TRANSCRIPT:
- Australia welcomes the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza;
- A man killed by a fallen tree in wild New South Wales weather;
- Charges dropped against a man accused of assaulting an A-F-L umpire.
Australia has welcomed the announcement of a Gaza ceasefire.
The Prime Minister has released a joint statement with Foreign Minister Penny Wong that calls the agreement "a constructive step towards peace and stability in the region" which they hope will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Israeli and Palestinian people.
Anthony Albanese says Australia will continue to work with the international community towards a two-state solution.
But he says Australia will not recognise Palestinian statehood any time soon.
"I can't see any circumstance where that can happen before the election. There hasn't been an election in Gaza or West Bank for almost two decades, and quite clearly, the Palestinians need to have reform as well. Hamas can play no role in a future Palestinian state."
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Questions are being asked about the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in Gaza, now that a breakthrough ceasefire deal has been reached.
Authorities say it is unclear and uncertain exactly when and how many Palestinians will be able to go home.
Once the first phase of the deal gets underway, it will allow humanitarian aid into a territory ravaged by 15 months of war.
The agreement also outlines the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the besieged strip and a prisoner exchange - prompting Israeli President Isaac Herzog to urge the Israeli government to vote in favour of the agreement.
"This deal, when signed, approved and implemented, will bring with it very difficult, agonising and shocking moments. It will also bring with it extremely difficult challenges. This is not a simple situation. This is one of the most difficult challenges we have known.”
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A man has been killed by a fallen tree amid heavy rain and winds across Australia's southeast.
New South Wales Police say the elderly man's car was hit by the tree in a thunderstorm in Cowra, in the state's central west, before the wild weather moved on to Sydney and the coast.
The storm has cut power to more than 120,000 customers and created an estimated 300 electrical hazards.
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The PM has freshened up his cabinet as Bill Shorten steps away from politics.
The retiring minister's portfolio has been divided between three colleagues, with Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth taking on the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher is now responsible for Government Services and Anne Aly is the the junior NDIS minister.
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Vanuatu has asked for Australia's help in its efforts to rebuild after a devastating earthquake in December that killed at least 14 people.
Business owners are said to be frustrated and angry that Port Vila's CBD and city waterfront remain off limits, a month after the disaster.
Authorities say technical structural assessments of key infrastructure - including the wharf, roads and bridges - are being done, but that this work requires outside help.
Recovery Operations Centre chairman John Ezra says Australia is among the countries Vanuatu has formally requested assistance from.
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Windy conditions and reports of arson are complicating the fight against the LA fires.
Since the beginning of the initial wildfire outbreak last week, authorities have arrested about half a dozen people accused of setting new, small fires that have been quickly knocked down.
A final round of strong winds is also moving through southern California.
Firefighters have still reported significant gains - and better conditions are expected in the coming days to help crews make even more headway.
But LAFD Fire Chief Kristin Crowley says the danger still remains.
"As we enter into the third day of this additional wind event, I urge everyone to stay alert. The combination of low humidity and strong winds has further dried out the brush, increasing the risk of fire. The danger has not yet passed, so please, please prioritise your safety. Thank you."
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A man accused of throwing a water bottle at an umpire during an AFL match is no longer facing criminal charges.
Alexander Grutteria had been accused of recklessly causing injury, discharging a missile and unlawful assault.
But prosecutors have withdrawn the three charges during his appearance at Melbourne Magistrates Court, without giving a reason.
Grutteria had been arrested in August after AFL goal umpire Steven Piperno was struck on the head during a match between Carlton and St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.
