Australians will go to the polls on May 18, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced, adding that voters "now is not the time to turn back" to Labor.
The election will pit Morrison against Bill Shorten, a former labour union leader.
Arthur Stevens reports from Melbourne:
US snatches airman from Iran as Trump, Israel ratchet up pressure
US special forces rescued a downed airman in Iran in a complex operation that averted a potential crisis for President Donald Trump, as the war entered its sixth week with little sign of progress in diplomatic efforts for a resolution.
Oman, Iran hold talks on ensuring transit through Hormuz
Oman and Iran have held talks at the deputy foreign minister level to discuss options for ensuring the smooth transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, Oman's Foreign Ministry wrote on X on Sunday.
Israeli strike kills four Palestinians in Gaza, medics say
An Israeli airstrike killed four Palestinians in the northern Gaza Strip on Sunday, local health authorities said, in the latest violence to overshadow a fragile ceasefire amid a new push by mediators to bolster the agreement.
Kuwait says Iranian drones hit two power and desalination plants
Two power and water desalination planets in Kuwait have suffered "significant damage" after Iranian attacks early Sunday, its state media confirmed.
Bahrain's Gulf Petrochemical says fire under control after drone attack
Bahrain's Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company said a fire at its operating units after an Iranian drone attack was brought under control, the state news agency reported on Sunday.
UAE air defences detected and successfully intercepted 9 ballistic missiles, 1 cruise missile and 50 drones launched from Iran on Sunday, the Ministry of Defence confirmed.
Authorities in Abu Dhabi are responding to multiple fires at the Borouge Petrochemicals Factory on Sunday due to fallen debris from air defence interceptions.
Dubai Police has seized 1,230 vehicles and issued 33,372 fines as part of a campaign targeting disruptive driving in residential areas, the force said on Sunday.
