The World Today

The Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has again indicated that the freeze on the Medicare rebate for GPs is under review, as the Government prepares the federal budget. The ABC has been told the Government is determined to demonstrate its commitment to Medicare, in the wake of last year's federal election. The AMA says it's had encouraging discussions with Mr Hunt. The Government has also announced plans to allow private companies to import and store stocks of medicinal cannabis while local production is developed.

Ben Oakley, is a 21-year-old man who suffers from a rare, one-in-a million neurological disease called stiff-person syndrome. He uses cannabis oil, which he's been forced to buy on the black market. He and his family are among the growing band of campaigners pushing for reform. His father Michael says the government's plans to import medicinal cannabis are a good first step, but he predicts the demand for the product will outstrip the supply.

In yet another blow to manufacturing in South Australia, Coca Cola Amatil has announced it will close its bottling facility in 2019. Staff were told the news this morning, which will leave 180 people at the Adelaide bottling plant, out of work. The company says the closure will save it $20 million, and it has plans to spend another $90 million upgrading its Richlands plant in Queensland.

Official figures confirm it remains as hard as ever to land a pay rise in Australia. The latest data show wages growth remains at record lows. The data release came just hours after the head of the Reserve Bank warned that households are in danger of getting in over their heads financially, as personal debt levels soar.

Seven West chairman Kerry Stokes and director Jeff Kennett have been criticised by a NSW Supreme Court judge for their public comments that vilified former employee Amber Harrison. Giving his reasons for extending a gag order against Ms Harrison, Justice McDougall said Mr Stokes and Mr Kennett 'has descended into accusation and counter accusation' and that comments from Mr Kennett on Twitter were 'not well advised'.

There is intense debate in Melbourne today about the operations of Essendon airport. Ambulance aircraft and charter services are based at the site which is close to the large shopping complex and homes. Yesterday, a plane carrying five people crashed into the DFO centre, killing the pilot and a group of American tourists.

The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set foot on Australian soil and met with Australia's Malcolm Turnbull. The two leaders have discussed security matters and how there can be greater collaboration on cyber security. A joint press conference has just been held where Mr Turnbull has reaffirmed Australia's support of a two state solution.

Amnesty International has released its annual report on the state of human rights around the world, and is warning that creeping 'us versus them' rhetoric is generating hate and fear. Australia has been labelled as complacent when it comes to world leaders and politicians accused of creating division and fear.

The Trump administration has issued new guidelines designed to make it easier to deport illegal immigrants from the US. Undocumented immigrants arrested for even minor offences, such as traffic violations, will now be targeted, along with those convicted of more serious crimes. The guidelines don't change existing US laws, but take a much tougher approach towards enforcing them.

From the stands or the couch it looks like an effortless way to start the game, but AFL umpires say the game's iconic bounce is crippling them. The Umpires' Association says the bounce is extremely taxing on their bodies, leaving many with chronic pain and some even seeking surgery. For years, the AFL's defended the technique, which it says is sacrosanct and here to stay. But umpires say that might mean there won't be any referees left to perform the controversial move in the years to come.