Barack Obama is urging the United Nations not to back a bid to declare a Palestinian state. The US president has told the UN General Assembly that talks with Israel are the only way to achieve a Palestinian state. The president has held talks with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and he'll also meet Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in New York later today. 

 

Federal Parliament could vote on proposed changes to migration laws today. The Federal Government has brought forward debate on amendments to allow asylum seekers to be processed offshore. The Opposition says the decision is nothing more than a political stance. It's refusing to support the changes, ensuring they will be defeated in Parliament. 

 

Gay rights campaigners are celebrating a victory after Tasmania's Lower House backed same-sex marriage. The non-binding motion calls on the Federal Government to take action on the issue by the end of the year. But the Catholic Church is urging the Federal Government not to give in to pressure to change the law.