SBS News in Easy English 30 September 2024

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TRANSCRIPT:

The federal government has renewed its calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East.

Tensions have threatened to increase after the leader of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in Lebanon by an Israeli strike.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said Australia's primary concern is the human cost, but also the economic consequences of a broader war.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has told Sky News there is nothing to be gained from escalating tensions.

"The continued escalation, the continued retribution, that continued cycle of violence will not bring peace and it will not bring security, which is why Australia and others, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have called for a ceasefire in Lebanon and diplomacy to try and resolve this."

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Authorities say residents in northern New South Wales should remain vigilant, even as the wild weather eases and the risk of flooding remains.

Heavy rains along the state's North Coast and Northern Rivers regions have caused significant river level rises and flash flooding.

The State Emergency Service has responded to over 600 calls for assistance - including flood rescues.

Incident Controller Scott McLennan says not everyone is listening to warnings not to drive through floodwaters.

"There have been five flood rescues. Those flood rescues indicate there is still work to be done about driving through floodwaters. Please take the time now and review your travel plans. This is storm season season. It’s really imperative that everyone remains safe and the volunteers for the New South Wales SES and our partner agencies also remains safe. Take a decision now, and work out what you will do."

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The federal government has released its final budget outcome for the last financial year, revealing a surplus of almost $15.8 billion.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the larger-than-expected surplus is due to spending restraint by the government to improve the bottom line.

But Opposition finance spokeswoman Jane Hume says the extent of the surplus is exaggerated, and higher deficits are on the way.

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Advocates are calling for resources to better treat and diagnose chronic pain in Australian children.

The prevalence of chronic pain in Australian young people is the same as the adult population - 20 per cent.

But advocacy group Chronic Pain Australia says the service provision is lacking.

Chairperson Nicolette Ellis says the wait time to get an appointment at one of the six paediatric pain clinics in Australia is between 1 and 3 years.

"Children can't be treated as many adults and unfortunately what we're seeing is that there is an under-resourcing in this space. So there are only six paediatric pain clinics. And many of the adult paediatric pain clinics are also helping to service this population. However, they have really unique developmental needs that need a tailored program that also help support their parents and carers who are involved in their care."

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Qantas says they don't expect industrial action to interrupt scheduled flights today.

The Qantas Engineers' Alliance has said that peak-hour flights at major city airports across the country could be impacted by more than 1,000 engineers walking off the job.

A spokesperson for Qantas says contingencies are in place.

It says no flights have been delayed or disrupted because of the industrial action.

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Supporters of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement have gathered in Sydney to mark 10 years since a mass campaign that became known as the Umbrella Movement.

For 79 days, protesters fended off police pepper spray using their umbrellas as part of calls for genuine multi-party democracy.

This protester has told SBS that as a young person born in Hong Kong, he feels the call for democracy remains relevant.

"The protest in 2019, I was definitely very aware of it. I followed the news frequently. I even participated in the protest marches in Sydney that year. Honestly, just seeing this, I felt I had to stop for a little moment to stand, pay my respects, and take in the significance of it all. Because this movement is still something that I resonate very strongly with."

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