SBS News in Easy English 23 July 2025

SBS Australia

12 hours ago

Legilsation to cut student debt will be the first bill to be introduced in the 48th Parliament. Labor's election promise will see 20 per cent of higher education debt cut for three million Australians. The bill is expected to pass with support from the Coalition. Education Minister Jason Clare says they're aiming to fulfil their election promise: "The first piece of legislation to cut student debt by 20 per cent is something that we promised, I think, every day of the election campaign in every part of the country, it means cutting the debt of 3 million Australians. A lot of those are young Australians. Often young people don't see themselves on the ballot paper when they go to vote, but a lot of young people did at this Election, and they voted for it in their millions." A 15-year-old boy has died and another teenager is in a critical condition suffering a severed arm following a jet ski accident on the Georges River in Sylvania. New South Wales emergency services were called to the scene around 6pm yesterday after the boys reportedly struck an obstacle and were thrown into the water. The 15-year-old's body was later recovered. The surviving boy was rushed to Sydney Children's Hospital and has since undergone emergency surgery. He remains in a critical condition. New South Wales Police Inspector Timothy Carter spoke shortly following the accident. "A tragedy, to say the least, not only for the families but the local community, and also has a significant impact on emergency services. Obviously, the police have done their best to try and save these kid's lives. We obviously feel great empathy towards the families, and will provide ongoing support." Ozzy Osbourne, legendary singer of Black Sabbath, has died aged 76, his family has confirmed. They say he was surrounded by love in his final moments and asked for privacy as they grieve. Diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2019, Osbourne was a pioneering figure in heavy metal. Osbourne last appeared on stage three weeks ago for a final performance. "I just want to say to you all on behalf of Black Sabbath for your support over the years that made it all possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you." Rock wallabies that were once believed to be extinct in Western Australia's Kalbarri National Park, are now thriving. The species is doing well due to the conservation and breeding programs run by the Nanda Traditional Owners and the Parks and Wildlife Service, which is a six hour drive north of Boorloo Perth. Nanda Ranger Samarra Martin is working with a team to trap rock wallabies by searching the remote gorges the animals call home. "We catch them, we check if they've got a tag in between their shoulder blades. And if they don't we put a chip in so that we can know when and where they were tagged." Jess Skinner has been confirmed as Australia's full-time women's rugby league coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
She'll now lead the Jillaroos through the Pacific Championships this spring and into their World Cup title defence, co-hosted by Australia and Papua New Guinea next year.