SBS News Updates

The Solomon Islands a key focus during an election defence debate, The Archibald Packing Room Prize announced, And in the AFL, Richmond superstar Dustin Martin to make his eagerly anticipated return this weekend.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison denies suggestions Australia's relationship with the Solomon Islands has been fractured, Ukraine's President says hundreds more civilians have been evacuated from the Azovstal steel plant, Diego Maradona's 1986 World Cup 'Hand of God' jersey sells for $12.5 million.

The federal government turns its focus to small business in the election campaign; the European Union proposes a total ban on Russian oil; In sport, Australians win both the men's and women's events at the Margaret River Pro surfing event.

The two men hoping to be Australia's next federal treasurer debate each other at the National Press Club, Pro-choice advocates protest in the United States over a potential Supreme Court decision to overturn the country's abortion laws, Fremantle's COVID outbreak grows to six players ahead of the side's clash with North Melbourne.

The Morrison government moves to freeze the deeming rate for social security recipients following the R-B-A's decision to raise interest rates for the first time in almost 12 years. Thousands of teachers striking for better pay across New South Wales, Novak Djokovic through to the next round of the Madrid Open.

The government and major banks move quickly, reacting to the Reserve Bank's decision to raise the official interest rate; Attacks resume on the Azovstal ((az-off-stahl)) steel plant in Mariupol as some evacuees reach safety; And in sport, the Central Coast Mariners book a finals berth in the A-League men's competition

The RBA raises the official interest rate to 0.35 percent, A Sydney man sentenced to a maximum of 12 years and seven months jail for the murder of Scott Johnson, FIFA President says migrant workers who reportedly died while preparing the World Cup Stadium did so with, "dignity and pride".

The Reserve Bank meets to decide whether to lift interest rates; A new climate report warns half a million properties across Australia could become un-insurable by 2030; And in sport, Alex de Minaur advances to the second round of the Madrid Open.

The election campaign heats up as the leaders continue to rally for votes on the road and prepare for more debates; Germany says it is willing to back an immediate European Union embargo on Russian oil; And in sport, Russian athletes barred from competing in the women's Euro 2022

Prime Minister Scott Morrison addresses interest rates and the cost of living, Muslims celebrate Eid at the end of the fasting month, Tennis players criticise Wimbledon's decision to exclude Russian and Belarusian players from the tournament.