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Sunday's news in under 2 minutes.

 

 

 

The UN says Abbott’s ‘turn back the boats’ policy may be breaching international law.

The United Nations refugee agency has informed the ABC that Australia may be breaching obligations under the Refugee Convention and International law with its ‘turn back the boats’ policies.

Speaking to ABC radio yesterday, Babar Balloch, a spokesperson for the UN, said turning asylum seeker boats around was ‘very concerning’ and ‘could place Australia in breach of its obligations under the Refugee convention and international law.’

“If people who are in need for international protection seek a country’s safety, then they must be allowed to go through a process which helps to determine if these people are in need,” Mr Balloch said.

Both Prime Minister Abbott and Immigration Minister Scott Morrison have refused to comment.

Las Vegas hypnotist found dead in Sydney.

The body of touring America hypnotist Dr. Scott Lewis was found outside a unit block in the Sydney city yesterday. Police believe that the Las Vegas showman fell from an eleventh floor balcony.

Dr. Lewis, who was in Sydney performing ‘The Illusionsts 2.0’ at the Opera House, was reported missing when he failed to meet a bus to take him to rehearsals.

Police are treating the death as suspicious.

If you or a loved one need to talk to someone, please consider calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

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Tropical Cyclone Ian aftermath in Tonga.

With one person dead, Tropical Cyclone Ian has caused much devastation throughout the Pacific Island nation. The extent of the damage is currently unclear, however the islands of Ha’noa and Foa are expected to be the most damaged.

New Zealand foreign affairs minister Muarry McCull informed media that they would make ‘$NZ50,000 immediately available for assistance’.

NSW Government urged to make Maths compulsory for senior high school students.

The New South Wales State government is considering making Maths compulsory for year 11 and 12 students. Adrian Piccoli, the Education Minister, is said to be considering the option, once a report is finalised in the lower house. The subject hasn’t been compulsory for more than ten years in NSW, but as the Coalition reviews the national curriculum this could change.

Former Israeli Prime Minister dies after eight year coma.

Ariel Sharon, the former Prime Minister of Israel, has died after an eight-year coma at the age of 85. The former commander of the Israeli Army suffered a stroke in 2006 whilst he was still in office. He was kept in a vegetative state until his health deteriorated earlier this month. US President Barack Obama has described Mr. Sharon as ‘a leader who dedicated his life to the state of Israel’.

His funeral will be held on Monday

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