Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes the Australian government donating $10 million in aid to Gaza, RAAF flights evacuating Australians from Israel, Fiji’s prime minister visiting Australia, and the 6th cape-class patrol boat delivered to Australia.
National
Australian government donates $10 million in aid to Gaza
The government has pledged an initial $10 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, The Mandarin has reported. Of the money, $3 million will go toward the Red Cross for essential services and medical support and $7 million to the United Nations to provide things like emergency water and food. Israel cut off supplies to Gaza a week ago, after Hamas militants attacked Israel. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said the Australian government joined US President Joe Biden in calling on Israel to operate within the “rules of war”.
RAAF flights evacuate Australians from Israel
Two RAAF flights and one commercial service evacuated Australians from Israel yesterday following Qantas cancelling its repatriation flights, Australian Aviation has reported. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said 255 people boarded the flights, though little detail has been given as to the aircraft or airlines involved. Ms Wong added efforts are being made to organise flights out of Gaza, but it was a “very distressing situation”. She said the security situation on the ground in Gaza is extremely difficult now.
https://australianaviation.com.au/2023/10/2-raaf-flights-evacuate-australians-from-israel/
Politics
Fiji’s prime minister officially visits Australia
The Prime Minister of Fiji, The Hon Sitiveni Rabuka, and Mrs Suluweti Rabuka are in Australia for an official visit. The visit will see the renewal and elevation of the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership, which has set out the shared principles and priorities of our relationship since 2019—and work together to strengthen peace, prosperity and resilience in the Pacific, Mirage News reported. This is the first official visit to Australia by a Prime Minister of Fiji since 2019. “I look forward to strengthening our partnership with Fiji on economic recovery, promoting people-to-people links, security and cyber cooperation,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
https://www.miragenews.com/fijis-prime-minister-officially-visits-australia-1103807/
Defence
6th cape-class patrol boat delivered to Australia
Austal Australia has delivered the sixth Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat to the Royal Australian Navy, Naval News reported. The vessel, ADV Cape Pillar, was officially accepted by the Commonwealth of Australia at Austal’s Henderson, Western Australia shipyard. The Evolved Capes feature new, larger amenities to accommodate up to 32 people, improved quality of life systems and advanced sustainment intelligence systems that further enhance the Royal Australian Navy’s ability to fight and win at sea. The patrol boats will be utilised for a wide variety of constabulary and naval missions and play a critical role in Australia’s national security, as a high-performing, reliable and effective maritime asset.
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