Political debates and sports updates

Coming up on your lunchtime update, bird flu detected on the East Coast, newew hope for those with motor neurone disease, and the sockaroos ready to face Egypt. I'm Madeeline McNeil with the latest from Tapps News A suspected case of the H five bird flu has been found on the New South Wales Mid North cooast. Initial testing has come back positive for the highly contagious strain in a giant petrorel found at Hawk's Nest The state's agriculture Minister Tara Moriati says additional samples have been sent to the National Testing lab. That testing is underway. We expect to Have the results of that at some point tomorrow And we'll be providing information to the community about that once we have confirmation A new drug could one day help patients manage motor neurone disease. Lchghlin Gray reports. It's the major breakthrough which could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative conditions like MND, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. University of Queensland researchers in partnership with overseas scientists have developed a drug that activates a hard to target immune receptor opening new possibilities for antflammatory treatments. Study lead Professor Trent Woodruff says it's a huge step forward. Current treatments we have really don't do much to impact the progression. Scientists now hoping the new drug could be tried on MND patients within five years, possibly turning the disease into a long term chronic condition rather than an acute terminal illness It comes as the NRL prepare for Jai July, where every try sored will see one thousand dollars donated to the Arow Foundation and supporting the former Marones battle with MND. Lghlland Greay, Brisane The Prime Minister says he's not against Australians having a punt amid calls to strengthen Labour's gambling laws. Federal Politics editor Michael Packy. The opposition has teamed up with the Greens to force an inquiry into the government's push to limit gambling ads on TV, radio, at sporting grounds, and on player uniforms There are concerns that proposed laws don't go far enough, especially to address the stream of ads online. Liberal MP Simon Kennedy believes viewers should be able to opt in and decide for themselves if they want to see a betdting ad on a digital service, rather than having the commercial served up and then having to opt out. The social media giant They can actually target problem gamblers. Anthony Albanzi has told the ABC the government has struck the right balance. I'm not against someone having a pant on a Saturday. What I'm against is problem gambling. Labor is hoping the laws are passed by the end of the year. Michael Packy, Camberra The opposition says a senior Labour MP must apologise after describing Australia's longest serving prime mininister as a Nazi sympathiser att Conroy made the comment about Sir Robert Menz' in a speech about defense and security. The liberals argue the comment shows deep disrespect, but Mr. Conroy claims the facts speak for themselves And more Australians are changing their winter holiday plans as a result of cost of living pressures. Tourresment Transport Forum data shows twenty three percent of respondents are planning a trip in their own state or territory down from thirty four percent two years ago Chief Executive Margiey Osman says only fifty four percent are planning a winter break at all. Still the number one thing people are going to do with any spare cash they've got. But what we know is that because they're not traveling too much in their own state, which is usually drive holidays Definitely cost of living. In finance, the Australian dollar is buying around sixty nine US cents. Sport Socceroo' coach Tony Popovicz has declared his team ready for tomorrow's do or die match with Egypt to the World Cup. Australia heads into the match on the back of an ill draw with Paraguay, with the winner advancing into the round of sixteen Popovic says they've been capitalising on their strength from the group stages. So we created good opportunities against Paraguay We were unable to take those opportunities, but the opportunities were there and against a very good team. And I'm confident that we'll create them once more tomorrow Portugal's progressed with a two one nail biter against Croatia Bulldog's playmaker Matt Burton's been called into Blueues camp as Ethan Stranger's ankle injury cast out over an appearance in the state of Origin decider. Aong coached Chris Scottts backing star forward Jeremy Cameron to lift from his form slump. Cameron had only four disposals as the cats lost to the lines by twenty two points A Alex Dimins kept his wimbled and hopes alive with a straight set win in round two, feellllow Osima joints conceded her first round win against Serena Williams, added to the pressure as she lost a one set lead against Filipino Alexandra Iala to be sent home in round two