PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER: I welcome the brave decision of the Iranian Soccer team, who have made the decision to stay here in Australia. 

JAMES ELTON, HOST: You've just landed in Katherine this morning, and you've been touring our evacuation centres. What have you found? How are people holding up, who've been in there for a few days now?

REBECCA WHITE, ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND AGEING: 

On International Women’s Day, Tasmanians are being urged to take action to recognise the outstanding women in their communities by nominating them for Australian Honours. 

Women received just 27.1 per cent of awards in the Australia Day Honours 2026 list, 184 of 680 recipients.  This is down from 34.76 per cent at the King’s Birthday Awards in 2025 and 46.8 per cent at Australia Day in 2025. While more people received awards overall in 2026, the increase was largely driven by a higher number of men receiving awards. 

PATRICIA KARVELAS, HOST: Let’s begin today with the emergency situation in the Northern Territory. The Katherine River has now reached minor flood level and is expected to reach major flood level this afternoon. Northern Territory Police Regional Controller James O' Brien says Katherine River may reach 18.5 metres or higher this afternoon. Territory health authorities say the Katherine Hospital is being evacuated and will be closed and is expected to be cut off by floodwaters.

JOHN PAUL JANKE, JOURNALIST: Senator, thanks for sitting down and having another chat with us. We really appreciate you being able to make the time. Of course, the news this week is the announcement of the inquiry into racism. Can you tell us a bit about that? But first, tell us, why do you think there is a need for such inquiry? 

First Nations young people across Brisbane and Moreton Bay can now access free, culturally safe mental health support and care at the new Staying Deadly headspace in Deception Bay. 

Staying Deadly headspace is Australia’s first headspace in an urban community specifically designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, their family and friends. 

The centre was officially opened today by Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride MP, and Member for Petrie, Emma Comer MP. 

The Albanese Government has appointed three new Directors to the board of Outback Stores Pty Ltd. 

Ms Carly Forrest, Mr Geoffrey Thomas and Mr Brian Wyborn all bring extensive experience to their roles. 

Ms Forrest is a proud Mandandanji woman and a leader in community engagement, strategic business management and governance. 

She is dedicated to advancing opportunities for First Nations communities and serves on the Boards of Deadly Science, Munimba-ja Arts and SciStarter Australia.

Released each year to mark International Women’s Day, the annual Status of Women Report Card is an accessible evidence-based resource to support reflection, discussion and action on gender equality.

The Albanese Government is delivering on its election commitment to strengthen and enhance tourism experiences in Australia’s Red Centre, with a $7.5 million boost for the region.

From exploring Uluru and Kata Tjuta’s majestic domes, to hiking Kings Canyon’s circuit trail, the Red Centre is one of Australia’s most iconic tourism regions, and home to experiences that highlight Australia’s unique natural environment and First Nations communities.