Australian navy pilots have been targeted by lasers in the South China Sea. Navy helicopters were temporarily forced back to their ship, according to military sources, so that pilots could receive medical check-ups following a series of laser attacks. Australian warships were completing a major regional exercise known as Indo-Pacific Endeavour. The defence department is yet to formally comment.
The prime minister's new ministry will be sworn in at Government House in Canberra this morning. Scott Morrison's new cabinet line-up includes a record number of women — including Nationals deputy Bridget MacKenzie as the country's first female agriculture minister. Other key allies were promoted with two senior senators — Arthur Sinodinos and Mitch Fifield — picked for diplomatic postings.
An Australian remains in intensive care after being rescued near the summit of Mount Everest. Gilian Lee from Canberra was part of a group of climbers scaling the Tibetan side of the mountain when he fell ill before attempting the summit and collapsed not far from the peak. Twelve people have died in the last week trying to reach the summit with a record number queueing in human traffic jams along the route.