SBS News In Depth

Despite record numbers of displaced people worldwide, resettlement options are facing a critical decline - global impacts including shrinking legal pathways, slashing of admission numbers and funding cuts to agencies. But for the first time, a new community-led initiative will support LGBTIQ+ refugees to apply for Australia’s humanitarian program - offering dedicated support for priority processing.

The US and Israel have launched an attack on Iran, with the first apparent strike happening near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has responded with missile strikes across the region. Israel and the US say the objective of the operation is to put an end to the threat from the Ayatollah regime in Iran.

Thousands have attended this year's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, 48 years since the first gay rights parade in Australia in 1978. Australia's biggest celebration of the LGBTIQ-plus community took place days after an announcement that the historic parade route will be added to Australia's National Heritage List.

A new survey by financial comparison website CanStar has found that many Australian households are currently worried or have concerns about future energy bill payments as federal rebates run out this year. This is in addition to an underlying price increase in household electricity bills. Over the last month, they've risen by approximately 4.5% according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. CanStar's Data Insights Director, Sally Tindall spoke to SBS's Cameron Carr about what the latest data is showing.

Fifteen years after a devastating earthquake in New Zealand left 185 people dead, scientists are on guard, ready to spot an impending disaster. In the control rooms at Earth Sciences New Zealand headquarters, seismologists are continuously analysing data from a network of 700 detectors looking for warning signs of an imminent quake.

A hotline offering multi-lingual support for refugees who’ve fled war, violence and persecution has expanded nationwide. As global conflicts grind on, experts say demand is soaring. A warning: the following story contains details that may distress some listeners.

Hear from Block CEO Jack Dorsey as he explains why the company is cutting nearly half of its workforce; SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Omkar Joshi from Opal Capital Management about the future of AI and the impact on stocks. Plus Australia Post CEO Paul Graham details the group's digital transformation plan as it records a fall in profit.

Mardi Gras is an occasion for celebration - a time to party for LGBTIQ+ communities. But Mardi Gras events can also invite risky behaviours. There are higher rates of substance use in LGBTIQ+ communities compared to the general population, coupled with a reluctance to seek help from healthcare professionals. Experts are calling for stronger investment in culturally safe care to improve access to appropriate support.

Political pressure is intensifying over the release of Jeffrey Epstein investigation files as Hillary Clinton appears before U-S leaders, and Democrats accuse the Justice Department of withholding key records.

The Australian government is reviewing its formal designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, following the expulsion of Iran's ambassador over allegations of foreign interference and state-sponsored violence. Testimony from experts and former detainees highlights a catastrophic human rights situation, including systematic repression of universities and a nationwide death toll reported to be in the tens of thousands.

With the Russian Army losing an estimated 30 to 50,000 ((30,000 to 50,000)) soldiers per month, Russia is reportedly using recruitment scams to lure in men from across Africa. Offered enticing salaries and told to sign a contract in Russian, officials say economic incentives and the exploitation of vulnerable people are driving recruitment.

Hear from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on why he thinks huge capital expenditure on AI technology will continue as SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Heath Moss from HLM Investments about the days market action including a recovery in tech stocks and a look at Qantas' half-year results. Plus Erin Kitson from S&P Global explains how borrowers are likely to cope with rising interest rates.

Can Ukraine hold the line as US support wavers going into a fifth year of fighting Russia’s full-scale invasion? Plus, an explosion of violence in Mexico after the killing of brutal cartel boss ‘El Mencho’ - will calm be restored in time for the World Cup? The US Supreme Court takes down Trump’s tariffs and POTUS uses his high-stakes State of the Union address to accuse Somalis of fraud

As the United States amasses more warships and aircraft in the Middle East than the world has seen in decades, the possibility of a regional war appears ever-more threatening. There are fears the dispute between the two nations could flare up into a far-reaching conflict, on the eve of a third round of talks between the United States and Iran in Geneva over the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.

The emergency evacuation of the Prime Minister from his Canberra home due to a targeted bomb threat has prompted warnings of a heightened security environment, where online hostility is increasingly manifesting as high-harm physical threats. It follows comments by the Federal Police Commissioner late last year, noting a trend of escalating violence against public officials.

For international students studying in Australia, accessing healthcare is often seen as too expensive - or too confusing to navigate. But a new initiative - designed by international students FOR international students - aims to make services easier to find, while breaking down taboos around sexual and mental health.

During the longest State of the Union address in history, United States President Donald Trump has declared the U-S is in its "golden era," with him at the helm. The almost two-hour long speech was filled with dramatic moments, as the President boasted about his successes and outlined his agenda for the coming year.

Hear from Wisetech CEO Zubin Appoo as he explains why 2000 jobs will go at the company as AI hits its workforce; SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Francesco De Stradis from Ord Minnett to find out the implications for the broader market; plus Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell on how the supermarket operator is winning back consumer trust.

Questions over the British Royal line of succession are emerging after the UK government pledged to introduce laws to remove ex-prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line. However, as the potential future King of 14 Commonwealth countries, the process to remove the former prince is not as simple as stripping his title.

As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth year, international pressure is intensifying to end the conflict. The European Union is finalising its 20th sanctions package against Russia, while the United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly backed a resolution supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

The Federal Government has moved to the next stage of Australia's inaugural high-speed rail project, launching a two-year development phase for the Sydney-to-Newcastle link. Construction is slated to begin in 2028. While the project faces a nearly $90 billion price tag and public scepticism over its long history of delays, proponents argue the 180-kilometre network will eventually transform regional housing and productivity across the entire East Coast.

Dr Jamal Rifi is an Australian doctor who has travelled to Syria to try and bring home a group of Australian women and children being held in an IS-group detention camp. The federal government has been adamant it will not help with the group's repatriation, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said any of those who do return will face charges if they are found to have broken Australian law. Dr Rifi has with him passports for the cohort of women and children which have been issued by Australian authorities. He also has another passport in his possession-- for an Australian man Yusuf Zahab, who was thought to be dead, until the SBS Dateline program revealed in 2024 he was alive and in a Syrian prison. Dr Jamal Rifi spoke with SBS Chief Political Correspondent Anna Henderson from an undisclosed location.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Mike Jenneke from UBS Wealth Management about the day's market action including investors’ renewed AI fears; plus Stephanie Youssef talks with Jame Koval from ASFA to find out how much you need for a comfortable retirement.

Australians are being urged to reconsider travelling to Mexico after a deadly surge in cartel violence triggered by the killing of a notorious drug lord known as El Mencho. The leader of one of the country's largest cartels was fatally wounded during a military raid in Jalisco, sparking coordinated retaliatory attacks that have killed at least 25 members of Mexico’s National Guard as well as several civilians.

The European Union has paused the ratification of a US-EU trade agreement after a US Supreme Court ruling and new tariff threats cast doubt on the deal. As Donald Trump threatens new sweeping tariffs, European politicians say they can't move forward until clarity is provided.

A Senate inquiry into housing affordability has heard urgent calls for tax reform, with advocates warning that current capital gains concessions favour wealthy investors while locking the younger generation out of the property market. The Australian Council of Trade Unions argues that reducing these tax breaks could boost home ownership by four per cent. The Grattan Institute maintains the primary benefit would be a $6.5 billion budget windfall to fund public housing and support struggling renters.

As Ukraine enters its fifth year of war, another round of talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine could be held at the end of this week. Ukraine, Russia and the United States have held several rounds of talks in Abu Dhabi and Geneva; as Washington seeks an end to four years of war since Moscow's 2022 full-scale invasion. But how close is a real peace deal?

Travel experts have raised concerns about new border rules for Australian travellers who hold dual British or Irish nationality. From February 25, dual citizens who can't present a valid British or Irish passport are at risk of being refused entry to the UK. The new regulations are causing widespread confusion, with many not even aware of their links to the country.

Four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war shows no sign of abating, with mounting casualties, continued strikes on civilian infrastructure and faltering ceasefire efforts. As global tributes mark the February 24 anniversary, calls are growing for stronger international action to apply pressure to Russia and bring an end to Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.

An armed man was shot and killed after breaching the security perimeter of United States President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. With the suspect now deceased and no motive established, the FBI says an active investigation is underway.

The first museum in New South Wales dedicated to the history of Chinese people in Australia has opened in the heart of Sydney's Chinatown. The Museum of Chinese in Australia [[MOCA]] dedicates its stories to some of Australia's earliest migrants - preserving Chinese history and culture in the country.

This week will mark four years since Russia began its full scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, experts say President Vladimir Putin has intensified efforts in his ongoing campaign to quash dissent and political opposition - many resistance leaders and activists inside Russia, jailed - or dead.

In turbulent political times, stability comes with four legs, whiskers and a fondness for napping. Larry the Cat has celebrated 15 years as the British government's official rodent-catcher and unofficial first feline, a reassuring presence who has served under six prime ministers.

The University of Melbourne Student Union is preparing to release the findings of its fourth report on racism on campus. The union's president, Lushy Chinganya, explains what it found and how it connects with the latest Human Rights Commission report on the same issue.

The Acknowledgement of Country has been translated into 40 languages as part of a project led by Dr Elaine Laforteza. She explains how it started and the vision for what comes next.

Australian and Indian drowning prevention experts have come together for a two-day workshop to explore new ways to reduce drowning deaths in both countries. Drowning causes tens of thousands of deaths a year in India, and in Australia, experts say the Indian diaspora is among groups that are worryingly over-represented in the country's drowning fatalities. Through exchanging ideas and building stronger cultural knowledge, workshop participants have explored new, sustainable ways to improve water safety.

Australian restaurants and cafes are in crisis, according to a new report. Rising costs and falling revenue have forced one in ten food service outlets to close over the past year. However, one Australian couple has found ways to survive and thrive.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Marcus Bogdan from Blackmore Capital on the day's market action, including a wrap of the major profits and a look at the latest US trade figures.

A United Nations fact-finding mission in Sudan has found the 18-month long siege and subsequent capture of El-Fasher in the Darfur region, last October, bears evidence of genocide. The United States, in response, has imposed sanctions on paramilitary commanders. But experts are calling for far stronger global response, to stop the violence from continuing.

The fallout continues after One Nation leader Pauline Hanson suggested earlier this week that there are no "good" Muslims. The Australian Federal Police says it has received reports of a crime in relation to comments made by Ms Hanson.

United States President Donald Trump has held the inaugural meeting of his so-called "Board of Peace", pledging AU$14.2 billion for the reconstruction of Gaza. Boasting his role as a peacemaker while leveling fresh threats against Iran, Donald Trump says the board will help achieve peace in the Middle East.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has become the first senior British royal in modern times to be arrested. The 66-year-old was arrested by police on suspicion of misconduct in public office, after it was alleged he sent confidential government documents to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

A WARNING THAT THIS STORY MAY BE DISTRESSING FOR SOME LISTENERS The New South Wales government is investigating the circumstances surrounding the escape of two patients from the same hospital, who days later were allegedly involved in separate incidents where three people died. Mental health professionals say it's again thrown the state's mental health care crisis into the spotlight.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Hugh Lam, CFA from Betashares for his take on the markets as the ASX200 hits another record high, the jobless rate remains at 4.1% and takes a look at the latest company profit reports.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has blocked the immediate return of an Australian woman from Syria via a temporary exclusion order. It follows what the government is calling its no assistance policy for 34 citizens recently turned back by Syrian authorities. While the Prime Minister insists those who joined the IS Group must live with their choices, legal and human rights experts argue that abandoning children and coerced women in detention camps poses a greater long-term radicalisation risk than bringing them home to Australia.

The holy month of Ramadan is underway, with Muslims around the world marking Iftar - the first day of the fasting period. In Australia, venues are catering to the growing number of observers, opening their doors until long after sunset and into the early hours of the morning.

Marco Rubio sends mixed messages to Europe, Israel starts registration of large areas of the occupied West Bank and how new is Bangladesh’s new government? Plus, Chinoys celebrate lunar new year in the Philippines and Cocaine Sharks coming to waters near you.

Australia’s road toll is rising, and new warnings suggest the country is drifting away from its goal of halving deaths by 2030. More than thirteen hundred people were killed on Australian roads last year, with early 2026 figures showing little sign of improvement. Industry leaders and victim advocates are calling for urgent action, from safer street design to changes in driver behaviour, as families continue to live with the consequences of road trauma every day.

Religious leaders and academic experts have faced a New South Wales parliamentary inquiry into a proposed law to combat right wing extremism. This, as the state government introduced the crime amendment bill following a neo-nazi protest outside state Parliament in November last year. The Law and Safety committee have been investigating the risks posed by certain groups, and are looking into the best ways to counter it.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has partially walked back anti-Muslim comments she made earlier this week, but has refused to offer a full apology. The backlash against Senator Hanson's comments continues from all sides of politics, with Labor and Coalition politicians condemning the remarks. Australia's Islamophobia envoy has invited Senator Hanson to an Iftar dinner during the holy month of Ramadan, where he encourages her to ask questions directly.