Australia news live: PM announces $600m package against drug-smuggling; Chanel Contos urges action on ‘manosphere’

Five Australians have been confirmed safe following the devastating Nepal floods, bringing the number of unaccounted citizens down from 43 to 38. The Australians were found in Nepal, Tibet, China, and outside the crisis-hit area. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has received nearly 800 calls about the floods, with 18 Australian personnel traveling to Nepal to join on-ground staff. Additional humanitarian and disaster relief from Australia is expected to arrive in Nepal this afternoon.

Australia is increasing its support to combat transnational drug trafficking in the Pacific through a $600 million package. The investment, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, aims to stop contraband from entering Australia. The Pacific region is grappling with increased gang activity in Samoa and Tonga, as well as a sharp rise in the HIV rate in Fiji.

In 2025, approximately 4.6 tonnes of illicit drugs were seized by local and international law enforcement, with 17 tonnes seized in the first five months of the year, mostly cocaine.

The package, which will be opt-in for Pacific countries, includes enhanced aerial surveillance and police and border training. Pacific Minister Pat Conroy emphasized that drug trafficking is causing significant harm to Pacific communities and that the initiative responds to regional leaders' calls for more action to address this issue.

Drug testing is set to resume at New South Wales music festivals from October, although it will not be rolled out to the wider community despite calls from health and harm reduction groups. Good morning, everyone. Nick Visser will take over the live news broadcast.