Joe Biden has said he is considering a request from Australia to drop the prosecution of Julian Assange – the founder of Wikileaks.

Penny Wong, Australia’s foreign minister, has suggested the country could recognise Palestinian statehood, to increase momentum towards peace. However, Hamas could have no role in its governance, Wong said.

Australia’s leading television network has refuted claims that it engaged in the payment of sex workers and illegal substances to secure an interview with an alleged rapist. Former Seven Network producer Taylor Auerbach made the allegations while providing testimony in a defamation lawsuit.

Five packages wrapped in plastic, suspected to contain cocaine, have washed ashore on Sydney beaches. Discovered by beach visitors at Freshwater and Curl Curl on Monday, these parcels, totalling 5kg in weight, were confiscated by law enforcement.

Singer Taylor Swift’s father, Scott Swift, has been cleared of all charges after he was accused of assaulting a cameraman in Australia.

According to the beneficiary, Rolls-Royce, Aukus funding will help create more than 1,000 new jobs in Derby. The project will see the construction of new office space as well as manufacturing facilities.