Pacific
Australia: vital defence pact under threat
The critical Aukus defence pact, agreed by Australia in 2021 with the USA and UK, to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, faces uncertainty as Donald Trump’s administration reviews its alignment with the ‘America First’ agenda.…
Australia: Albanese secures re-election with landslide majority
Anthony Albanese has defied the ‘incumbency curse’, securing a historic landslide re-election for Australia’s Labour Party. At the start of the year polls had put Albanese's popularity at record lows, but he led…
Australia: two beaches closed due to toxic foam
Two beaches in South Australia have been closed after dead fish and an off-white foam appeared onshore, while surfers reported feeling unwell. Authorities suspect that a microalgal bloom, fuelled by unusual weather, has…
Australia: first man with artificial heart is discharged from hospital
A medical milestone has been achieved: the first patient implanted with a durable artificial heart has been discharged from hospital. BiVACOR, a titanium mechanical blood pump, was successfully implanted in a man suffering…
Australia: is increased anti-semitism being funded from abroad?
Australia is investigating allegations that foreign funding is fuelling a rise in anti-Semitic crimes. Prime minister Anthony Albanese revealed suspicions that criminals-for-hire who lack ideological motives are being paid to commit these acts.…
Australia: plans to cut numbers of international students drastically
Australia, which currently has one of the biggest international student markets in the world, is to introduce a cap on new enrolments, limiting them to 270,000 in 2025, as part of efforts to…
Australia: severe medical conditions affect success of visa applications
When Luca was born in Perth two years ago, his parents were devastated by his diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. Australia's strict immigration policies then compounded their distress by denying their permanent residency, deeming…
Australia / New Zealand: mixed feelings as China’s PM visits
A visit to New Zealand and Australia by China's PM Li Qiang, starting on 13 June, will be marked by regional security concerns overshadowing trade ties. China is Australia's largest trading partner, particularly…
Australia: two stabbings in Sydney
Sydney is reeling after two knife attacks within three days. At Bondi Junction, Joel Cauchi, who had a history of mental illness, killed six people and injured others. At a church in Wakeley,…
New Zealand: ban on e-cigarettes announced
Responding to concerns over the rapid rise in youth vaping, prime minister Christopher Luxon’s government plans to ban the use of disposable e-cigarettes by minors and increase penalties for anyone selling them to…
