Asian shares rise on optimism about US, China economies
Asian shares were mostly higher Wednesday as regional markets looked to strong economic signs out of the U.S. and China as drivers of growth.
Browsing Tag
Australia
Global shares mostly higher amid risks, volatility worries
Global shares mostly rose Tuesday, despite investor risk reflected in negative economic data out of China, and analysts warned that volatility may lie ahead.
Three shot dead on far off property in Australia
Australia after three individuals were killed and one more basically harmed in a shooting on a distant property
Australia’s Parliament considers lifting euthanasia ban
Another bill was presented in the Australian Parliament on Monday looking to lift a 25-year prohibition on specialists that helped bite the dust in two regions.
What are the 7 Continents of the World?
People tend to think of the seven continents in terms of large land portions. While this understanding is certainly helpful, there is much more to continents!
Australia submits more ambitious 2030 emissions target to UN
Australia´s new prime minister Anthony Albanese said he wanted Australia to "seize the opportunity that is there from acting on climate change
Japan, Australia agree to work for ‘free, open Indo-Pacific’ region
The defense chiefs of Japan and Australia on Wednesday vowed to continue their “close” bilateral coordination in what Tokyo called “regional engagement.”
Asian benchmarks decline after bear market hits Wall Street
Asian shares fell across the board Tuesday after Wall Street tumbled into a bear market, indicating that major U.S. benchmarks and individual stocks have fallen 20% or more from a recent high for a sustained period of time.
Australia swears in 1st indigenous judge of supreme court in Queensland
The first indigenous judge of Australia's Supreme Court in Queensland was sworn in on Monday, local media said.
Myanmar court gives go-ahead for Australian’s secrets trial
A court in Myanmar ruled Thursday that prosecutors presented sufficient evidence against ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Australian economist Sean Turnell and three other defendants to continue their trial on charges of violating the…
Pakistan pacer Hasnain cleared to bowl again
Pakistan paceman Mohammad Hasnain’s bowling action has been cleared and he can resume bowling in all forms of cricket.
Australia beats UAE 2-1, moves into World Cup playoff v Peru
A late deflected goal from Ajdin Hrustic secured Australia’s 2-1 win over United Arab Emirates in an Asian playoff Tuesday and set up an intercontinental showdown with Peru for a spot at the World Cup in Qatar.
Australian leader’s visit affirms deeper ties to Indonesia
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday looked to move beyond regional issues that have been key in his trips abroad by promoting the importance of building stronger economic ties with neighboring Indonesia.
Australia says a Chinese fighter jet intercepted its plane in May
Australia’s defence department says the Chinese fighter jet intercepted its military plane over the South China Sea on May 26.
Australia and India thank Quad for new free trade deal
India and Australia’s trade ministers say a shared security partnership with the United States and Japan has helped them strike a trade deal
Australia to increase spending on defense and security
Australia’s government will increase spending on defense and national security while reducing household expenses, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
Asian shares rise, eyeing Ukraine, inflation, energy costs
Asian shares were mostly higher Tuesday as investors eyed the war in Ukraine, inflationary risks and surging energy prices.
Pakistan labors to 18-1 after Australia sets huge target
Australia made early inroads after setting a huge target of 506 on Day 4 of the second cricket test against tired Pakistan.
Australian billionaires put more money into $15 billion solar power export project
Australia's two richest men joined a A$210 million ($152 million) capital raising for an ambitious project to supply Singapore
Pakistani student stabbed multiple times in Melbourne
Pakistani student, working as a part-time ride-share driver in the Australian city of Melbourne was stabbed multiple times
Flooded Australian towns brace for more rains, several people still missing
flooded regions in the country’s east, likely hampering relief efforts as defence personnel try to reach the worst-hit towns
Australian prime minister tests positive for Covid-19
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he has tested positive for Covid-19 and was experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever.
Sydney told to brace for heavy rains, floods in ‘one-in-a-one thousand’ year event
Sydney, home to more than 5 million people, and several neighbouring regions could receive up to 150 mm (6 inches) of rains
Australian ‘rain bomb’ floods claim sixth life
eastern Australia for the better part of a week, unleashing decades-high floods, inundating homes and roads, and sweeping away cars.
Biden hits Russia with tough export curbs, slashing access to global tech
Biden administration announced sweeping export restrictions against Russia on Thursday, hammering its access to global exports
Explains: UK-Australia reopens borders to tourists after nearly 2 Years
With coronavirus cases around the world witnessing a drop, the UK is set to scrap the remaining Covid-19 restrictions while Australia reopened its borders to tourists nearly two years after sealing it due to the pandemic.
Australia opened international tourists on Feb 21
MELBOURNE
Australia will welcome international tourists on Monday (Feb 21) after nearly two years of sealing its borders, relying on high COVID-19 vaccination rates to live with the pandemic as infections decline.
"The wait is over,"…
Australian PM terms China laser incident ‘intimidation’
Australian aircraft using military-grade lasers in 2019, when Australian Defence Force helicopters were illuminated over the South China Sea.
Australia ease more border reopening
SYDNEY
Singing and dancing will renew in clubs in Sydney and Melbourne from the moment, while utmost obligatory check- sways have been scrapped as officers lifted nearly all Covid-19 checks in Australia's biggest metropolises amid a steady…
Nursing student claims Apple Watch detected her thyroid condition months ahead of diagnosis
In yet another example of how the Apple Watch can benefit one's health, a nursing student in Australia has found a newfound use of the wearable. After she was diagnosed with a thyroid condition, the student realised that her heart rate…
Australia evacuates final Ukraine embassy staff
SYDNEY
Australia has directed all remaining embassy staff in Kyiv to evacuate, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said today, as Russia continued to build up troops on its border with Ukraine.
The evacuation follows similar announcements…
Australia lists koalas as endangered in two eastern states
SYDNEY
Australia today listed koalas along much of its east coast as endangered after the native marsupial's habitats were hit by prolonged drought, bushfires and developers cutting down trees.
Scientists and academics have been…
Tonga COVID-19 cases surge in wake of eruption
NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga
The Omicron coronavirus variant entered Tonga for the first time in the wake of last month's volcanic eruption, officials confirmed on Thursday (Feb 10), as the number of COVID-19 cases in the kingdom almost doubled to…
Australia to reopen borders to double-vaccinated international arrivals: Prime Minister Scott…
CANBERRA
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday announced that the country's international borders will reopen to tourists starting from February 21, provided that the arriving individuals are double vaccinated.
"I know…
Australia urges Myanmar to free detained economist
SYDNEY
Australia's foreign minister called on Sunday (Feb 6) for the "immediate release" of economist Sean Turnell, who has been detained by Myanmar's military junta for the past year.
Turnell, an Australian economics professor, was…
Australian mining billionaire files lawsuit against Facebook over scam ads
SYDNEY
Iron ore magnate Andrew Forrest said on Thursday (Feb 3) he is launching criminal proceedings against Meta Platform Inc's Facebook in an Australian court, alleging that it breached anti-money laundering laws and its platform is…
Protests, citizenship festivities mark Australia Day
Thousands rallied against the mistreatment of Indigenous people across Australia on Wednesday as citizenship ceremonies took place to mark the country's national day intended to celebrate the birth of modern Australia.
The January 26…
Western Australia state to stay shut as Omicron stalks the east
SYDNEY
The state of Western Australia has cancelled plans to reopen its borders on February 5 citing health risks from a surge in Omicron cases elsewhere in the country, as the tally of coronavirus cases since the pandemic began topped 2…
Australia’s Indo-Pacific fortunes are in Biden’s hands
Susannah Patton
Australia and China both had diplomatic wins in Southeast Asia this year, particularly through the region’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Both Canberra and Beijing upgraded its ties with ASEAN to…
Australia rules out lockdowns
SYDNEY
Australia must move past “the heavy hand of government” and authorities must stop shutting down people's lives with Covid-19 lockdowns, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said today, as daily infections in the country shot up to a new…
Australia’s New South Wales tops 3,000 daily COVID cases
SYDNEY
New COVID-19 cases in Australia’s most populous state surged past 3,000 on Tuesday for the first time, adding pressure on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to speed the rollout of booster shots.
New South Wales state reported a…
Australia set England record target to win 2nd Ashes test
ADELAIDE, Australia
Australia have set England a record target of 468 runs to win the second Ashes test in Adelaide after declaring its second innings at 9-230 during the middle session on day four.
First-innings centurion Marnus…
Australia mourns child victims of bouncy castle accident
SYDNEY
Christmas lights have been turned off and a candlelight vigil was held in the Australian town where five children died after falling from a bouncy castle that was lifted into the air by a gust of wind.
Three children were still…
Australia, Britain sign free trade agreement
SYDNEY
Australia and Britain signed a free trade agreement Friday that will eliminate almost all taxes on exports between the countries.
The FTA was signed at a virtual ceremony by Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan in Adelaide and…
4 children die in bouncy castle accident in Australia
SYDNEY
Four children died and four others were in critical condition after falling from a bouncy castle that was lifted 10 meters (33 feet) into the air by a gust of wind at a school on Australia’s island state of Tasmania on Thursday.…
Australian state on edge about Omicron virus variant arrival
MELBOURNE
Health officials in Australia’s most populous state have begun urgent testing after two people who arrived on a flight from southern Africa overnight tested positive to the coronavirus, raising concerns that a newly detected,…
Calm returns as clean-up begins in Solomon Islands
MELBOURNE
Soldiers and police from Australia and Papua New Guinea were helping to restore calm in the Solomon Islands as clean-up operations started, after several days of rioting left three dead and led to dozens of arrests, local media…
Australia sets out travel curbs from virus-hit southern Africa
MELBOURNE
Australia today imposed new restrictions on people who have been in nine southern African countries, as the new Omicron variant of Covid-19 raises concerns about a further wave of the pandemic.
Effective immediately, the…
Sheffield Shield match postponed after Will Sutherland tests positive for COVID-19
Sydney
The Sheffield Shield fixture between New South Wales and Victoria slated to start on Friday has been postponed after Will Sutherland returned a positive result for COVID-19.
The game was scheduled to begin on Friday morning…
Australia lifts international journey ban
Australia will raise a ban on citizens traveling overseas without permission, the authorities announced Wednesday, with the country's border set to open to skilled workers and international students by the year's end.
More than 18 months…
Australian coalition support for net-zero 2050
MELBOURNE
The junior partner in Australia’s coalition governments stated on Sunday it will provisionally help a net zero emissions goal by 2050, giving Prime Minister Scott Morrison a green mild to take the country’s updated climate…
Australia sets Aus$1m reward for missing four-year-old
SYDNEY
Australian authorities yesterday offered Aus$1 million (US$750,000) for information leading to the discovery of a missing four-year-old girl feared abducted from a remote campsite last weekend.
Cleo Smith disappeared from her…
Sydney ends lockdown after 4 months
SYDNEY
Sydneysiders defied grey skies and drizzle to celebrate the end of almost 4 months of lockdown on Monday, hoping to put behind them a period of "blood, sweat and no beers" in Australia's biggest city.
Sydney's more than five…
How China flights near Taiwan inflame tensions
A recent spate of Chinese military flights off southwestern Taiwan has prompted alarm from the island, which Beijing claims as its own, and is increasing tensions in a region already on edge.
The flights are one piece of a complex puzzle…
French ambassador says Australia ‘childish’ to keep US subs pact secret
CANBERRA
Australia’s assertion that it could not inform France of its top-secret talks with the United States and Britain to build nuclear submarines is “childish”, the French envoy to Canberra said today.
Australia walked away from a…
Return of French ambassador to aid repair of bilateral relationship, Australia says
CANBERRA
Australia’s Foreign Minister Marise Payne said on Thursday the return of France’s ambassador to Canberra will help restore relations between the two nations which have been damaged when Australia canceled a US$40 billion (RM167…
EU, Australia trade talks postponed amid subs row
SYDNEY
A long-planned round of Australia-EU free trade talks have been postponed, a European official confirmed today, after fury over Canberra’s decision to cancel a major French submarine contract.
“The FTA trade round has been…
Australia’s International borders to reopen November
SYDNEY
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday (Oct 1) announced an 18-month ban on Australians traveling abroad is lifted from next month, easing one among the toughest Covid-19 restrictions imposed globally.
Reopening the…
Quad coordinate diplomatic, economic, human-rights policies towards Afghanistan
Washington
The first-ever in-person Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) Summit, leaders of the Quad nations during a joint statement said they're going to closely coordinate diplomatic, economic, and human-rights policies towards…
PNG envoy calls for strong bilateral ties
NEW DELHI
"There is need to strengthen cordial relations between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and India. This will help in both the countries mutually," said the PNG's High Commissioner to India Paulias Korni.
Speaking at the 46th National…
New South Wales show what Australia was like before it existed
Australia could be a worn-down continent, rubbed away to hot brown stubs by many years of tectonic battering, floods, winds, and sun. But here and there are lush green pockets, landscapes of unimaginable age linger on.
We're talking…
Tensions grow as US, allies deepen Indo-Pacific involvement
BANGKOK
With increasingly strong talk in support of Taiwan, a new deal to supply Australia with nuclear submarines, and the launch of a European strategy for greater engagement in the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. and its allies are becoming…
Melbourne anti-lockdown protests as daily Covid-19 cases hit
SYDNEY
Police in Melbourne prepared for the fourth day of anti-lockdown protests on Thursday (Sept 23) and a vaccination hub within the city closed after protesters allegedly abused staff, while Covid-19 cases across the state of…
Australia plans to open its international border
CANBERRA
Australia plans to open its international border by Christmas at the latest, unwinding one of the world's strictest controls on overseas travel since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
Australians are going to be able to travel…
Magnitude 5.8 earthquake causes some damage in Australia
MELBOURNE, Australia
A magnitude 5.8 earthquake caused damage in the city of Melbourne on Wednesday in an unusually powerful temblor for Australia.
The quake hit northeast of Australia’s second-most populous city near the town of…
Asian shares mostly lower after mixed trading on Wall Street
Asian shares were mostly lower on Wednesday after major indexes ended mixed on Wall Street.
Benchmarks fell in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Taiwan but rose in Sydney. Markets in South Korea and Hong Kong were closed for holidays.
The Bank of…
Philippines supports Australia nuclear sub pact to counter China
MANILA
The Philippines is backing a new defense partnership between the US, Britain, and Australia, hoping it can maintain the balance of power within the Indo-Pacific region, a view that contrasts sharply with some of its neighbors.…
5 things Biden heads to the UN
President Biden will address the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday for the primary time as president as world leaders take in new York City in the week .
The meeting comes as Biden faces outrage from France over a replacement…
France upset about a new security pact between US, UK, and Australia
France isn’t the only country upset about a new security pact between the US, UK, and Australia: Some Southeast Asian nations also are worried the partnership could provoke China and spur a regional race.
The so-called AUKUS partnership,…
Australia had ‘deep and grave concerns’ over French submarines: Prime Minister Scott Morrison
MELBOURNE
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Sunday (Sept 19) that the French government would have known Canberra had “deep and grave concerns” about French submarines before the deal was torn up last week.
France is…
Chinese embassy Australia rejects “unfounded accusations” against China
SYDNEY
The Chinese embassy in Canberra said it rejects "unfounded accusations" against China made by the defense and foreign ministers of Australia and their United States counterparts after annual talks in Washington.
A statement…
New Zealand’s policy on nuclear arms remains unchanged, Says Prime Minister
Wellington
New Zealand won't change its policy on prohibition of nuclear-powered submarines, the country’s prime minister said on Thursday, as Australia joined the US and UK during a security pact to accumulate nuclear submarines.…
Australia upgrade to nuclear-powered submarines in new security partnership with Britain, US
WASHINGTON
In the most important move between the three countries in decades, and a pointy signal that defence in Asia and therefore the Indo-Pacific is being beefed up against what's seen because of the threat of a rising China,…
Afghan female football teams arrived in Pakistan, will seek political asylum in UK, US and Australia
Afghanistan’s youth women's football team players alongside their families have arrived in Pakistan and can seek political asylum in third countries amid concern over the status of female athletes under the new Taliban government in Kabul.…
Myanmar court moves venue for secrets trial of Australian
BANGKOK
A court in Myanmar has agreed to change the venue for the trial of an Australian economist and adviser to ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi on charges of violating the nation’s official secrets law, lawyers said Tuesday.…
Australian ministers will embark on joint visits to Indonesia, India, South Korea, US
Canberra, Australia
Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Peter Dutton will be visiting Indonesia, India, South Korea, and the United States, Australia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
This…
Twitter starts subscription service in Canada, Australia
Twitter is rolling out a subscription service, starting in Canada and Australia, that offers perks like an undo button for subscribers.
The “Twitter Blue” subscription service will offer features that users have long asked for — but…
Australian court upholds laws against foreign interference
CANBERRA, Australia
A Chinese-born political adviser on Wednesday lost his challenge in Australia’s highest court against laws banning covert foreign interference in domestic politics.
John Shi Sheng Zhang also lost his High Court…
Australia plans big defense and security investments
CANBERRA, Australia
The Australian government released a big-spending economic plan for the next fiscal year on Tuesday that includes hefty investments in defense and national security as relations with China worsen.
The government…
Australia scraps state’s Belt and Road deal with China, Beijing rails at…
Sydney
Australia said Wednesday it would revoke a state government's deal to join China's Belt and Road Initiative because it was inconsistent with the nation's foreign policy -- prompting an angry response from Beijing.
Canberra last…
‘Incredibly relieved’: Australian couple released from detention in Myanmar
An Australian couple has been freed from house arrest in Myanmar and allowed to leave the country without charge, one of the two business consultants said on Sunday.
Christa Avery and her husband Matthew O’Kane were refused permission to…
Philippines deploys more navy ships to disputed sea amid row with China
Manila
The Philippine military ordered the deployment of more navy ships to the South China Sea Thursday amid a growing diplomatic row over a fleet of Chinese boats parked near a disputed reef.
China claims almost the entirety of the…
‘So bad for you’: doctors flee crisis-hit Lebanon
Beirut
US-trained emergency doctor Nour al-Jalbout wanted desperately to serve her fellow Lebanese, but less than two years after returning home she says the country's catastrophes are forcing her to leave.
"I gave everything I had to…
Women in Australia protest against sexual misconduct
Tens of thousands of women across Australia have turned out to protest against sexual misconduct and harassment in the country, local media reported on Tuesday.
The protest began in response to recent allegations of sexual assault by…
Dozens of refugees released after years detained by Australia
Brisbane, Australia
Australia has freed dozens of refugees after holding them in detention for years under a policy designed to deter people from seeking asylum in the country, advocates said Tuesday.
More than 60 refugees were…
Australia passes landmark law requiring tech firms to pay for news
Sydney
Facebook and Google will be forced to pay for Australian news under legislation passed Thursday that is being closely watched globally for precedents in the battle between Big Tech and media companies.
The world-first law…
Australia halts advertising campaign on Facebook
The Australian government has stopped its advertising campaign on Facebook after the social media giant blocked users in the country from viewing or sharing news content on the platform, local media said on Monday.
Finance Minister Simon…
Australian journalist arrested in China for ‘supplying state secrets’
SYDNEY
An Australian journalist who disappeared from Chinese state television's airwaves six months ago and was detained by Beijing authorities has been formally arrested for "supplying state secrets overseas".
Australian Foreign…
Biden has to be firm against Myanmar for strategic benefits
Clementine Bizot and Phar Kim Beng
In light of Joe Biden's clear intention to hold the Democracy Summit, upon his victory on Nov. 3 2020, which would be modelled on the Nuclear Security Summit of the Obama administration, Biden is not…
Wildfire in west Australia burns more homes in dry wind
PERTH, Australia
More than 70 homes have been lost in a wildfire outside Australia’s western city of Perth that is expected to continue burning for days.
The fire had razed more than 9,000 hectares (22,200 acres) of farm and woodland…
Microsoft backs Australian plan to make Google pay for news
CANBERRA, Australia
Microsoft said on Wednesday it supports Australia’s plans to make the biggest digital platforms pay for news and would help small businesses transfer their advertising to Bing if Google quits the country.
Microsoft…
Microsoft seeks to fill void if Google exits Australia: reports
Sydney, Australia
Microsoft has a "Plan B available" if Google follows through on threats to leave Australia over plans to compel digital giants to pay news organisations for content, local media reported Monday.
Australia's…
Google threatens to pull search engine in Australia
Google on Friday threatened to make its search engine unavailable in Australia if the government went ahead with plans to make tech giants pay for news content.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison quickly hit back, saying “we don’t…
US asks Australia to scrap proposed social media law
The United States has asked Australia to step back from its proposed law against Facebook and Google, local media reported on Tuesday.
In a letter from the Executive Office of the US President, Washington expressed concern over…
Wildfires, forest fires around world in 2020
The year 2020 saw many massive wildfires and forest fires around the world, including the Australian bushfires which started last year and continued until March, while the US state of California was also hit by blazes that left many dead.…
Thailand approves transfer of 3 Iranians as Australian freed
BANGKOK
Thai officials said Thursday they approved the transfer back to Tehran of three Iranians who were involved in a botched 2012 bomb plot, as Iran released a 33-year-old Australian academic who was imprisoned for more than two years…
US, Australia, India, Japan discuss China’s growing power
TOKYO
Japan’s new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said Tuesday at a meeting with the U.S. and other diplomats that their “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” initiative, a concept to counter China’s growing assertiveness, is more important than ever…
Still no cause for mass pilot whale stranding in Australia
HOBART, Australia
The reason for Australia’s biggest mass whale stranding will probably remain a mystery but the social nature of the species involved may have played a part, a marine mammal specialist said Saturday.
Officials said 108 of…
Australian think tank finds 380 detention camps in Xinjiang
CANBERRA, Australia
China appears to be expanding its network of secret detention centers in Xinjiang, where predominantly Muslim minorities are targeted in a forced assimilation campaign, and more of the facilities resemble prisons, an…
Commonwealth Bank of Australia expects steady policy rates in October
SYDNEY
Economists at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) CBA.AX expect the country's central bank to hold interest rates at a record low 0.25% at its Oct. 6 board meeting, in contrast to calls for a cut from its two major rivals.…
Australia plans disposal of hundreds of stranded whale carcasses
SYDNEY
Australian officials were planning the grim task of disposing of almost 400 whale carcasses on Thursday as hopes faded there would be many more survivors of one of the world’s biggest mass strandings of the mammals.
Rescuers had…
Australia’s Westpac agrees to $920 million fine over exploitation payments
SYDNEY
Australia's Westpac Banking Corp WBC.AX agreed on Thursday to pay a record A$1.3 billion ($920 million) fine to settle a lawsuit accusing it of enabling millions of payments to people exploiting children, closing off its darkest…
Israel to extradite woman to Australia in child sex case
JERUSALEM
An Israeli court on Monday approved the extradition of a former teacher wanted in Australia on charges of child sex abuse, paving the way for her to stand trial after a six-year legal battle.
Malka Leifer, a former educator who…
Whale swims free of crocodile-filled Australian river
CANBERRA, Australia
A humpback whale has found its way back to sea weeks after it got lost in a murky, crocodile-infested river in northern Australia.
There have been no previous recorded sightings of whales in remote East Alligator River…
Australia pays $3.7 M to help news agency though pandemic
CANBERRA, Australia
The Australian government on Friday announced a 5 million Australian dollars ($3.7 million) grant to the national news agency as part of pandemic-related assistance to regional journalism.
Australian Associated Press…
Australia to amend law making Facebook, Google pay for news
CANBERRA, Australia
The author of proposed Australian laws to make Facebook and Google pay for journalism said Thursday his draft legislation will be altered to allay some of the digital giants’ concerns, but remain fundamentally…
UN: World lost 100m hectares of forest in two decades
The world has lost nearly 100 million hectares of forests in two decades, marking a steady decline though at a slower pace than before, a UN agency reported Tuesday.
The proportion of forest to total land area fell from 31.9% in 2000 to…
Australia minister warns foreign journalists amid China spat
SYDNEY
A senior Australian government minister on Sunday warned foreign journalists working in the country they might come under the scrutiny of federal agencies if they provide a “slanted view” of Australian affairs.
Home Affairs…
Facebook threatens to block news distribution in Australia
SAN FRANCISCO
Facebook threatened to block Australian publishers and individuals from sharing news stories on its platform in reaction to an Australian measure that could require it to compensate media organizations for its use of their…
China considers imposing tariffs on Australian wine
CANBERRA, Australia
China on Tuesday began investigating whether Australia is dumping wine in a trade dispute that further strains relations between the countries and could shut the biggest export market for Australian wine.
The Chinese…
Virgin Australia plans to shed staff under new US owners
CANBERRA, Australia
Virgin Australia plans to scale down its operations under new U.S. owners and shed a third of its staff as the carrier adjusts to the pandemic, the nation’s second-largest airline said on Wednesday.
The Brisbane-based…
Gymnastics Australia asks human rights group to probe abuse
MELBOURNE, Australia
Complaints by at least 20 former Australian gymnasts about physical and mental abuse during their careers has prompted Gymnastics Australia to ask a human rights group to investigate.
The gymnasts, including Olympic…
Australian posts record number of new virus cases
Melbourne, Australia
Australia on Monday posted its highest number of new coronavirus cases since the pandemic began, even as officials expressed hope outbreaks in locked-down Melbourne may have peaked.
A day after Australia reported its…
Fear of Chinese justice at core of Hong Kong concerns
HONG KONG
With Britain the latest country to scrap its extradition treaty with Hong Kong, the focus in the semi-autonomous city has returned to the concerns about China’s legal system that sparked months of anti-government protests last…
Australia ends Hong Kong extradition treaty, extends visas
CANBERRA, Australia
Australia’s prime minister says his country has suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and extended visas for Hong Kong residents in response to China’s imposition of a tough national security law on the…
Australia: Victoria-New South Wales border to be closed
Australia's state of Victoria is set to deal with an economic fallout as a dramatic spike in coronavirus cases has forced the administration to renew restrictions, local media reported on Monday.
The state's domestic economy will shrink by…
Australian PM seeks voter redemption in by-election
Sydney, Australia
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will on Saturday vie to secure a 100-year first by winning a seat from the opposition at a by-election, a contest that will test how well voters believe his government has handled…
Australia to deploy 1,000 troops to Melbourne virus outbreak
Melbourne, Australia
Australia's military announced Thursday it would send 1,000 troops to Melbourne in an effort to help contain the country's only significant coronavirus outbreak over fears of a second wave.
Victoria state has seen a…
Australian leader says unnamed state increasing cyberattacks
CANBERRA, Australia
Australia is under increasing cyberattack from a “sophisticated state-based cyber actor,” the Australian prime minister said Friday.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison would not name the state, and he said he made the…
Facebook rejects call to share revenue with Australian media
Sydney, Australia
Facebook on Monday rejected calls from the Australian government and news companies that it share advertising revenue with the media, suggesting it would rather cut news content from its platform.
The US tech giant said…
Australian police arrest two after Captain Cook statue defaced
Sydney, Australia
Australian police said they arrested two women after a statute of British explorer James Cook, captain of the first Western ship to reach the east coast of Australia, was defaced early on Sunday in Sydney.
New South…
Thousands gather for Black Lives Matter rallies in Australia
SYDNEY
Protests went ahead in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in far-flung parts of Australia on Saturday against the advice of government and health authorities but on a significantly smaller scale than the previous weekend,…
Australian PM draws criticism for ‘no slavery in Australia’ comment
Sydney, Australia
Australian officials warned Black Lives Matter supporters they could be arrested if they breach coronavirus restrictions to take part in public protests, as debate erupted over the country's own indigenous history.
Prime…
COVID-19, racism further ramps up China-Australia diplomatic tensions
BEIJING
China told students on Tuesday to be "cautious in choosing to study in Australia" citing concerns about the coronavirus and racism, further ramping up diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Canberra.
The advisory was the latest…
10-foot great white shark kills surfer in Australia
SYDNEY
A 60-year-old surfer was attacked and killed by a 3-meter (10-foot) great white shark off the coast of northern New South Wales state on Sunday, officials said.
The man received a bite to the back of his thigh and was brought to…
Protests support Floyd, Black Lives Matter on 3 continents
BERLIN
Tens of thousands of people gathered Saturday in cities far from the United States to express their anger over the death of George Floyd, a sign that the Black Lives Matter movement against police brutality is resonating with wider…
China urges citizens to shun Australia as dispute simmers
BEIJING
China is advising its citizens not to visit Australia, citing racial discrimination and violence against Asians, in what appears to be Beijing’s latest attempt to punish the country for advocating an investigation into the…
Indo-Pacific figures prominently in discussions between PM Modi, Scott Morrison
New Delhi
The Indo-Pacific figured prominently during discussions in the first virtual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison with the two countries also deciding on a joint declaration on…
Tensions mar Paris protest as Floyd outrage goes global
PARIS
Tear gas choked Paris streets as riot police faced off with protesters setting fires Tuesday amid growing global outrage over George Floyd’s death in the United States, racial injustice and heavy-handed police tactics around the…
China uses trade as weapon to silence virus criticism
WELLINGTON, New Zealand
Trying to silence criticism over the coronavirus pandemic, China is deploying a well-used weapon — trade sanctions.
Beijing has blocked some imports of Australian beef after Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s…
Australia’s Victoria state to reopen classrooms earlier than expected
SYDNEY
Australia’s second-most populous state will resume face-to-face teaching from May 27, weeks earlier than expected, after a school shutdown to halt the spread of the new coronavirus, Premier Daniel Andrews said on Tuesday.
The state…
Australia ‘not too far away’ from easing restrictions
Australia is “not too far away” from easing the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, the country’s premier said on Wednesday.
“Australia was on the road back to an economy safe from COVID-19 and that success could mean easing restrictions…
New Zealand tames virus; France, Spain reveal lockdown exits
PARIS
France and Spain, two of the worst-hit countries in the coronavirus pandemic, were laying out separate roadmaps Tuesday for lifting their lockdowns, while signs emerged that the virus has been all but vanquished in New Zealand and…
Virgin Australia airline seeks bankruptcy protection
CANBERRA, Australia
Virgin Australia, the nation’s second-largest airline, announced Tuesday it had entered voluntary administration, seeking bankruptcy protection after a debt crisis worsened by the coronavirus shutdown pushed it into…
Australia to make Google and Facebook pay for news content
CANBERRA, Australia
Global digital platforms Google and Facebook will be forced to pay for news content in Australia, the government said on Monday as the coronavirus pandemic causes a collapse in advertising revenue.
Treasurer Josh…
Australia to see 25-year high in unemployment: Report
Australia will face 25-year highs in unemployment as the country falls into recession amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, new data released by country's treasury suggests.
"The economic shock facing the global economy from the coronavirus…
Infected Antarctic cruise passengers return to Australia
SYDNEY
More than 100 Australian and New Zealand passengers of the Antarctic cruise ship the Greg Mortimer, most of whom infected by the coronavirus, arrived in Melbourne early Sunday on a flight from Uruguay.
The plane with 112…
Bleaching on Great Barrier Reef more widespread than ever
BRISBANE, Australia
An aerial survey of the Great Barrier Reef shows coral bleaching is sweeping across the area off the east of Australia for the third time in five years.
Bleaching has struck all three regions of the world’s largest…
Australia launches criminal investigation into virus-hit cruise ship docked in Sydney
Sydney
Australian authorities launched a criminal investigation on Sunday into a COVID-19 infected cruise ship which was allowed to dock in Sydney before releasing thousands of passengers directly into the community.
Since the Ruby…
Australia begins animal trials for COVID-19 vaccine
Australia's science agency announced on Thursday it has begun trials on ferrets to produce a vaccine against the novel coronavirus.
A statement released by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) -- the…
G20 coronavirus plan focuses on poorer countries’ debt problems
The Group of 20 major economies said on Tuesday that they would present a coronavirus action plan in two weeks to address the debt vulnerabilities of the poorest countries and deliver financial aid to emerging economies.
G20 finance…
Australia to promise wage subsidies in bid to shelter economy from coronavirus: sources
SYDNEY
The Australian government will on Monday promise to subsidize employee wages for up to six months, two sources familiar with the plan said, as it seeks to shelter the country’s economy from the impact of the global coronavirus…
Australia PM says social distancing helping to slow coronavirus spread
MELBOURNE
Australia’s rate of the spread of the novel coronavirus has halved in recent days, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Sunday as he announced an additional A$1.1 billion ($680 million) to expand telemedicine care and other…
Australian football leagues play on amid outbreak
SYDNEY
Australia pressed on with matches in its three main football leagues on Saturday, playing in empty stadiums in an effort to halt the spread of the coronavirus.
The National Rugby League, soccer’s A-League and Australian Rules…
Australia’s Bondi Beach closed after crowds defy coronavirus rules
MELBOURNE
Australian officials closed Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on Saturday after thousands of people flocked there in recent days, defying social distancing orders to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, amid an unusually warm autumn…
Prosecutor says Australian cardinal’s convictions must stand
CANBERRA, Australia
A prosecutor argued in Australia’s highest court Thursday that Cardinal George Pell’s convictions for child sex abuse should stand and what may be his final appeal should be rejected.
Pope Francis’ former finance…
Australia’s High Court to hear Pell abuse appeal Wednesday
CANBERRA, Australia
The most senior Catholic to be convicted of child sex abuse will take his appeal to Australia’s highest court on Wednesday in potentially his last bid to clear his name.
Cardinal George Pell was sentenced a year ago to…
Deere taps tractor-hailing tech in bid to break ground in Africa
NANYUKI, Kenya/JOHANNESBURG
It’s ride-hailing, farm style. Deere & Co. (DE.N) is teaming up with the “Uber of tractors” in Africa and betting on a future where farmers summon machines with the touch of a button.
The world’s leading…
Koala Losses “Spectacularly Huge” as Scientists Warn of Local Extinctions Within 30 Years
Koalas have been significantly impacted due to the summer’s unprecedented bushfire crisis and accompanying drought, prompting warnings from scientists that the beloved marsupial could face extinction in parts of Australia within the next…
GM plans to pull out of Australia, New Zealand and Thailand
DETROIT
General Motors decision to pull out of Australia, New Zealand and Thailand as part of a strategy to exit markets that don’t produce adequate returns on investments raised dismay Monday from officials concerned over job losses.
The…
Deluge in Australia drenches fires and eases 3-year drought
WELLINGTON, New Zealand
Drought, wildfires and now flooding have given Australia’s weather an almost Biblical feel this year. The good news is that a recent deluge in eastern parts of the country has drenched deadly fires and helped ease a…
New virus has infected more than 17,300 globally
A viral outbreak that began in China has infected more than 17,300 people globally.
Cases confirmed as of Monday morning in Beijing:
China: 17,205 cases on the mainland. In addition, Hong Kong has 14 cases and Macao has seven. Most of the…
Senior Australian minister resigns after public funds used to target marginal electorates
MELBOURNE
A senior Australian lawmaker resigned from her leadership roles on Sunday amid anger after an independent audit found money from a A$100 million ($68.39 million) sport development fund was used to target votes ahead of last…
Koalas, wallabies endangered by Australia bushfires ‘ecological disaster’
MELBOURNE
The Australian government committed A$50 million ($34.58 million) to an emergency wildlife recovery program on Monday, calling the bushfires crisis engulfing the country “an ecological disaster” that threatens several species,…
Australian ‘megablaze’ brought under control
Exhausted firefighters said they had finally brought Australia's largest "megablaze" under control Monday, as wet weather promised to deliver much-needed respite for countryside ravaged by bushfires.
New South Wales firefighters said they…
‘Get out’: Australians urged to flee as huge bushfires revitalize
SYDNEY
Australian authorities urged nearly a quarter of a million people to evacuate their homes on Friday and prepared military backup as soaring temperatures and erratic winds were expected to fan deadly bushfires across the east coast.…
2019 ‘warmest’ for bushfire-battling Australia
Australia witnessed its "warmest year on record" in 2019, apparently causing the ongoing bushfires across the country, Canberra said Thursday.
"The mean temperature for the 10 years from 2010 to 2019 was the highest on record, at 0.86 °C…
Australians on SE coast urged to flee as fire risk escalates
TOMERONG, Australia
Residents in the path of wildfires razing southeast Australia were urged to evacuate on Thursday if they don’t intend to defend their homes as hot and windy conditions are forecast to escalate the danger over the next…
Some commercial airlines reroute flights amid Mideast risks
NEW DELHI
Some commercial airlines on Wednesday rerouted flights crossing the Middle East to avoid possible danger amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.
Australian carrier Qantas said it was altering its London to…
Oil up, stocks down after Iran missile attack on US troops
BEIJING
Oil prices rose and Asian stock markets fell Wednesday after Iran fired missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of an Iranian general.
Brent crude futures, the benchmark for international oils, spiked more…
Australian family’s fortress no match for rapacious fires
BALMORAL, Australia
With flames climbing as high as a 15-story building and menacing his supposedly fireproof home on three sides, Justin Kam ran to the laundry room and opened the door. Inside was fire.
That’s not supposed to happen, he…
Brave Dogs Saving Koalas From Australia’s Deadly Wildfires
Australia is having one of the worst bush fire seasons in memory. The fires have ripped through more than 6 million hectares (14.8m acres) of land in the states of New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria.
At least 25 people have died so far and…
Australia commits billions of dollars to wildfire recovery
SYDNEY
Australia’s government on Monday said it was willing to pay “whatever it takes” to help communities recover from deadly wildfires that have ravaged the country.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the government was committing an…
Australia begins damage assessment amid temporary respite from bushfires
SYDNEY
Australian authorities began assessing the damage on Sunday from heatwave-spurred bushfires that swept through two states a day earlier, as cooler conditions provided a temporary respite from blazes that have scarred the country’s…
Australian PM calls up reservists as fire threats escalate
SYDNEY:
Australia’s prime minister called up about 3,000 reservists on Saturday as the threat of wildfires escalated in at least three states, while strong winds and high temperatures were forecast to bring flames to populated areas…
Weather raises Australia’s fire danger
SYDNEY:
Navy ships plucked hundreds of people from beaches and tens of thousands were urged to flee Friday before hot weather and strong winds in the forecast worsen Australia’s already-devastating wildfires.
More than 200 fires were…
Australian authorities steer mass evacuation as wildfires raze holiday towns
BATEMANS BAY-MELBOURNE: Tens of thousands of holiday makers raced to evacuate popular seaside towns on Australia’s east coast on Wednesday, fleeing ahead of advancing bushfires, as military ships and helicopters began rescuing thousands…