SBS News In Depth

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 liquefied natural gas, and Singapore would prioritise the flow of refined petroleum to Australia. Singapore is Australia’s largest source of refined petrol. SBS's Naveen Razik secured an exclusive interview with Singapore's Energy Minister Dr. Tan See Leng about our energy partnership and the wider consequences of the current crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.

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 stress has hit record levels. Cotality’s Head of Research Gerard Burg joins to explain why Australians are now spending more than ever on housing and what’s driving the shortage.