Morning everyone. Penny Wong says she believes the Australian women who have alleged they were sexually assaulted and beaten by Israeli forces after being detained as part of a humanitarian flotilla attempting to bring aid to Gaza.Nauru insists it is a “friendly” country, despite claims by a whistleblower about the treatment of people sent there by the Albanese government. Meanwhile, forecasters warn hopes for a good snow season could melt away with the coming El Niño.AustraliaChildren at the annual athletics carnival in Nauru. Photograph: Xinhua/Shutterstock
Nauru ‘friendly’ | The Nauruan government has issued a rare statement insisting it is a “friendly” and “welcoming” country after a whistleblower alleged “serious threats of physical violence” were made against a group of non-citizens removed there by the Albanese government.
Flotilla accusations | Appearing at Senate estimates, Wong said the treatment of the Australian women detained by Israel was “unacceptable”, and the allegations they had subsequently made were “distressing”.
Hero charged | Ahmed al-Ahmed, the Sydney man who disarmed one of the Bondi terror attackers, has been charged with assaulting his father.
Bill delays | The Greens want Labor to halt its plans to rush NDIS cuts through the Senate later this month, urging a longer inquiry process as the government seeks the minor party’s support for its contentious tax and housing changes.
