Political controversy and social issues

comoming up in a lunchtime update, Pacific seecurity in the spotlight, the warning to politicians amid PM podcast fallout, and a lucky escape for a curious cat. I'm Madeline McNeil with the latest from Tap News. The federal government maintains China's missile test launch is destabilizing for the region Beijing fired a nuclear capable projectile into the Pacific ocean yesterday, just hours after Australia struck a new defence treaty with FiGi China insists the activity was part of a routine training exercise and was done in accordance with international law Defense Minister Richard Mares says it's a stark reminder of why we need to be prepared. That's why you see us very much increasing our own defense capability, but also working very closely with our neighbourors and our partners immediately around our borders The United States says it's concerned by China's rapid nuclear weapons buildup. The US. argues yesterday's launch undermines global efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation and is urging China to participate in meaningful arms control Wise teech founder Richard White has stepped down as chairperson of the tech company, but will remain executive director In a statement to the ASX, he says he strenuously denies allegations in the media, but says they're creating an unnecessary distraction Rayileene Murphy has been appointed as the new indndependent chairperson. A cross benchMP is urging political leaders to think twice before engaging with social media personalities The Pime Minister has apologized as he faces ongoing controversy around his comments about Kylie Minogue during an appearance on a podcast MP Monic Ryan has told the Today show on nine Australians expect better. Embarrassing, really cringy sort of engagement with social media commentators doesn't reflect well on the Prime Minister, it doesn't reflect well on our administration and we would really like to see better from leaders on both sides in the future IFL Greg Tony Mra has left hospital to continue his recovery at home after a freak single vehicle crash in South Australia last month. In a statement, Madre says he's only now starting to wrap his head around the incredible amount of support and well wishes he and his family have received. He says he remains deeply grateful to the members of the public who gave him vital first aid until ambulance crews arrived New research has provided the first estimate of the number of teenagers affected by AI assisted online sexual abuse. At least one in twenty five Australians has experienced or has a friend who's experienced online sexual victimization involving AI before the age of eighteen The Center for Missing and E exploited Children Australia Chief Executive Kole Gannon, says better regulation is needed. as a leader in this area and take an active approach into AI regulation rather than actually looking at an AI safety inststitute that is going to be passive in relation to technology. Also in the news today, former rugby leeague player Ji Arrow has married his longtim partner months after revealing his MND diagnosis. The cat has survived four hours, trapped inside an operating clothes dryer in Melbourne. The feline jumped into the warm dryer after his owner left the door ajar. The cat survived the ordeal despite being left critically dehydrated. Susanna Tleesky from Lordesmith Animal Hospital says he required IV fluids, oxygen therapy and pain relief burns, obviously. But he actually got away with it relatively unscathed. And that's we don't usually see anything like that. In finance, the Australian dollar is buying around sixty nine US cents. Sport Belgium has bundled the last of the host nations out of the World Cup, beating the USA for one. A goal in the ninetieth minutes saw Spain beat Portugal one nil and move through the quarterfinals The New SouthWales coach insists the team is confident heading into tomorrow night's state of origin decider at Suncorp Stadium. The blues have been under pressure after the heavy loss in game two, but Laorie Daley says he believes his side's ready to play their best game for the series. We're in good space Pliesa I've had a really good way of training U We come up here no one's expecting us to do any good. U S will say In AFL, Esnden has reportedly contacted ten candidates as it ramps up the hunt for a new coach, and Ousie Alex Dimor admits he's been left doubting himself after a fourth round exit at Twimbledon