SBS News In Depth

U-S President Donald Trump continues to talk up prospects for an end to the war in the Middle East. In media interviews, he has told the world to watch out for an amazing two days ahead of new ceasefire talks, while U-S forces continue their blockade on vessels leaving Iranian ports. But Israel's campaign in Lebanon is casting doubt on prospects for peace.

A new Human Rights Commission report highlights the devastating impacts of discrimination against communities in Australia - targetting Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian, Arab and Israeli communities - since the October 7, 2023 attacks. The federal government is facing urgent calls to implement the National Anti-Racism Framework - which they've had access to for almost two years - to combat racism.

Vanuatu’s Minister for Climate Change, Ralph Regenvanu, has emerged as one of the Pacific’s most influential and principled public figures, combining political leadership with cultural advocacy and a sustained commitment to climate justice. In an exclusive interview with SBS, he said that current issues with fuel security and supply wouldn’t influence the negotiations between Australia and Vanuatu...

Airfares are set to climb as Virgin Australia cuts flights to manage rising fuel costs, while Qantas flags a sharp increase in its fuel bill, reshaping travel plans for Australians. Phoebe Deas speaks with Ellis Taylor from Cirium on what these changes mean for the aviation sector, as new data reveals Japan has overtaken Indonesia as Australia’s second most popular destination, helped by a stronge...

Pope Leo the Fourteenth is on a historic tour of Africa, a journey spanning four countries, thousands of kilometres, and a continent that is now central to the future of the Catholic Church. From Algeria to Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, the visit is being described as both pastoral and political.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to formally launch direct negotiations with one another after historic talks in Washington, mediated by the United States. The first direct talks between the two countries in more than three decades have been characterised as a diplomatic milestone. But, negotiations have been overshadowed by conflicting agendas, and ongoing fighting.

After Prime Minister Albanese’s whistle-stop visit to Singapore, the future of Australia’s fuel supplies looks a lot more secure as the ripples from the Straits of Hormuz spread outwards. Last week Anthony Albanese met with his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong in Singapore. The two signed off on a new bilateral trade agreement, under which Australia would guarantee Singapore’s supply of lique...

Opposition leader Angus Taylor has outlined the Coalition's new hardline immigration policy. The plan has drawn widespread criticism and strong condemnation from critics, including Labor and human rights groups.

The ASX edges higher despite fresh warnings from corporate Australia, with Qantas and Westpac flagging the financial impact of the Middle East conflict as cost pressures build. Ricardo Gonçalves unpacks the latest market moves and what they mean for inflation and interest rates, speaking with NAB Chief Economist Sally Auld and LGT Wealth Management CIO Scott Haslem, while new data reveals rental s...

Australian consumers will be paying a temporary fuel surcharge for their Uber trips if they choose to ride in a petrol or hybrid car. The new measure will begin from Wednesday, and end on June 8. It comes at a time when the transport sector is introducing fee adjustments to cope with the ongoing fuel crisis.

Hungarian voters continue to celebrate after ousting Prime Minister Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power. The election result was a rejection of his authoritarian, far-right agenda in favour of pro-European challenger Peter Magyar. But for the new leader, the coming months won't be easy.

A US naval blockade on all maritime traffic through Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz has come into effect, after a deadline passed for a ceasefire deal and reopening of the passage. US President Donald Trump says any Iranian ships that challenge the blockade will be sunk, as Iran blames excessive demands from the U-S for stalling a resolution to the conflict.

Eight people have been recognised for their bravery during the Bondi Junction shopping centre attack. Governor-General Sam Mostyn announced the special honours to mark the two-year anniversary.

The ASX edges lower as oil prices climb above US$100 amid escalating Middle East tensions, raising fresh concerns about inflation and growth. Armina Rosenberg from Minotaur Capital breaks down whether AI-driven investing can make sense of geopolitical shocks, while Deloitte Access Economics partner David Rumbens warns Australia could be edging closer to recession, even if the conflict eases. With...

Marathon talks between the United States and Iran have failed to reach a deal to end the war, jeopardising a fragile two-week ceasefire. The collapse of peace negotiations, and U-S plans to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, have rattled an already-tense region and raised fears of renewed fighting.

Australia is stepping into a new phase of its military evolution, producing a type of high-precision, sniper-like missile on home soil for the first time. Along with the United States, it is now one of the only nations manufacturing these guided weapons. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy tells Cameron Carr why the federal government believes a sovereign missile industry is so important.

India is about to conduct the world’s largest census of its predicted 1.4 billion population after a five year COVID-initiated delay, budgeted for almost two billion Australian dollars. More than 3 million paid surveyors, including school teachers and government officials, will head out and knock on each door in India’s hundreds of thousands villages and cities, as the task unfolds with questions...

Hungary's veteran nationalist leader Viktor Orban has conceded defeat after a landslide election victory by the upstart opposition Tisza party. An end to Mr Orban's period in government after 16 years in power would have significant implications not only for Hungary, but for the European Union, Ukraine and beyond.

Executions have continued despite war in Iran, with human rights organisations warning the regime is sending a brutal message to citizens who challenge it. Fears are mounting in the minority Baha'i community, with reports some members have been subjected to extreme torture in recent weeks. This story was produced in collaboration with SBS Persian and includes disturbing concepts.

A local program in Darwin is helping refugees and new migrants connect with their community, while building life-long friendships. The walking group may be simple, but organisers say at a time when more people are facing conflict and displacement, the initiative provides a welcome escape.

The crew of NASA's Artemis II mission have returned to Earth after creating history on their pass behind the moon. They splashed down in the Pacific this morning, after flying deeper into space than any humans before them.

A new kind of club has emerged in Amsterdam - one where participants choose to go offline, away from their phones and other devices. The gathering reflects a wider trend, especially among younger people, to step away from screens and connect with others and themselves.

A remote Australian outpost more than 3,000 kilometres from Perth, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are facing an uncertain future. Climate modelling predicts the low-lying atoll, home to around 600 residents, could become uninhabitable within 50 years. About 460 of those residents are Cocos Malays, whose ancestors were brought to the islands generations ago as indentured labourers by the Clunies-Ross...

A volatile stretch for markets has taken a bite out of Australians’ super, with SuperRatings CEO Kirby Rappell explaining how recent gains have been erased amid global uncertainty and falling oil prices. The ASX edged lower on the day but closed out its strongest week since October 2022, with mixed sector performance and sharp losses in tech stocks. Oreana Private Wealth Chief Investment Officer I...

The Victorian Electoral Commission will introduce low-sensory voting at this year's state election, in a move to make elections more accessible to neurodivergent voters.