9:45 am today

Australia: Liberals' deadline flub, Dutton defends

From Nine To Noon, 9:45 am today
Australian Minister of Defense Peter Dutton speaks at a news conference with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austinat the State Department in Washington, DC on September 16, 2021. (Photo by Andrew Harnik / POOL / AFP)

Photo: AFP

Australia correspondent Chris Niesche details how the Liberal Party managed to miss a deadline to file election nominations in New South Wales - meaning more than 100 candidates won't be able to run for council.

It could result in legal action, after a request from the party's state president for an extension was denied.

Meanwhile Liberals' leader Peter Dutton has rejected claims he's racist, over his stance on Palestinian refugees from Gaza.