1. Luke Batty coronial inquest
The Victorian Coroners Court inquest into the death of 11-year old Luke Batty will begin today.
Luke was killed by his father in February at a cricket oval in the Victorian town of Tyabb.
Nine News reports that State Coroner Judge Ian Gray will focus on the final 18 months of Luke’s life during the inquest.
He will examine what police and the Department of Human Services knew about the family violence threat posed by Luke’s father Greg Anderson and what they did in response.
2. Himalayas snow storm
The death toll from a devastating snowstorm in Nepal’s Himalayas has climbed to 43 in the worst trekking disaster ever to hit the country.
Rescuers say they have now completed their search for survivors.
The BBC reports that the focus now is on recovering bodies buried in the snow.
Several Australians are still unaccounted for in the area.
Fairfax Media reports that while DFAT says it is not aware of any Australians dead or missing in Nepal, the family and friends of almost two dozen trekkers, including a father and daughter, say they have not been able to make contact with their loved ones.
3. Joshua Hardy murder
The father of Darwin man Joshua Hardy who was killed outside a McDonald’s restaurant in Melbourne on Saturday night has pleaded with other families to tell each other of their love.