TRANSCRIPT
- On the 10th anniversary of the downing of flight MH17, Anthony Albanese says Australia remains steadfast in seeking justice
- The IMF says persistent inflation means interest rates are likely to remain higher for longer
- In the Tour de France, a hat trick of stage wins for Jasper Philipsen - as Biniam Girmay survives a crash
On the 10th anniversary of the downing of flight MH17, Anthony Albanese says Australia remains steadfast in seeking truth, justice and accountability.
On this day 10 years ago, Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was downed by a Russian-made missile, while flying over the conflict-hit eastern Ukraine.
There were no survivors among the 298 people on board the flight - including 38 passengers from Australia.
Those killed came from 17 countries, including Malaysia and the UK.
In a statement, Mr Albanese says those who lost their lives included: young families, lifelong partners, and retirees returning from trips they’d long planned.
He went on to say: "We remember them today and our hearts go out to all those who knew them best and loved them most. The people for whom this anniversary brings a new reminder of irreplaceable loss."
---
The International Monetary Fund is warning that interest rates in countries like Australia could be higher for even longer, due to stubbornly-high inflation.
It comes as the Reserve Bank waits for the latest inflation data to come out later this month- data which will play a crucial role in its decision in August on whether to lift interest rates or not.
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the IMF's warning is a clear reminder the final part of the journey to bring inflation down will be hard.
Jean-Marc Natal is from the IMF's research dvision.
He agrees with Dr Chalmers' analysis that international factors are playing a big role in inflation in countries like Australia.
"Upside risks to inflation stemmed from a lack of progress on services disinflation, renewed trade tensions, and geopolitical uncertainties. These risks may result in higher for even longer interest rates."
---
Comedy rock duo Tenacious D, made up of Jack Black and Kyle Gass, have cancelled the rest of their tour following comments made by Mr Gass at a Sydney show.
Mr Gass said "Don't miss Trump next time" after Mr Black presented him with a birthday cake and told him to "make a wish" as he blew out the candles at the show on Sunday.
His comments came after the former United States president survived an assassination attempt while at a rally in Pennsylvania.
Australian Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd says he is appalled by the comments.
"People might think it's a bit of funny, ha-ha-ha, at a concert to run off at the mouth about this stuff. It's not. It's about physical life. It's about the threats to physical life. It's about the near assassination of a former and prospective president of the United States, depending on the vote of the American people. It's about the murder of an innocent civilian and two people being seriously wounded. These people should just grow up and find a decent job."
---
The New South Wales state government is the latest to seek action against the CFMEU, in the wake of fresh corruption allegations against the union.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey have written to the General Secretary of the New South Wales Labor Party, seeking the suspension of the CFMEU's construction arm from the party, and the stopping of any donations or affiliation fees.
Nine Newspapers are reporting a hidden camera caught an official from the union accepting an alleged kickback in 2020.
Various allegation of wrongdoing against the union in recent days have caused political problems for Labor party state governments.
---
In cycling, Belgium's Jasper Philipsen has achieved a hat trick of stage wins at this year's Tour de France. But his main rival for the best sprinter's green jersey, Biniam Girmay, has crashed near the finish of stage 16.
Philipsen's teammate Mathieu van der Poel launched a ferocious leadout to deliver Philipsen in perfect position to only have to sprint the final 200 metres to victory - with Phil Bauhaus and Alexander Kristoff rounding out the podium.
Two-time champion Tadej Pogacar retains the overall lead.
Meanwhile, Girmay had a disastrous finish to his stage after crashing through a roundabout with 1.5km to go - which took him out of contention for a fourth win.
The Eritrean cyclist earlier in the race won stage three, making history as the first Black African cyclist to win a Tour de France stage
Girmay says he received stitches to close a wound in his elbow - and is otherwise okay.
"It's narrow. Every roundabout and then suddenly, I don't know who is front of me, we touch our handle bars. He goes inside me and then I don't have nothing to do, I just break full (suddenly). But yeah, I just find myself on the ground. But luckily I'm okay, I'm able to ride, so that's a good thing for me. I don't care if I lose this jersey or I keep (it), I just like to arrive in this without any troubles. Still now not finished yet, so I'm try to fight until (the finish line at) Nice."
