Sydney Harbour is set to host the trial of Australia's first locally designed and manufactured electric ferry, after contracts were signed to begin construction on the landmark vessel. Tasmanian shipbuilder Richardson Devine Marine will commence work on the new ferry later this year, marking another step in the NSW Government's push toward cleaner public transport.

A new $10.7 million national biosecurity platform will help scientists and researchers across Australia identify pest and disease threats faster, strengthening protections for the country's vital primary industries. The NSW Government is spearheading the development of Biosecurity Trakka, a five-year partnership that aims to modernise Australia's plant biosecurity systems.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) – Turkey is back in the World Cup for the first time since 2002 and, despite the long absence, captain Hakan Calhanoglu has made some bulletin-board worthy comments about his team’s first opponent.

BEIRUT (AP) – The Lebanese army on Saturday withdrew its troops from a base in a southern Lebanese village after Israeli troops advanced in an area nearby, a military official said. Israel’s military appears to be trying to make as many gains as possible in case a U.S.-Iran agreement is reached to end the war in the region, which is likely to include Lebanon.

The New South Wales Government is set to introduce a suite of tougher laws aimed at dismantling organised crime networks, including stronger penalties for public shootings, firebombings, the use of so-called "kill cars" and the recruitment of children into criminal activity.

Motorists across New South Wales who forget to renew their vehicle registration will soon receive a text message reminder, as the State Government rolls out new measures aimed at reducing accidental unregistered driving. The Minns Labor Government has announced the introduction of SMS notifications for drivers whose registration has expired.

A major contractor involved in the Western Sydney Airport Metro project has been removed following a wide-ranging probity investigation into subcontracting and labour supply practices, with the findings now referred to police and multiple integrity agencies.

After Labor targeted the threat of One Nation in a recent appeal to supporters for donations, the insurgents played tit for tat. One Nation on Wednesday launched its own fund-raising campaign around the slogan "Fire the Liar". By evening it claimed to have raised well over $1 million, rising fast.