Evening News Bulletin 21 March 2024

Australia's Air Defence Force Chief calls Chinese actions towards an Australian helicopter 'unsafe' and 'unprofessional'; thousands flee as Israel resumes its military operation in Rafah; and the Mariners prepare to take on Sydney FC in the first semifinal of the A-League Men's.

The prime minister refutes China's spying accusations after aircraft near miss; criticism of the environmental impact of the federal government's fresh commitment to gas, and in sport, another AFL player suspended for a homophobic slur during a game.

Australia's government to ramp up gas projects to support net zero transition by 2050; Fiji's former prime minister sentenced to a year in prison, and in sport, coach Jo Yapp names her first Wallaroos team to take on Canada in the Pacific Four series.

The United States pauses a shipment of bombs for Israel; Manhunt underway after a woman was allegedly stabbed by a man known to her outside a gym; and the Olympic flame lands on French soil.

The Prime Minister says he will speak to Chinese President Xi Jinping about aircraft near miss, The High Court rules commonwealth can be held liable for damage to Indigenous sites, The United Nations passes a resolution to make May 25 "World Football Day".

Treasurer Jim Chalmers says Australians can expect a restrained and measured budget, More than one and a half million vapes seized in Australia, Borussia Dortmund through to the Champions League final.

Israeli officials claim a ceasefire deal with Hamas can still be achieved; Stormy Daniels testifies in Donald Trump's hush money criminal trial; Australian duo Electric Fields set to take the stage in first Eurovision semi-final; and PSG takes on Borussia Dortmund for a place in the Champions League final.

Interest rates remain on hold- for now, Federal Treasurer promises additional cost of living relief in next Tuesday's federal budget, And inquiry recommends that supermarkets that abuse their market powers should be broken up.

The Prime Minister condemns actions of a Chinese fighter jet that endangered an Australian air crew, The accused triple murderer who allegedly poisoned relatives with deadly mushrooms has pleaded not guilty, Atalanta come from a goal down to beat Salernitana 2-1 in Serie A.

In this bulletin, Israel says attacks on Rafah are underway as it again refuses a Gaza ceasefire deal with Hamas; advocates say government's one-off $1,500 payment for abuse victims is insufficient; and in boxing, Australian Jason Moloney loses his bantamweight world boxing title.