Australia news LIVE: Trump says China tried to influence 2020 US election in national address; Telstra fronts Senate inquiry over nationwide outage
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In a dramatic turn of events, US President Donald Trump has made a startling claim during a national address, alleging that China attempted to influence the 2020 US presidential election. This revelation comes as a shock to the political landscape, with Trump previously asserting that the election was stolen from him. The address, which lasted 25 minutes, was a primetime event, and Trump urged Americans to demand photo identification for voters, warning of potential future elections being 'stolen' due to a broken and vulnerable system. This statement comes ahead of the midterm elections in November, which could significantly impact the balance of power in Congress and the Senate.
In other news, Telstra, Australia's leading telecommunications company, is facing scrutiny from the Senate following a major nationwide outage last week. The company has acknowledged that a software update could have prevented the outage, and executives are now under the microscope. Meanwhile, the relationship between One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce is under intense scrutiny, with internal dynamics reportedly 'falling apart rapidly'. Senator Malcolm Roberts is also facing criticism over his stance on a notorious antisemitic mural.
The families of two Australian backpackers who died in Laos after consuming tainted alcohol shots have received devastating news. Despite Australia's demands for accountability and resources in the investigation, it appears that no one is likely to face serious jail time, if any at all. This tragedy has sparked further discussions on the safety of travel and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
In other international news, the US and Iran have escalated their conflict with continued strikes, as hopes for a truce unravel. This comes amidst growing tensions in the region, with Qatar's defense ministry reporting an Iranian missile attack that was thwarted, resulting in an injured child. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the region and the potential for further escalation.
Additionally, a landslide in China's Chongqing province has destroyed buildings and homes, leaving people trapped under rubble. The disaster has prompted a search and rescue operation, with several individuals already pulled from the debris. The cause of the landslide is under investigation, and the impact on the local community is being assessed.
In domestic Australian news, the Victorian government has offered a revised pay deal to teachers to head off planned strikes. The offer includes a 28.3% pay rise over four years, aligning with the increases for support staff. However, the union has accused the government of making an 'anti-union move' by bypassing the union and directly emailing teachers with the offer.
Lastly, a newborn humpback whale that stranded on a Sydney beach has died, and the carcass will be tested for H5N1 bird flu. The whale was reported stranded on Greenhills Beach in Cronulla, and despite rapid response efforts, it succumbed to its injuries. The testing for bird flu is a precautionary measure, as the virus has devastated marine wildlife overseas.
These stories provide a glimpse into the diverse range of events and issues currently making headlines in Australia and around the world.
