous advisory body, after abruptly sacking the previous group one year ago.
The new Police First Nations Advisory Group is made up of 10 members - from the Torres Strait to South East Queensland.
Chosen from 49 expressions of interest, Queensland Police say the board is part of a renewed commitment to enhancing relationships with the Indigenous community.
But former chair Christine Thomas has told NITV News questions still remain over the controversial ousting of the previous advisory group after they openly criticised the Queensland Police.
"What we really need now is a commissioner of police and a Minister of Police who have the courage and the maturity to accept the issues of racism as issues that need to be engaged with, that need to be spoken about, and get on, and act as leaders."
Olympic Gold Medallist basketballer Kyrie Irving has repeated his desire to don the green and gold.
The 32-year-old was born in Melbourne while his dad Drederick was playing for the Melbourne-based Bulleen Boomers.
He is currently a guard for the US Dallas Mavericks team - but Kyrie has made no secret of wanting to play for Australia, something Basketball Australia, USA Basketball and FIBA would all need to agree to.
"We're in the process of that right now, just trying to figure out what's going to be the best route for me to be eligible. There's a lot of paper work in between that, Obviously USA still has a decision to make, team USA still has a decision to make. I'm just trying to do what's best for me and honestly if I can be an Aussie at one point in my career, play for the Australian team, that would be great."
