TRANSCRIPT:
- Anthony Albanese stands on Labor's record ahead of the next election;
- A man in court over a 1980s cold case in Melbourne;
- Fans urged to respect injured players after the withdrawal of Novak Djokovic from the Australian Open.
The Prime Minister is maintaining an optimistic view of his government's chances ahead of the next election, saying that voters will pass judgement based on what the federal government has to offer, not on what it has done.
He has told the National Press Club that he is happy to stand in support of the record that we have, but also to say it's not enough, and that's not how you win a second term.
With voters to hit the ballot boxes by May 17, Mr Albanese has used his latest NPC speech as an opportunity to spruik his infrastructure commitments and draw a clear distinction between himself and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.
The PM says that while there's always more to be done, he does back Labor's record.
"Keeping us out of recession. 1.1 million jobs. Getting inflation from a six to a two. Making sure that people's living standards are looked after, that they're not left behind. Completing the NBN. Completing finishing Gonski."
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Afghanistan's Taliban government has pushed back against arrest warrants issued on two of its senior leaders by the International Criminal Court.
The Taliban has called the move by chief prosecutor Khalim Khan "politically motivated".
Its foreign ministry has issued a statement saying that the arrest warrants are devoid of a fair legal basis and represent double standards, because they turn a "blind eye" to crimes against humanity committed by foreign forces and their domestic allies during the twenty year occupation of Afghanistan.
But advocates like Afghan politician and activist Fawzia Koofi says the warrants are just the first step in the accountability process, and even more needs to be done.
"The money that goes to Afghanistan - not the humanitarian aid; we support the humanitarian aid because people are living in poverty, and we know that - but the money that goes in cash, that should also be stopped. So the Taliban should be accountable based on the Doha Agreement that the United States signed with the Taliban."
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Businesses have remained closed in parts of Serbia today [[25 Jan]] as part of an anti-government protest triggered by the deaths of 15 people in a railway station roof collapse.
Thousands of students have gathered in front of the main government building in Belgrade with schools among the institutions and businesses to close their doors.
The demonstrators say corruption, nepotism and shoddy construction work were behind the disaster in November, are calling for swifter judicial action against those found responsible.
The government denies blame for the deaths.
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A man accused of raping a beloved 82-year-old grandmother more than four decades ago has faced court for the first time.
The 69 year old has briefly appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court, charged with two counts of attempted aggravated rape, aggravated burglary, aggravated indecent assault, rape, burglary and common assault during two separate incidents in 1981 and 1983.
He has been remanded him in custody ahead of his next court appearance.
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Egg and poultry producers in New South Wales hit by an avian flu strain have had emergency rules lifted after the virus was eradicated.
The outbreak in the New South Wales' Hawkesbury region resulted in more than 320,000 animals being destroyed since June to curb infections of the disease, which differed from the H5N1 strain that has devastated animal populations overseas.
Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty says ridding the state of the virus took an immense response by authorities, who worked with industry, farmers and the community.
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Sweltering conditions are predicted across Queensland as the long weekend begins.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued heatwave warnings for coastal areas north from Brisbane to Rockhampton, with the state capital hitting 37 degrees celsius on Friday and inland areas 46 degrees.
Temperatures will range from 39C to 45C in Boulia in the Channel Country.
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In tennis news,
Germany's Alexander Zverev has made it to the final of the Australian Open after the shock withdrawal of Novak Djokovic from the semi-final.
It is the maiden Australian Open for the 27-year-old, and the third grand slam title match of his career.
Ten-time champion Djokovic withdrew after walking over to the chair umpire following the first set, telling him he could no longer play because of injury.
His exit resulted in boos and jeers from the crowd - but Zverev told the crowds to respect when a player can't play on.
"I know that everybody paid for for tickets, and everybody wants to see hopefully a great five set match and everything. But you've got to understand Novak Djokovic is somebody that has given this sport for the past 20 years absolutely everything of his life."
