We’re three days away from the referendum, with voting on the day kicking off at 8am around the country.

Thousands of Australians have already cast their vote, with early voting centres open until Friday.

The AEC has a handy tool to help you work out where you can vote - either before Saturday or on the day.

The quote
"A huge hole has been torn in the heart of our community.” - A statement posted to comedian, actor and writer Cal Wilson’s Instagram announcing her death yesterday. She passed away aged 53 after a short illness.

The stat
960
The number of firefighters working to contain major fires in central Argentina. Dozens have been evacuated from their homes.

Today in history
2002: A series of bombings occurred in the tourist district of Kuta, Bali.

Some headlines from this morning:

Australian journalist Cheng Lei arrived back in Australia yesterday after being detained in China for three years.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced her safe return on Wednesday afternoon.

It follows the conclusion of judicial processes in China.

Albanese spoke with Cheng yesterday, and said she was "delighted to be back in Melbourne".

Who is Cheng Lei?
Cheng was working for an English-language, Chinese government-run TV station in 2020 when she was arrested on spying charges, which she denies.

The Federal Government has long advocated for Cheng's release.

In a letter earlier this year, Cheng said she was being held in an enclosed area and hadn't seen a tree in three years.

When TDA asked Foreign Minister Penny Wong earlier this month, she said she had expressed "pretty clearly" to China how important Cheng’s case was, and that "Australians want to see a mother reunited with her children".

Over 2,300 people have been killed in Israel and Gaza in recent days following an unprecedented attack by Hamas, which prompted the Israeli Government to declare war.

Grave fears remain for the fate of more than 100 hostages taken by Hamas into Gaza. The UN has also expressed concern about civilian access to essentials in Gaza.

The region:
The actions of Hamas have been celebrated with public demonstrations in several neighbouring countries.

Iran has praised Hamas but denied responsibility for the attacks,

despite broad acceptance that they have long provided arms to Hamas.

In a televised speech, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said "we kiss the hands of those who planned the attack on the Zionist regime".

The conflict is likely to also put pressure on the governments of several Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, who have recently taken steps towards strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with Israel, moves unpopular among their citizens.

Egypt - the only other country besides Israel to share a border with Gaza - is seeking to act as a mediator. The World Health Organisation said Egypt would allow it to use the Rafah border crossing (between Egypt and Gaza) for the transport of humanitarian aid to civilians.

U.S. Government:
In a press conference, U.S. President Joe Biden described Hamas' actions as "pure, unadulterated evil," calling Hamas a "terrorist organisation... whose stated purpose for being is to kill Jews."

"This attack has brought to the surface painful memories and the scars left by a millennia of antisemitism and genocide of the Jewish people," Biden said, noting Holocaust survivors are among those currently held hostage.

In a press conference, U.S. President Joe Biden described Hamas' actions as "pure, unadulterated evil," calling Hamas a "terrorist organisation... whose stated purpose for being is to kill Jews."

"This attack has brought to the surface painful memories and the scars left by a millennia of antisemitism and genocide of the Jewish people," Biden said, noting Holocaust survivors are among those currently held hostage.

United Nations:
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has described the situation as an "explosive powder keg" and urged all parties to show restraint.

"We know how this plays out, time and time again - the loss of Israeli and Palestinian lives and incalculable suffering inflicted on both communities," Türk said.

Türk said it is "horrific and deeply distressing" to see images of hostages taken by Hamas, "as well as reports of killings and the desecration of their bodies." He added: "Civilians must never be used as bargaining chips."

He also said the UN had evidence of Israeli missiles hitting residential towers and schools in Gaza, killing civilians. He criticised reports Israel had shut off electricity, water, food and fuel supplies to Gaza, suggesting it risks "compounding the already dire human rights and humanitarian situation".

Australia:
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also condemned Hamas' actions, which she called "abhorrent".

"Whatever people's views about the history of this conflict, we can never condone the targeting of civilians and the taking of hostages."

Wong urged all parties to show restraint. "We understand that Israel has the right to defend itself... we would always continue to urge that civilian lives be protected and for de-escalation."

Elsewhere:
Europe is split over its response to the war. One European Union official said earlier this week the EU would suspend aid to Palestinians, but this was walked back after a backlash from several EU countries including Ireland. EU Foreign Policy chief Josep Borrell has accused Israel of making "some decisions [that] are contrary to international law".

Germany and Austria have suspended aid to Gaza and the West Bank.

China, which has had a recent active presence in the Middle East, has called for de-escalation using neutral language.

Get all the news you need to know today in your ears on The Daily Aus podcast!

The endangered Long-footed Potoroo has been discovered in NSW for the first time ever.

Potoroos were spotted by nine different infrared sensor cameras across a three-week period in a southern NSW forest. Concerns for the Potoroo were exacerbated after the 2019/20 bushfires, when 70% of their believed habitat was burnt. Potoroos are also known to exist in Victoria.

The discovery is said to have proved “how incredibly resilient the Potoroo is”.

Engine, engine number 9, on the New York transit line. If my train goes off the track, pick it up, pick it up, pick it up!

Sounding familiar? It’s throwing us right back to the golden era of RNB. Lucky for us, FRIDAYZ is here - it is without a doubt the greatest dance floor and karaoke session you’ll ever have. FRIDAYZ – powered by Macca’s is touring around Australia next month, and you’ll be seeing us there.

This isn’t like any other concert - you’ll experience over 6 hours of back to back party hits with live performances from Boyz II Men, Flo Rida, Kelly Rowland, Jojo, plus many more.

With the dulcet MC tones of Fatman Scoop and Abbie Chatfield taking you on the journey, this will be a gig to remember. All the tour and ticket information at fridayz.live. If you’re as passionate about clocking off for the weekend as we are, snap up your tickets now.

Absolutely every-property is what Vanessa Amorosi is after.

The Australian singer is suing her mother, Joyleen Robinson, over a property dispute.

The case began in 2021, with the ‘Absolutely Everybody’ singer also suing Robinson for withholding Amarosi’s earnings from her.

The legal action has named two properties, including one in California, where Amorosi currently lives, and another in Victoria, where Robinson lives with her husband.

Both homes were purchased through different trusts, one of which was managed by Robinson early in her daughter’s career. However, Amorosi is seeking independent control of her properties.

Amorosi’s lawyer, Philip Solomon KC told the court, "these are structures that were set up, Vanessa was told, for her benefit at a time during her career where she was extraordinarily successful and young."

Amorosi will appear in Victoria’s Supreme Court today as the matter continues.

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