Australia Pulls Diplomats, Flood Deaths in Queensland

0:00What's up, I'm Corey, and these are your headlines from Sydney News Today. Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, announced that non-essential government officials are pulling out of Israel and the United Arab Emirates do. To the worsening security from the Middle East conflict, essential staff will stay behind to help any Australians who need assistance. Registrations are now open on the Department of Foreign Affairs Crisis Portal for Aussies in Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Iran, Israel, Qatar, and the UAE. This move comes as tensions continue to rise in the region. Meanwhile, tragedy struck in Queensland where police recovered the bodies of two Chinese backpackers from a submerged car. The 26-year-old man and 23-year-old woman had left Brisbane on Sunday for fruit picking up North. Their vehicle apparently drove off a bridge into floodwaters near Kilcoven, West of Jimpi. This marks the first confirmed flood deaths in the rain-soaked area, with families now heading to Australia and police coordinating with the Chinese.

1:02Consulate. In other news, New South Wales extended its no-interest loan program for five more years with $21,500,000 in funding. It targets low-income folks earning under $70,000 for essentials like appliances or rental bonds amid costs of living pressures. This episode is supported by our sponsor, a pillow that plays your sound quietly, comfortably, effortlessly, built for nighttime listening. S-O-L-I-SOL-PILLOW.COM