TRANSCRIPT
- Israel kills at least 40 in attack on humanitarian zone...
- Experts warn against total ban on social media for young people...
- Socceroos draw 0-0 with Indonesia, hampering the World Cup dreams.
An Israeli airstrike has killed at least 19 people on the designated al-Mawasi humanitarian zone in southern Gaza.
The attack injured dozens of others and set at least 20 tents on fire in the refugee camp, with officials saying the blasts created craters up to nine metres deep.
The Turkish foreign ministry has described the attack as a 'war crime' and says it is just the latest in a long list of human rights violations committed by Israel.
The number of people killed by Israel in Gaza since October has now officially passed 41,000.
Displaced mother of ten, Ebtisam al-Rai, says her children had to be pulled out from underneath the rubble.
"Death surrounds us in every place and we don't know where to go. Where are we to go? Where are the Arab countries to stand with us? We are dying slowly. (Referring to Israelis) Kill us and finish us off - we are not living. This is not a life. We are tired and fed up."
Israel says it was targeting a Hamas command centre, Hamas denies operating in the area.
Youth groups are warning that young people will find it more difficult to access mental health support and express themselves if they are banned from social media.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced new legislation to be enforced by the end of the year setting a minimum age limit for social media use in Australia.
While the government says the move is intended to create stronger protections for young people and improve mental health, psychologists are warning the proposed ban is not going to be an effective solution.
Director of the Queensland University of Technology's Digital Media Research Centre Daniel Angus says there is an unfair view of social media platforms like TikTok as solely negative places.
"And it's not just government, it's all parts of our society that really just, I think sometimes position used in a very negative and pejorative way that you think about the ways that TikTok is often framed. And this can happen in research as well, that it's perennially framed as this problematic social media platform. And that's not the experience of most youth and users of that platform. They find it incredibly positive. They are able to actually express themselves creatively, use it creatively as a platform."
The federal government has announced the release of its draft advice for the National Suicide Prevention Policy.
The strategy outlines a holistic approach to suicide prevention, ensuring all Australians have access to the support that they need.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says death by suicide leaves a permanent mark not only on those who choose to take their lives, but also on those around them.
"Every death by suicide is its own universe of devastation. It is tragic for those who are gone, who did not see any other way out. But it's also a tragedy for those who are left behind. The family and friends and associates of those who, the shape of their world has been changed forever."
Opposition leader Peter Dutton says changes to the policy will be supported by the Coalition.
"We all want to be positive about what the future holds but there is a lot of despair an a lot of reason for the angst that we hear, particularly from those service providers in our own electorates and from people who are trying to access services as young people. Let's be honest about that today as well. And I thank the Prime Minister for his words and for the actions the government's undertaking and we're keen to support all of those programs in whatever form they take."
People seeking support can contact Lifeline of 13 11 14
Federal shadow minister for Indigenous Australians Jacinta Price has renewed calls for an investigation into Aboriginal land councils.
Senator Price was flanked by Arrernte Traditional owners who flew from Mparntwe Alice Springs to Canberra to support her calls for an inquiry.
She introduced a motion in the Senate claiming land councils lack accountability and transparency.
"There are so many issues, so many concerns that require an inquiry to look further into them, so we can make this system better. We can reform these systems to serve their purpose more appropriately, more directly and bring about opportunity for all traditional owners."
The Central Land Council's Chairman Matthew Palmer was with the group – but didn’t make any comment.
The Socceroos’ FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign has suffered another setback after being held to a 0-0 draw by Indonesia.
Desperate for victory after suffering a 1-0 loss to Bahrain last week on the Gold Coast, the Australians are under pressure after a disastrous start in its World Cup qualifying matches.
Australia sit fifth in group C - three points short of current leaders Saudi Arabia.
The top two qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup finals, with third and fourth places heading into play-offs.
