Back home, Australia and the US will hold talks in Sydney today to discuss the crisis. “We stand ready to fight with Iraq and fight against these terrorist forces. Without question, that will be advanced if Iraq has continued to build on today’s progress and come together to support a new and inclusive government.” Barack Obama speaking a short time ago. 

 

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says he and his Dutch counterpart are determined to continue recovery efforts at the MH 17 crash site. Mr. Abbott has met Prime Minister Rutte in the Hague to thank him for his leadership in response to the tragedy. 

 

Banks are facing what’s likely to be the broadest class action in Australia legal history. Lawyers are launching legal action against the ANZ, Citi Bank and Westpac over credit late lease with hundreds of millions of dollars. Losses against NAB, American Express and the Commonwealth Bank, are expected to follow. Bank customers will not have to register to be part of the class action. 

 

And three Australian tourists are in hospital after a light plane crash in Zimbabwe. Plane went down not long after take-off from an airport at Victoria Falls when local newspaper reports the Australians and the German pilot are all in a critical condition.