TRANSCRIPT
- Feedback sought on a plan for Australian airline customers to be compensated for cancelled or delayed flights
- Older Australians urged to get the latest COVID booster vaccine
- In boxing, Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk defeats Tyson Fury in their world title rematch
The federal government has described its proposed aviation customer rights charter as the "strongest ever protection for Australian travellers".
Transport Minister Catherine King made the remarks as she announced the draft charter is now open public consultation until the end of February.
The initiative marks the first time that expectations have been set out specifically for airlines and airports in Australia, with penalities to be overseen by an ombudsperson scheme.
The details of the penalties are yet to be determined, with legislation expected to be introduced into parliament next year.
The charter falls short of a European Union-style compensation system for flight cancellations and delays, but includes: the right to accurate, timely and accessible information and customer service; the protection of personal information; and a requirement to treat customers with dignity and respect in an accessible and inclusive environment.
Transport minister Catherine King says the charter will significantly improve the remedies and service quality passengers can expect.
"If you don't get what you pay for. Then you should get a refund. And that is very much part of the charter. There are delays that are caused that are no fault of the airlines. Really, what this is about is if the airline is at fault - whether that is crewing issues or maintenance issues - the next thing is to say, can you rebook. How else can we travel? And if you can't do any of those things then being able to get a refund for your flight - or getting your meals and your accommodation paid."
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Vanuatu has been hit by another earthquake days after hundreds of Australians returned home on rescue flights.
The 6.1-magnitude quake shook buildings on the country's mainland after it struck 30-kilometres west of the capital.
The search for survivors is still underway following the deadly 7.3-magnitutde quake on Tuesday, which killed at least 12 people.
Port Vila International Airport has now opened for commercial flights following its closure due to damage.
The Australian government has announced an additional 5-million dollars in humanitarian assistance.
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It has been revealed that the youngest victim of the deadly car-ramming attack in Germany was nine years old.
Four adults were killed - and 205 others injured - after a car drove into a crowd at a Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg.
Speaking at a church service at the Magdeburg Cathedral, bishop Friedrich Kramer says the attack is hard to make sense of.
"We are shocked and ask ourselves: Is there still a safe place? Where is a place of peace? A safe place that no one destroys? How should we explain to our children what has happened? A child run over at the Christmas market? How can we talk about it without fuelling fears or falling into anger and hatred?"
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Older Australians are being urged to get the latest COVID vaccine ahead of gatherings during the festive season.
The fifth version of the COVID vaccine has been updated to keep pace with the evolving virus - and targets the JN.1 sub-variant of Omicron - which is four times more transmissible than the seasonal flu.
Scientists say the newest vaccines provide the best protection as it better targets the spike protein on the surface of the virus trying to infect you.
Those aged 18 to 64 can consider booster doses every 12 months.
That frequency increases to six months for all adults 75 and over - and for people 65 and older with compromised immunity.
Free COVID vaccines are available through GPs, pharmacists, community health centres or Aboriginal health services.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says regular vaccination is important to reduce the risks of serious illness, hospitalisation or death from COVID.
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In boxing, Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk won his heavyweight championship rematch against Britain's Tyson Fury.
The result means he retains he retains his WBA (Super), WBC and WBO titles.
Giving up advantages in height, weight and reach to his much bigger opponent, Usyk defeated Fury in a rematch in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh.
The outcome was unianimous, with all three judges' scorecards showing 116-112.
Speaking after the match, Usyk says he respects his opponent.
"Tyson Fury make me strong. I very respect Tyson fury. 24 rounds with him. Now, it's already history."
