Blazes in the state of Victoria have destroyed hundreds of structures, including homes, and killed one person, the authorities said.

Hate speech and gun control laws proposed by the Australian government in the aftermath of the Bondi Beach mass shooting were criticised by conservative opposition and Greens parties on Thursday, putting in question whether they can pass.

Temperatures rose as much as 34 degrees above average in Victoria, Australia, where wildfires have already destroyed 750,000 acres and more 100 homes and buildings. It is the worst heat wave for the country since the catastrophic wildfires of 2020.