Hello, it's Monday, October 31. Here's what you need to get caught up on today's news.
One thing to know: An Australian killed in the Seoul crowd crush has been identified
The family of 23-year-old Sydney woman Grace Rached has confirmed she was killed in the Halloween crowd crush overnight on Saturday.
In a statement, Ms Rached's family described her as a "gorgeous angel" with an infectious smile, a role model who cared deeply about her two sisters, and a talented film producer passionate about making a difference.
"Grace always cared about others and she was loved by all," the statement said.
At least 150 people were killed and more than 130 were injured in the chaos — it's estimated that 100,000 people packed into the Itaewon neighbourhood to celebrate Halloween weekend.
Caroline Kennedy spoke to the ABC about her ambassadorship
In an exclusive interview — her first with Australian media since her arrival from the US — Ms Kennedy said it was an important time to be an ambassador.
The US has a keen strategic interest in the Indo-Pacific region, as it continues to wrestle with China for geopolitical control.
"The region has faced increasing tensions. I know that, since I served [as US ambassador] in Japan," Ms Kennedy said.
"But America has, for the past 75 years, worked really hard to support the rules-based order that's lifted millions of people out of poverty and really has supported peace and stability throughout this region."
As for settling into Australia with her first sausage sizzle, the daughter of famous US president John F Kennedy said she was "honoured" to be in Australia.
"America doesn't have a stronger, closer ally," she said.
The news Australia is searching for
Melbourne Cup: Tomorrow the 2022 Melbourne Cup will be run at 3pm AEDT at Flemington and it's shaping up to be wet and cold at the track.
Here's the lowdown:
- Rain is expected to continue overnight and into the morning
- The weather bureau's Miriam Bradbury said there could also be a "chance of small hail with any showers that do move through"
- Meanwhile, the Victoria Racing Club said it doesn't think the forecast will deter punters from showing up to tomorrow's cup, which will be the first in three years without pandemic restrictions on crowds
- Three-time Melbourne Cup winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy — who will ride favourite Deauville Legend — said he hoped it won't be raining tomorrow, because his horse isn't used to racing on a wet, heavy track.
News you might have missed
- The first day of royal commission hearings into the Robodebt scheme has heard the Commonwealth government was warned about potential legal problems relating to how income was to be calculated, two years before the scheme began operating
- The mother of Cassius Turvey has called for calm in the community ahead of nationwide vigils planned after the West Australian Aboriginal teenager's death
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A jury has found 72-year-old John Bowie guilty of murdering his wife, Roxlyn, in Walgett, north-west New South Wales, in 1982. Her body has never been found.
That's it for now
We'll be back tomorrow with more.
ABC/wires
