Received

Will Smith could be suspended or even expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences after it initiated disciplinary proceedings against him for slapping presenter Chris Rock at Sunday's Oscars ceremony.

It came as Rock performed stand-up comedy for the first time since the incident, telling a Boston audience he was still processing what happened but he would talk about it "at some point".

The academy's board of governors met on Wednesday to begin action against Smith for violating the organisation's standards of conduct.

Discipline for Smith could include suspension, expulsion or other sanctions, the academy said.

Smith remained seated in the front row after the incident, and the academy suggested it attempted to remove the actor from the audience.

"Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated," the academy said.

"While we would like to clarify that Mr Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognise we could have handled the situation differently."

After Smith struck Rock in response to a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, several stars including Denzel Washington, Bradley Cooper and Tyler Perry spoke with the 53-year-old Smith.

Within an hour, Smith won best actor for King Richard, receiving a standing ovation. During his acceptance speech, Smith talked about defending his family and apologised to the academy.

The academy said Smith had the opportunity to defend himself in a written response before the board met again on April 18.

The film academy earlier condemned Smith's onstage assault of Rock, but it used stronger language on Wednesday.

"Mr Smith's actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in person and on television," the academy said.

"Mr Rock, we apologise to you for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience in that moment. We also apologise to our nominees, guests and viewers for what transpired during what should have been a celebratory event."

A representative for Smith didn't immediately respond to messages.

Smith on Monday apologised to Rock, the academy and to viewers, saying: "I was out of line and I was wrong."

Addressing audiences at the top of his show in Boston on Wednesday night, Rock said: "How was your weekend?"

He was greeted by thunderous applause and he told the audience "I'm still kind of processing what happened", according to audio posted by Variety.

He also tamped down audience expectations that he would talk at length about the slap: "I don't have a bunch of s*** about what happened, so if you came to hear that, I have a whole show I wrote before this weekend.

"I'm still kind of processing what happened.

"So, at some point I'll talk about that s***. And it will be serious and funny."

"We love you," someone shouted at one point, eliciting cheers.

Only a small number of academy members have been expelled, including Harvey Weinstein, Roman Polanski and Bill Cosby.

© AP 2022

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is due to address Australia's parliament as Russia's bombardment on the outskirts of Kyiv continues.

Ukraine's ambassador-designate to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko - who arrived in Sydney on Saturday after escaping Kyiv - expects the president will repeat calls to establish a no-fly zone over Ukraine during his speech.

The ambassador said Ukraine is concerned Russian missiles could inadvertently hit one of the country's five nuclear power plants, threatening the rest of Europe.

"If we have a no-fly zone (over parts of Ukraine) this is what is going to protect the sky and this is what is going to protect the safety and security of the entire Europe," he told ABC Radio on Thursday.

"Despite any news that there is any progress in the peace negotiations we are very sceptical about the true nature and true intentions of Russia."

Mr Myroshnychenko says Australia should expel the Russian ambassador to send a statement of support for Ukraine.

"Every time I watch these harrowing pictures and footage from Ukraine (of bombings) ... I believe that the Russian ambassador should be expelled," he said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese will both speak ahead of Mr Zelenskiy's address on Thursday.

The prime minister said the president would undoubtedly make more requests for support and Australia would respond in a practical way.

"Australians have been inspired by President Zelenskiy's resilience and courage, as he, his government and the people of Ukraine defend their homeland against Russia's brutal, illegal and unjustified invasion," Mr Morrison said in a statement on Thursday.

"Australia stands with Ukraine against Russia's aggression."

The address comes a day after the Australian Senate passed a motion condemning Russia and countries facilitating the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine through economic and military support.

Australia is providing $91 million in military assistance, $65 million in humanitarian assistance and 70,000 tonnes of thermal coal to meet Ukraine's energy needs, as well as temporary protection visas and support for Ukrainian community groups in Australia.

There are also targeted sanctions on individuals and entities, the prohibition of energy, oil and gas products from Russia, and a ban on exports of alumina and bauxite to Russia.

The listing of more than 500 individuals and entities is the largest-ever imposition of sanctions by Australia against a single country.

Mr Zelenskiy's address will take place in the House of Representatives at 5.30pm AEDT on Thursday via video link.

It is expected to be attended by members of the Ukrainian-Australian community as well as ambassadors from various countries.

with Reuters

© AAP 2022

Rescuers are still searching for a missing aged-care nurse whose car became trapped in floodwaters, as the flood levee continues to spill in the already devastated NSW regional city of Lismore.

Anita Brakel, 55, became trapped in her white Holden station wagon at Monaltrie, south of Lismore, about 10pm on Tuesday.

No trace of Ms Brakel or her car has been recovered despite searches involving Police Rescue, Water Police and NSW SES volunteers.

A public appeal for information was launched on Wednesday.

Anger is growing in the community about the response from official agencies about the flood risk in the Northern Rivers.

"I was incredibly disappointed with the instructions from the SES," Lismore resident Nancy Casson told the Nine Network.

"We had an evacuation and then a non-evacuation, and then an evacuation again. I was so confused.

"I don't know what is lacking in their instructions to us. I don't know why they constantly get it wrong."

Major flooding was continuing in Lismore on Thursday morning, with the Wilsons River likely to continue spilling over its levee until Thursday afternoon, when river levels should begin to ease.

The river peaked on Wednesday at 11.4 metres, just below a predicted 12 metre high.

Further south, major flooding is expected at Ulmarra and Maclean from Thursday morning, and at Grafton on Thursday afternoon as the Clarence River peaks at about 5.7 metres.

On the Mid North Coast, the Bellinger River peaked on Wednesday, while moderate flooding continues in Thora and Bellingen.

Kempsey is also experiencing moderate floods on Thursday. Similar conditions are likely at Smithtown, with the Macleay River likely to hit 6.3m in the city.

Meanwhile, Flood Recovery Minister Steph Cooke urged people donating to flood victims to use official channels so people on the ground do not become overwhelmed with items.

Some 54,000 items worth about $620,000 have been handed over through the non-profit organisation GIVIT since March when flooding began.

"The best way people can help communities in times of need is via the official donation channels," Ms Cooke said.

The NSW government's arrangement with GIVIT means councils, charities and community groups can ask for what is needed, and GIVIT allocates those resources through their warehouses.

© AAP 2022