Image: Australia India Sports Excellence Forum in Gujarat (Source: X)
In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral sports cooperation, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, and Gujarat Minister for Sports, Harsh Sanghavi, joined Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, at the inaugural Australia-India Sports Excellence Forum in GIFT City, Gandhinagar.
The two-day forum, a joint initiative of the Australian and Gujarat governments, aims to foster collaboration in key sporting areas, including elite talent development, sports science, private sector engagement, and major event management. With India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics, the discussions have taken on added significance.
Welcoming the delegation, Australian High Commissioner Philip Green highlighted the deep sporting connections between the two nations.
“Australia and India share a passion for sport, and this forum is a natural extension of that relationship. It is with these people-to-people links in mind that we are building partnerships—to make the most of our values and rivalry, to enhance our competitiveness and our sporting culture.”
Bilateral exchanges are great opportunities for the countries to brainstorm, idea exchange and work towards mutual and shared vision. Passion for sports is a common thread that connects India & Australia .
Union Minister Raksha Khadse echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of bilateral exchanges in sports development.
“Passion for sports is a common thread that connects India and Australia. This historic forum expands our partnership beyond cricket and hockey into elite athlete development, sports infrastructure, and investment in sporting industries.”
As India moves towards its goal of hosting the 2036 Olympics, Khadse emphasised the role of such forums in achieving sporting excellence. “With initiatives like Khelo India, TOPS, Fit India, and ASMITA, we are building a robust sporting ecosystem under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji,” she said, adding that collaboration with Australia will help integrate best practices into India’s sporting framework.
In his speech, High Commissioner Green also highlighted Australia’s Olympic expertise and its willingness to support India’s Olympic aspirations.
“Australia, a country of only 26 million people, was fourth on the Paris 2024 medal table. Over the next two days, we will discuss how our expertise in elite sports development and major event hosting can contribute to India’s journey towards the 2036 Games.”
The forum brought together top decision-makers from both nations, including Kieren Perkins, CEO of the Australian Sports Commission; Robyn Smith OAM, Governing Board Member of the International Paralympic Committee; Simon Hollingsworth, CEO of Athletics Australia; and David Pryles, CEO of Hockey Australia. On the Indian side, key officials such as Colonel N S Johal, CEO of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme; Adille Sumariwala, President of the Athletics Federation of India; and Sandip Sagale, Director General of the Sports Authority of Gujarat are actively participating.
— Australian Consulate General, Mumbai (@AusCG_Mumbai) March 4, 2025
Gujarat Minister Harsh Sanghavi underscored the state’s commitment to sports development, noting Gujarat’s successful hosting of the 2022 National Games and its continued investment in sports infrastructure. “India and Australia share a rich history of sporting excellence, and this forum provides an exceptional platform to further strengthen our sporting ties,” he said.
“It is an exciting new chapter in our shared commitment to elevating sports, empowering youth, and promoting healthy competition on the global stage.”
Strengthening Sports Ties Between India & Australia!
Attended the Australia-India Sports Excellence Forum. This prestigious event, organized in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat, the Australian Consulate-General (Mumbai), and Australian authorities, served as a… pic.twitter.com/ioXSFxi0Kk
While focusing on athletic development, the forum also delves into the broader sports ecosystem, including sports tourism, trade, and private-sector investment. Discussions include the role of sports science, inclusivity in sports, and leveraging corporate engagement to enhance athlete performance.
It is with these people-to-people links in mind, that we have come today to build partnerships, to make the most of our values and rivalry, to enhance our competitiveness and our sporting culture. #AUSINDsportsForum#SportsDiplomacy@AusCG_Mumbai@ausport
High Commissioner Green noted that Australian firms are already contributing to India’s sporting landscape, citing Populous’ involvement in designing the Narendra Modi Stadium and the presence of Deakin University, which is exploring further sports education opportunities in India.
This first-of-its-kind forum marks a turning point in Australia-India sports cooperation. The event builds upon the commitment made by Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Albanese at the 2024 India-Australia Annual Summit, where both leaders underscored the potential of sports as a key pillar of bilateral relations.
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Image: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Queensland Premier David Crisafulli (Source: X)
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reassured residents of southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, stating, “We are prepared. We will get through this – together,” as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches the east coast.
I want residents in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales to know that we are prepared. We will get through this – together. pic.twitter.com/wCHzoagD8F
Earlier Albanese, posting on X, highlighted the government’s commitment to community safety, stating that the Australian Defence Force is on standby to assist with personnel and vehicles, and additional sandbags have already been delivered.
With Tropical Cyclone Alfred bearing down on the east coast, we are taking action to help communities prepare.
The Australian Defence Force is ready to assist with personnel and vehicles and we've delivered additional sandbags this morning.
During a briefing at the Queensland Disaster Coordination Centre, alongside Premier David Crisafulli, Albanese received updates on preparations from emergency services. The cyclone, expected to bring heavy rain, destructive winds, and severe flooding, has prompted authorities to issue flood warnings from the Mary River to the border.
We’ve been working with all levels of Government to prepare for this cyclone.
Premier Crisafulli urged Queenslanders to make evacuation plans, especially for those in storm tide zones and flood-prone areas. Evacuation centres are now open, and emergency services are going door-to-door to advise affected residents. With the storm set to hit late Thursday into Friday morning, Crisafulli emphasized the importance of staying informed and taking necessary precautions.
“While it’s a rare event for southeast Queensland, we are prepared and confident that Queenslanders will handle it,” said Crisafulli.
“It’s crucial that everyone, particularly in high-risk areas, remains vigilant and follows evacuation advice if necessary.”
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is still a threat and continues to track towards the Queensland coast.
Please keep preparing and stay informed in the lead up to this weather event. pic.twitter.com/gpHzzh4Ni7
The storm is expected to cause major disruptions, with schools closed tomorrow and Friday, public transport services halting from Thursday, and some roadways and bridges closing. Queensland’s health and emergency services are also on high alert, with additional resources in place to support recovery efforts once the storm passes.
Severe Weather Update: Tropical Cyclone Alfred moving more slowly towards the coast.
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) March 6, 2025
Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels, including the Queensland Disaster Management website, and follow advice to ensure their safety.
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Image: Jimmy from Solomon Islands is one of PB Agrifood and Labour Solutions' most productive and enthusiastic workers despite having a hearing impairment (Source: Facebook / PALMscheme-PB Agrifood and Labour Solutions)
By Huiyuan (Sharon) Liu and Toan Nguyen
PART 1
The first topic in our Understanding Pacific communities in Australia blog series was the age profiles of migrants from Pacific countries (including Timor-Leste). We compared them to those from Western and other countries in Australia. We found that the average Pacific migrant is younger than those from Western countries due to a shorter stay in Australia, but older than the typical non-Western migrant due to a longer stay.
The second topic we will examine is the labour-market outcomes of Pacific migrants in Australia. We are publishing our findings from an analysis of Australian Census data in two parts, with Part 1 covering income levels and employment status for those aged 25 to 59 years. Part 2 will focus on working hours and occupations.
Figure 1 shows that, in 2021, Pacific migrants had a median weekly income (including tax, superannuation and government support) of $1,085 (equivalent to $56,420 annually), lower than Western migrants ($1,345) and Australian-born workers ($1,275), but slightly higher than non-Western migrants ($1,005).
However, income levels vary significantly among Pacific migrant groups. Fijians earn the highest median weekly income at $1,205. Fiji’s large share of Pacific migrants raises the overall Pacific median; excluding Fiji, the figure drops to slightly above $1,000, aligning with non-Western migrants. Nauru, Vanuatu, Kiribati and Solomon Islands report the lowest median incomes, with Nauru’s median nearly half that of Fijians.
When restricting the population to those with Australian citizenship (to exclude temporary migrants), the median weekly income increases — by 8% for Pacific migrants, 7% for Western migrants and 18% for non-Western migrants. While the income gap between Pacific migrants (including Fijians) and the Australian-born population narrows, Pacific migrants still earn the least among the four groups.
A key driver of the income gap is the lower share of high earners among Pacific migrants. Only 13% of Pacific migrants earn over $2,000 per week ($104,000 annually), half the rate of Australian-born individuals and Western migrants, and lower than non-Western migrants (18%). Meanwhile, 11% of Pacific migrants earn less than $200 per week (just over $10,000 annually) — a level often regarded as insufficient for living in Australia (see Figure 2). In contrast, only 6% of Australian-born individuals and 1% of Western migrants fall into this category. Non-Western migrants have a slightly higher share in this category (12%), but this group also has a larger proportion of students compared to Pacific migrants (13% vs 8%).
Among Pacific migrants, low-income rates are highest for migrants from Nauru (32%), Solomon Islands (29%), Kiribati (27%) and Vanuatu (21%). Even for Fijian migrants, over 9% earn below the low-income threshold, highlighting the financial challenges many Pacific migrants face in Australia.
The share of the population who are unemployed is similar across migrant groups, at around 4%. Low labour-force participation is a key barrier to Pacific migrants’ income performance, with 21% not working (either unemployed or not in the labour force) — higher than for Australian-born and Western migrants (Figure 3).
Over 25% of migrants from Tonga, Cook Islands, Nauru and Samoa are not participating in the labour force: they are neither working nor seeking work. Many of them rely on government support — 21% of Nauruans, 20% of Cook Islanders, 19% of Samoans and 16% of Tongans — all above the 14% average for Pacific migrants and Australians.
In contrast, migrants from Vanuatu and Solomon Islands have high employment rates but lower wages. Most rely on wages and salaries, with nearly all earning below $200 per week while engaged in agricultural work.
In summary, Pacific migrants in Australia generally earn less than Australian-born individuals and migrants from Western countries, with Fiji being a notable exception. They have a higher share of low earners, so are underrepresented in high-income groups. This is driven by low labour-force participation and lower wages in occupations where Pacific workers are concentrated. Part 2 will explore these occupations in more detail.
PART 2
Above, we found that Pacific migrants in Australia have incomes similar to those of migrants from non-Western countries but earn significantly less than Australian-born residents and migrants from Western countries. This income gap is partly due to Pacific migrants’ low labour-force participation. However, even among those who are employed, fewer Pacific migrants earn high incomes compared to other groups. In this second part, we examine working hours and occupations to explore this disparity.
According to Australian Census data, in 2021 an employed Pacific migrant worked an average of 34.8 hours per week, slightly less than Australian-born people and Western migrants (Figure 1). Non-Western migrants have the shortest work week (33 hours), with migrants from Nauru being the only Pacific group working fewer hours than that (32 hours).
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) organises occupations into five skill levels based on task complexity. Figure 2 highlights a stark contrast in occupational skill levels between Pacific migrants and other groups, leading to substantial earning differences. Only 27% of Pacific migrants are employed in the high-skill occupations (levels 1 and 2, for example, managers and professionals), while 60% work in lower skill roles (levels 4 and 5, for example, labourers).
In contrast, at least half of the employed Australian-born population, as well as Western and non-Western migrants, are in the top two skill levels. As of August 2024, the median hourly wage for skill-level-5 occupations was only $29.10, compared to $55.70 for skill level 1.
Table 1 reveals the top three occupations by share for each birthplace group. Pacific migrants are commonly employed as farm, forestry and garden workers, factory process workers, carers and aides, cleaners, laundry workers and storepersons. Farm, forestry, and garden workers make up nearly 60% of ni-Vanuatu migrants, 23% of Solomon Islander migrants and 12% of Tongan migrants. Carers and aides account for 13% of PNG migrants, 19% of i-Kiribati migrants and 10% of Nauruan migrants. In contrast, 11% of Western migrants are specialist managers, while 8% of non-Western migrants work as business, human resources and marketing professionals.
To sum up, while Pacific migrants in Australia work around the same hours as Western migrants and Australian-born workers, and slightly more than non-Western migrants, a much smaller proportion has advanced up the job-skill ladder and secured better earning outcomes. With the exception of Fijian migrants, a significant proportion of Pacific migrants is employed in sectors not commonly pursued by Australian-born workers and other migrant groups.
Further research is needed to identify the barriers preventing Pacific migrants from accessing jobs which require a higher level of skills and training and deliver higher wages. Addressing these barriers could improve their economic outcomes in Australia.
Disclosure: This research was supported by the Pacific Research Program, with funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The views are those of the authors only.
Contributing Author(s):Huiyuan (Sharon) Liu is a research officer at the Development Policy Centre, working in the area of labour mobility. Toan Nguyen is a Research Fellow at the Development Policy Centre, Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU.
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Image: A fellow passenger and a pilot tackled a man who allegedly brought a shotgun onto a plane (Source: Nine news screenshot)
A dramatic citizen’s arrest unfolded on a Jetstar flight at Avalon Airport on Thursday afternoon when passengers and a pilot tackled a man allegedly attempting to board with a shotgun.
Victoria Police confirmed via email to media that they were called to the airport, about 50 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, at 2.50pm after reports of a man with a firearm trying to access the Sydney-bound flight JQ610.
The man, who was reportedly dressed as a maintenance worker in high-vis gear, was detained before the plane could take off. A fellow passenger, Barry Clark, and the pilot wrestled him to the floor, with Clark disarming him and throwing the weapon out of the aircraft.
“Before we knew it, a shotgun appeared. I was worried,” Clark told ABC Radio.
“All I could do was get the gun out of the way, throw it down the stairs, and hold him down until the police arrived.”
Footage from inside the plane showed passengers helping to restrain the man, while a flight attendant carried the gun’s stock off the aircraft. Witnesses described scenes of panic, with some fearing an attempted hijacking.
“We had just boarded when there was a commotion at the front of the cabin,” passenger Kim McLeod told The Guardian.
“People started filming, and then the pilot announced someone had boarded with a large gun.”
The airport was immediately placed in lockdown, and flights were grounded as police took the suspect into custody.
Jetstar confirmed it was assisting with the investigation, stating,
“The safety of our passengers and crew is our number one priority. We can confirm there are no reported injuries.”
Avalon Airport CEO Ari Suss said the facility would remain closed until further notice while authorities investigated how the man was able to bypass security.
Police are continuing their inquiries into the incident.
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Some come to university to pursue a passion, others to discover one, and some aren’t quite sure why they’re here. Whatever their reason, it can take time to adjust and feel comfortable at uni, and some students decide studying is not for them. In their first year, around 14% of Australian students will choose to leave.
What do you do if you get to uni and it isn’t quite what you expect?
Expectations versus reality
The transition from high school to university can be a big adjustment, especially for Year 12 students who are used to structured learning and clear guidance. Suddenly, you’re managing a new timetable, deadlines, and navigating new places and possibly new subjects on your own.
While university social clubs and campus activities can help you settle in, your first year at university can be a lonely time. You are away from familiar school friends and in classes full of people you don’t know.
Mature-aged students (anyone over 21) face their own challenges when life experience does not always translate to confidence in academic skills.
Juggling study, work and personal commitments isn’t easy. Fitting university in around other life pressures can feel overwhelming.
If you are finding the academic work difficult, ask if there are academic writing supports or library research supports available.
If you are worried about your funds, ask about financial counselling.
Also seek out on-campus mental health or counselling supports if you you are feeling particularly stressed about your situation.
Can you change your degree or subjects?
If you’re not enjoying yourself, try to work out exactly what it is you don’t like: is it university itself? Is it your course? Or just a particular subject?
If your current degree isn’t working, you could consider switching degrees or the mix of subjects you are studying. Switching to another degree or discipline may come with credit for prior study. Remember, no learning is ever wasted, and many skills are transferable. You can talk to your university admissions team to see what’s possible.
Or perhaps part-time study would be a better option for you. This is very common among uni students. Only 40% complete their degree within four years.
Universities often allow up to ten years for a bachelors’ degree, so you have time to rethink and adjust. Chat with an academic advisor or student services to understand your options.
If university isn’t working at all, remember there are many other options post-school. This includes vocational education and training courses (some of which are free) that provide practical skills, geared towards a job. It is OK to change your mind.
Key dates to know
Timing is important. You need to be aware of the “census date” for your particular uni. This is the deadline when your fees are locked in.
Before then, you can drop courses without financial or academic penalties.
Think of the time before the census date as a “try-before-you-buy” period. While dates vary between universities, the first few weeks give you a chance to experience course content and decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Remember you are going through a big change – so go easy on yourself. And speak to academic, career, and wellbeing supports at your university if you think you need to make a change.
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Judy Cheung-Wood’s cosmetic business looted- Image Source- Social Media
In a daring overnight raid, thieves targeted the headquarters of SkinB5, a renowned Australian skincare company, making off with $100,000 worth of stock. The incident adds to the growing list of crimes plaguing Victoria in recent months.
The burglary occurred earlier this week at SkinB5’s Ringwood office. Founder and CEO Judy Cheung-Wood, who has been instrumental in building the brand’s global reputation, expressed her dismay over the incident.
“Unfortunately, I find myself part of the crime statistics this week amid the rising crime waves in our Victorian communities,” she shared on social media.
“My office was hit hard, with $100K worth of SkinB5 stock stolen. Thankfully, we are blessed that no one was hurt or injured.”
Cheung-Wood praised the prompt response of the Ringwood police, noting that officers arrived swiftly and conducted a thorough investigation, including fingerprinting the scene on the same day.
However, she expressed concern over the backlog in forensic analysis, stating,
“I was shocked to learn it could take four months to analyse the evidence due to their heavy workload!”
This incident highlights a broader issue within Victoria’s forensic services. The Victoria Police Forensic Services Department (VPFSD) has been grappling with significant staffing shortages, with up to 40 vacancies unfilled. This shortage has critically hampered the resolution of certain cases, particularly those of lower priority. The increased workload, driven by a surge in crimes such as arson related to illicit tobacco trade and a wave of vehicle thefts linked to juvenile offenders, has further strained the department’s resources.
The backlog in forensic analysis not only delays justice for victims but also poses challenges for law enforcement in apprehending and prosecuting offenders. The extended turnaround times can lead to prolonged investigations and, in some cases, may result in the loss of critical evidence.
In light of the theft, Cheung-Wood has called upon the community for assistance. She urges everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, particularly concerning the sale of SkinB5 products through unauthorised channels.
“Please keep an eye out for any unusual listings or sales of SkinB5 products,” she appealed.
“If you see anything suspicious, let us know. Every bit of help counts in our fight against these criminals!”
As investigations continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by businesses amid rising crime rates and the critical need for adequately resourced forensic services to ensure timely justice.
Note: We have contacted Victoria Police and Police Minister, the news story will be updated as and when we receive a statement from them.
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Image: Indian-origin Melbourne-based sisters Charvi and Paravi Tanksale (Source: Supplied)
For Melbourne sisters Charvi and Paravi Tanksale, cycling is more than just a sport—it’s a passion that fuels their competitive spirits and strengthens their bond. As they prepare to don the Victorian colours at the 2025 AusCycling Junior Track National Championships in Brisbane from March 22-26, their journey stands as a testament to dedication and perseverance.
Image: Indian-origin Melbourne-based sisters Paravi and Charvi Tanksale (Source: Supplied)
Charvi, representing Victoria for the third consecutive year, moves up to the Under-17 women’s category after two years of success in the Under-15s.
Paravi, meanwhile, makes her national debut as a first-year Under-15 rider, a moment she describes as both exhilarating and daunting.
Image: Charvi Tanksale (Source: Supplied)
“I am really excited to be part of the Victorian team and represent my state at the Track Nationals 2025, but I am also nervous since this is my first time at the National Championships and I don’t know what to expect,” says Paravi.
“The competition will be fierce. I just want to enjoy this experience and take it as a learning opportunity.”
Despite her nerves, Paravi hopes to inspire younger riders to take up cycling.
“To the 8-10-year-olds who are thinking about getting into the sport, I would just like to say—don’t take it too seriously. Enjoy riding with your friends and family and have fun with it.”
Image: Paravi Tanksale (Source: Supplied)
For Charvi, who has already established herself as a formidable force on the track, this season is about refining her approach and focusing on long-term goals. The Wesley College student, who won bronze at the 2024 AusCycling Junior Track Nationals, has her sights set on representing Australia on the international stage.
“My first two track nationals were tough, but you learn so much about racing and preparing mentally,” she explains.
“Now, I focus on the process, not just the result, as I work towards my dream of racing internationally and one day competing in the Olympics.”
Image: Paravi Tanksale (Source: Supplied)
Balancing elite sport with academics is no easy feat, but Charvi has learned to adapt.
“I train most days of the month and hit the gym at least twice a week. It’s challenging, but I love the exposure, the travel, and the friendships I’ve made in the cycling world.”
Her journey into competitive cycling began unexpectedly. Although she had been riding since childhood, it was during Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdowns in early 2021 that she truly fell in love with the sport. A road-safety program introduced her to the DISC Velodrome in Thornbury, where she took her first steps into track cycling. Within months, she was racing competitively for Carnegie Caulfield Cycling Club.
“Cycling became my escape,” she recalls.
“I quickly realised that I wanted to pursue it seriously.”
Image: Charvi and Paravi with their parents Akshat and Sonika (Source: Supplied)
Charvi and Paravi’s dedication is supported by her parents, Akshat and Sonika, both university professors in Melbourne. “It started as a hobby, but we saw her potential and are happy to support her journey,” says Akshat.
“Cycling is primarily a European-dominated sport, but Australia provides excellent opportunities for young athletes.”
Image: Charvi Tanksale (Source: Supplied)
Like many elite athletes, Charvi has faced challenges, including crashes and setbacks. However, she finds motivation in stories like that of Sarah Gigante, Alyssa Polites and Ruby Roseman-Gannon, who overcame injuries and difficulties to claim victories.
“I too had crashed twice just before the National Championship, but remembering her story kept me going.”
As the 2025 Track Nationals approach, Charvi remains focused on incremental progress.
“Maybe the Olympics are in my future, but right now, I’m just working on getting better at my sport, setting short-term goals, and pushing myself to improve.”
Image: Charvi Tanksale (Source: Supplied)
Paravi, still at the start of her competitive journey, shares a similar mindset.
“I just want to give my best, enjoy the moment, and keep learning.”
With talent, determination, and an unwavering support system, the Tanksale sisters are undoubtedly on the fast track to success.
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Image: President Donald J. Trump addressing the US Congress (Source: X)
The global trade landscape is on shaky ground as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accuses former US President Donald Trump of attempting to “collapse the Canadian economy” through aggressive tariffs. The accusation follows Trump’s announcement of a sweeping 25 per cent tariff on Canadian imports, which took effect on Tuesday.
"My fellow Americans, get ready for an incredible future-because the Golden Age of America has only JUST BEGUN." – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/Ddm8AzmqY9
In a swift response, Canada implemented its own 25 per cent counter-tariffs on American goods worth C$30 billion ($33 billion). Trudeau warned that if the US restrictions were not lifted within three weeks, Canada would escalate further, slapping tariffs on an additional C$125 billion ($138 billion) in US imports.
“This is a very dumb thing to do,” Trudeau said in a press conference in Ottawa.
“[Trump] wants to see a collapse of the Canadian economy because that would make it easier to annex us. We will never be the 51st state.”
The moment U.S. tariffs came into effect this morning, so did the Canadian response.
Canada will be implementing 25% tariffs against $155 billion of American products.
Starting with $30 billion worth of goods immediately, and the remaining $125 billion in 21 days’ time.
The economic standoff comes amid broader trade tensions, as Trump also imposed tariffs on Mexico and China. The move has sent US stock markets tumbling, with indexes falling over one per cent at opening on Tuesday. Analysts fear the tariffs could spark a global trade war, with retaliatory measures rippling across industries.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced his province would retaliate by slapping a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian electricity exports to the US. Ontario, a key supplier of power to several American states, is leveraging its energy exports as a bargaining tool. Ford also vowed to remove American liquor from provincial stores and terminate a contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink.
Today, I wrote to the governors, senators and congressmen and women from New York, Michigan and Minnesota putting them on notice that Ontario is prepared to add a 25 per cent surcharge to the electricity we export to their states if President Trump’s tariffs remain in place.
Trump fired back on his Truth Social platform, warning that any retaliatory tariff imposed by Canada would be met with an immediate “reciprocal tariff” increase from the US. Meanwhile, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has signalled upcoming retaliatory measures, set to be announced Sunday.
""Please explain to Governor Trudeau, of Canada, that when he puts on a Retaliatory Tariff on the U.S., our Reciprocal Tariff will immediately increase by a like amount," reads US President Donald Trump’s Truth Social post. (@realDonaldTrump). pic.twitter.com/DhdpwzNrKS
China has also entered the fray, filing a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over Trump’s tariffs. Beijing increased existing levies on American goods, raising tariffs from 10 per cent to 20 per cent on a range of imports. China’s commerce ministry did not mince words, calling the US tariffs a “serious violation of WTO rules” that “undermine the foundation of China-US economic and trade cooperation.”
“China will, in accordance with WTO rules, firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests and defend the international economic and trade order,” the ministry said in a statement.
Beijing has hit back with its own tariffs, targeting key US agricultural products, including wheat, corn, cotton, and chicken, with additional levies of up to 15 per cent set to take effect next week. China’s Ministry of Commerce also placed 15 American companies, including drone manufacturer Skydio, on an export control list, effectively barring them from doing business in the Chinese market.
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America posted,
“If the US insists on waging a tariff war, trade war, or any other kind of war, China will fight till the end.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian declared in a briefing on Tuesday.
“The Chinese people have never feared evil or ghosts, nor have we ever bowed to hegemony or bullying.”
If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end. https://t.co/crPhO02fFE
— Chinese Embassy in US (@ChineseEmbinUS) March 5, 2025
Trump’s trade war is already rattling global markets. The US dollar hit its lowest point since November, while European markets saw a brief uptick following a German debt relief deal. However, US economic indicators show signs of strain. The Atlanta Federal Reserve’s GDPNow model estimates that US GDP will shrink by an annualised rate of 2.8 per cent in the first quarter, fueling fears of a “Trumpcession.”
On 6 January 2025, Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as Liberal leader and Prime Minister of Canada, effective 24 March 2025. His popularity has declined rapidly after initial success, with his party losing seats in 2021, forcing minority governments with the NDP. Recently, his support hit a record low due to key ally departures and cost-of-living pressures. In December, Deputy PM and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned following tensions over the incoming Trump administration.
Trudeau has now warned Canadians to brace for economic turbulence but insisted that the countermeasures are necessary. “We will also be challenging these illegal actions by filing dispute resolution claims at the WTO and through the USMCA,” he stated.
“In the meantime, our tariffs will remain in place until the US tariffs are withdrawn and not a moment sooner.”
BREAKING: Justin Trudeau is specifically asked if he believes that Trump's tariffs are an Act of War.
His answer is tremendous.
"Canadians are not angry at the American people for this. We don’t have anything against Americans. Americans are our neighbors, our friends, our… pic.twitter.com/vr8j9887dm
With trade tensions at a boiling point, all eyes are now on how Trump, Trudeau, and other world leaders will navigate the escalating economic standoff. The next few weeks could determine whether this turns into a full-scale global trade war or a high-stakes negotiation with billions of dollars—and international stability—hanging in the balance.
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Tech entrepreneur and Indian Australian community leader Mira D’Silva has been announced as the Liberal Party’s candidate for the federal seat of Lalor, a traditionally safe Labor stronghold in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
With a background in business, technology, and community advocacy, D’Silva enters the race at a time when voter dissatisfaction with Labor is rising, presenting a potential challenge to long-time incumbent Joanne Ryan.
D’Silva, who migrated to Australia in 2004, has co-founded a successful technology firm that has created jobs and economic opportunities in the local community. Over the past two decades, she has built strong ties with the Lalor electorate, raising her family in the area and actively engaging in mentoring women and migrants through organisations such as the Australian Computer Society and the Victorian Multicultural Committee.
Speaking about her candidacy, D’Silva said,
“I will bring a unique perspective to this role across a range of policy areas. I want to bring real solutions to the challenges our local community faces.”
She has pledged to focus on addressing cost-of-living pressures, improving local infrastructure, and enhancing community safety as part of the Liberal Party’s broader plan to “Get Australia Back on Track.” D’Silva also aims to leverage her business experience to tackle inflation, support local enterprises, and deliver meaningful relief to Lalor residents.
Senator Sarah Henderson praised D’Silva’s credentials, describing her as
“an outstanding candidate with the experience and drive to make a real difference in Lalor.”
The seat of Lalor, which includes the suburbs of Werribee, Tarneit, and Hoppers Crossing, has been a Labor stronghold since its creation in 1949, with the exception of a brief period from 1966 to 1969. It has previously been represented by high-profile ALP figures, including former Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
Current Labor MP Joanne Ryan has held the seat since 2013 and serves as Chief Government Whip in the House of Representatives. However, at the 2022 federal election, she experienced a significant 7.47% swing against her, securing 44.11% of first-preference votes.
With recent polling showing Labor struggling under increasing voter dissatisfaction over cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability, and infrastructure demands in Melbourne’s outer suburbs, D’Silva and the Liberal Party see an opportunity to capitalise on this discontent.
While the ALP still holds a comfortable margin, the upcoming election could see a tighter contest in Lalor than in previous years. The Liberal Party’s hope is that D’Silva’s business acumen and community engagement will resonate with voters looking for change.
As the campaign unfolds, Lalor will be one of the seats to watch, with D’Silva’s challenge to Labor’s stronghold potentially reshaping the political landscape in Melbourne’s west.
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Snick & Willow a Cricket Annimation-TV Series: Image Source- Supplied
Cricket Australia has announced an exciting collaboration with Xentrix Studios Australia to create Snick and Willow, a first-of-its-kind 3D-animated cricket series aimed at inspiring young cricketers and promoting inclusivity in the sport.
The series, which will soon go into production, follows Snick, an Indian boy, and Willow, an Australian girl, as they embark on a global adventure to uncover cricket artefacts and save their local club from developers. Blending adventure, mystery, and sportsmanship, the show is designed to resonate with children aged 5-12 and their families, aligning with Cricket Australia’s 2022-27 Strategic Priorities for youth engagement and diversity.
A Game-Changer for Junior Cricket
As the first-ever 3D cricket-themed animated series, Snick and Willow can potentially engage audiences in Australia, India, and worldwide. It comes at a pivotal time, with the 2025 ICC Cricket World Cup approaching, promising to boost interest and participation in junior cricket.
Richard Ostroff, Head of Broadcast and Production at Cricket Australia, praised the initiative, saying:
“Snick and Willow is one of the most exciting content initiatives we’ve come across in a long time. It has enormous potential to engage kids in Australia, India and right around the world who love the game, and those who aren’t yet cricket fans.”
“The creativity of the storytelling, wonderful characters and production values are first-class. We can’t wait for audiences to see it,” he added.
Ken Cantrill, Head of Creative at Xentrix Studios Australia, echoed this enthusiasm:
“We are honoured to partner with Cricket Australia to bring Snick and Willow to life. This initiative is more than entertainment—it’s a movement to grow junior cricket and celebrate the sport’s unifying spirit.”
The project has also received government backing, with Michelle Wade, Victorian Commissioner to South Asia, highlighting its significance:
“The Victorian Government is proud to support the Xentrix Studios team for the Snick & Willow project that will not only inspire the next generation of cricket fans, but also a great example of the strong relationship between India and Victoria’s creative industries.”
Cricket Australia’s Partnership & Future Plans
Under a binding commercial partnership agreement, Cricket Australia will support the promotion and distribution of Snick and Willow through its digital platforms, social media, and broadcaster partnerships. The series will also be featured at Woolworths Cricket Blast events, allowing young cricketers to engage with the show’s themes.
Additionally, Cricket Australia will facilitate endorsement deals with players, explore merchandise opportunities, and introduce the show to commercial partners, expanding its impact across multiple platforms.
With its engaging storyline, diverse characters, and strong backing from Cricket Australia, Snick and Willow is set to become a landmark animated series that brings the excitement of cricket to new generations of fans.
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Image: India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded Vantara, a unique wildlife conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation initiative in Jamnagar, Gujarat (Source: X)
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded Vantara, a unique wildlife conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation initiative in Jamnagar, Gujarat, as a testament to India’s long-standing ethos of protecting its co-inhabitants.
Inaugurating the centre, he commended Anant Ambani and his team for their compassionate efforts in providing a safe haven for animals while promoting ecological sustainability and wildlife welfare.
Taking to X, the Prime Minister shared his admiration for the initiative, writing, “Inaugurated Vantara, a unique wildlife conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation initiative, which provides a safe haven for animals while promoting ecological sustainability and wildlife welfare. I commend Anant Ambani and his entire team for this very compassionate effort.”
Inaugurated Vantara, a unique wildlife conservation, rescue and rehabilitation initiative, which provides a safe haven for animals while promoting ecological sustainability and wildlife welfare. I commend Anant Ambani and his entire team for this very compassionate effort. pic.twitter.com/NeNjy5LnkO
Highlighting the centre’s impact, he recounted specific rescue cases, including a lioness suffering severe spinal injuries after being hit by a vehicle and a leopard cub abandoned by its family. “A lioness was hit by a vehicle with severe spinal injuries. She was getting proper care. A leopard cub abandoned by her family got a new lease of life, with proper nutritional care. I compliment the team at Vantara for the care given to several such animals,” he wrote.
There were other instances too.
A lioness was hit by a vehicle with severe spinal injuries. She was getting proper care.
A leopard cub abandoned by her family got a new lease of life, with proper nutritional care.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the tragic cases of elephants that had suffered due to human cruelty. “At Vantara, I saw an elephant that was the victim of an acid attack, receiving the utmost care. There were others—some blinded by their own mahouts, another hit by a speeding truck,” he shared. Reflecting on these distressing incidents, he urged people to be more compassionate, asking, “How can people be so careless and cruel? Let us put an end to such irresponsibility and focus on kindness towards animals.”
At Vantara, I saw an elephant which was the victim of an acid attack. The elephant was being treated with utmost care. There were other elephants too, which were blinded and that too ironically by their Mahout. Another elephant was hit by a speeding truck. This underscores an… pic.twitter.com/dyqaFky7ku
Modi also shared images from his visit, calling Vantara “a vibrant example of our centuries-old ethos of protecting those we share our planet with. Here are some glimpses…”
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani, their son Anant Ambani, and daughter-in-law Radhika Merchant.
During his visit, the Prime Minister explored various facilities at the centre, interacting closely with rehabilitated animals and inspecting the state-of-the-art wildlife hospital, which houses advanced medical equipment, including MRI and CT scan machines, as well as intensive care units.
An effort like Vantara is truly commendable, a vibrant example of our centuries old ethos of protecting those we share our planet with. Here are some glimpses… pic.twitter.com/eiq74CSiWx
Modi’s visit underscored the his government’s commitment to wildlife protection, with Vantara emerging as a pioneering example of conservation efforts in India. Through this initiative, the Prime Minister reinforced the message of co-existence and care for all living beings, a principle deeply embedded in Indian tradition.
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A Brisbane man is set to appear in Downing Centre Local Court today (5 March 2025) after allegedly making a threatening statement about a bomb while onboard an aircraft and travelling under a false name.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers at Sydney Airport responded to an incident on 14 January 2025, when the 44-year-old man boarded a flight to Brisbane. Before take-off, he was allegedly speaking on a mobile phone and made reference to a bomb.
Officers removed him from the plane and later discovered he had been travelling under a fake identity. A thorough search of the aircraft confirmed there was no actual bomb threat.
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden warned that threats to aviation security, whether overt or overheard, would not be tolerated.
“Travelling on an aircraft should be a safe experience for passengers and airline crew alike,” Det Supt Blunden said.
“The AFP will continue to work closely with airline partners to deal with any behaviour that interferes with aviation security.”
The man was served a court attendance notice that day and charged with:
Taking a constitutional flight with a ticket obtained with false identity information, contrary to section 376.4(2) of the Criminal Code (Cth) (maximum penalty: one year imprisonment).
Threatening aviation security, contrary to section 9.01(1) of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 (Cth) (maximum penalty: $16,500 fine).
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Tropical Cyclone Alfred is strengthening as it bears down on the coast of southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, prompting fears it may become a destructive category 3 cyclone before it makes landfall.
As of Wednesday, the cyclone was a category 2 and had begun moving west towards land. It is forecast to maintain intensity on Thursday and cross the coast early on Friday morning, probably between Maroochydore and Coolangatta.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the possibility of the system reaching a low-end category 3 was a low risk but “cannot be ruled out”.
The bureau has issued warnings from Double Island Point in Queensland to Grafton in NSW. The area includes Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay and Ballina.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says modelling shows 20,000 properties in Brisbane could be affected by storm surge or flooding.
The intensifying cyclone is a major concern, and makes Cyclone Alfred an unusual phenomenon. Cyclones typically lose strength as they approach the coast – especially this far south. It means Alfred may cause extensive damage, including to inland areas. We can expect it to last well into Friday before petering out and heading south on Saturday.
From Wednesday afternoon and into Thursday, the bureau forecasts gales, with damaging wind gusts to 120km an hour, along the coast from southeast Queensland to northeast NSW.
From Thursday afternoon, destructive wind gusts of up to 155km an hour may develop around the coast and islands as Alfred’s “destructive core” approaches and crosses the coast, the bureau says.
If Alfred crosses the coast on Friday morning during high tide, it may cause a dangerous storm surge along the coast, especially in waterfront suburbs near and south of the cyclone’s centre. This may inundate low-lying areas, such as canal communities of the Gold Coast.
In Brisbane, peak storm surges are expected from Thursday onwards. Some 20,000 properties have been warned of impacts ranging from minor inundation in yards to significant flooding inside homes. Areas most at risk include Nudgee Beach, Brighton, Windsor, Ashgrove, Morningside and Rocklea.
Damaging surf may also cause serious erosion at open beaches between Sandy Cape and Grafton, and further south into NSW.
From Thursday, residents in southeastern Queensland and northeastern NSW have been told to expect heavy to intense rain. It may lead to life-threatening flash flooding – again, near and south of the cyclone centre.
Northern NSW has already been hit by devastating flooding in recent years, most recently in February 2022. Many of its settlements, including Lismore, are along or close to major river courses. Residents are understandably anxious about what the next few days may bring.
The bureau released the below map on Wednesday morning. It shows the bureau’s best estimate of the cyclone’s future movement and intensity.
The grey zone indicates the range of tracks the cyclone centre may follow. The bureau says winds will almost certainly extend to regions outside the rings on this map.
Cyclone Alfred tracking map released by the Bureau of Meteorology on Wednesday morning shows it circling of the coast of southeast Queensland. BoM
Why is Alfred so fired up?
Cyclone Alfred has been meandering off Queensland’s coast for almost two weeks. Unusually, it has maintained its cyclonic structure and intensity much further south than is typical.
Over the past two days, unique atmospheric and oceanic conditions have allowed Cyclone Alfred to intensify.
It moved towards an area of warmer coastal water (around 27°C), which caused it to strengthen. It also moved into an area of reduced “vertical wind shear” – a variation in wind speed running at right angles to prevailing winds, which often acts to weaken a cyclone.
Image showing high sea surface temperatures which are fuelling the cyclone. BoM
Usually, cyclones in this part of Australian waters may brush the coast, but are soon pulled south or east by an upper trough of cold air and then flicked away into the cooler waters of the Tasman Sea – to an area known as the “cyclone graveyard”.
The current situation is unusual because that upper trough is absent. At the same time, a high pressure system in the Tasman Sea is steering the cyclone towards the coast.
The big question now is whether Alfred reaches category 3 – that is, very destructive winds of 165–224km per hour.
Should the cyclone’s forward motion towards the coast slow, it raises the chances of becoming a category 3 storm. That’s because it would spend more time passing over the warm area of coastal water.
Category 3 winds are likely to cause significant structural damage to some buildings. Brisbane is, to some extent, sheltered from the winds by offshore islands. Other areas, such as the Gold Coast, do not have such protections.
Issued 4:14am Abnormally high tides and damaging surf along the southeast Queensland coast due to Tropical #CycloneAlfred. Beach conditions in these areas are very dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas. Details: https://t.co/TyesbYDMBmpic.twitter.com/9GO5dpSdY8
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) March 5, 2025
How long will the cyclone last?
As I write, gales are starting to rake the coast – including where I live, on the Sunshine Coast. Conditions will continue to deteriorate this afternoon and into tonight.
The cyclone will bring gale-force winds to a large area of coastline – from Double Island Point in the north to potentially as far south as Coffs Harbour.
By Thursday afternoon, conditions on land and just offshore will be pretty rough. If the cyclone keeps travelling at a constant speed, it will cross the coast in the early hours of Friday morning.
This is less than ideal. It will be dark and people can’t see what’s going on. But there is much affected communities can do to prepare, as outlined here.
For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, go to Get Ready Queensland. For emergency assistance call the State Emergency Service (SES) in NSW or Queensland on 132 500.
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Image: Virat Kohli steered India to a thrilling four-wicket victory (Source: X - BCCI)
Australia’s hopes of securing a third Champions Trophy title were dashed as Virat Kohli steered India to a thrilling four-wicket victory in their blockbuster semifinal clash in Dubai.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Australia posted a competitive 264 in 49.3 overs, thanks to crucial half-centuries from Steve Smith (73 off 96) and Alex Carey (61 off 57). However, the total proved insufficient as Kohli anchored India’s chase with a composed 84 off 98 balls, guiding his team home with 11 deliveries to spare.
At 4-198 in the 37th over, Australia looked set for a total well beyond 300, but the dismissals of Smith and Glenn Maxwell (7) in quick succession triggered a collapse, with the Aussies losing 6-66 in a disappointing finish.
Kohli, who became a highly divisive figure among Australian fans this summer after his heated moment with rising star Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test, struggled for runs in that series but has rediscovered his form in the Champions Trophy. After an unbeaten century against Pakistan in the group stage, the Indian maestro once again proved to be Australia’s nemesis.
Although Kohli only managed five boundaries in his innings, his ability to rotate the strike and absorb pressure ensured Australia’s depleted bowling attack never gained control. He was given a reprieve on 51 when Maxwell put down a tough one-handed diving catch, but it proved to be Australia’s last real chance to derail India’s chase.
One Step Closer to
Clinical #TeamIndia overcome Australia by 4 wickets and book their spot in the final
Australia were also guilty of lapses in the field, dropping Indian skipper Rohit Sharma twice early in his innings. Cooper Connolly, who had earlier dropped Sharma on 13, redeemed himself by trapping him LBW for 28, offering Australia a glimmer of hope when India were reduced to 4-178. However, Kohli, alongside KL Rahul (42* off 34) and Hardik Pandya (28 off 24), shut the door on any Australian comeback.
Earlier, Australia’s bold decision to replace injured opener Matt Short with Connolly backfired, as the 21-year-old struggled and departed for a nine-ball duck. Smith enjoyed some luck in his innings, surviving when an inside edge rolled onto his stumps but failed to dislodge the bails. He capitalised on the let-off, adding crucial runs before his dismissal in the 37th over sparked Australia’s collapse.
Paceman Mohammed Shami led India’s bowling effort with 3-48, while spinners Varun Chakaravarthy (2-49) and Ravindra Jadeja (2-40) provided valuable support.
Despite missing key players such as Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Mitch Marsh, and Marcus Stoinis, Australia’s journey to the semifinals was commendable. However, their title hopes ended in Dubai, as India booked their place in the final against the winner of South Africa and New Zealand.
With Kohli back in imperious form, India will head into Sunday’s final full of confidence, while Australia will be left to ponder what could have been.
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Image: A security guard has allegedly been bashed in Bendigo (Source: 7News screenshot)
A Victorian shopping centre was placed into lockdown on Monday (3 March 2025) after a security guard was allegedly assaulted by a group of teenagers in a shocking daylight attack. Police say nine youths were involved in the violent brawl at Bendigo Marketplace just after 4pm.
Image: Premier Jacinta Allan (Source: Instagram)
Premier Jacinta Allan, whose electorate office is located nearby, condemned the attack.
“I am absolutely sickened by this disgusting incident, and my thoughts are with the victim.”
Video footage provided to the media captured the security guard being punched, kicked, and dragged to the ground as horrified shoppers looked on. Some of the alleged attackers were reportedly in school uniforms.
Image: The group of nine teenagers were filmed punching, kicking and dragging the guard to the ground before bystanders intervened and were also assaulted (Source: Nine Mews screenshot)
During the attack, the guard—who is Sikh—had his turban ripped off, prompting concerns about the nature of the assault.
It is reported that some bystanders who attempted to intervene were also attacked.
Four teenagers, aged between 14 and 17, have been arrested and are assisting police with inquiries. No charges have been laid yet, but authorities say all nine suspects have been identified and will be dealt with.
Image: A security guard has allegedly been bashed in Bendigo (Source: 7News screenshot)
“This started because a security guard was ensuring the shopping centre remained a safe place,” Bowler said.
“It’s horrendous this has happened—it will affect him for a long time.”
Bowler dismissed suggestions the attack was racially motivated, stating, “We have no evidence to suggest that.” He also urged the community to allow police to handle such situations rather than stepping in themselves.
“We do not want vigilante groups coming in. Please allow us to do our job.”
The shopping centre was placed into lockdown for around 15 minutes, with about 400 people trapped inside as the chaos unfolded. Witnesses described scenes of panic, with shopkeepers hurriedly locking their doors.
Retailers reported a noticeable drop in foot traffic on Tuesday, with many worried about the long-term impact on business.
Bendigo Marketplace has since deployed additional security and handed over CCTV footage to police. A spokesperson for the centre described the attack as “incredibly disappointing” and said management was conducting a security review to prevent future incidents.
Police arrived at the scene eight minutes after the initial report, but the attackers had already fled. Authorities have since tracked down four of the suspects and expect to locate the rest soon.
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File image: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Source: X)
A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will expand Australia’s network of free urgent care clinics, committing $644 million to establish 50 new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics across every state and territory. The expansion builds on Labor’s previous election promise, which has already seen the establishment of 87 clinics nationwide.
Making sure you can see a GP for free. Fifty more free Medicare Urgent Care Clinics. A record investment in women's health.
Ahead of Cabinet today, I spoke about the work we have been doing to make Medicare stronger. pic.twitter.com/RVwhPxevFQ
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the initiative would make urgent care more accessible to Australians, ensuring they receive the medical attention they need without the financial burden.
“This announcement of 50 additional Urgent Care Clinics if we are re-elected will provide the urgent care people need – and all you will need is your Medicare card, not your credit card.”
The new clinics, set to open during the 2025-26 financial year, will be spread across the country, with 14 in New South Wales, 12 in Victoria, 10 in Queensland, six in Western Australia, three in South Australia, three in Tasmania, one in the Northern Territory, and one in the Australian Capital Territory.
Once all 137 clinics are operational, four in five Australians will live within a 20-minute drive of a bulk-billed Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, according to the Department of Health and Aged Care.
Labor created Medicare and we've fought to protect it every day since.
After a decade of cuts from Peter Dutton and the Liberals, we’re making the biggest ever boost to Medicare so you can see a GP for free. pic.twitter.com/7ZHF4j5Ppc
More than 1.2 million Australians have already sought treatment at existing Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, which provide bulk-billed care for non-life-threatening conditions, seven days a week, with extended hours and no appointment required. Parents and families have embraced the service, with one in three patients being children under 15 years old.
Labor’s investment in urgent care clinics is part of a broader effort to strengthen Medicare, which Albanese described as the “largest investment in Medicare in over 40 years.” The package also includes $7.9 billion to increase bulk billing, $617 million for expanded GP training, and $573 million to improve healthcare access and affordability for women.
Health Minister Mark Butler highlighted the contrast between Labor’s investment in Medicare and the Coalition’s stance on healthcare funding.
The opposition has criticised the urgent care clinics, with Coalition leader Peter Dutton labelling them a misuse of taxpayer money and vowing to shut them down if elected. However, a survey of healthcare professionals found strong support for the initiative, with seven in 10 GPs backing Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and eight in 10 agreeing they help ease pressure on hospital emergency departments.
Send this to someone who needs to know about our free Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.
They’re right across Australia. Chances are there’s one near you.
With around two million Australians expected to use Urgent Care Clinics each year, the Albanese Government argues that these facilities play a crucial role in providing timely medical care while reducing strain on hospitals.
The expansion of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics was provisioned in the 2024-25 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO), ensuring funding is secured for the next phase of the program.
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Representative image: The University of the South Pacific Orientation Week 2024 (Source: Facebook)
By Pelenise Alofa and Conor Costello
Nervous anticipation about new teachers, subjects and challenges to come. Checking how much growing has happened over the summer, and whether shoes and uniforms are still OK.
Right around Australia and the Pacific region, students and their families have been occupied by the return to school rituals over the past few weeks. The new year of learning brings new horizons of challenge and opportunity, cushioned by the mundane everyday rituals of schooling.
But for more and more students, particularly girls and young women, the school year across the Pacific will be disrupted or incomplete due to the growing effects of climate change in the region.
Representative image: The University of the South Pacific Orientation Week 2024 (Source: Facebook)
50% of girls and young women from six Pacific countries surveyed as part of recent research reported missing out on school due to climate events, with 74% of surveyed girls in Tuvalu having this experience.
The Pacific Girls in a Changing Climate research, from Plan International Australia in partnership with Kiribati Climate Action Network (KiriCAN), reveals the extent to which Pasifika girls and young women are experiencing climate change. Carried out by Edith Cowan University and the Australian National University, the research took place over a period of four years, from 2020-2024, utilising the Feminist Participatory Action Research (FPAR) methodology. It was co-designed with girls in Kiribati and Fiji and included a survey of 319 girls aged 10-18 years in six Pacific countries — Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Tuvalu.
The results paint a clear picture of how climate change poses a direct threat to the health and wellbeing of Pacific girls, creating urgent gaps in basic needs and fundamentally changing the course of their lives and their families’ lives.
The most common impact of climate change that girls reported experiencing was “getting hotter”, with lack of water, sea level rise and changes to rain fall being among the other top impacts (Figure 1). The reported impacts of climate change varied by place, with girls in atoll nations, like Tuvalu, most likely to report the broadest range of impacts.
Figure 1: Survey responses on the impacts of climate change experienced by girls
Just two of the 319 girls surveyed said that climate change has not affected their health and wellbeing. Almost half of the girls surveyed reported experiencing a lack of clean and safe water. Already a scarce resource in atoll nations, sea level rise and changes in rainfall patterns are putting water resources further at risk. The lack of clean fresh water was the most common climate impact on girls’ needs reported in the study, with girls in Tuvalu and Kiribati, and those in outer islands, experiencing this most acutely.
We can’t grow food around the house due to poor water quality. — Research co-design workshop participants
32% of girls said that climate change is affecting the quality of their food. Climate events such as cyclones and storms, along with coastal erosion and flooding, reduce the availability of fresh water, contribute to the salination of soil and reduce the amount of fertile land. As a result, it is harder to grow fresh fruit and vegetables, and communities around the Pacific are becoming more dependent on often unhealthy canned food products.
27% of girls said that there was less food available for them overall and an alarming 19% reported feeling hungry due to the impact of climate change on the availability of food, with girls in Tonga and Kiribati, and those in rural areas, more likely to be experiencing hunger.
Figure 2: Survey responses to whether climate change has affected girls’ basic needs, broken down by country (top five impacts)
The Pacific Girls in a Changing Climate report details these and other realities of how climate change is affecting girls’ lives, their basic needs, safety and security, health and wellbeing, education, leisure and livelihoods.
Importantly, the research also explored what action Pacific girls propose on climate justice and how they want to be involved in driving that action.
In the Pacific, women and girls are often first responders in their families and communities — with responsibility for providing food, water and other necessities. It’s no different when it comes to responding to climate change. Despite being at the frontline of climate change impacts, girls in the Pacific are often excluded from crucial decision-making and climate response efforts.
The girls who took part in our research were clear on their priorities for action to address climate change. Their key message is that governments must centre girls and their diverse lived experience in climate policy. Their priorities for action are: preventing climate change through reduced carbon pollution, increased renewable energy, and protection of the natural environment; supporting girls to build resilience against climate change, including with adaption skills, a voice in climate policy and support for basic needs; and a stronger focus on girls in disasters, including improved disaster education, early warning systems and safe and accessible evacuation facilities.
Representative image: The University of the South Pacific Open Day 2024 (Source: Facebook)
Pacific girls are eager to participate in the fight against climate change, driven by their deep desire to protect their communities and secure their futures.
The research reveals that girls are not just victims of climate change; they are powerful advocates who want their voices heard in shaping climate policies and actions. 34% of the surveyed girls already participate in climate justice activism; 57% want their voices to shape climate policy and action; and 66% of the girls surveyed in the research want education on how to adapt to climate change.
Taking the lead from Pacific girls who took part in the research, Plan International Australia has called for an increased focus on girls in Australia’s climate and development assistance in the Pacific.
The full findings of the Pacific Girls in a Changing Climate research are available here.
Disclosure: KiriCAN has previously received funding from the Australian Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade. Plan International Australia receives grants under the Australian NGO Cooperation Program.
Contributing Author(s):Pelenise Alofa is the co-founder of Kiribati Climate Action Network (KiriCAN). Conor Costello is the Associate Director, Policy & Advocacy at Plan International Australia. She previously worked at CBM Australia and Oxfam.
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A 26-year-old Philippines national has been sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of three years, for multiple child sex abuse-related offences following an Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation.
AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer said the AFP remained committed to working with law enforcement agencies globally to protect children.
“We are dedicated to combatting the global threat posed by individuals who exploit and abuse children,” Det-Supt Telfer said.
“We urge parents and carers to have open conversations about online safety and to be aware of the social media platforms, apps, and games their children use to help prevent them from becoming victims.”
The man, who resides in Brisbane on a residency visa, was sentenced in the Brisbane Supreme Court on Friday (28 February 2025) after pleading guilty to six charges in January. His visa may be cancelled upon completion of his prison term.
The Queensland Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET)—comprising the AFP and Queensland Police Service—commenced an investigation in May 2023 after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers examined the man’s belongings upon his arrival at Brisbane Airport from Manila, Philippines.
ABF officers discovered child abuse material on the man’s mobile phone and referred the matter to JACET. AFP investigators subsequently arrested the man and identified recordings of him engaging in sexual activity with four children, aged between nine and 15, on social media platforms. The offences occurred over a six-month period in 2022.
The man pleaded guilty to the following offences:
Two counts of persistent sexual abuse of a child outside Australia, contrary to sections 272.11(1) and 272.9(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
One count of engaging in sexual activity with a child under 16 years of age, contrary to section 474.25A(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
One count of engaging in sexual activity with a child outside Australia, contrary to section 272.9 of the Criminal Code (Cth);
One count of making child exploitation material, contrary to section 228B(1) of the Criminal Code (Qld); and
One count of possessing child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code (Cth).
ABF Superintendent Amanda Coppleman said ABF officers played a crucial role in detecting and preventing child exploitation offences.
“ABF officers work tirelessly to identify individuals attempting to smuggle child abuse material into Australia,” Supt Coppleman said.
“This case highlights the importance of our frontline officers in disrupting the activities of offenders before they can cause harm to children. We will continue to collaborate with our domestic and international law enforcement partners to ensure those who exploit children are brought to justice.”
The AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation is committed to preventing, identifying, and investigating child exploitation and abuse.
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Representative image: Fantasy football (Source: CANVA)
By Tom Hartley and Vaughan Cruickshank
With the AFL and NRL seasons kicking off, fantasy footy players have been deep in draft mode, carefully building their best teams.
Fantasy sports have transformed the way fans engage with many sports, sparking interest beyond simply watching matches or supporting a favourite team.
What are fantasy sports?
In simple terms, fantasy sports involve participants acting as team coaches/managers, selecting real-life players to form a fantasy team within the constraints of the game’s rules.
These teams compete based on the actual performance of the selected players in real matches. Points are awarded on various performance metrics, depending on the sport.
Many fantasy leagues also incorporate a stock market-like element. When a real-life player exceeds expectations, their fantasy value increases, while underperformance leads to a decrease in value.
This allows coaches to trade players in and out strategically, aiming to build the most valuable and high-scoring team during a season.
Success in fantasy sports often depends on statistical analysis, player scouting, and smart decision-making when it comes to trades and team selection.
The origins of fantasy sports
The first mainstream fantasy game can be attributed to Rotisserie League Baseball in 1980 by Daniel Okrent and friends. https://www.youtube.com/embed/0NHSqnz2aMY?wmode=transparent&start=0 Rotisserie League Baseball is said to be the oldest fantasy sports league in the world.
This league required participants to track their own players’ progress using a scoring system based on statistics obtained in newspapers after a game.
With the rapid progression of technology, fantasy sports have evolved significantly, with most major sporting codes worldwide now offering multiple fantasy platforms, formats and prizes.
In Australia, the number of people playing fantasy sports has doubled since 2021, with nearly 2.5 million players engaged in one league or another.
This growth presents opportunities for content creation, expanded revenue streams, and potentially increased engagement with sports betting.
Fan engagement
The way fans engage with sports has evolved with the rise of fantasy sports, social media, and real time data tracking, leading to “second screen consumption”.
This involves fans using multiple digital platforms such as fantasy sports apps, social media and tracking of live statistics while simultaneously watching live broadcasts.
This shift has redefined the traditional sports fandom experience.
Fantasy coaches watch more games each week, with a dual identity that extends beyond traditional loyalty to the team they support.
While sports fans have historically supported a single team, fantasy sports reshape fan identity by encouraging engagement with both their favourite team and their fantasy team. Fans often watch games they normally wouldn’t be interested in specifically to watch the fantasy-relevant players involved.
Community engagement is a key motivator for participation, often surpassing interest in the real-life sports.
In Australia, a study by News Corporation Australia, which owns SuperCoach, found bragging rights, social connection and learning more about sport drive participation.
While prizes matter, the main reason people join is to connect with others.
In 2021, Australian fantasy players were largely concentrated in the larger sporting codes such as the AFL and NRL, but by 2023 it had broadened into the Big Bash League (BBL) and National Basketball League (NBL).
There are many Australians playing fantasy leagues in global sports too, from the English Premier League (soccer) to the United States’ National Football League (NFL) and National Basketball Association (NBA). Some 14% of the Australian fantasy audience plays in global leagues.
Media involvement
With some sporting seasons becoming longer and the connection to fantasy sports extending beyond live games, fans are kept invested throughout the off-season as they analyse trades, follow pre-season developments and prepare for the next competition.
This almost year-round involvement offers extended media coverage and consumption of new content in a variety of formats.
Fantasy sport complements traditional media by offering alternative coverage, such as podcasts and short-form content that extends beyond game day, keeping fans connected throughout the week as they adjust their lineups and strategies.
Fantasy sports are also boosting viewership for new formats like AFLW by increasing fan engagement.
Rich pickings
Fantasy sport has been big business for a long time but the global fantasy sports market is challenging to quantify.
In 2013, Forbes estimated the NFL fantasy football market alone to be worth $US70 billion ($A111 billion), significantly surpassing the NFL’s 2021 revenue of $US11 billion ($A17 billion), highlighting its major role in the global sporting market.
Their key argument is that betting is a game of chance whereas fantasy sports are games of skill.
Despite these differences, concerns have been raised about the links between fantasy sports and sports betting.
An Australian fantasy betting app was recently fined more than $A500,000 for illegally offering inducements to gamble in dozens of ads on its platform.
Whether or not fantasy sports are likely to encourage gambling is a grey area – studies in this space are mixed.
However, others describe fantasy sports as a more positive alternative to gambling and that participants are motivated by the social benefits, rather than being motivated by a chance to win money.
As fantasy sports continue to evolve and attract new players, their ability to deepen fan engagement, foster community connections, and enhance the sports watching experience ensures they will remain a dynamic and influential part of the sporting world.
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Winners The Australia Today International Women's Day Awards
The Australia Today International Women’s Day Awards 2025 was a night to remember as outstanding women from across New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, and Victoria came together to celebrate leadership, resilience, and excellence.
Held at the Mayfair Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Melbourne, the event honoured the contributions of multicultural women who are shaping Australia’s future across various sectors, including education, business, STEM, governance, and community service.
The prestigious evening was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Maree Edwards, Speaker of the Victorian Parliament; Natalie Hutchins, Minister For Women, Gopal Baglay, High Commissioner of India to Australia; Natalie Suleyman MP, Minister for Youth; Dr. Sushil Kumar, Consul General of India, Melbourne; Evan Mulholland MP, Shadow Multicultural Minister of Victoria; Renee Heath MP, Shadow Assistant Multicultural Minister of Victoria; Luba Grigorovitch MP; Nirajan Gauli, Consul of Nepal; Joe McCracken MP.
A Night of Inspiration, Celebration, and Cultural Performances
The night was a vibrant fusion of dance, music, food, and heartfelt conversations, making it a true celebration of women’s achievements.
Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj, Founder and Managing Editor of The Australia Today, opened the event with a powerful speech, reflecting on how the platform was launched during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic from his study, with co-founders Dr. Amit Sarwal in Fiji and Pallavi Jain in India.
Over four years, The Australia Today has grown into one of the country’s most-read multicultural news platforms, amassing over 8.6 million readers. He highlighted the platform’s Women’s Wednesday initiative, which has effectively spotlighted women’s issues in an engaging and impactful manner.
Minister for Women, Natalie Hutchins, highlighted the significance of empowering women and fostering opportunities for their success.
She remarked,
“Empowering women is about creating opportunities and breaking down barriers, and tonight’s awards are a testament to those who are doing just that.”
Her words underscored the importance of recognising and celebrating the achievements of multicultural women who continue to inspire and lead in their respective fields.
Reflecting on the evening, Gopal Baglay, High Commissioner of India to Australia said,
“Tonight, we celebrate the incredible women who are not just leading in their fields but are also shaping the future of our communities.”
The awards recognised exceptional women leading in their respective fields:
1- Health and Wellbeing Leadership Award
Nidhi Trivedi
Nidhi Trivedi, the esteemed founder of Nidhi Perception Pty Ltd, has distinguished herself as a beacon of innovation and support in the mental health field. Her practice has provided invaluable mental health support to over 2,000 individuals, greatly enhancing their quality of life.
Author of the impactful book “The Lives Inside Our Head,” Nidhi’s unique approach to mental health counselling has earned her prestigious recognitions including the CEO of the Year 2024 by the APAC in the United Kingdom.
Nidhi’s groundbreaking work doesn’t stop at her practice; she is also a lauded speaker on the international stage, sharing her deep insights into human psychology at numerous global conferences, including events in Thailand and the Netherlands.
2- Legal Excellence Award
Radhika Kanhai
Radhika Kanhai, is a prominent commercial lawyer based in Melbourne and Partner at Moray & Agnew Lawyers, brings over 25 years of legal expertise and leadership to the table.
Her extensive involvement in industry associations underscores her commitment to fostering professional growth and championing diversity within the legal community.
3- Hospitality Excellence Award
Shafali Tomar
Shafali Tomar, a luminary in the hospitality industry, has been recognized with the Hospitality Excellence Award for her transformative contributions to the sector. As the managing director of Priya Group, Shafali has revolutionized guest experiences by seamlessly blending luxury with sustainability.
Her leadership has propelled Priya Group to the forefront of hospitality innovation, particularly through her commitment to eco-friendly practices and exceptional customer service.
Shefali’s initiatives, such as integrating smart technology and prioritizing local community engagement, have set new benchmarks for the industry.
4- Food and Beverages Innovation Award
Anna Dewan
Anna Dewan, Director of Burger Road Australia, has significantly shaped Melbourne’s dining scene. Her leadership expanded Burger Road from one to multiple locations, earning her the title of Melbourne’s Youngest Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022.
Anna’s recent venture, “Thaali,” a contemporary Indian restaurant, quickly became a local favorite, exemplifying her knack for blending quality dining with cultural richness.
5- Sports Excellence Award – Afghan Eleven Cricket Team Members:
Firooza Amiri, Setara Amiri, and Nahida Sapan
The Afghan Eleven Cricket Team members are stellar examples of excellence and determination in sports. These remarkable athletes have not only excelled on the cricket field but have also become beacons of hope and resilience for young women athletes around the world.
Overcoming significant obstacles, they have continued to pursue their passion for cricket, inspiring countless others with their dedication and perseverance. Their journey is a testament to the power of sports as a platform for empowerment and cultural exchange.
To encourage the women leaders present Hon. Maree Edwards, Speaker of the Victorian Parliament said,
“Tonight, we celebrate the resilience, leadership, and achievements of incredible women who continue to break barriers and inspire future generations.”
She added, “Their contributions are shaping a more inclusive and empowered society, and it is a privilege to honour them.”
Shadow Multicultural Minister of Victoria, Evan Mulholland MP, began his address with the Hindu greeting “Jai Mata Di!”, acknowledging the cultural significance of the occasion.
He expressed his deep appreciation for the extraordinary achievements of multicultural women across Australia, highlighting their determination, resilience, and success.
“Victoria thrives because of the contributions of its diverse and talented women,” Mulholland said.
“Their success stories inspire not only their communities but also the entire state. It’s a privilege to stand among them and acknowledge their excellence,”
he added.
6- Woman of the Year Award
Pooja Gupta
Pooja Gupta, Managing Director of Manhari Group, has been instrumental in transforming the company from a startup into a $400 million enterprise.
Together with her husband, Madhur Gupta, she co-founded Manhari Metals in 2007, a Melbourne-based metal recycling firm. Under their leadership, the company has expanded to over 120 employees across three sites in Victoria, processing up to 180,000 metric tons of materials annually.
Pooja’s strategic vision and commitment to sustainability have been pivotal in the company’s growth and its significant contributions to environmental conservation through innovative recycling solutions.
Beyond business, she emphasises community engagement, with Manhari Metals sponsoring local sports teams and initiatives, reflecting her dedication to social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
7- Arts and Culture Inspiration Award
Nirzari Patel
Nirzari Patel stands out as a beacon of artistic innovation and cultural preservation, earning her well-deserved recognition as this year’s Arts and Culture Awardee at The Australia Today International Women’s Day Awards.
Her profound contributions have not only enriched the vibrant tapestry of multicultural Australia but also ensured that traditional and contemporary arts continue to thrive and inspire. Through her creative endeavors and community engagement, Nirzari has fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, making her a pivotal figure in Australia’s cultural landscape.
8- STEAM Trailblazer Award
i- Dr. Indu Bala
Dr. Indu Bala, a Lecturer at the University of Adelaide’s School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, is a force to reckon with in the realms of mathematical modeling and data science.
Her pioneering work, particularly in developing transparent and explainable AI models, marks her as a standout recipient of the STEAM Trailblazer Award. Dr. Bala’s innovative approach seamlessly bridges the gap between intricate theoretical research and tangible, real-world applications, tackling some of the most pressing challenges in engineering, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
ii- May Lam
May Lam, an eminent figure in the STEM landscape, holds the prestigious position of Chief Information Officer at Australian Payments Plus (AP+). Renowned for her transformative leadership in the payments industry, May brings over 27 years of rich experience spanning financial services, fintech, and public sectors across the APAC region.
Her profound expertise in payment systems and cross-border ecosystems has made significant impacts. A champion for innovation and community impact, May serves on several influential boards and panels, including the Emerging Payments Association Asia and the CPMI API Expert Panel, advising G20 leaders on critical payment harmonization initiatives.
9- Community Hero Award
i- Asha Bhat
Asha Bhatt OAM stands as a beacon of change and progress in Indigenous affairs, dedicating nearly two decades to transformative leadership and advocacy.
As the CEO of the Southern Aboriginal Corporation, Asha has been pivotal in implementing ground-breaking initiatives that address critical social and economic challenges within Indigenous communities across Australia.
Her work is marked by her exceptional ability to merge grassroots advocacy with strategic policy influence, ensuring that Indigenous peoples’ voices are heard and central to crafting long-lasting solutions.
ii- Cissy Ma
Cissy Ma has truly carved a niche as a vanguard of leadership, mentoring, and business development, influencing a broad spectrum of industries with her dynamic approach and far-reaching impact.
As the distinguished recipient of the Community Hero Award, Cissy’s extensive contributions highlight her pivotal role as a mentor and leader.
She is the co-founder of the APAC Women’s Mentoring Circle, an expansive network with over 1,500 members, and the Founding Activator of Coralus, which spans five countries and includes over 7,000 members dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs.
10- Leadership in Governance and Public Service Award
i- Dr. Abha Suri
Dr. Abha Suri has distinguished herself as a beacon of leadership in both academia and public service. Awarded the Global Power Leader 2024 in the Sydney Parliament on December 12, 2024, Dr. Suri is a respected lecturer with a Ph.D. in Management, renowned for her impactful teaching and commitment to shaping future leaders with integrity.
In her role as a Councillor for Camden, she has been pivotal in advancing policies focused on community safety, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
ii- Fabiola Campbell
Fabiola Campbell has set a benchmark in public service and governance by championing the empowerment and professional advancement of migrant women in Australia. As the founder of Professional Migrant Women (PMW), she has significantly contributed to shaping the landscape of inclusive leadership within the community and the corporate sector.
Fabiola’s innovative approach to governance is centered around mentorship, training, and networking, providing migrant women with essential tools to enhance their careers and leadership skills in a new country. Her work has not only transformed individual lives but has also encouraged organisations to embrace more diverse and inclusive practices.
Natalie Suleyman, Minister for Youth, emphasised the profound impact of the awardees, highlighting their influence beyond their respective fields.
“The women we celebrate tonight are not just leaders in their fields but also role models for young people across Australia,”
she stated.
She acknowledged the significant contributions of multicultural women in shaping industries, communities, and future generations, reinforcing the importance of recognition and empowerment.
“Their journeys reflect the limitless potential of women in all sectors, and I am proud to be here to recognise their incredible achievements,”
she added.
Her speech underscored the inspiring legacy these women are creating, encouraging young Australians to aspire, lead, and break barriers across all industries.
Moving to the awards again.
11- Film, Fashion, and Beauty Icon Award
Mitu Bhowmik Lange
Mitu Bhowmik Lange, celebrated festival director of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and founder of Mind Blowing Films, is honoured with the Film, Fashion, and Beauty Icon Award for her extraordinary contributions to the cinema.
Her visionary leadership has not only elevated the festival to international acclaim but also bridged cultural divides through cinema. Under her direction, the festival has become a vibrant platform showcasing the richness of Indian cinema, fashion, and art, making significant impacts on the cultural landscape of Australia.
12- Retail Excellence Award
Suji Sanjeevan
Meet Suji Sanjeevan, a visionary entrepreneur whose journey in the world of fragrances has reshaped how we experience and connect with scents. As the co-founder of Light & Glo Designs Pty Ltd, an illustrious Australian fragrance house, Suji has masterfully blended sophistication and sustainability to revolutionize the industry.
Under her leadership, Light & Glo has emerged as a multi-award-winning entity known for its unique boutique fragrance products that are both nationally and internationally acclaimed.
13- Not-for-Profit Organisation of the Year Award –
STEM Sisters
STEM Sisters has become a beacon for advancing Women of Color in STEM through innovative programs and strong advocacy. This award-winning not-for-profit has broken down systemic barriers, providing mentorship, leadership training, and networking opportunities that bridge the employability gap for international women students.
Recognised with the Victorian International Education Excellence Industry Award, STEM Sisters excels in creating inclusive environments that foster career success for Women of Colour.
14- Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award
i- Jasmine Batra
Jasmine Batra stands at the forefront of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology, guiding Australian ventures into the expansive markets of India. With over a decade of experience, Jasmine’s expertise in scaling businesses internationally is unparalleled.
She has been a catalyst for startups and established enterprises, helping them commercialize their technologies and overcome the intricacies of cross-border expansion.
Her flagship initiative, the Big LEAP Accelerator Program, exemplifies her visionary approach. This program serves as a critical conduit between Australian innovation and the burgeoning tech economy of India.
ii- Krishna Sevak
Krishna Sevak, CEO of Sunrise2Sunrise recognized a significant opportunity to revolutionize the NDIS sector.
Founded in 2018, Sunrise2Sunrise has grown into a dynamic, innovative provider deeply committed to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. Initially serving as Finance Director, Krishna’s strategic acumen and willingness to take calculated risks propelled the organization to substantial growth, achieving a client base of over 350 participants and a remarkable staff expansion to more than 700 by 2024.
15- Education Champion Award
Veena Nair
Veena Nair stands as a beacon in STEM education, inspiring a new generation through her commitment to innovative teaching methods. Recognized across Australia for her excellence, she has significantly enriched the educational landscape.
Notably, Veena has been honored with the prestigious PM Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools in 2022, highlighting her exceptional contributions to the field. She was also a finalist in the Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards the same year, underscoring her influential role in educational excellence.
Further, her advocacy led to the recognition of VCE Systems Engineering as a bonus subject across all Victorian universities, an accolade bestowed upon her by the Design and Technology Teachers’ Association (DATTA) Australia, which named her ‘Teacher of the Year.’
16- Real Estate Leadership Award
Gitanjali Gadi
In a field where women in construction roles hover around just 12%, Gitanjali Gadi stands out not only for breaking into the industry but for excelling at an exceptionally young age.
At the helm of Panache Designer Homes, she has rapidly expanded the business, achieving an impressive turnover of over $20 million.
Gitanjali’s journey, from navigating the demands of motherhood with a toddler to steering her company to new heights, exemplifies her belief that with a solid dream, a clear action plan, and a supportive circle, any goal is attainable.
17- Finance Excellence Award
Meenakshi Bhayani
Meenakshi Bhayani stands as a paradigm of innovation in finance, bringing over 14 years of rich experience across various sectors to her role as Co-Founder and Principal Consultant at Creatick Group.
Recognised for her pioneering work in Fractional Project Management in Finance, Meenakshi has adeptly bridged critical gaps for SMEs, enhancing their financial literacy and operational efficiency. This unique model allows businesses to access high-level financial expertise cost-effectively, transforming their financial strategies and promoting sustainable growth.
Meenakshi’s foresight and strategic financial guidance have not only led to substantial business growth—with Creatick achieving a remarkable turnover—but have also empowered numerous SMEs to thrive in competitive markets.
18-Young Woman of the Year (Under 25 years)
i- Aayushi Khillan
Aayushi Khillan epitomizes the spirit of youth leadership and innovation, making significant strides in health advocacy, social enterprise, and educational reform—all before the age of 25.
Founder of the groundbreaking initiative Body Buddies, Aayushi creatively enhances health education through organ-shaped plush toys accompanied by educational resources, simplifying complex medical concepts for children. Her enterprise not only enlightens but also gives back, having donated substantial funds to support organ donation awareness
Beyond entrepreneurship, Aayushi’s influence extends into educational policy as the youngest board member of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, where she advocates for inclusive health education. Her academic rigor shines through in her medical studies at the University of Melbourne, coupled with pivotal research aimed at improving pediatric pain management for conditions like cerebral palsy.
ii- Indian Youth Association of Victoria
IYAV is a dynamic, youth-led nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering community engagement, leadership development, and cultural unity among Indian Australian youth in Victoria.
Through a variety of initiatives, including food drives, social events, and leadership programs, IYAV provides a platform for young women to volunteer, lead, and build meaningful connections.
Their commitment to service is exemplified by regular community activities, such as food drives aimed at supporting those in need.
By organising events like “Sun n Stroll” and dodgeball tournaments, IYAV not only promotes physical well-being but also strengthens communal bonds. The association’s efforts have led to an expanded committee, reflecting their growing impact and the enthusiastic support from the community.
Renee Heath, MP, Shadow Assistant Multicultural Minister of Victoria, expressed her admiration for the achievements of the awardees, highlighting their role in shaping a more inclusive and united society.
“It is truly heartwarming to be part of an event that recognises the remarkable women who are making a difference in our multicultural communities,” she said.
She acknowledged the dedication and passion of these women, emphasizing how their contributions not only uplift their own communities but also enrich the broader Australian society.
“Their dedication and passion remind us of the power of diversity and the strength that comes from unity,”
she added
Her words underscored the significance of recognising and celebrating multicultural women, whose efforts continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations.
The event took a light-hearted turn when attendees joined in singing “Happy Birthday” for Renee Heath, adding warmth to the grand celebration.
The success of the event was made possible by sponsors including Life Insurance 4U, Cable Australia, SBI- Australia, Indian Wedding Decorators, 7 Rules Cyber, Blossom Hampers, and 3VIMA. Additionally, support came from the Consulate General of India, Melbourne; the Royal Thai Honorary Consulate; and the Consulate of Nepal, Victoria.
The evening concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from co-founder Pallavi Jain, who acknowledged the unwavering support of sponsors and partners that made the event possible.
A moment to remember at The Australia Today International Women’s Day Awards. Minister for Women, Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP, stole the show as she hit the dance floor to the beats of “#KaliActivia” – celebrating the power, joy, and unstoppable spirit of women!
When the Minister for Women Brings the Energy! A moment to remember at The Australia Today International Women’s Day Awards!
With over 200 distinguished guests from across Australia, the awards night was a powerful reminder of the contributions women make across all sectors.
As attendees left with inspiration, connections, and a renewed sense of purpose, The Australia Today International Women’s Day Awards 2025 reaffirmed its place as a platform that honours, uplifts, and celebrates the achievements of multicultural women in Australia.
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Residents across South-East Queensland and northern New South Wales are bracing for severe weather conditions as Tropical Cyclone Alfred strengthens, bringing destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous surf.
The system, which intensified to a Category 2 cyclone, is expected to make landfall late Thursday or early Friday, with Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast in its projected path.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued warnings for damaging winds exceeding 120 km/h, flash flooding, and widespread coastal erosion. Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast are forecast to experience days of extreme weather, with heavy rainfall expected to exceed 300mm in some areas.
City Services and Businesses Shut Down Ahead of Storm
In preparation for the cyclone’s arrival, Brisbane City Council has suspended all CityCat and ferry services to safeguard vessels. Gold Coast theme parks, including Movie World and Sea World, have also announced temporary closures from Wednesday to Friday to ensure visitor and staff safety.
Emergency services are urging residents to prepare for extended power outages, with energy providers warning that restoration efforts could take several days due to strong winds and flooding.
Extreme Surf Conditions Expected
The cyclone is already generating waves up to 10 meters high along Brisbane and Gold Coast beaches. Authorities have issued strong warnings against beach activities, swimming, and boating, with dangerous surf conditions likely to persist through the weekend. Coastal erosion is also a major concern, particularly in low-lying beachside communities.
Evacuation Warnings and Emergency Preparedness
Authorities are closely monitoring flood-prone areas, and evacuation orders may be issued if conditions worsen. The Queensland Government has activated state emergency response teams, urging residents to take precautions by securing their properties, preparing emergency kits, and staying updated on weather advisories.
“We are urging residents in at-risk areas to prepare now. Secure loose items, avoid unnecessary travel, and ensure you have enough supplies to last for at least a few days,” a Queensland Emergency Services spokesperson said.
Days of Chaos Ahead
With 600,000 homes potentially at risk, authorities predict massive infrastructure damage, power outages, and road closures across the affected regions. The aftermath of the cyclone could bring significant disruptions to transport, emergency response times, and essential services.
As Cyclone Alfred barrels toward the coast, residents are being urged to remain vigilant, stay indoors when the storm hits, and follow all official instructions. The coming days are expected to test the region’s resilience, with emergency crews on high alert for rescue and recovery operations.
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An Indian illegal immigrant, who spent nearly a year in custody after committing an armed robbery and leading police on a dangerous pursuit through Melbourne, has been released into the community following sentencing.
Ramandeep Singh, 35, had been living in Australia illegally since his visa expired in 2019. On Friday, he walked free from Victoria’s County Court after being sentenced to 10 months in jail—a term he had already served on remand since his arrest in March 2024.
Singh was taken into custody after using a hammer to rob a woman of her handbag in Hoppers Crossing, before leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen Mitsubishi Lancer. The pursuit saw him driving on the wrong side of the road with flat tyres through residential streets, before police finally boxed him in and arrested him in Tarneit.
Court’s Verdict and Judge’s Remarks
On Monday, Singh pleaded guilty to charges of armed robbery, dangerous driving, and driving without a licence. He told the court he committed the robbery because he needed money and did not stop for police because he was scared.
Judge Carolene Gwynn acknowledged that Singh’s addiction to cannabis and methylamphetamine had played a role in his actions, leading to the breakdown of his marriage.
“The primary context of your offending was your drug addiction, and if you deal with it, there’s no reason why you can’t be a law-abiding citizen,”
Judge Gwynn said during sentencing.
While the robbery was deemed serious, the court found it to be spontaneous and opportunistic. However, the judge expressed concern over Singh’s reckless driving, stating that he showed a clear disregard for public safety.
“Your driving placed yourself, police members, and others at risk. It happened in the early hours, and it was only through good fortune and good management that no one was injured,”
Judge Gwynn added.
Will Singh Be Deported?
Despite his illegal immigration status, it remains unclear whether Singh will face deportation following his conviction.
The case has sparked discussions around the consequences of criminal behaviour by individuals residing in Australia unlawfully, with authorities yet to confirm if immigration officials will intervene in Singh’s case.
Community Reaction
The sentencing has raised concerns among the public about the leniency of penalties for serious offences, especially when offenders have a history of illegal residency and drug abuse. Some have called for tougher action, including mandatory deportation for non-citizens who commit violent crimes.
With Singh now released, questions remain about his future in Australia and whether he will be monitored for further offences.
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Schools agreement provides NSW $4.8 billion extra for public schools over a decade: Image Source: NSW Labor
By Michelle Grattan
The Albanese government has signed up New South Wales to its new schools funding agreement, with an extra A$4.8 billion in funding for the state’s public schools over ten years.
Queensland remains the only state still to join the agreement, which ties federal funding to schools to specific measures, such as phonics checks and teacher training. The federal government is working hard to finalise a deal with that state before going into caretaker mode for the election.
The federal government has been negotiating with states and territories over a new schools funding deal for more than 12 months.
NSW has been among states asking for a 5% increase in funds, while the federal government was initially only offering 2.5%. In January 2025, Victoria and South Australia successfully negotiated for a 5% increase from the federal government, leaving NSW and Queensland as the only two states without a deal ahead of a new school year.
The Commonwealth and NSW governments said in a statement that under the NSW deal, the federal government will provide an extra 5% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS).
This would lift the federal contribution from 20% to 25% of the SRS by 2034. It follows the NSW government delivering an election commitment to reach 75% of the SRS by 2025.
The 2011 Gonski review recommended all schools receive a minimum level of funding, called the SRS, with additional funds based on need. In 2025 the estimated SRS amounts are $13,977 for primary school students and $17,565 for secondary school students.
Under the new national agreement, all states would reach the full SRS funding in a decade, although at different paces. A lot of the fine print has still to be negotiated.
NSW has committed to removing the 4% provision of indirect school costs such as capital depreciation, so NSW schools would be fully funded over the life of the agreement.
This national agreement ties the funding to teaching and other reforms. These include more individualised support for students, continuing evidence-based teaching practices, and more mental health and wellbeing support for schools.
The two governments said: “This is not a blank cheque. The agreement will be accompanied by a NSW Bilateral Agreement, which ties funding to reforms that will help students catch up, keep up and finish school”.
These include
Year 1 phonics and early years of schooling numeracy checks to identify those needing more help
evidence-based teaching and targeted and intensive supports such as small-group or catch-up tutoring
wellbeing initiatives, including greater access to mental health professionals
access to high-quality and evidence-based professional learning, and
initiatives to attract and retain teachers.
The federal-state agreements incorporate national targets. These include improving NAPLAN reading and numeracy proficiency; increasing NAPLAN outcomes for priority equity cohorts; boosting student attendance; increasing the engagement rate of teacher education students, and raising the proportion of students successfully completing year 12.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said “every dollar of this funding will go into helping children learn”.
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said: “This will help more than 780,000 kids in more than 2,200 public schools. This is real funding tied to real reforms to help students catch up, keep up and finish school.”
Premier Chris Minns said: “We’ve seen a 40% reduction in teacher vacancies since we came to government, but we know there’s still more to do. This investment is vital as we work to lift education standards across the state by ensuring there is a qualified, dedicated teacher at the front of the classroom.”
In January, opposition education spokeswoman Sarah Henderson said Clare had “failed to get the job done”. She noted students in NSW and Queensland “continue to pay the price”.
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Image: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Gopal Baglay, High Commissioner of India to Australia (Source: X)
India’s investment footprint in Australia has steadily expanded over the past decade, reflecting deepening economic ties between the two nations. A new PwC report, Bridging Continents: Inbound Investment from India to Australia, highlights how Indian companies have increasingly looked to Australia for mergers and acquisitions (M&A), particularly in technology, industrials, retail, consumer goods, and healthcare. While these investments have driven growth and innovation, the overall scale remains modest compared to other destinations, suggesting untapped potential.
Australia's relationship with India is stronger, deeper and more important than ever. But there is so much more to come.
We’re boosting Australia’s economic ties with India to create jobs at home.
And today we launched a new roadmap that’s all about making the most of the trade… pic.twitter.com/LzNk73vVk0
India’s outbound investments have grown significantly, with businesses seeking international expansion through M&A to access new markets and advanced technologies. Between 2022 and 2024, Singapore emerged as the top destination, attracting US$4.8 billion, followed by the UAE (US$3.4 billion) and the Netherlands (US$3 billion).
(Source: PwC report – Bridging Continents: Inbound Investment from India to Australia)
Australia, however, ranked only 22nd, receiving just US$0.1 billion in Indian investments. This shift in overseas investment destinations highlights India’s increasing preference for locations offering tax incentives and regulatory ease, such as Mauritius, Singapore, and the British Virgin Islands, over traditional resource-rich markets like Australia.
(Source: PwC report – Bridging Continents: Inbound Investment from India to Australia)
Despite this, Indian investment in Australia has seen notable peaks in certain years, driven by key acquisitions. The largest deal occurred in 2015, when Strides Arcolab acquired Arrow Pharmaceuticals for A$265 million, contributing to a total Indian investment of A$333 million that year. Other major transactions include HCL’s A$182.8 million acquisition of DWS Ltd in 2020 and Wipro’s A$153.7 million purchase of Ampion in 2021. Over the past decade, India has completed 63 inbound M&A transactions in Australia, with deal activity peaking in 2018, 2020, and 2021. However, investment levels have fluctuated, with a sharp decline in 2016 and lower activity in recent years.
(Source: PwC report – Bridging Continents: Inbound Investment from India to Australia)
India currently ranks 15th among foreign investors in Australia, indicating steady but limited engagement compared to larger players. The technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sector has been the primary focus of Indian investment, accounting for 35% of deals and a total deal value of A$408 million over the past decade. The sector’s strong performance aligns with Australia’s growing digital economy and the increasing demand for advanced technology solutions.
This week the Albanese Government launched ‘A New Roadmap for Australia’s Economic Engagement with India’ to ensure we benefit from India’s growth story.
We are investing in our ties and our people, including the Indian-Australian diaspora in all of its dynamism and diversity. pic.twitter.com/BK238fEYPr
With India’s economic and strategic ambitions on the rise, its investment relationship with Australia is expected to grow, supported by stable market conditions and government initiatives to ease overseas investment restrictions. By fostering stronger business-to-business and government-to-government ties, both nations stand to benefit from a more dynamic and mutually rewarding investment partnership in the years ahead.
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Image: Assistant Minister for Information, Hon. Aliki Bia, handed over a Starlink satellite dish, together with a telephone, to the villagers of Naviavia as part of a pilot program (Source: Facebook - Fiji Government)
Villagers in Naviavia, Vanua Levu, no longer have to worry about internet connectivity and telephone services after receiving a Starlink satellite dish and a telephone as part of a government pilot programme.
Assistant Minister for Information Aliki Bia personally handed over the Starlink equipment, which includes a link and two access points providing Wi-Fi coverage via a voucher system.
Image: Assistant Minister for Information, Hon. Aliki Bia, handed over a Starlink satellite dish, together with a telephone, to the villagers of Naviavia as part of a pilot program (Source: Facebook – Fiji Government)
For locals, this is a game-changer, especially in times of crisis. District Advisory Councillor Sade Marika said the initiative would ensure villagers can access help during cyclones and other natural disasters.
“This is a big help for us, as we struggle to communicate with those around us, especially in bad weather.”
Marika added that the improved connectivity would keep the community informed about government support and development programmes, helping them progress within the village.
The impact of Starlink in rural and disaster-prone areas has drawn praise from experts. Associate Professor and Head of Journalism at the University of the South Pacific, Dr Shailendra Singh, highlighted the strong link between communications and development.
“This is certainly a positive outcome, especially for remote areas that are not easily accessible. Cheaper, better, and more reliable communications infrastructure can make a big difference, particularly in bad weather when traditional networks fail,” Dr Singh told The Australia Today.
“Starlink is more reliable in such situations, which is a major benefit in our disaster-prone region.”
The introduction of Starlink in Fiji aligns with President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere’s vision for expanding digital access in remote areas. During a meeting with Starlink founder Elon Musk in Bali, President Katonivere commended Musk for providing high-speed internet solutions in disaster-prone regions, citing Starlink’s proven resilience during the 2021 Tonga volcano disaster.
Musk emphasised that reliable internet is crucial for financial services and e-commerce, pointing to the recent undersea cable disruption that cost six East African countries billions of dollars. He suggested that Fiji’s leadership in adopting Starlink could set a precedent for the broader Pacific region.
Starlink is connecting more than 5M people with high-speed internet across 125 countries, territories and many other markets.
Beyond connectivity, Starlink’s potential role in climate adaptation, rural education, and desalination is also being explored, with Tesla’s solar power and battery storage technology offering further possibilities.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, currently has over 2,000 satellites in orbit and aims to deploy thousands more to expand global coverage. It is “connecting more than 5M people with high-speed internet across 125 countries, territories and many other markets.” The company has requested authorisation from the US Federal Communications Commission to launch up to 42,000 satellites, reinforcing its mission to provide high-speed internet access to even the most isolated communities.
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AFP Gold Coast Airport Commander Mark Yarrow reaffirmed that all passengers and staff should feel safe while travelling.
“This appalling conduct will never be tolerated by the AFP, and we will ensure individuals who engage in this kind of behaviour are held accountable for their actions,” Det a/Supt Yarrow said.
“This case is an example of how one person’s inappropriate behaviour can have a direct impact on those around them.”
Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers at Gold Coast Airport responded to an airline’s request for assistance on New Year’s Eve (31 December 2024) after the flight arrived from Melbourne.
It is alleged the man vaped into his jumper during the flight and inappropriately touched a female passenger as she returned from the bathroom. The passenger alerted airline staff, who then notified the AFP.
The man has been charged with:
One count of smoking on an aircraft, contrary to section 91.530 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988.
One count of an act of indecency without consent, contrary to section 60(1) of the Crimes Act 1900 (ACT).
If convicted, he faces a maximum fine of $2500 for vaping and up to seven years in jail for the alleged indecent act.
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Tropical Cyclone Alfred is predicted to make landfall anywhere between Bundaberg and northern New South Wales this week. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has warned it may bring severe hazards and “dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding”.
So, how do you prepare for a cyclone – and what do you do if it’s too late to leave?
Tropical #CycloneAlfred (category 2) will continue moving southeastwards away from the #Qld coast on Monday before it's expected to slow down and turn westward from Tues, moving towards the southern Qld coast.
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) March 2, 2025
How to prepare
Your starting point is to consider the risk to yourself and everyone in your household (including pets). Consider ensuring you have:
non-perishable food that everyone in the family will eat (enough for five to seven days)
water for drinking and cleaning (three litres per person per day)
medication (two weeks worth)
toiletries and first aid kit
pet food/supplies
torches
batteries
a back up battery for your phone
baby formula and nappies if needed
protective clothing and closed-in shoes
cash in small denominations
valuable documents such as passports, title deeds, ID, insurance details, photos (these can be photographed or packed in weather-proof container or envelope)
kids’ books, card games, board games, headphones
anything else you may need or really value (and isn’t too heavy to carry).
Make sure you have a grab-and-go kit that you can carry by yourself if authorities suddenly tell you to evacuate immediately.
Conventional wisdom used to be to prepare enough supplies for three days of disruption. Now, experts recommend having enough for five to seven days. After the initial disaster there may be road blockages or supply chain problems.
Ensure you have enough medication for a week or two, because pharmacies may take days or weeks to re-open. And remember that many medications, such as insulin, need to be refrigerated, so consider how you’d keep them cool if the power went out.
Fill containers with water and stick them in your freezer now; they can keep your freezer cool if you lose power. They can also become drinking water in future.
Talk to your neighbours. Do they have a generator or a camping fridge you can use? This is a great opportunity to get to know your community and pool your resources.
Ask yourself if you have friends with whom you or a pet can stay. One of the main reasons people don’t evacuate is because they can’t bring their pets (not all evacuation shelters allow them, so check in advance).
Consider what you can do now to prepare your house. One of the most common call-outs the SES receives is about blocked drains and gutters, so check if there’s time to clean your gutters now. You won’t be able to do it during the storm.
Have a plan for getting truthful information before, during and after the cyclone.
Rely on the information provided by official sources, as they will tell you when it’s too late to evacuate or when it’s safe to come out. This is highly context-specific and will depend on where you are located.
Get advice where possible from your local council’s disaster dashboard (most councils have one).
It should provide information such as where to get sandbags, which roads are closed (which can affect your evacuation plan) and evacuation centre openings and locations.
Anyone who monitors social media will see how many amateur meteorologists and maps are out there, but these are often not the best source. Always rely on official sources rather than hearsay, trending footage or amateur “experts”.
Always have an battery-operated AM-FM radio. If power goes out, relying on your phone to track information will drain your phone battery very quickly.
You may be able to charge it via your car or laptop, but telecommunications networks may not be active.
So having a battery-operated radio on hand – and plenty of batteries – is crucial.
What if the cyclone hits while you’re at home?
If it’s too late to evacuate, have a plan for sheltering in place.
Find the smallest room in your house with the least windows (which can shatter in a storm). This is often the bathroom, but it could be under the stairs. It is usually on the lowest level of the house.
Bring your food, water, radio, blankets and supplies there. Avoid walking around the house during the cyclone to fetch things; there could be glass on the floor or debris flying around.
It’s hard to predict how long you will need to shelter there, but it’s important not to leave until official sources say it is safe to do so.
Cyclones come in stages. They arrive from one direction, then comes an eerie calm as the “eye of the storm” passes over. Next, the other half of the cyclone arrives. Don’t go outside during the eye of the storm, because it’s not over.
Outside the house, there may be powerlines down, broken glass and other hazards. Don’t venture out until you get official clearance from the disaster dashboard or official sources on the radio saying it is safe.
For non-life threatening emergencies – such as a tree on your roof, or water running through your house – call the SES on 132 500 or register on the SES Assistance app (if you’re in Queensland). They will not come during the event itself but will come later.
If it’s a life threatening emergency, always call triple 0.
Issued 4:51am AEST Monday 3 March 2025
The latest track map for Tropical #CycloneAlfred is available.
Regardless of the track Alfred takes, severe coastal hazards are likely for southern #Qld and north-east #NSW.
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) March 2, 2025
After the storm
After the storm, consider how to make your house more cyclone-ready in future. Many houses in North Queensland are designed for cyclone zones, but not as many further south will be.
Climate change means cyclones are likely to be more severe in future. These days, be cyclone-ready 365 days a year.
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Image: Fiji's DPM Prof. Prasad met with India’s new High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, in Suva (Source: Facebook - Ministry of Finance - Fiji)
Fiji is set to sign a landmark agreement with India that will improve the supply of affordable medicines, enhancing healthcare accessibility across the country.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Prof. Biman Prasad, announced the initiative during the fijivillage Straight Talk segment with Vijay Narayan, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing the nation’s ongoing medicine shortages.
Image: Fiji’s DPM Prof. Prasad met with India’s new High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, in Suva (Source: Facebook – Ministry of Finance – Fiji)
Earlier in February 2025, Fiji and India strengthened their bilateral ties Prof. Prasad, met with India’s new High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, during a courtesy call.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong historical and diplomatic ties between the two nations. Prof. Prasad welcomed High Commissioner Mehta and emphasised Fiji’s commitment to working closely with India on shared priorities.
“Fiji and India have a special bond that spans 145 years. Our bilateral relations continue to grow, particularly in areas such as health, education, digital transformation, and regional cooperation.”
Key discussions focused on India’s ongoing support for Fiji, including the development of a 100-bed Super-Specialty Cardiology Hospital and digital transformation initiatives.
Prof. Prasad highlighted the significance of India’s contributions, stating,
“India is a reliable partner in strengthening the international order and supporting Small Island Developing States like Fiji.”
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation, with H.E. Mehta expressing India’s readiness to support Fiji’s development agenda.
Prof. Prasad acknowledged that previous strategies had not been the most effective but assured the public that the government has now recognised what needs to be done. As part of this renewed approach, Fiji will finalise a pharmacopeia agreement with India, allowing for the procurement of cost-effective medicines with greater efficiency.
The move coincides with the upcoming visit of the Minister for Health to India, where the agreement is expected to be signed. This will mark a significant step in ensuring a steady and affordable supply of essential drugs to Fiji’s health sector.
Image: Fiji’s former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama receiving the consignment of 100,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines from India (Source: Facebook – Office of the Prime Minister – Republic of Fiji)
This is not the first time India has stepped in to support Fiji’s healthcare system. In 2021, Fiji received 100,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines from India as part of the Vaccine Maitri (Vaccine Friendship) initiative. This contribution played a crucial role in Fiji’s national vaccination programme and COVID-19 recovery efforts.
Fiji’s former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama had commended India’s global efforts in vaccine distribution, stating,
“Through Vaccine Maitri, India is adding the missing piece of equity to the COVID equation.”
Since its launch, the initiative has provided over 60 million vaccine doses to 76 developing nations.
Image: Handing over of ARV drugs to Fiji Ministry of Health & Medical Services (Source: HCI Suva – website)
India’s commitment to Fiji’s healthcare system has extended beyond vaccines. In August 2023, India donated a consignment of Anti-Retroviral (ARV) drugs worth over FJ$280,000 to support HIV patients in Fiji. The handover ceremony, held at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in Suva, was attended by then High Commissioner P.S. Karthigeyan, Minister for Health Dr Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for the Pacific, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
High Commissioner Karthigeyan had reaffirmed India’s dedication to Fiji’s healthcare sector, recalling previous ARV drug donations in 2021 and 2022. He highlighted India’s leading role in providing generic medicines globally, particularly in the fight against HIV. Minister Lalabalavu expressed gratitude to India, acknowledging the crucial role these medications play amid rising HIV cases in Fiji. Additionally, the consignment included a limited supply of tuberculosis medicines, delivered as grant assistance to bolster Fiji’s medical resources.
Image: President Droupadi Murmu was warmly received by President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere of Fiji at State House, Suva, 2024 (Source: X)
During his visit to Fiji in August 2024, Indian President Droupadi Murmu reaffirmed this long-standing relationship, stating in Parliament,
“Despite the physical distance between us, we have always had a close bond. No wonder, in times of need, we have been among the first to respond.”
As Fiji prepares to sign its new medicine procurement agreement with India, the future looks promising for improved healthcare access.
This collaboration underlines the deep-rooted partnership between the two nations in improving healthcare services. The strong historical and strategic ties between India and Fiji continue to shape healthcare cooperation. With 38% of Fiji’s population being of Indian descent, experts believe this relationship is further strengthened by shared cultural and diplomatic bonds.
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You might remember Pesto, the king penguin chick who became a star attraction at Melbourne Aquarium last year. Good food, good genes and a safe home let Pesto grow into a huge ball of brown fluff twice the size of his parents. Pesto became a local and international celebrity.
While not cute or funny like Pesto, Australia’s financial sector gave birth to its own baby three decades ago that has since rapidly grown into a big adult – superannuation. It, too, has become internationally famous.
This week, our superannuation sector attracted the attention of US asset managers and government officials, including the new US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, at a summit in Washington DC.
Super industry leaders joined Treasurer Jim Chalmers and the Australian ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, to pitch a strengthening of ties. So, why are Australian super funds so keen to shore up support in the United States?
A giant nest egg
Figures from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) show the total pool of superannuation assets had grown to about A$4.2 trillion by December 2024. That’s up 11.5% on the year before.
That’s about 160% of the value of all goods and services produced in Australia – the gross domestic product (GDP) – over the year to June 2024 at $2.6 trillion.
This scales to a very large pool of investable retirement money – the fifth largest in the world. Australia’s population ranks just 54th in the world.
Some of the biggest individual funds have significant assets under management. Australian Super and Australian Retirement Trust, for example, both manage more than $300 billion in retirement savings.
Looking overseas
This leads us to why the Australian super industry is securing openings in the US. Australian super funds have invested some funds overseas since their inception. But this practice is expanding quickly for two reasons.
First, the sheer size of the superannuation investment pool has largely outgrown its Australian asset base.
To illustrate, our $4.2 trillion super pool is significantly larger than the total market capitalisation of the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), about $3.1 trillion.
Without new places to invest our super, it’s impossible to keep earning a return on it.
The second – and related – reason is the need for diversification. It makes sense to lower risk by spreading funds across industries, geographies and jurisdictions.
A scan of the aggregated asset allocation of large Australian super funds shows that around half of the funds invested in equities, property and infrastructure are currently in overseas assets.
The US accounts for about 45% of aggregate financial assets of all investors worldwide – more than US$90 trillion (A$144 trillion).
The strategy to diversify investments has paid off. The US stock market has seen some spectacular recent returns, with annual returns of more than 20% in some years. These have far outpaced those of the ASX.
Compulsory savings
Australia’s super sector has been fed by compulsory contributions (savings) and investment returns. Super has also been protected by legislation that makes participation compulsory for most workers and preserves savings until retirement.
Since 1992, employers have made compulsory (superannuation guarantee) contributions on behalf of workers into superannuation accounts. The compulsory contribution has risen significantly from an initial 3% of earnings to 12% of earnings from July this year.
High coverage (well over 90% of workers), combined with rising contribution rates, has meant the amount of money flowing into superannuation accounts has grown at a remarkable compound annual rate of 14% since 1992.
Even after the superannuation guarantee rate peaks at 12% this year, growth in labour earnings, fed by workforce and productivity growth, will continue to generate substantial inflows.
Can’t touch our nest egg early
Australia’s strict rules preventing withdrawals from super are among the tightest in the world. With some exceptions for extreme hardship, members of super funds can withdraw their savings from age 60 if they retire, and from age 65 even if they have not retired.
An ageing population will mean more retirees in future decades, speeding up outflows. But so far, Australian retirees are proving to be very cautious with their nest eggs.
Along with compulsory contributions and rules on withdrawing it, investment returns have grown the super baby, at rates of 7.3% annually over the past 30 years, or about 4.4% annually above inflation.
The super sector is still smaller than its older sibling, the banking system, where assets of A$6.3 trillion are about 240% of the value of annual GDP. But super is forecast to grow to 200% of annual GDP over the next two decades.
Riskier investments
To generate these rates of return, Australian super funds have invested in a wide range of financial assets, and with a substantial exposure to high return (but riskier) assets.
In Australia, super funds invest around two-thirds of funds in equities, property, infrastructure and commodities, and around one-third in safer bonds and cash.
That contrasts with some other pension systems, such as Japan and the UK, where a majority of funds are invested in safer assets like government bonds.
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Dubai, Mar 02 (ANI): New Zealand's Mitchell Santner gets bowled by India's Varun Chakaravarthy during their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 - Group A match, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Sunday. (ANI Photo)
India sealed a commanding 44-run win over New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday. The victory, which sets up a high-stakes semi-final clash with Australia on Tuesday, finished the Champions Trophy group stage at the top of Group A with six points.
Meanwhile, New Zealand, which finished second in the group, will take on South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday.
Dubai, Mar 02 (ANI): Indian players celebrate after winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – Group A match against New Zealand, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Sunday. (ANI Photo)
India’s Gritty Comeback After Early Collapse
Winning the toss and electing to bowl, New Zealand’s decision initially paid dividends as India struggled early. The top order faltered, with Shubman Gill (2), Rohit Sharma (15), and Virat Kohli (11) departing quickly, leaving India reeling at 30/3.
Dubai, Mar 02 (ANI): India’s Ravindra Jadeja plays a shot during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – Group A match against New Zealand, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Sunday. (ANI Photo)
A stabilising 98-run partnership between Shreyas Iyer (79) and Axar Patel (42) steadied the innings, but New Zealand struck back with key wickets. KL Rahul added 23 before departing, and despite late efforts from Hardik Pandya (45) and Ravindra Jadeja (16), India managed to post a competitive 249/9 in their 50 overs. Matt Henry was the standout performer for New Zealand, claiming an impressive 5/42.
Dubai, Mar 02 (ANI): India’s Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel run between wickets during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – Group A match against New Zealand, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Sunday. (ANI Photo)
India’s Spin Web Stifles New Zealand
Chasing 250, New Zealand faced immediate setbacks as Hardik Pandya dismissed Rachin Ravindra early, thanks to a stunning catch by Axar Patel. Kane Williamson (81) provided resistance, anchoring the innings while wickets fell at the other end.
Dubai, Mar 02 (ANI): India’s Varun Chakaravarthy and Rohit Sharma celebrate the wicket of New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips during their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – Group A match, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Sunday. (ANI Photo)
Varun Chakravarthy (5/42) proved to be India’s match-winner, dismantling the middle order with a masterclass in spin bowling. Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with 2/56, while Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja claimed a wicket each. Despite a late effort from Mitchell Santner (28), New Zealand crumbled under pressure, getting bowled out for 205 in 46.3 overs.
Dubai, Mar 02 (ANI): India players stand for the National anthem during ICC Champions Trophy 2025- Group A match against New Zealand, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Sunday. (ANI Photo)
Semi-Final Line-Up Confirmed
With the group stage now complete, the Champions Trophy semi-final fixtures have been confirmed:
India vs Australia – Tuesday, Dubai
South Africa vs New Zealand – Wednesday, Lahore
South Africa topped Group B with five points, after wins against Afghanistan and England and a washed-out game against Australia.
Dubai, Mar 02 (ANI): India’s Varun Chakaravarthy takes 5-wicket haul against New Zealand during their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – Group A match, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Sunday. (ANI Photo)
As the tournament heads into its final stages, India will be banking on its spinners to continue its dominance, while Australia will look to counter with its pace attack. With a spot in the final on the line, the cricketing world awaits a thrilling clash in Dubai.
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Image: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined thousands of attendees in embracing the night’s energy (Source: X)
Sydney’s Oxford Street was a sea of colour and celebration on Saturday night as revellers filled the iconic strip for the 47th annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade.
Happy Mardi Gras! Oxford Street is filling up quickly, great viewing available at Anzac Parade in Moore Park. Follow instructions, stay safe & enjoy the Parade.
— Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (@sydneymardigras) March 1, 2025
Marching for the second time as Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese joined thousands of attendees in embracing the night’s energy, even curating a “queer party playlist” featuring songs from the Aussie pop icon Kylie Minogue.
The Prime Minister walked alongside the Rainbow Labor float, joined by Sydney MP and Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek.
“She’s playing out at Homebush, there’s got to be some chance she’ll turn up here later on,” Albanese told the ABC, fuelling speculation that Minogue might make a grand entrance.
Although the ‘Padam Padam’ singer was performing at Qudos Bank Arena at Sydney Olympic Park, fans held out hope for a surprise appearance at the official Mardi Gras After Party at the Hordern Pavilion, where fellow Aussie star Troye Sivan was set to perform.
Instead, Minogue sent a heartfelt message to her fans via the live ABC broadcast, streaming in from her concert.
“Hi Mardi Gras. It’s me, Kylie. I’m on stage with my friends,” she said.
“We wanted to send you a message of love and here it is. All of us on the count of three… One, two, three… Happy Mardi Gras!”
Albanese, the first sitting Prime Minister to march in the parade in 2023, reflected on the progress of LGBTQI+ rights in Australia, acknowledging that while strides have been made, there is still work to be done.
“I’ve been coming to Mardi Gras for many decades now—just about every year since 1984,” he said.
“But it’s fun. It’s a celebration, and it shows a commitment to respecting people for who they are.”
The parade was led by the traditional Dykes on Bikes, LGBTQIA+SB First Nations communities, and the 78ers—activists who took part in the inaugural Mardi Gras in 1978.
A bow to the Sydney Mardi Gras! Marched as part of the USYD’s float. One of life’s best moments! The call for equality in rights and dignity continues anywhere and everywhere! pic.twitter.com/hBdYyfkfLb
This year’s theme, ‘Free to Be,’ was a call to embrace individuality and collective identity.
“Our theme is about making a statement to embrace and rejoice in our unique individuality as well as our collective identity,” said Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO Gil Beckwith.
“It is about the bravery to rise for each other in the darkest of times and protect the progress we’ve made, using it as a springboard toward the progress we deserve.”
More than 11,000 participants across 200 floats made their way from the northern end of Oxford Street, down Flinders Street, before finishing at Anzac Parade, Moore Park by 11pm.
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Thirteen-year-old Tilly was holidaying in Fiji with her family when she noticed something unusual—local children swimming in their school uniforms and everyday clothes.
Image: Tilly with swimwear donation (Source: Instagram)
The discovery stuck with Tilly long after she returned home. Determined to help, she launched a swimwear drive, leveraging her connections at the Upper Northern Beaches Surf Club.
“I thought a swimwear drive would be really good,” says Tilly, a dedicated junior surf lifesaver at Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club.
Image: Tilly Cooper with local children in Fiji (Source: Instagram)
Tilly’s initiative quickly gained traction, with local surf clubs and businesses stepping up to donate swimwear. With the community rallying behind her, she has sourced over 300 pairs of goggles, wetsuits, and rashies.
“When I spoke to one of the general managers at the resort, they told me that owning swimwear is a huge privilege,” she shares.
“They also explained that many locals struggle to see underwater while fishing, and in the colder months, they freeze without wetsuits.”
Now, thanks to Tilly’s efforts, what would have been discarded surf club rashies and unused swimwear are finding a new home.
Image: Tilly’s parents happily to help her in this impressive endeavour (Source: Instagram)
Tilly and her family plan to personally deliver the donations when they return to Fiji in March. “We reckon we’ll have enough for at least two villages,” she says proudly.
Tilly’s passion for giving back has caught the attention of Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby, who has pledged to recognise her efforts in Parliament. “There aren’t many 13-year-olds who come back from a holiday in Fiji with a mission to give back to the community,” Scruby said.
“Tilly is a changemaker and embodies the spirit of Pittwater.”
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Representative image: Solar power in an apartment block (Source: CANVA)
Apartment residents in New South Wales are set to benefit from a groundbreaking $25 million solar initiative, aimed at helping them save up to $600 annually on energy bills.
The Albanese Labor Government, in partnership with the Minns NSW Government, has launched the Solar for Apartment Residents program—the first of its kind in the state—to expand access to rooftop solar technology.
With one in five NSW homes being apartments but only 3.5 per cent currently connected to solar, the initiative is set to bridge the gap. The scheme will provide co-funding for eligible owners’ corporations and strata managers to install shared solar systems, covering up to 50 per cent of the installation cost—up to a maximum of $150,000 per project.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the government’s commitment to making energy more affordable and sustainable. “My government is building Australia’s future. We want to make sure all Australians have the services and infrastructure they need now and into the future,” he said.
“That’s why we are working with the Minns Government to encourage the use of solar panels and help slash the cost of people’s power bills. This is good for families and good for the environment.”
The program is funded under the federal government’s Solar Banks Scheme, designed to remove barriers to solar access nationwide. Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, emphasised that apartment dwellers have often faced difficulties in accessing solar energy.
“In the past, it’s been difficult for apartment residents to reap the benefits of cleaner, cheaper solar—but Labor is helping households overcome those barriers and powering more Australian homes with renewables.”
Administered by the NSW Government, the program will assess applications, distribute funding, and oversee project delivery. NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe, stressed the importance of making solar more accessible.
“Solar should be available to everyone. This program removes the barriers to renewable energy for units and apartments, making it easier and more affordable to adopt solar.”
Owners’ corporations or strata managers of buildings with 3-55 units that have not installed a solar PV system in the last 10 years are eligible to apply. Applications are open until 1 December 2025 or until funding is exhausted.
A three-level brick apartment block in Ashfield, NSW, built in the 1970s, has already demonstrated the benefits of rooftop solar. The building, home to a mix of owner-occupiers and renters—including young families, working adults, and retirees—installed a 20kW solar PV system in December 2021. The system, which includes 55 solar panels and a 20kW inverter, powers nine strata units and common property while exporting surplus electricity to the grid. It is also battery-ready, ensuring long-term energy efficiency.
The total cost of the system was $50,000, funded partly by a $5,000 special levy on each unit and the remainder from the Owners’ Corporation Capital Works Fund. Since installation, the apartment block has saved approximately $8,900 annually—around $990 per household. Under the new Solar for Apartment Residents (SoAR) program, they could have received up to $25,000 in funding, making the investment even more affordable.
With rising energy costs and increasing demand for sustainable solutions, the Solar for Apartment Residents program presents a significant opportunity for NSW apartment dwellers to cut their power bills while contributing to a greener future.
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The Australian Federal Police (AFP) charged the men this week as part of Operation Cumberland, a global initiative led by Danish Police in collaboration with Europol and law enforcement agencies from 19 countries.
A 31-year-old Queensland man was charged on 25 February 2025 and granted police bail to appear in court on 19 March. The following day, a 38-year-old New South Wales man faced Downing Centre Local Court after being charged. He was granted bail and will reappear in court at a later date. Authorities do not believe the two men know each other.
Image: Op Cumberland Accused (Source: AFP)
The investigation began in Denmark when local police arrested a Danish national for allegedly producing AI-generated child abuse material and selling it through an online subscription service. Danish law enforcement identified 273 subscribers across 19 countries and alerted relevant authorities, including the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE).
In response, the ACCCE launched an investigation into allegations that two Australian men had subscribed to the illegal site. Working with AFP officers in New South Wales and Queensland, they gathered evidence, leading to search warrants executed at the men’s homes in Cairns and Toukley.
Police allegedly found child abuse material on mobile phones and other electronic devices, which will undergo further forensic examination.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Kurt Wesche emphasised the importance of global cooperation in tackling child exploitation.
“The exploitation and abuse of children is not restricted by borders, so no one country can combat this threat alone.”
Image: Op Cumberland Accused (Source: AFP)
Det a/Supt Wesche warned that AI technology is making it harder for police to distinguish between real and AI-generated images, which could divert resources from identifying and rescuing real victims.
“Although the children depicted in this material are not real, these criminal networks are still involved in the sexual exploitation of children,” he said.
“In Australia, it is a criminal offence to create, possess or share content that depicts the abuse of someone aged under 18; it is child abuse material irrespective of whether it is ‘real’ or not.”
The Cairns man faces four counts of possessing child abuse material accessed or obtained using a carriage service, while the Toukley man has been charged with one count of possession and one count of using a carriage service to access such material. Each offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment.
Operation Cumberland remains ongoing, with authorities expecting further arrests.
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When US President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies to return to plastic straws, claiming the paper version is ineffective and “disgustingly dissolves in your mouth”, he was widely criticised for setting back efforts to reduce plastic pollution. But many alternatives designed to help phase out single-use plastics don’t really solve the problem at all.
It’s not unusual to see plastic bans challenged or overturned. However, a government ban on the substitute is altogether new.
It’s true paper straws can disintegrate and become soggy before we finish a drink. Problems with finding viable substitutes to single-use plastics is one of the many challenges involved in phasing them out.
Sometimes, swapping one single-use item for another really is more trouble than it’s worth. A better approach would be to change our society’s single-use and disposal mindset.
Trump rejected paper straws, saying they “don’t work” as well as plastic straws. The poor consumer experience of drinking through a soggy straw is one thing, but there are other problems too.
Swapping one problematic or hazardous material for another is sometimes called “regrettable substitution”, because the replacement has its own issues. For example, one harmful chemical used to make plastics is often replaced with others that are as bad or worse.
Along with paper, other plant-based materials such as corn starch and bamboo are increasingly replacing single-use plastics – especially in food packaging. These substitutes carry a cost that is passed down to consumers, and many are more expensive to produce than plastic.
Some are labelled “compostable” or “biodegradable”. The term compostable suggests they will break down in home compost heaps or green waste bins, but that has been called into question.
Unfortunately, the term “biodegradable” does not necessarily mean a material will break down in home compost, or even landfill. It may require heat or pressure – in an industrial setting – for it to disintegrate enough to be harmless or safely used on your garden.
When it comes to straws, paper, bamboo, metal and glass have all been adopted as substitutes. Metal and glass straws could be dangerous for kids and less able-bodied people. They can also be hard to clean. Again, “biodegradable plastic” products have been accused of greenwashing and have been banned from organic composting bins in New South Wales and potentially Victoria because they don’t disintegrate well or are contaminated.
Meanwhile, thicker plastic bags labelled “reusable” have been introduced following bans on lightweight “single-use” plastic bags. While these durable bags may be reused for months at a time, they will eventually wear out and then they are even harder to break down in landfill.
Plastic bans can be problematic
Governments all over the world have attempted to ban single-use plastic. Often these bans are introduced without considering how the products are used in daily life and how those services will be replaced. The changes may disadvantage certain groups and new supply chains need to be created.
Often, governments wanting to be seen as protecting the environment target the low-hanging fruit such as plastic straws and plastic bags, rather than packaging as a whole.
So it’s no surprise these bans have faced opposition. Many have already been repealed or diluted.
In India, for example, the plastic ban was criticised for shifting the burden of waste management away from larger, more polluting industries on to smaller businesses. Larger establishments were also accused of passing the costs of substitute packaging, such as more expensive paper and cloth, to consumers.
Better to avoid single-use items
It’s time to stop searching for the perfect substitute. Let’s instead focus on getting rid of single-use items altogether.
Remember, straws were originally used for very specific cases and places: very young children and others unable to drink straight from a cup. They might still need straws.
Single-use bottles are unnecessary. We should learn from Germany’s glass bottle reuse system and set up circular loops of production and distribution.
Get serious about reducing plastic packaging
While some packaging – even some plastics – is needed for food safety and freshness, an overhaul of unnecessary packaging would go a long way.
In the United Kingdom, anti-waste charity WRAP examined fresh produce in supermarkets and called for the government to ban packaging on 21 fruits and vegetables sold in supermarkets by 2030. These included cucumbers, bananas and potatoes.
Policies that prevent plastics from reaching consumers in the first place would be better than bans on single-use items.
Governments should put the onus on the corporations that have profited from plastic and their role in plastic pollution.
Supermarkets and the food industry as a whole must also take responsibility for their part in the plastic waste problem.
Voluntary codes have not worked. Government regulation levels the playing field, but industry expertise and technical and social knowledge is needed to ensure systems work. While not without its challenges, Australia’s tyre recycling system has addressed many similar issues. The scheme’s approach to developing a national market for used tyres could be replicated for plastics, packaging and glass.
Meaningful change for our environment and health requires government regulations done well and fairly. It also requires coordinated waste infrastructure and industry practices that build on technical expertise and consumers’ lived experience.
Bhavna Middha, ARC DECRA Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University; Kajsa Lundberg, Research Fellow Sustainable Consumption and Policy, Centre for Urban Research, College of Design & Social Context, RMIT University, and Ralph Horne, Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research & Innovation, College of Design & Social Context, RMIT University
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Image: Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts MP with the Katyal family (Source: Facebook)
After years of advocacy and uncertainty, 10-year-old Kayaan Katyal and his family have been granted permanent residency in Australia. Born in Melbourne at just 32 weeks with cerebral palsy, Kayaan has spent his entire life on a bridging visa—until now.
The news of their residency approval was met with joy and relief, especially for Kayaan’s parents, who have endured years of anxiety over their future in Australia. Their fight to stay garnered widespread community support, including strong backing from Tim Watts MP, who had championed their case for five years.
“This moment will stay with me forever,” Watts said.
“Kayaan’s parents never stopped fighting for their son, and today, that fight is over. Thanks to the incredible support from Melbourne’s west, Kayaan and his family can finally build a stable future in Australia.”
Kayaan’s case drew national attention, highlighting a little-known provision in Australia’s Migration Act that allows families to be deported if a child has a disability.
The Department of Home Affairs initially rejected the Katyal family’s application, citing an estimated cost of $1.23 million in healthcare and support services for Kayaan.
“This is the very definition of inhumanity,” Watts wrote in 2021 when he first appealed for intervention.
“Kayaan didn’t choose to be born with cerebral palsy. He has an Australian birth certificate, yet no rights in the country he calls home.”
Despite having lived, worked, and paid taxes in Australia for over a decade, Kayaan’s parents were faced with the devastating prospect of having to leave the only home their son has ever known.
The Katyal family’s struggle resonated deeply with advocacy groups and everyday Australians, sparking calls for reform in disability-related immigration policies.
Image: The Katyal family (Source Facebook)
The family’s perseverance, coupled with community support, ultimately led to their breakthrough moment. Over the weekend, Watts and fellow MP Joanne Ryan joined Kayaan’s family and supporters to celebrate not just his birthday, but also the long-overdue resolution of their case.
“Today, that fight is over. Thanks to the backing of our community in Melbourne’s west, Kayaan and his family have permanent residency.”
Kayaan’s case has reignited calls to amend Australia’s immigration policies, particularly the clauses that deem children with disabilities as financial burdens. Advocacy groups argue that the system should account for long-term contributions families can make, rather than focusing solely on projected costs.
For the Katyal family, this victory marks the beginning of a new chapter. “We came here for equality and a better future,” Kayaan’s father, Varun, said.
“Now, we can finally build that future without fear.”
As Kayaan settles into his new life with the security of permanent residency, his story stands as a testament to the power of persistence, community solidarity, and the belief that every child deserves a fair chance in Australia—regardless of ability.
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The move, set to take effect from August 2025, aims to ease financial pressure on pubs, clubs, and their patrons.
Ninety nine percent of Vietnamese beer is made using Australian barley, and a lot of the banh-mi baguettes are made with Australian wheat. pic.twitter.com/MmYEihK2T7
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese framed the decision as a boost for small and medium businesses.
“Freezing the excise on draught beer is a common-sense measure that is good for beer drinkers, good for brewers, and good for pubs.”.
For decades, the excise on draught beer has been indexed twice a year, contributing to rising costs for venues and customers alike.
Image: Treasurer Jim Chalmers interacting in a local pub (Source: Facebook)
Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged the change as a small but meaningful step.
“This is a modest change but will help take a little bit of the pressure off beer drinkers, brewers, and bars.”
The Government will consult with the industry on the implementation of the measure, which comes alongside broader tax relief for Australia’s alcohol producers.
Last week, it announced an increase in the excise remission cap for brewers and distillers from $350,000 to $400,000 annually. The Wine Equalisation Tax producer rebate cap will also rise to $400,000 from July 1, 2026.
With beer at the heart of Australia’s pub culture, the decision has been welcomed by industry leaders as a step towards keeping costs down and supporting regional tourism.
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Image: Men’s Deaf Cricket Team in dropped by the Australian High Commission in New Delhi, India
(Source: X)
The Australian Men’s Deaf Cricket Team has arrived in India, eager to make an impact in the upcoming T20I Tri-Series and ODI series against the hosts and South Africa. With a mix of experience and fresh talent, the squad is determined to showcase its skills on the international stage.
Look who dropped by the High Commission – the Men’s Deaf Cricket Team The team is in India to compete in a T20I Tri-Series against & followed by an ODI series vs . Go catch a game & show your support! pic.twitter.com/zE6zma00cJ
Led by captain Andrew Park, the team will kick off their campaign with the T20I Tri-Series from 2-8 March, followed by a three-match ODI series against India from 10-12 March. All matches will take place at Delhi’s Karnail Singh Stadium.
The squad features several key players, including fast bowler Callum Asbury, who made his debut in India in 2018 and is keen to use his experience to guide the team. Rising star Jacob Floyd has earned his first national call-up after an impressive performance at the 2025 National Cricket Inclusion Championships, where Victoria secured its third consecutive title.
Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager, Events and Operations, Joel Morrison, emphasised the tour’s importance, describing it as a landmark moment for deaf cricket in Australia. He also acknowledged the support of CommBank in ensuring cricket remains an inclusive sport where all players, regardless of ability, have the opportunity to represent their country at the highest level.
Head Coach Job van Bunge expressed confidence in the squad’s preparation, highlighting the team’s hard work leading up to the tour.
The Australian team will face stiff competition, particularly against India, which has a strong record in deaf cricket, and South Africa, known for its aggressive playing style.
The conditions in India will test Australia’s adaptability, with slow pitches likely to favour spin bowlers. However, batsmen like Shrey Patel and Tom Robertson will look to counter these challenges, while bowlers such as Sean Walsh and Nick Budden will play a crucial role in containing the opposition.
Australia’s Deaf Squad:
Andrew Park (NSW) (c)
Abhi Jain (QLD)
Angus Pike (NSW)
Callum Asbury (VIC)
Harry Bell (NSW)
Himath Perera (VIC)
Jacob Floyd (VIC)
Justin Morgan (VIC)
Keziah Van Rijn (QLD)
Lewis Beard (NSW)
Michael Blight (QLD)
Nick Mahoney (QLD)
Nick Budden (QLD)
Sean Walsh (QLD)
Shrey Patel (SA)
Tom Robertson (VIC)
The tournament will be livestreamed on the Indian Deaf Cricket Association’s YouTube channel, allowing fans to follow the team’s journey. Cricket Australia encourages supporters to tune in and cheer for the squad as they take on the best in the world.
With their sights set on victory, Australia’s Men’s Deaf Cricket Team is ready to take on the world. Fans and cricket enthusiasts alike will be watching closely as they embark on this exciting journey in India.
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Over the past few days, the Australian media has been dominated by the activities of the Chinese navy’s Task Group 107 as it has progressed south along the Australian coast and conducted a series of live-fire exercises.
Much of the discussion has been rather breathless in nature, with accusations of “gunboat diplomacy” being bandied around.
The live-fire exercises have also dominated the Australian political debate. Amid all the accusations, the fact that these exercises are routine and entirely legal has gotten lost.
The Australian government was correct to lodge a complaint with its Chinese counterpart when one of these exercises disrupted civilian aviation. But the overall response has been an extraordinary overreaction.
There is no indication the Chinese vessels undertook any surface-to-air exercises, and it remains unclear whether the initial firings involved medium-calibre weapons or smaller arms.
Either way, the facts suggest the disruption from the Chinese vessels was caused by inexperience or poor procedure, rather than some more nefarious purpose.
This is not to suggest the People’s Liberation Army-Navy’s (PLA-N) deployment is unimportant, but as happens all too often, the Australian public debate is missing the wood for the trees.
While a number of retired naval officers have publicly played down the significance of the live-fire exercises, these voices have generally been drowned out by the politicisation of the issue. This highlights the failure of the Department of Defence to communicate effectively to the public.
In other countries, including the United States, senior officers are given far more leeway to make public statements in matters within their purview.
Had Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, the chief of navy, or Vice Admiral Justin Jones, the chief of Joint Operations, been empowered to explain how live-fire exercises are routine and are commonly carried out by Australian warships on deployment in our region, we may have avoided this unhelpful stoush.
The remarkable growth of the Chinese navy
The real significance of the activities of Task Group 107 is the way it has revealed the very different trajectories of the PLA-N and its Royal Australian Navy counterpart.
The task group is made up of a Type 055 Renhai-class cruiser, a Type 054A Jiangkai II frigate and a Type 903 Fuchi-class replenishment ship. This is a powerful force that symbolises the rapid development of the Chinese navy.
The Renhai-class cruisers are acknowledged to be some of the most capable surface combatants currently in operation.
They are 13,000 tonnes in size and are armed with 112 vertical-launch system (VLS) missile tubes. The Australian navy’s premier surface warship, the Hobart-class destroyer, is just 7,000 tonnes and has 48 VLS missiles cells.
These are very crude metrics, but it would be foolhardy to assume Chinese technology is dramatically inferior to that of Australia or its allies. Similarly, China’s Type 054A frigates are comparable to the general-purpose frigates that Australia is currently trying to acquire.
Since 2020, China has commissioned eight Type 055 cruisers, adding to a fleet of more than 30 Type 52C and Type 52D destroyers and an even greater number of Type 054A frigates.
This build-up vastly exceeds that of any other navy globally. Chinese shipyards are churning out the same combat power of the entire Royal Australian Navy every couple of years.
Until recently, we have seen remarkably little of this naval capability in our region. A PLA-N task force operated off the northeast coast of Australia in 2022. Last year, a similar force was in the South Pacific. Most analysts expect to see more Chinese vessels in Australia’s region over the coming years.
One significant limitation on Chinese overseas deployments has been the PLA-N’s small force of replenishment ships, which resupply naval vessels at sea.
As the PLA-N’s capabilities continue to grow and priorities shift, this appears to be changing. A recent US Department of Defence report noted that China was expected to build further replenishment ships “to support its expanding long-duration combatant ship deployments”.
Take a look at the PLA Navy's Type 055 large destroyer Yan'an (Hull 106) sailing at sea in a flotilla. As an escort for aircraft carriers, the 10,000 ton-class warship is a sharp sword of the PLA Navy making strides toward the deep blue waters. (Video: CCTV) pic.twitter.com/SECFEiSSva
In response to the Chinese build-up, Australia is investing heavily to rebuild its navy. However, this process has been slow and beset by problems.
Indeed, this week, the Defence Department revealed that the selection of the design for the new Australian frigate has been postponed into 2026.
This leaves the navy with a limited fleet of just 10 surface combatants, the majority of which are small and ageing Anzac-class frigates.
The arrival of the Chinese task group also sheds an unfavourable light on other recent decisions.
The cuts to the Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel program make sense from some perspectives. But these ships would have provided additional options to persistently shadow foreign warships in Australian areas of interest.
Similarly, the growing need of Australian ships to escort Chinese vessels in our region will place an increasing strain on Australian replenishment capability.
At present, both of Australia’s resupply ships are out of service. Additional capacity was also cut from the recent defence budget.
The activities of the Chinese task force are not some aggressive move of gunboat diplomacy in our region.
In many ways, this sensationalist messaging has distracted from a much bigger issue. The presence of Chinese naval ships in our region is going to be a fact of life. And due to failures from both sides of politics over the past 15 years, Australia’s navy is ill-equipped to meet that challenge.
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Image: US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in a heated argument at the Oval office (Source: screenshot - X)
In an extraordinary on-camera showdown at the White House, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in a heated argument that led to the abrupt end of their meeting and the suspension of peace talks between their nations.
Washington DC: Trump, Zelenskyy in a verbal clash at the oval office. Trump tells Ukraine Prez that 'you dont have cards right now…your gambling with WW3", Vice President Vance intervenes,'have you said Thank you once'pic.twitter.com/ktT9OHjksy
The confrontation, which unfolded in the Oval Office in the last 10 minutes of almost 50 minutes meeting, saw Trump accusing Zelenskyy of being ungrateful and disrespectful for American support and insisting that Ukraine must negotiate a peace deal with Russia, or the US would withdraw its backing.
The scheduled discussion was meant to finalise a minerals agreement between the two countries, but tensions escalated as Trump repeatedly interrupted Zelenskyy, criticising him for refusing to compromise with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Vice President JD Vance, also present, accused Zelenskyy of being “disrespectful” by debating the issue in front of the media, further intensifying the exchange.
The sudden argument, which many only witnessed in its final moments, led to the abrupt cancellation of a minerals deal and left US-Ukraine relations in tatters.
At one point, Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of “gambling with World War Three” and questioned his appreciation for years of American military and political aid. Zelenskyy, visibly frustrated, pushed back, arguing that Ukraine could not afford to make concessions to Russia after years of conflict.
“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if… pic.twitter.com/CtnqXBNcW3
The standoff reached its peak when Trump declared that Zelenskyy was not serious about peace if he believed US involvement gave him an advantage. Soon after, Zelenskyy left the White House ahead of schedule, without signing the minerals deal.
Following the dramatic meeting, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to declare that Zelenskyy had “disrespected the US in its cherished Oval Office” and was not ready for peace.
“He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
Zelenskyy, meanwhile, expressed gratitude towards the US on X, though his message lacked the usual warmth.
Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 28, 2025
The fallout from the clash has drawn strong reactions from around the world. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s support for Ukraine, stating on X:
“For three years Australia has proudly supported the brave people of Ukraine in their struggle to defend their sovereignty against the brutality of Russian aggression and in support of international law. Australia stands with Ukraine.”
For three years Australia has proudly supported the brave people of Ukraine in their struggle to defend their sovereignty against the brutality of Russian aggression and in support of international law.
European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reiterated their support for Ukraine, with von der Leyen praising Zelenskyy’s resilience. Polish President Donald Tusk assured Kyiv that it was “not alone” in its struggle against Russian aggression.
There is an aggressor: Russia.
There is a victim: Ukraine.
We were right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago—and to keep doing so.
By “we,” I mean the Americans, the Europeans, the Canadians, the Japanese, and many others.
In contrast, Russia applauded Trump and Vance for their handling of the situation, with a foreign ministry spokesperson remarking that it was a miracle they had not physically removed Zelenskyy from the room.
In Washington, the dispute has deepened political divides. Congressional Democrats accused Trump and Vance of doing Putin’s bidding, while Republican Senator Lindsey Graham praised Trump’s stance, calling the meeting a “complete, utter disaster” for Zelenskyy. Graham went so far as to suggest that Ukraine needed a different leader—one the US could “do business with.”
Sen. @LindseyGrahamSC on Ukrainian President Zelenskyy: "Complete utter disaster…What I saw in the Oval Office was disrespectful…I don't know if we can ever do business with Zelenskyy again…He either needs to resign and send somebody over that we can do business with or he… pic.twitter.com/gFsqJUCrTX
The fallout from the Oval Office confrontation has left Ukraine’s future with the US uncertain, as Trump appears determined to reshape the relationship on his terms. Whether Zelenskyy can repair ties with Washington or whether Trump will continue to push Ukraine towards an agreement with Moscow remains an open question—one with significant implications for the war and global security.
The Trump administration is now openly questioning whether Ukraine needs new leadership, the fallout from this clash could have lasting consequences—not just for Zelenskyy, but for his country’s future in the war against Russia.
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Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams announced the major timetable boost in Ballarat, promising passengers more frequent trains for weekend shopping, dining, and trips to the footy.
Premier Allan emphasised the government’s commitment to improving regional travel, stating,
“We made regional travel more affordable for Victorian families through the regional fare cap, and now we’re delivering more services to four regional rail lines.”
From 13 April, the Ballarat Line will see a major uplift, with 33 additional weekend services. Trains will run every 40 minutes between 8:00 am and 9:00 pm—an unprecedented frequency for the line. To complement this, most connecting bus services will also increase to 40-minute intervals, ensuring smoother travel across the region.
Night works on the Ballarat Line will take place from Sunday 2 to Tuesday 4 March.
To ensure these works can be completed safely, coaches will replace evening trains between Wendouree and Southern Cross.
Ararat Line passengers will benefit from two new return services on weekends, including a 9:15 pm Saturday train from Southern Cross—perfect for those catching AFL twilight matches or spending an evening in Melbourne.
The Bendigo Line will receive five new weekend services, including late-night trains from Melbourne, allowing passengers to enjoy the city’s nightlife. Additionally, five popular services will be upgraded from three to six-carriage VLocity trains, increasing capacity for locals and visitors alike.
Warrnambool Line passengers will see four extra weekend services starting 14 April, adding to the network’s growing popularity since the introduction of the regional fare cap. For the first time, all weekend and weekday services on the line will be operated by modern VLocity trains.
Geelong commuters are also set to benefit, with two morning services extended to Waurn Ponds Station on weekdays, offering more flexibility for local passengers.
Geelong Line night works will take place from Sunday 16 to Tuesday 18 February.
To ensure these works can be completed safely, coaches will replace trains for the entire journey between Southern Cross and Waurn Ponds during this time.
Minister Williams echoed this sentiment, highlighting the surge in public transport use:
“More regional Victorians are choosing to take public transport than ever before thanks to our cheaper fares policy—so we’re catering to this extra demand with more trains, more often.”
These additions mean nearly 150 of the 200 extra weekend services promised at the 2022 election have now been delivered. Since the fare cap was introduced in March 2023, almost 40 million train and coach trips have been taken on the V/Line network, with passengers saving more than $114 million.
With increased services, modern trains, and cheaper fares, the government is continuing its push to make regional travel more convenient and accessible than ever.
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Image: 367 households now electrified through Indian government's solar initiative in Fiji (Source: HCI Suva - X)
The Indian High Commission in Suva has announced a significant milestone in its mission to electrify 2,800 households across 14 Pacific Island nations.
As part of this initiative, the Barefoot College India and Locally Managed Marine Area Network have brought solar power to 27 additional homes in Vidogo Settlement, Suva. This brings the total number of electrified homes to 367, with only 33 remaining to reach the 400-home target.
Partnership for Progress!
As part of the Government of India’s initiative to electrify 2,800 households in 14 Pacific Island countries, the @barefootTILONIA & Locally Managed Marine Area Network team have brought light to 27 more homes in Vidogo Settlement, Suva #Fiji.… pic.twitter.com/GHuzqv76FL
The project also aims to provide vocational and educational opportunities for women and girls in marginalized communities, fostering climate, economic, and social resilience.
Barefoot College International, which operates in over 2,000 villages across 93 countries, has trained 77 women as solar engineers across 13 Pacific Island nations, enabling communities to access clean water, sustainable livelihoods, and renewable energy.
It’s official! Barefoot College Pacific is final. MOU is signed and Government of Fiji has allocated 2.5m Fiji dollars to opening the FIRST EVER place for Technical and Entrepreneurial Learning for Women of the Pacific who have little to no formal education. @HillaryInstitutpic.twitter.com/XblTQR0Tx9
In 2022, the Fiji Barefoot Vocational Training College (FBVTC) was launched to combat climate change and advance energy independence in the Pacific.
During a visit to the college construction site in Wainikoro Village, Macuata, then Minister for Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar, highlighted the significance of the initiative. She also emphasised that access to technical training and economic programmes for women is a crucial step towards self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Barefoot College first identified the Pacific Islands as a key area of focus in 2012. Since then, it has expanded its renewable energy and livelihood development projects across Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Palau, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands.
The organisation’s mission is to empower rural women by providing them with technical skills and economic opportunities, ensuring long-term resilience in vulnerable communities. Through these efforts, Barefoot College continues to illuminate lives while fostering sustainable development across the Pacific.
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Image: Dr Preethi Suraj (Source: Facebook) and Prof. Sivaram Vemuri 9Source: CDU)
The Australian Multicultural Council (AMC) for the 2025-28 term has been announced, bringing together a diverse group of individuals dedicated to strengthening Australia’s multicultural policies.
The newly appointed council will provide independent advice to the government, aligning with key recommendations from the Multicultural Framework Review report.
Image: Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill (Source: Facebook)
Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill, highlighted the calibre of the new council members, stating that they represent a wealth of “skills, knowledge and lived experience.” He emphasised that the council’s selection reflects leadership, expertise, and a strong commitment to multicultural affairs.
Dr Preethi Suraj is a distinguished biotechnology scientist with nearly 20 years of experience. She has been elected as the first female president of FICQ Inc. in its 26-year history. Dr Suraj has a passion towards showcasing traditional indian cultural art forms.
Prof. Sivaram (Ram) Vemuri is an economist and academic with degrees from the University of Western Australia, the University of Bombay, and the University of Birmingham. He has held academic positions at institutions including Charles Darwin University, the University of Birmingham, IIT Bombay, Yarmouk University (Jordan), and the University of Papua New Guinea. With over 30 years of experience, his research focuses on applied economics, diaspora business, multiculturalism, and economic contributions beyond capital and finance. He has led several Australian Research Council and NT Government projects and currently serves as Chair of the Course Advisory Committee at NAPS.
Image: Christine Castley appointed as CEO of Multicultural Australia (Source: Website)
The appointment process was a collaborative effort, with the federal government working closely with state and territory multicultural affairs departments and ministers to ensure broad representation.
Christine Castley, a panel member of the Multicultural Framework Review, will take on the role of Chair, overseeing the council’s work and acting as the primary liaison between the Department of Home Affairs, members, and ministers.
“I am honoured and delighted to take on the role of Chair,” Castley said.
“Acceptance, understanding and willingness to embrace diversity shape us now and will shape the future success and unity of our country.”
To maintain continuity and ensure a smooth transition, two previous AMC members— Rosemary Kariuki OAM and Helena Kyriazopoulos OAM—have been reappointed.
Hill also expressed gratitude to outgoing members for their contributions, with special recognition for Dr Bulent Hass Dellal AO, who led both the AMC and the Multicultural Framework Review Panel.
The other appointed AMC members include:
Christine Castley, Chair
Izabela Barakovska
Simon Chan AM
Malaemie Fruean OAM
The Hon Peter Gutwein
Aimen Jafri
Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann
Helena Kyriazopoulos OAM (Returning member)
Hussain Razaiat
Enzo Sirna AM
Hang Vo
“The council will act as a voice for the community and work with government to build bridges, foster understanding, and create a sense of belonging,” Castley affirmed.
“Everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from, deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.”
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Image: Western Australian former Labor and now Independent Senator Fatima Payman (Source: Facebook - Senator Fatima Payman)
Western Australian former Labor and now Independent Senator Fatima Payman has issued an apology after facing intense criticism for calling Iran an “incredible” place for women during an event hosted by the Benevolent Iranian Women’s Association at Western Sydney University.
In an interview with Iranian state-owned broadcaster Press TV, Senator Payman claimed that Iran “allows women to participate in the workforce” and dismissed Western criticism of the regime as “propaganda.”
The remarks sparked outrage, with critics accusing her of echoing the rhetoric of the Iranian government, which has been widely condemned for human rights abuses against women.
Speaking to Press TV, Australian Senator @SenatorPayman said that, contrary to the propaganda of 'single-sided organizations', women have a voice in Iran and are involved in the democratic process.
Following the backlash, Senator Payman released a statement on Thursday, distancing herself from her earlier comments. “I made comments that reflected what women had shared with me, not my personal opinion,” she said, adding that she had “no knowledge of Press TV and their political affiliations.”
Senator Payman’s comments have prompted a formal request for an investigation by the Australian Iranian Community Organisation.
President Siamak Ghahreman urged Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to examine whether Senator Payman’s remarks were influenced by foreign entities, warning they could “distort the truth” and spread misinformation.
Iranian-Canadian political and human rights activist Goldie Ghamari strongly criticised Senator Fatima Payman on X, accusing her of “foreign interference” and supporting Iran’s Islamist regime.
Ghamari observed, “She is essentially admitting to foreign interference. @SenatorPayman, who is paying you to spew Islamofascist Jihadi ideology? Whose opinion was it?”
The Afghan politician in Australia who defended the terrorist Islamic Regime occupying Iran just said it wasn't her "personal opinion".
She is essentially admitting to foreign interference.@SenatorPayman who is paying you to spew Islamofascist Jihadi ideology?
Meanwhile, academic Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert has questioned the Australian government’s stance on the sanctioned Iranian state broadcaster, highlighting its earlier role in airing forced confessions and its access to an Australian senator.
“Why then is PressTV still operating openly in Australia? Why does PressTV have an Australia-based reporter? How was PressTV able to access an Australian Senator ( @SenatorPayman) to use as an accomplice in their whitewashing of the Islamic Republic’s horrific record on women’s rights?”
The Australian government sanctioned PressTV in 2023 because it "broadcast the forced confessions of Iranians and dual-nationals who are detained and tried under politically motivated judicial procedures." This is a diplomatic way of saying PressTV is notorious for broadcasting…
Senator Pauline Hanson criticised Fatima Payman’s remarks as “very ignorant,” arguing that Iran’s Islamist regime only suppresses women. Meanwhile, NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison apologised for attending the event, which aimed to challenge Western narratives about Iranian women.
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The greatest achievements in women’s economic progress in recent decades are potentially being eroded by domestic violence. This is the key finding of a new research report being released today by the University of Technology Sydney’s Business School. The report provides data that enable us, for the first time, to quantify the economic impact of domestic violence on Australian women.
The increase in women’s participation in employment and higher education in recent decades has been nothing short of dramatic. In 1966, about 37% of women were in the labour force, compared to 84% of men. By 2024 that figure had climbed to 63%, with almost 7 million women employed, 57.3% of them in full-time jobs.
Yet our research shows a dramatic “employment gap” between women who have experienced domestic violence and those who have not.
In 2021-22, the employment rate for women who had experienced partner violence or abuse (physical, sexual, emotional or economic) was 5.3% lower than the employment rates for women who had never experienced violence.
The gap is larger for women who have experienced economic abuse, reaching 9.4% in 2021-22, according to customised data commissioned from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) especially for this report.
The employment gap varies among sub-groups of women. For instance, the gap between women with disability who have recently experienced economic abuse by a partner and women with disability who have never experienced partner violence or abuse is 13.4%. For culturally and linguistically diverse women, the employment gap was 3.7%.
We used the 2018-19 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey to try to calculate employment gaps for First Nations women. They certainly existed but, because of the small sample size, the results were not statistically significant. Further research is urgently needed.
The 2021-22 Personal Safety Survey conducted by the ABS reported that 451,000 women have had a previous partner who had controlled or tried to control them from working or earning money. More than 30,000 women have experienced similar conduct from their current partner.
In other words, many men are using forceful tactics to try to sabotage their partners’ employment. They resort to such tactics as hiding her car keys, letting down the car tyres, damaging her work clothes, even getting into her phone’s calendar to change her appointments, trying to make her appear unreliable as an employee.
The ‘education gap’
What is of perhaps even greater concern for the long-term employment prospects of women is the other key finding of our report: the existence of an “education gap” among young women at university. This is especially the case because the growth of women’s participation in higher education has been spectacular.
In 1982, a mere 8% of women aged 25-34 held a bachelor degree or higher. By 2023, this had skyrocketed to 51.6% of women in this age range holding at least a bachelor degree, amounting to 990,000 women.
The education gap is a new and truly shocking finding that young women who experience domestic violence fail to complete their university degrees. For young women, by the time they are 27, there is a nearly 15% gap in the rates of university degree attainment between victim-survivors and other women.
Statistical analysis of data obtained from the Australian Longitudinal Study in Women’s Health, which surveys the same women over time, allows us to track the direct impact of domestic violence in the following years. We show that domestic violence causes a 5.2% decline in young women’s university degree attainment in the year following the first time they report experiencing violence. This rises to 9.7% three years after the violence is first reported.
These findings on the impact of violence on university education in Australia have never previously been reported.
Ripple effects of violence against women
The implications of these findings are immensely significant for the progress of women’s employment.
The lifelong consequences of failing to complete their degrees are significant, with individuals holding a bachelor’s degree in Australia earning 41% more annually than those with only Year 12 schooling. In addition, these young women are likely to have accrued an indexed HECS debt that could affect their credit rating throughout their lives. Their lower earnings also mean a concomitant decrease in retirement savings.
These young women’s economic futures are severely compromised and it will be extremely difficult for them to ever recover those lost opportunities.
Neither can we overlook the fact of, and possible connection between, the dramatic fall in men’s share of bachelor degrees. Women are now outperforming men at university. In 2023, a majority (57.2%) of bachelor students were women. Is this a source of resentment among men?
The existence of domestic violence among students may be news to many people. Indeed, it is not something that has attracted much attention, including from universities, which have policies to provide paid leave and other supports for staff members who experience domestic violence but little for students.
Yet it ought not to be surprising. We know that many students cohabit and so the possibility for violence exists. And we know from the Personal Safety Survey in 2016 that women aged 18-24 experience the highest rates of recent partner violence: 19.3% (compared to 11.5% for women aged 25 to 34 and 7.7% for women aged 35-44).
Our findings point to the growing prevalence of men trying to exert economic control over their partners. Essential to this has been the use of surveillance, especially stalking of women, designed to intimidate and further control. In 2021-22 the Personal Safety Survey found 323,800 women reported a male intimate partner had “loitered or hung around outside their workplace, school or educational facility”. Often such stalking is accompanied by harassment using a phone or other device, which has been made easier by the advent of new technologies.
In other words, the two gaps identified in this report represent the economic consequences of domestic violence, in addition to the physical harm women suffer when targeted by violent partners.
The full report, by Anne Summers, with Thomas Shortridge and Kristen Sobeck (2025), will be available online on Friday, February 28.
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Image: Prof Peter Shergold AC, Chair ARC, outlines the ARC Board’s vision for the future of the National Competitive Grants Program (Source: X)
Australia’s scientific and technological community has expressed strong support for the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) ambitious new proposals to simplify grants programs, enhance support for early career researchers, and embrace higher-risk, high-reward innovation.
Prof Peter Shergold AC, Chair @arc_gov_au outlines the ARC Board’s vision for the future of the National Competitive Grants Program and discusses this generational opportunity to strengthen Australian-led #research with Professor Emerita Susan Dodds @ProfSDodds, Deputy Chair… pic.twitter.com/D5APiTuSId
Unveiled by ARC Chairman Prof. Peter Shergold AC, the discussion paper outlines a transformative approach to research funding.
Key proposals include consolidating existing ARC programs into streamlined funding streams, expanding support for early and mid-career researchers, and fostering a greater emphasis on bold, high-impact research with the potential to drive significant innovation.
“This paper is a bold reimagining of the ARC’s role, with the potential to reinforce its essential place as the foundation of Australian research and innovation,” said Science & Technology Australia (STA) Chief Executive Officer Ryan Winn.
“It seeks to untangle a funding system that can often be labyrinthine for researchers and reconfigures it to better align with Australia’s long-term needs—supporting fundamental discovery research, elevating early career and Indigenous researchers, and demonstrating confidence in Australian innovators developing the products, services, and industries of the future.”
The discussion paper follows extensive sector consultation and remains open for submissions until 13 April.
Consultation open: A New Plan for ARC-Funded Research
Today, the ARC released a Discussion Paper for public consultation. Have your say and help shape the future of Australian research: https://t.co/G9GkHmbsxB. Submissions close 13 April 2025. pic.twitter.com/dNV9kG7p46
STA President Prof. Sharath Sriram welcomed the ARC’s responsiveness to stakeholder feedback. “We are pleased that the ARC has incorporated sector perspectives in its consultation process and listened to the voices of scientists and technologists,” he said.
“Clear communication of these proposed changes is now critical, ensuring the research community has adequate time to engage and provide informed responses.”
Emphasising the ARC’s central role in Australia’s research and innovation ecosystem, Prof. Sriram noted the importance of positioning the sector for future breakthroughs—whether in new technologies, climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, or fundamental scientific discovery.
Image: STA President Prof. Sharath Sriram speaking at an event (Source: STA – website)
“With the Strategic Examination of R&D currently underway, now is the time for a fearless discussion on the future of our research and innovation system,” he said.
“To secure Australia’s prosperity, health, and wellbeing, we must establish a robust and forward-thinking research framework.”
Science & Technology Australia is the nation’s peak body representing more than 235,000 scientists and technologists. We’re the leading policy voice on science and technology.
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Donations have poured in for Muhammad Usman, a 25-year-old Uber driver and recent civil engineering graduate, who was left with life-altering injuries after a horrific crash in Dalkeith.
Image: Muhammad Usman recovering in hospital (Source: GoFundMe)
The crash occurred on February 15 when a blue Jaguar, allegedly driven at high speed by Perth obstetrician Rhys Bellinge, slammed into Usman’s Honda Jazz.
Image: Muhammad Usman’s car (Source: GoFundMe)
Pearce, a 24-year-old University of WA graduate and Woodside intern, had just entered the vehicle when the impact proved fatal. Usman was critically injured, suffering two broken legs and a fractured arm. He was placed in a coma and remains in hospital, facing multiple surgeries and a long rehabilitation process.
Bellinge, 45, has been charged with manslaughter and dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm. Police allege he was intoxicated, driving nearly four times over the legal limit, and speeding up to 130km/h in a 50km/h zone.
It is reported that the dashcam footage allegedly captured him making “unflattering remarks” about his wife before losing control and crossing onto the wrong side of the road. Shortly after the crash, he reportedly attempted to blame Usman, claiming the Uber driver “came out of nowhere.”
Image: Rhys Bellinge has been charged over a fatal crash in Dalkeith, Perth (Credit: 7NEWS)
Bellinge is a well-known obstetrician and was denied bail last week, with the magistrate ruling he posed too great a risk to the community. It is reported that he was hospitalised with broken vertebrae, but was given the all clear from medical staff and transported to prison.
The court heard that in the days leading up to the crash, Bellinge had been recorded driving dangerously and ranting about his personal life while behind the wheel. At the time of the accident, he was allegedly distressed over his recent separation and told police his vision had been blurry due to crying.
“The willingness to engage in such reckless conduct under the influence of alcohol is a concern. … It’s not just [about] his wife. It’s an aggression to the world at large. That’s the risk.”
Image: Muhammad Usman (Source: GoFundMe)
For Usman, the crash has turned his life upside down. Originally from Pakistan, he has no family in Australia and had been working as a disability support worker and rideshare driver while seeking opportunities in engineering. He had a job interview scheduled for the Monday after the accident—an opportunity that vanished in an instant.
Now, his immediate focus is survival and recovery. Through a GoFundMe campaign launched from his hospital bed, Usman has appealed for help to cover medical expenses, daily living costs, and the cost of bringing his parents to Australia to support him. “In this time of immense hardship, I am reaching out for your support,” he wrote.
“Every single donation, no matter how small, will make a difference in my journey to heal and rebuild my life.”
The response has been overwhelming, making Usman’s fundraiser one of the fastest-growing campaigns in WA history. The generosity of strangers has provided a glimmer of hope as he faces an uncertain future.
Image: Elizabeth Pearce was killed in the fatal crash in Dalkeith, Perth (Credit: 7 News)
Pearce’s family, meanwhile, is mourning an unbearable loss. “Our beautiful, bright girl brought sunshine to our lives, and we are now in darkness,” they said in a statement. She will be farewelled at a funeral mass in Subiaco on March 6.
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@AlboMP has just announced an extra $2 billion from the Federal Government to help transform Sunshine Station – turning the station into a superhub and preparing for trains to Melbourne Airport.
And because we want to get this project going – we're bringing forward our own…
A centrepiece of this investment is a renewed commitment to the long-awaited rail link to Melbourne Airport. In partnership with the Victorian Government, the Commonwealth will inject an additional $2 billion to transform Sunshine Station into a key transport hub, reinforcing its crucial role in the Melbourne Airport Rail project.
“My Government is building Australia’s future – and that means building Victoria’s future too,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
“We want to make sure all Victorians have the services and the infrastructure they need now and into the future.”
The latest funding takes the federal contribution to Melbourne Airport Rail to $7 billion, with the Victorian Government also accelerating its share of funding to facilitate works at Sunshine Station. The redevelopment will include extra platforms and a dedicated spur line, ensuring direct connections for regional travellers heading to the airport without needing to transfer at Southern Cross Station.
Thought I'd just jump on and share some news about Airport Rail. Today @AlboMP announced an extra $2 billion – and we'll bring forward our funding so work can start next year. pic.twitter.com/fbqUWXMZSG
Premier Jacinta Allan welcomed the federal partnership, calling it a win for Victoria’s growing population.
“We’re delighted to have a partner in Canberra who is investing in the infrastructure that Victorians need and delivering much-needed projects for a growing population in the west, north and east.”
Beyond airport rail, the funding package includes a $1.2 billion Suburban Road Blitz, designed to tackle congestion in Melbourne’s fast-growing outer suburbs. The first projects slated for delivery this year include:
Old Sydney Road Upgrade, Wallan ($45 million)
Evans Road Upgrade, Cranbourne West ($30 million)
McLeod Road and Station Street Intersection Upgrade, Carrum ($3 million)
“This money is ready, right now, to fix roads in need of repair,” Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said.
“Delivering vital upgrades to Sunshine Station and road congestion hotspots will support Melbourne’s growing population by allowing them to move faster and more safely around the city and its suburbs.”
The Albanese Government’s broader commitment to Victoria includes:
$325 million towards the Melton line upgrade, increasing rail capacity by 50%.
$20.5 million for planning Melbourne’s western suburbs rail upgrades.
$7.05 million for planning northern suburbs rail upgrades.
$44.8 million for Princes Highway Corridor upgrades, shared equally with the Victorian Government.
$10 million towards a business case for enhancing key freight transport routes.
Federal Member for Fraser Daniel Mulino said the investment would help Melbourne’s rapidly growing west.
“Upgrading Sunshine Station will help accommodate this growth. The Australian Government is delivering the world-class infrastructure people in Melbourne’s west need and deserve.”
Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams highlighted the strategic importance of reconfiguring Sunshine Station.
“This will not only create more capacity for more services, but also marks the first stage of works for Melbourne Airport Rail and paves the way for future upgrades to electrify the Melton Line.”
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Image: Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Biman Prasad, convened a high-level Donor Roundtable Meeting at the Novotel Convention Centre in Lami Bay (Source: Fiji Government - Facebook)
The Coalition Government has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth and financial resilience as it prepares for the 2024-2025 national budget.
In a strategic move, Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Prof. Biman Prasad, convened a high-level Donor Roundtable Meeting at the Novotel Convention Centre in Lami Bay on 26 February 2024.
Image: A high-level Donor Roundtable Meeting at the Novotel Convention Centre in Lami Bay, Fiji (Source: Fiji Government – Facebook)
Addressing development partners, DPM Prasad emphasised that the government’s vision extends beyond financial stability, focusing on economic expansion, job creation, and income generation.
“This is the path to prudent financial, fiscal, and economic management, and one that the Coalition Government is dedicated to pursuing for the benefit of all Fijians.”
With the national budget in its preparatory phase, the meeting served as a crucial platform for dialogue and collaboration. DPM Prasad acknowledged Fiji’s bilateral and development partners for their unwavering support in driving infrastructure development, human resource capacity-building, and long-term economic sustainability.
Image: A high-level Donor Roundtable Meeting at the Novotel Convention Centre in Lami Bay, Fiji (Source: Fiji Government – Facebook)
He highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening partnerships rooted in mutual respect and meaningful cooperation. Strategic investments in key sectors—including education, health, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability—remain at the core of Fiji’s development agenda.
Image: A high-level Donor Roundtable Meeting at the Novotel Convention Centre in Lami Bay, Fiji (Source: Fiji Government – Facebook)
Fiji’s post-pandemic economic recovery has been remarkable, with an estimated GDP growth of 3.8% in 2024. By the end of the year, the economy is expected to fully recover, surpassing pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019. However, DPM Prasad underscored the need for continued financial discipline, rebuilding fiscal buffers, and ensuring public debt remains on a sustainable trajectory.
Image: A high-level Donor Roundtable Meeting at the Novotel Convention Centre in Lami Bay, Fiji (Source: Fiji Government – Facebook)
Describing the upcoming national budget as a reflection of the Coalition Government’s dedication to prudent fiscal management, DPM Prasad reassured stakeholders that investments in critical sectors would drive long-term prosperity.
“Our commitment remains firm—no Fijian will be left behind in our pursuit of sustainable development.”
Image: A high-level Donor Roundtable Meeting at the Novotel Convention Centre in Lami Bay, Fiji (Source: Fiji Government – Facebook)
Concluding the roundtable, DPM Prasad extended his gratitude to development partners, expressing confidence that a collaborative and consultative approach will lead to tangible, transformative outcomes for Fiji’s future.
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Image: Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin were forced to sit next to the body of a passenger who had passed away midflight. (Picture: Channel 9/A Current Affair)
A Melbourne couple has described their horror and distress after being seated next to the body of a deceased passenger for four hours during a Qatar Airways flight from Melbourne to Doha.
Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin were en route to Venice for their dream holiday when tragedy struck mid-flight. A woman collapsed in the aisle next to them after returning from the bathroom. Despite swift efforts from the cabin crew, she could not be revived.
Image: Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin were forced to sit next to the body of a passenger who had passed away midflight. (Picture: Channel 9/A Current Affair)
Speaking to Channel 9’s A Current Affair, Ring recounted how airline staff attempted to move the deceased woman to business class but were unable to do so. Instead, they instructed him to shift seats before placing the body in his original seat, covering it with blankets.
“They looked a bit frustrated and just said, ‘Can you move over please?’ I said, ‘Yes, no problem,’ and then they placed the lady in the chair I was in.”
While Colin was able to move to a nearby vacant seat, Ring said he was not offered an alternative despite empty seats being available. He remained seated next to the body until the flight landed, where he and others were instructed to stay put as medical and law enforcement personnel boarded the aircraft.
“I was there and I got to see her face. Yeah, it wasn’t nice,” he said.
“I can’t believe they told us to stay. I thought they would have let us out quickly and then let the ambulance and police handle the situation.”
The couple expressed frustration over the airline’s handling of the situation, saying there should be a clear protocol to ensure passengers receive proper care in such traumatic events. They also stated that neither Qatar Airways nor Qantas, through which they booked the flight, had contacted them to offer support or counselling.
“We totally understand that we can’t hold the airline responsible for the poor lady’s death, but there has to be a protocol to look after the customers on board,” Colin said.
Qatar Airways has since issued a statement expressing condolences to the deceased passenger’s family and apologising for any distress caused to other travellers. The airline confirmed it is in the process of contacting affected passengers.
“The process for handling incidents onboard an aircraft like this is managed by the operating airline, which in this case is Qatar Airways.”
The International Air Transport Association’s protocol states that if a passenger dies mid-flight, they should be moved to an empty row if available, or otherwise returned to their original seat with a blanket for dignity and respect. However, the couple believes more should be done to support passengers who endure such traumatic experiences.
Now in Italy, Ring and Colin are doing their best to enjoy their holiday despite the distressing ordeal.
“I don’t really know how I feel, and I would like to speak to somebody to make sure I’m alright.”
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Population is far from the seemingly innocuous and bland topic of “people”. We’re not just talking people. We’re talking the very foundation of society, culture, and economy … and it’s deeply fraught. It’s also an effective political point scorer.
Population scrutiny waxes and wanes in Australian populist and political discourse, much like many nations across the globe. Canada, the United States, Germany, New Zealand and the United Kingdom are all grappling with population issues.
But when we talk population, it’s pretty safe to read immigration. It’s immigration that has most of the world talking, because growth for many is dominated by international movements, not local growth.
Population growth due to immigration has fed growing fears from some quarters about a replacement of the majority dominance – in other words, that white people will no longer be the majority in Australia.
Contemporary population debate has been largely ill-informed, lacking nuance and is often detrimental. Rooted in a long history of the way we talk about population, contemporary debate is best understood in context, and with facts.
Population dynamics and change
Population is most simply a bunch of individuals living in a specific place. Sounds boring, I know, but the reality is something much greater.
When we start talking about what underpins population – composition, characteristics and change – it becomes clear why population is so political.
Populations are comprised of varying characteristics – think age, sex, and geography. Characteristics like the age structure of a population have a direct impact on the workforce and economic wellbeing of a nation. A younger population means more expenditure invested in the young to ensure a strong workforce in the future. This is known as the demographic dividend.
An older population age structure, on the other hand, sees more spending on the upper end of the life course – senior people – and pressures on the workforce meeting the economic needs of the nation. This is structural ageing.
Australia’s population, like most of the world, is structurally ageing. We’re living longer and not replacing ourselves through births. Living longer is a mark of technological success and ingenuity, and the same could be said about below-replacement births. But our success has some downsides.
The trouble with below-level births and an ageing population is that the local age structure is not sufficient to meet the needs of the workforce. Simply, the local Australian population cannot meet the economic needs of the nation, and this has the potential to see living standards go backwards. Immigration helps offset the adverse consequences of an ageing population.
Population change occurs due to births, deaths and migration. Commonly known as the population balancing equation, population growth is expressed as: births minus deaths plus migration.
Immigration makes up the majority of population growth in Australia and has done so consistently since around 2005, with the exception of international border closures during COVID. Natural increase – the balance of births minus deaths – also contributes to population growth in Australia.
However, increasing deaths and declining births means the country is expected to see natural decline by 2054.
Australia is rarely not in a state of population panic. Population panic once stemmed from being a small population in a big country vulnerable to external military attack. Now population panic is about the pace of growth being too great, due to immigration.
And it doesn’t take much to stoke population fear. Population is charged and offers an easy trigger point to leverage voters. Politicians on all sides of the ideological landscape know this and use population discourse effectively for political gain.
Since the early 1900s, Australia’s history has been dotted with inquiries into growth and birth rates. In fact, at the time of colonisation, the male-dominated imbalance in the colony sparked calls for more women from Britain – of suitable status – to help arrest high rates of hooliganism, drunkenness, and sexually transmitted infections.
Women of standing were believed to help socialise the nation and provide essential children for nation building. Nothing much has changed really, with the Treasurer Jim Chalmers saying in the lead up to the 2024 federal budget: “It would be better if birth rates were higher”.
So why aren’t women having babies?
Australian federal treasurers have expressed concerns about birth rates over many years, across different governments. Chalmers wasn’t the first and he won’t be the last bemoaning below-replacement births.
I won’t go as far as to say, like Peter Costello, “one for the mother, one for the father and one for the country”. But [what] I can say is that people should feel encouraged about the future and the more children that we have across the country, together with our migration, we will build our population growth and that will be good for the economy.“
In the 1940s, Australia held an inquiry into falling birth rates, and following the second world war Australians were called on to populate or perish. During the 1940s inquiry, women were invited to make submissions reflecting how difficult motherhood was and how unsupported they were: “You men in easy chairs say ‘populate or perish’. Well, I have populated and I have perished – with no blankets.”
Many Australians now won’t achieve their desired family size because contemporary life is simply not conducive to having children. Having no or fewer children is now a forced outcome for a growing number of Australians. The barriers to having a child are now insurmountable for far too many. Housing affordability, gender inequality, financial insecurity and climate change make for an unstable and uncertain future.
Young Australians are carrying the burden of the nation’s future and the burden is simply too much. They have seen the generational bargain crumble and are being denied a future because of the failings of politics past.
Permanent versus net overseas migration
Among the many nuances missing from the population debate is the difference in the terminology used to refer to immigration. From a planning point of view, permanent migration is discussed; from a population perspective, net overseas migration applies. The difference between the two is stark and used in a smoke and mirrors way to hide reality or harm an opponent.
Government has much control over permanent migration, little control over net overseas migration.
Permanent migration refers to the cap of permanent visas granted. The permanent migration program is reviewed annually by the Department of Home Affairs with input from select experts, peak bodies, and government.
Permanent migration has fluctuated over the past ten years, reflecting political point scoring. Under Tony Abbott’s government in 2014-15, permanent migration was just under 190,000. The permanent migration remained in the 180,000s until declining to over 160,000 in 2017-18 under Scott Morrison. Morrison also reduced permanent migration further to around 144,000 in 2021-22. In its final year, the Morrison government flagged increasing the planning level for permanent migration to 190,000. Planning levels under the Anthony Albanese government were 195,000 and 190,000 in 2022-23 and 2023-24 respectively.
The permanent migration program ceiling is set to decline by 5,000 places to 185,000 in 2024-25 under Albanese.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has also announced his party would reduce permanent numbers to 140,000, seemingly linking housing affordability to permanent migration. Dutton has also said his party would cut net overseas migration (NOM) but has since backtracked on his plan, possibly because he realised it couldn’t be done.
Explaining the 2024 Migration Surge
A recent surge in net migration has become a hot topic, with politicians & media linking it to housing pressures.
Net overseas migration feeds into population estimates and is the balance of incoming minus outgoing migration. NOM is comprised of temporary and permanent migration and includes refugees, students, working holiday makers, and even Australian and New Zealand citizens.
A cut to the permanent migration program is unlikely to affect net overseas migration numbers. NOM is set to return to recent historical average even without reduced permanent numbers. Most people granted permanency are already in the country. What will occur with a reduced migration program is increased temporariness. Increased temporariness has the potential to erode social cohesion, harming migrants and Australian society overall.
Just like births, populist tactics are used when talking immigration for quick political point scoring. It works, but is it good for people?
Turning on ourselves
Demography is often used against the population in a peculiar ploy to win political points.
Take gender. Fewer birth means less expenditure on paid parental leave and superannuation for those receiving parental leave. Announcing increased paid parental leave benefits and superannuation while knowing births are set to be fewer is political genius. Chalmers announced exactly this in the 2024 budget.
BREAKING: Parliament has just passed our bill to expand Paid Parental Leave to 26 weeks. On top of that, we've announced a plan to pay super on PPL from 1 July 2025 – all part of our efforts to ensure women earn more, keep more of what they earn & retire with more as well #auspolpic.twitter.com/p3p4ib6sed
The government says it’s doing more for women and mothers, but what it’s actually doing is a whole lot of nothing. There is no substantive examination of why women are saying no to motherhood. Demographic insights have enabled an effective political sleight of hand to give the illusion of doing something when actually not doing much at all.
Blaming population growth for the housing crisis is another stroke of political mastery. Talking tough on population (immigration) while promoting and relying on immigration is a tale as old as Australia’s ageing population. When in opposition the talk is tough; when in government, actions speak louder than words. Governments and oppositions, no matter the political leaning, make promises and then realise immigration is the economic safety raft keep the economy afloat.
Chalmers talked tough on immigration in his 2024 budget speech, pointing the finger of blame towards immigration for all manner of things,
[…] we’re addressing the pressures caused by population growth, with net overseas migration next year now expected to be half what it was last year.
But the government can’t take the credit for lowering NOM – nothing they did lowered the artificially high rates of NOM Australia saw post COVID border reopening. Yes, the Albanese government has introduced changes to build integrity into the migration system, but NOM figures were set to decline anyway. It comes down to the way it is calculated.
Border closures in Australia saw NOM fall to -88,000 in 2020-21. That’s negative nearly 90,000 people.
This was the first such decline outside wartime in Australia’s recorded history. A big deal. Temporary migrants, including students, left Australia prematurely at the onset and peak of COVID-related measures. Morrison, prime minister at the time, told international students and temporary visa holders to “go home”, while saying those with critical skills could stay and contribute: “For those backpackers in Australia who are nurses or doctors, or have other critical skills that can really help us during this crisis, then there will be opportunities for them”. Expendability of migrants echoed in this statement.
What happened with the NOM during COVID closed borders was essentially a calculation reset. Higher than expected numbers of people left Australia prematurely. Students, especially, left Australia prior to their studies finishing. This resulted in greater outgoings of NOM than the recent average. NOM restarted the moment borders reopened, but because so many brought forward their exit the number of incomers weren’t balanced by the usual outflow of people.
Taking a longer view of NOM prior to and since COVID-related measures shows smoother growth than popular media suggests. But nuance is hard to articulate in small soundbites, especially when the language of otherness is so enticing.
Creating the ‘other’
The language of otherness is used extensively in the population (immigration) narrative. Dutton played population bingo with his use of the word “foreign” in his 2024 budget reply speech referring to students, ending investment, and interference. Dutton also blamed migrants for road congestion and pressure on local services. His speech was a populist symphony.
When in opposition, members of the now government also made disparaging comments about migrants. For example, Kristina Keneally wrote an opinion piece suggesting migrants were taking jobs from locals.
Fear about population is easily manufactured, and once created enables a fix the playmaker can resolve. Much like a David Copperfield magic special. The trouble with these tactics is in the enormous diversity in Australia – we risk turning on ourselves and eroding already fraying social cohesion.
Shaping Australia
Our preoccupation with population largely reflects the central place people and demography hold in the economy and very function of the nation. But we appear to have lost our heads, instead problematising the very heart of what makes us Australian: the people.
Demography is a slow-moving train, and based on past and current trends population science can somewhat predict the future. The populist playbook results in population (namely immigration) used for political point scoring, to the detriment of the people, particularly the young.
Australia is by no means perfect. There is much work to be done to fix the multiple crises the nation is confronted with – housing affordability, financial insecurity, gender inequality, and climate change. A sensible approach to population and immigration is needed to ensure living standards don’t go backwards. Migrants help us weather the demographic headwinds.
Rather than use population for political gain, we need instead to harness the power of demography to solve our way out of the gigantic mess we’re in. The key is ensuring young people have a future worth living.
This is an edited extract from How Australian Democracy Works, a new collection of essays from The Conversation on all aspects of the country’s political landscape.
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To support this, Australia is investing $16 million in a Trade and Investment Accelerator Fund and an additional $4 million in the Maitri Grants program to strengthen ties.
The existing free trade agreement has saved Australian businesses millions and is expected to cut $2 billion in tariffs by year-end. Negotiations for a new trade agreement are ongoing to further expand opportunities.
The initiative comes at a pivotal time, as India’s economy is on track to become the world’s third largest by 2030, offering enormous untapped potential for Australian trade and investment.
Image: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Source: X)
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described India as an essential partner in Australia’s efforts to diversify trade links and boost prosperity.
“This roadmap is critical to helping us fully realise our potential with India, which will be a boon to Australia’s economy, our businesses and jobs, and our prosperity.”
With Australia’s relationship with India stronger than ever, the roadmap sets a clear direction to deepen ties further. It identifies four key “superhighways of growth” in sectors where Australia has a natural advantage: clean energy, education and skills, agribusiness, and tourism.
A successful G20 meeting hosted by @narendramodi in New Delhi today followed by a good bilateral discussion about concluding the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement between Australia and India pic.twitter.com/tglLOScrcJ
Indian visitors alone contribute over $1.5 billion annually to the Australian economy, with significant room for growth as India’s middle class expands. The roadmap outlines practical steps to enhance tourism, including increasing direct flights, promoting Australia as a destination, and supporting Australian sports businesses.
Beyond tourism, nearly 50 targeted opportunities are outlined across industries such as defence, sports, culture, space, and technology.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasised that strengthening economic ties with India aligns with Australia’s broader strategy of enhancing economic security and diversifying partnerships.
“By boosting our economic ties with India, we are not only creating more jobs and opportunities for Australians, we are advancing our shared interest in a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
Image: Foreign Minister Senator Peeny Wong with India’s Minister for External Affairs Dr S. Jaishankar (Source: X)
The roadmap builds on the success of the Australia-India free trade agreement, which has already saved Australian businesses hundreds of millions of dollars. By the end of this year, it is expected to deliver around $2 billion in tariff savings for exporters. Since its implementation, almost 200 Australian products have entered the Indian market for the first time or returned after a long absence.
Agricultural exports have surged by 146 per cent between 2022 and 2024, while iron and steel exports have increased by 189 per cent over the same period. The savings are not only benefiting exporters but also helping to reduce costs for Australian consumers and create local jobs.
Image: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Source: PIB)
The roadmap is a result of over 400 consultations across every Australian state and territory, as well as in India, and is underpinned by the strong ties between the two nations. Prime Minister Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have met in person ten times since Albanese took office, underscoring the growing importance of the relationship.
Image: Trade Minister Don Farrell with India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal (Image: X)
For Australian businesses, the roadmap offers a blueprint to seize the vast opportunities presented by India’s fast-growing market of 1.4 billion people. Trade Minister Don Farrell highlighted the immense potential, noting that the plan will help businesses navigate and capitalise on the booming demand.
“The potential of our relationship with India is almost unmatched, opening a fast-growing market of over 1.4 billion people.”
Image: Marquis Macadamias (Source: Supplied)
Businesses are already seeing the benefits of Australia’s trade engagement with India. Macadamia exporter Marquis Macadamias has entered the Indian market for the first time, thanks to reduced tariffs under the free trade agreement. Chief Sales Officer George Hagios said that India had long been on their radar, but high tariffs had made it unviable.
“India is a great market for us—consumers have a great appetite for nuts and dried fruits. We believe ultimately there is sufficient volume to be an industry-changer, but growing the market will require long-term commitment.”
Image: Foodie Trails (Source: Supplied)
In tourism, small business Foodie Trails is tapping into the strong Indian-Australian community, offering food walking tours, festivals, and cultural experiences. Founder Himanshi Munshaw Luhar sees huge potential in catering specifically to Indian visitors.
“The local Indian community and their visiting friends and relatives are key to boosting regional tourism and spending. There’s immense potential for the Australian tourism industry to upskill their teams with cultural insights and market specifically to this diaspora.”
Image: Entura (Source: Supplied)
Meanwhile, companies in the energy sector are also benefiting. Consulting firm Entura, a subsidiary of Hydro Tasmania, is using its expertise to identify potential pumped hydro sites in India. Team Manager Rajeev Raina said the partnership between the two nations in renewable energy is a sign of deeper collaboration.
“The recent launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership is a signal of the mutual collaboration in the energy sector between the nations. It provides opportunities for companies like Entura to make a practical difference in the goals of both countries.”
With growing trade, investment, and cultural ties, the roadmap is set to unlock the next phase of Australia-India economic engagement, strengthening one of the most dynamic bilateral partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
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Image: Bankstown Hospital workers Ahmad Rashad Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh, seen in the video with Israel-based influencer Max Veifer (Source: Skynews screenshot)
Sarah Abu Lebdeh, 26, was arrested at Sutherland Police Station on Tuesday night and charged with three offences, including threatening violence, using a carriage service to threaten to kill, and using a carriage service to menace.
The video, which circulated widely earlier this month, features Lebdeh and fellow Bankstown Hospital nurse Ahmad Rashad Nadir allegedly boasting about harming Israeli patients.
The footage was reportedly recorded on Chatruletka, an online video chat platform, and later shared by influencer Max Veifer on TikTok and Instagram.
In the video, Nadir allegedly made remarks suggesting he had sent Israeli patients “to hell,” while Lebdeh is accused of saying she would refuse to treat Israeli patients and would instead kill them. The comments sparked outrage, prompting an investigation by NSW Police under Strike Force Pearl.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb described the charges as a “major development” in the case.
“These charges have been laid following a lot of hard work and legal advice from the Commonwealth DPP.”
While Lebdeh has been granted conditional bail and is set to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on March 19, Nadir has not been charged but remains under investigation. Both nurses have been suspended, and their registrations to practise in Australia have been cancelled.
The incident is part of a broader investigation under Strike Force Pearl, which has resulted in 14 arrests and 76 charges to date. Authorities have emphasised the complexity of the case due to the video being recorded overseas, requiring collaboration with international law enforcement agencies.
Investigations under Strike Force Pearl continue.
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Image: Sumit Satish Rastogi, 38, appeared in the District Court on Tuesday (Source: ABC News screenshot)
A former massage therapist in South Australia has admitted to nearly 100 sexual abuse offences against 40 women, with a judge revoking his bail after his emotional plea for “one more day” was denied.
Sumit Satish Rastogi, 38, appeared in the District Court on Tuesday, pleading guilty to three counts of indecent filming and 42 counts of aggravated indecent assault. He had previously pleaded guilty to 52 additional counts of indecent filming.
Rastogi, who worked as a massage therapist in Glenelg, Adelaide’s west, was arrested in 2022 following a nine-month spree of offending from October 2021 to July 2022.
According to the ABC during the court proceedings, Rastogi broke down as Judge Carmen Matteo refused his bail request, pleading with her:
“Can you give me one more day please so I can inform my parents? Please, I beg you.”
His lawyer, Adam Richards, requested that his client be granted bail for a few more weeks to organise his affairs, but Judge Matteo ruled that allowing him to remain in the community would be inappropriate given the severity of his crimes.
“I’m not persuaded that there is a compelling personal circumstance requiring the defendant to remain at liberty.”
“Any convenience or preference on the part of the defendant to be at liberty to organise his affairs is in my view significantly outweighed by the gravity of the totality of his admitted offences which render it inappropriate for him to remain on bail at this time,” she added as per ABC.
The judge highlighted that Rastogi’s offences were aggravated as he had abused his position of trust while committing the crimes against 40 female victims.
The matter will return to court next month.
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Image: Senator Fatima Payman with "Mavericks of Australia" certificate awarded by Allies in Colour (Source: Facebook)
Independent Senator Fatima Payman is facing backlash over remarks made at a Sydney event that organisers described as “challenging the narrative of Iranian women in the West.”
Payman, a former Labor senator, appeared at the 22 February event at Western Sydney University, where she praised Iran’s treatment of women in a statement that has since sparked widespread criticism.
In a broadcast by Iranian state-owned media outlet Press TV, Payman was quoted as saying that Westerners are not exposed to “the incredible place that Iran is, allowing for women to participate in the workforce, to ensure that they have a voice, and their voices are heard, they’re involved in the democratic process.”
She went on to claim that these were “realities that we’re not privy to living here and listening to the propaganda we receive from very single-sided organisations with a specific agenda.”
Speaking to Press TV, Australian Senator @SenatorPayman said that, contrary to the propaganda of 'single-sided organizations', women have a voice in Iran and are involved in the democratic process.
The comments quickly drew condemnation from Australian United Solidarity for Iran (AUSIRAN), a community group supporting the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, which has protested against the Iranian government’s treatment of women.
In a letter titled No Cover for Islamic Republic’s Regime Gender Apartheid, AUSIRAN condemned both Payman and NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison, who had sent a video message for the event.
Harrison has since apologised, stating she does not share the views expressed at the event and acknowledging that her decision to participate was “ill-considered.”
“Their decision to attend an event in Sydney — which flagrantly supported the Islamic Republic regime’s misrepresentation of women’s rights and its propaganda — is a profound act of hypocrisy,” the AUSIRAN letter read.
The group also referenced the death of Mahsa Jina Amini, a Kurdish-Iranian woman who died in 2022 after being arrested by Iran’s so-called morality police for allegedly violating the country’s strict hijab laws. Her death triggered nationwide protests, which were met with a violent crackdown, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests, according to Human Rights Watch.
WHERE IS GLOBAL FEMINIST SOLIDARITY NOW? Three Iranian women—#PakhshanAzizi, #Sharifeh_Mohammadi, and #Varisheh_Moradi—are facing execution by the Islamic Republic, a gender apartheid regime that silences women through terror and brutality. This would be the first execution of a… pic.twitter.com/5FKflmER19
Kylie Moore-Gilbert, an Australian expert in Middle Eastern politics who was imprisoned in Iran for two years on espionage charges, was among those criticising Payman’s comments.
“Oh my God @SenatorPayman, girl what are you doing!? What is this nonsense you are saying!?” she posted on X.
“Iran has no ‘democratic process,’ least of all one which women are allowed to participate in. You should know this — I saw you sitting in the Senate enquiry into Iran’s human rights abuses just two years ago.”
She also questioned Payman’s decision to engage with Press TV, calling it “the English-language propaganda arm of the Islamic Republic, known for broadcasting false confession videos and forced interviews with prisoners before they are executed.”
Oh my God @SenatorPayman girl what are you doing!? What is this nonsense you are saying!? Iran has no "democratic process," least of all one which women are allowed to participate in. You should know this- I saw you sitting in the Senate enquiry into Iran's human rights abuses… https://t.co/n2TdElFZUW
Iranian-origin Canadian political activist Goldie Ghamari also criticised Payman, questioning why an Afghan-born refugee was defending the Iranian regime. Ghamari posted on X:
“If she thinks the terrorist Islamic Regime is so great, why did she seek asylum in Australia instead of Iran?”
She's from Afghanistan.
If she thinks the terrorist Islamic Regime is so great, why did she seek asylum in Australia instead of Iran?
Iranian journalist and activist Masih Alinejad fiercely rejected Fatima Payman’s remarks, accusing her of “whitewashing” the Iranian regime’s oppression of women.
“I am a woman from Iran, and I testify that you, @SenatorPayman, are lying,” Alinejad wrote on X, recounting her own experiences of imprisonment, lashings, and surviving multiple assassination attempts simply for expressing herself.
She condemned Payman’s portrayal of Iran as an “incredible place” for women, pointing out that women are “shot in the eyes, imprisoned, and murdered for daring to demand freedom.”
“The only thing women are ‘ensured’ under the Islamic Republic is systematic oppression,” Alinejad continued, challenging Payman to go to Tehran, remove her hijab, and speak freely.
“Let’s see how long she enjoys this so-called ‘democratic process’ before she’s thrown in prison.”
I am a woman from Iran, and I testify that you, @SenatorPayman, are lying. As a woman, I was sentenced to prison. I was sentenced to lashes, and I survived one kidnapping attempt and two assassination plots—simply for expressing myself. Many other Iranian women can testify that… pic.twitter.com/6nT7TNkKtq
Liberal Senator for NSW Dave Sharma, reposting Alinejad’s post, criticised Payman’s statement, calling it “exactly what Lenin had in mind when he coined the term ‘useful idiots.’”
This was what Lenin had in mind when he coined the term “useful idiots”. https://t.co/GnsSGnOIh7
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Claire Chandler condemned Payman and a Labor minister for taking part in what she called a “propaganda exercise for the Islamic Republic.” She stated,
“The regime’s oppression of women and promotion of vile antisemitism is well documented, and it’s disgraceful for any Australian politician to pretend otherwise.”
There’s no excuse for an Australian Senator or a Labor Minister to participate in a propaganda exercise for the Islamic Republic Regime.
The IRI regime’s oppression of women and its promotion of vile antisemitism is well documented and it’s disgraceful for any Australian… https://t.co/ASumpidCJx
PhD scholar Sana Ebrahimi denounced Fatima Payman as a “propagandist and a blatant liar,” stating on X that if Payman removed her hijab in Iran, she would be “treated like garbage.” She criticised Payman for calling Iran a democracy, accusing her of supporting “Islamist” practices and opposing Western values.
Ebrahimi further stated that Payman “deserves to be in Afghanistan, not Australia or any other free country,” arguing that Afghanistan’s treatment of women aligns with the “democracy” Payman praised in Iran.
In case you are wondering why I said, “She deserves to be in Afghanistan, not Australia or any other free country in the world,” because Afghanistan is the country of her origin and very famous for their treatment of women and the kind of “democracy” Fateme Payman is talking… https://t.co/yMGC2C1sVg
Payman has since defended her appearance at the event, describing it as an “Iranian women’s empowerment event to celebrate International Women’s Day.”
She stated that she had “heard first-hand their experiences in Iran and the rights and opportunities afforded to them” and suggested that the event’s organisers were trying to “correct the narrative they felt was single-sided by certain organisations.”
“As a leader, it’s important for me to keep an open mind and listen to both sides.”
Payman, who left the Labor Party in July 2024 after defying the party’s stance on Palestinian statehood, now faces growing scrutiny over her engagement with groups linked to the Iranian government.
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Image: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, US President Donald Trump and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (Source: X)
By Akshit Tyagi
French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Donald Trump revealed stark differences in their approach to the Ukraine conflict during their recent meeting on Tuesday, highlighting a widening gap between the United States and Europe over Trump’s push for a swift ceasefire with Russia.
While both leaders maintained a cordial tone, their disagreements were clear as they marked three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Trump, who last week referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “dictator,” avoided labelling Russian President Vladimir Putin in the same way. Macron, in contrast, firmly stated that “Russia is the aggressor” and criticised any ambiguity on the matter.
Our common objective with President @realDonaldTrump is to build a solid and long-standing peace. The USA and France will always stand on the same side of history. pic.twitter.com/No3wYAMiDI
At a joint press conference, Macron said, “President Putin violated the peace,” while Trump reiterated his desire for an immediate ceasefire and even suggested he could travel to Moscow to meet Putin once an agreement is in place. Macron, however, advocated for a more structured approach, beginning with a truce followed by a peace deal with strong security guarantees.
“We want peace, he wants peace. We want peace swiftly, but we don’t want an agreement that is weak,” Macron stated, stressing the need for any peace deal to be “assessed, checked, and verified.”
The U.S. has recently changed its approach to the war in Ukraine. Under President Donald Trump, instead of strongly supporting Ukraine as before, the U.S. is now pushing for a peace deal without directly blaming Russia for the war.
This change has caused tension with European allies like France and the UK, who believe Russia must be held accountable. French President Emmanuel Macron has insisted that any peace agreement must respect Ukraine’s borders and should not reward aggression.
At the United Nations, the U.S. opposed a resolution calling for Russia’s immediate withdrawal from Ukraine. Instead, it introduced a new resolution calling for peace but omitting any mention of Russia’s role in the war. This move has worried European nations, who fear it could weaken the international response to military aggression.
Australia has not changed its stance on Ukraine. The government has made it clear that it continues to support Ukraine’s right to defend itself. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong have issued a joint statement on the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said,
“Australia stands with Ukraine in their struggle, which is a struggle not just for their own national sovereignty, but it’s a struggle to stand up for the international rule of law.”
Today marks three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
For three years, Ukraine has bravely resisted Russia’s illegal and immoral war of aggression.
Australia mourns the loss of life of Ukraine’s citizens and defenders, and the generational toll of Russia’s…
“From President Zelensky down, the bravery and fortitude that has been demonstrated is something that has inspired the world. This is a fight for civilisation; it’s a fight against a dictator – a murderous dictator – and I think all Australians value the fact that, right from the very start, we have stood with Ukraine and should continue to do so.”
Since the war began, Australia has sent more than $1.5 billion in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including armoured vehicles, weapons, and financial assistance.
However, Australia’s position may create challenges in its relationship with the U.S. Unlike before, Canberra is now aligning more with European allies on Ukraine rather than following Washington’s lead. Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott criticised Trump’s approach, saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin started the war and should be held accountable.
“Let’s be very clear, Putin started this war. Russia started this war, and anyone who thinks otherwise is living in fantasy land,” the former Prime Minister told Times Radio.
Australia has traditionally relied on the U.S. for security. However, Trump’s shift on Ukraine raises questions about how much Australia can count on American leadership in future conflicts.
Despite this, Australia must start relying more on other allies, such as European countries, Japan, and regional partners. This would ensure Australia is not left vulnerable if U.S. foreign policy changes again in the future.
By refusing to directly condemn Russia, the U.S. may be sending a message that military aggression will not always be punished. Some analysts worry that this could encourage other powerful nations to test the limits of international law.
For example, China has been closely watching how the world responds to Ukraine. Some experts believe that if Western countries are divided over Ukraine, China might feel more confident about making aggressive moves towards Taiwan.
Australia, as a supporter of the international rules-based order, has a strong interest in ensuring that countries cannot simply take land by force. However, without clear backing from the U.S., it may be harder for Canberra to defend these principles on the global stage.
The divide in the Western alliance over Ukraine shows that Australia needs to carefully consider its next steps. While the U.S. remains an important ally, Canberra may also need to strengthen ties with other nations to ensure its security and global influence.
By working closely with European countries and Indo-Pacific allies, Australia can continue to support democracy, international law, and peace, regardless of how U.S. foreign policy shifts in the future.
Contributing Author: Akshit Tyagi has worked full-time as a business and financial journalist in India for Republic TV and part-time for other esteemed news media organisations. You can follow Akshit on X @AkshitTyagii.
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The man faced Downing Centre Local Court on 25 February 2025) following his extradition from South Australia.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers initially stopped him upon his arrival in Sydney on a flight from Malaysia on 20 February. He allegedly claimed he had no checked luggage and was cleared to leave the airport. However, ABF officers later discovered two abandoned suitcases on a luggage carousel, with identification tags bearing the man’s name.
Upon inspection, the suitcases were found to contain approximately 32kg of methamphetamine and 8kg of cocaine. The ABF referred the case to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), which launched an investigation to locate the suspect.
Detectives traced his movements to Adelaide, where AFP officers arrested him at Adelaide Airport on 21 February as he attempted to board a flight to Malaysia.
The man first appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court on 24 February before being extradited to New South Wales. He has been charged with:
Importing a commercial quantity of methamphetamine, contrary to subsection 307.1 (1) of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
Importing a commercial quantity of cocaine, contrary to subsection 307.1 (1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
Both offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Authorities estimate the seized methamphetamine has a street value of $29.6 million and could have been sold as approximately 320,000 street deals, while the cocaine is worth an estimated $2.6 million and could have been distributed in 40,000 deals.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen said law enforcement agencies remain committed to disrupting criminal syndicates operating through Australia’s air travel networks.
“Illicit drugs destroy lives and remain a scourge for the wider community,” Det A/Supt Millen said.
“The AFP and its partners are working tirelessly to disrupt all levels and avenues of the drug trade and will stop anyone who tries to profit at the expense of our community.”
ABF Superintendent Elke West highlighted the vigilance of officers in detecting illicit drugs at Sydney Airport.
“Our message is clear: we will uncover these attempts at every opportunity and will work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure those responsible face the full force of the law,” Supt West said.
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The gold price has surged to a new all-time high above US$2,900 (A$4,544) an ounce this month.
It has risen by 12% since the start of the year and clearly outperformed US and Australian stock markets. The US stock index S&P500 is up 4% and the ASX 200 has gained just 2% in that time.
That follows an extraordinary run in 2024, when the precious metal surged 27%, the biggest rise in 14 years.
The drivers behind this surge include heightened uncertainty and fear of inflation that has been stoked by US President Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs, together with increased demand from central banks.
The supply of gold through gold mine production and recycling is relatively constant over time. But the demand is more variable, and consists of four major components: jewellery, technology, investment and central banks.
In 2024, jewellery accounted for about 50% of total demand, technology or industrial demand was 5%, investment demand was 25% and central bank demand was 20%.
Investment demand refers to investors who buy gold as an asset. Central banks generally buy gold to diversify their reserve holdings.
As all four demand components vary over time (some more than others), gold price movements are sometimes driven by jewellery demand, sometimes by investor demand, and sometimes – as has happened recently – by central bank demand.
What adds to the difficulty is that both the gold supply and gold demand are global. The supply comes from gold mines across the globe, from emerging countries in Africa and industrial countries such as Australia and Canada.
The same is true for demand. While China and India dominate jewellery demand, the demand comes from many countries, as does investment demand. Central bank demand stems from large and small central banks around the world.
Why is there demand for gold?
One key reason for the popularity of gold is that it is considered to be a store of value. This means gold rises with inflation and maintains its value in the long run.
In other words, an ounce of gold buys the same basket of goods (or more) today than 20 years ago. This is not the case for money (or fiat currency) such as the US or Australian dollars.
Due to inflation, the value of money is not constant but depreciates over time. Because gold holds its value, it is also called an inflation hedge.
While the store of value property holds in the long run, there is another important property that is more short-lived and particularly relevant during crisis periods.
The safe haven property of gold means gold prices increase when investors seek shelter in response to a shock or crisis. For example, investors bought gold in reaction to the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks, the start of the global financial crisis in 2008, and the outbreak of COVID in 2020.
The safe haven effect of gold is generally short-lived, often resulting in falling gold prices after about 15 days.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the subsequent sanctions on Russia – especially the freeze of Russia’s foreign government bond holdings abroad – has highlighted the risk to governments of losing access to foreign currency holdings.
The potential reaction of central banks to the Russian invasion of Ukraine is akin to investors seeking a safe haven, but is a rather new phenomenon for central banks.
There is an additional, secondary, effect of such central bank purchases and rebalancing from US dollars to gold.
Selling US dollars for gold implies a weakening US dollar, which increases the price of gold. (If the US dollar weakens, you need more US dollars to buy gold.) The inverse relationship between gold prices and currencies also makes gold a currency hedge. That means gold can protect investors from potential losses due to fluctuating exchange rates. This effect is particularly strong for rather volatile currencies such as the Australian dollar.
In contrast to the shock caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the more recent increase in gold prices is harder to associate with a single shock.
Broader economic worries
The election of Trump has not only increased the risk of higher inflation due to tariffs and a trade war, it has also increased geopolitical risk as the US government reassesses its alliances with other countries.
The relative unpredictability of Trump compared with his predecessors and with politicians more generally may have increased uncertainty and gold prices. The recent gold price trend highlights that “gold loves bad news”.
Gold prices may anticipate geopolitical shocks or higher inflation. Gold prices rose well before inflation increased after the pandemic and started to fall when inflation had peaked in 2022.
It is not clear exactly why gold has risen to all-time highs in 2025, but it’s possibly not good news for the world economy.
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Burke is facing scrutiny over the large-scale citizenship events held in electorates expected to be fiercely contested in the upcoming federal election. While he insists the blitz was necessary to clear a backlog of applicants, critics argue it was a strategic move to garner political support for Labor.
A key concern has been the reported omission of certain local representatives from these events, despite standard protocol requiring their invitation to ensure impartiality. Speaking to Sky News Australia, Le, who represents the federal seat of Fowler and is also a Fairfield councillor, expressed outrage at Burke’s claim that she had been invited.
“I was so furious that he made that claim—it’s a blatant lie to say that the invitation was sent to me. I received no such invitation.”
Reports suggested Le was offered an invite to a Homebush ceremony, but she firmly denied this, stating she had received neither a formal nor verbal offer.
“I’m really shocked. Nothing was mentioned. All he said was that he was doing all the ceremonies in the next couple of weeks. That’s it,” she said.
“I was innocently thinking, ‘Oh, wow, a Minister attending here for the first time—that’s amazing.’ Then it clicked later that this was just before the election.”
Le pointed out that Labor’s candidate for Fowler, Tu Le, had attended the ceremony along with other Labor MPs, some representing marginal seats in Western Sydney. She questioned whether this indicated a broader strategy by the Albanese government to sway voters ahead of the election.
I couldn’t contain my emotions. I am learning to be calm as I navigate this political labyrinth with experienced political actors on stage. At the end of the day, citizenship ceremonies should be about the community, not politics. #FowlerVotes#Auspolhttps://t.co/UhhLrFX3ct
“We asked the Prime Minister: are they covering something up? Is there a lack of transparency with the public?” Le said.
“Are they desperate? Because a lot of things are not adding up.”
Burke’s office refuted Le’s claims, stating she was invited via Fairfield City Council. A spokesperson for the minister told The Daily Telegraph:
“Why Dai Le chose to ignore invitations and boycott these ceremonies is a question for her.”
More than 4500 people became citizens during the three-day event at Sydney Olympic Park, including new voters in Fowler. A Home Affairs spokesperson maintained that all official requirements were met and that invitations were issued according to the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code.
However, the controversy has intensified amid accusations that the Albanese government is accelerating citizenship ceremonies to bolster electoral support. Opposition home affairs spokesman James Paterson said it was “extraordinary behaviour … in the dying days of a desperate government to schedule these unscheduled, unprecedented, extraordinary Home Affairs Department citizenship ceremonies to ram through 12,000 citizenships in the days before the election is called”.
The fast-tracked cohort is dominated by citizens originating from India (2365), New Zealand (1929), Britain (853), Philippines (581), China (556), Pakistan (396), Vietnam (381) and Afghanistan (289).
The debate is also set to continue in Senate estimates, where Burke’s handling of the ceremonies will be scrutinised.
In response, Burke dismissed the allegations, stating the mass ceremonies were held to address a backlog of applicants. “People making a lifelong pledge of commitment to Australia is a good thing,” he said.
“I don’t know how they’re going to vote.”
Over 50,000 people are awaiting citizenship ceremonies, with 78% expected to wait under three months, 20% between three to six months, and 3% over six months. Regional areas face the longest delays due to lower applicant numbers.
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Image: Amarjeet Singh Takhi, Consul General of India to Western Australia and Northern Territories with Roger Cook MLA, Premier of Western Australia (Source: X)
The Consul General of India to Western Australia, Amarjeet Singh Takhi, has bid farewell to the state, marking the conclusion of an illustrious 38-year diplomatic career.
As he prepares to return to India, Takhi expressed his deep appreciation for the strong bilateral ties he helped foster and the warmth of the Western Australian community.
During his farewell engagements, Takhi met with Premier Roger Cook, thanking him for his unwavering support of the Indian diaspora and for strengthening economic, educational, and cultural exchanges between India and WA. Their discussions covered growing trade ties, the increasing number of Indian students at WA universities, rising tourist arrivals, and direct flight connectivity. The Consul General also briefed the Premier on the first-ever Indian cinema celebration in WA, hosted by NIFF Australia, and the upcoming Startup Mahakumbh 2025 in New Delhi, inviting WA’s innovators to participate.
CG paid a farewell call on Hon @RogerCookMLA, Premier of Western Australia and thanked him for his overwhelming support and encouragement to the Indian diaspora community across the State. They also discussed the growing bilateral trade, educational ties including increasing… pic.twitter.com/A2htMDdbC5
In addition, Takhi paid farewell visits to Governor Chris Dawson, UWA Vice-Chancellor Prof. Amit Chakma, Murdoch University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Andrew J. Deeks, and Director of the Indo-Pacific Research Centre Prof. Jacqueline Lo, reaffirming the importance of academic and research collaborations between India and WA institutions. The Governor commended Takhi for his dedicated service to the WA community over nearly three years.
Image: The Consul General of India to Western Australia, Amarjeet Singh Takhi paid a farewell call on the Governor Chris Dawson (Source: Facebook)
Takhi, a seasoned member of the Indian Foreign Service, assumed charge in Perth on 7 June 2022. His diplomatic journey has taken him across the globe, with postings in Tokyo, Tashkent, Algiers, Jakarta, Warsaw, and New York, including serving as India’s representative at the United Nations. Notably, he played a key role in India’s ASEAN Dialogue Partnership and the East Asia Summit, as well as overseeing bilateral relations with Poland and Lithuania.
Image: The Consul General of India to Western Australia, Amarjeet Singh Takhi with UWA Vice-Chancellor Prof. Amit Chakma (Source: X)Image: The Consul General of India to Western Australia, Amarjeet Singh Takhi with Murdoch University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Andrew J. Deeks (Source: X)Image: The Consul General of India to Western Australia, Amarjeet Singh Takhi with Indo-Pacific Research Centre Prof. Jacqueline Lo (Source: X)
Before his tenure in Perth, he was instrumental in establishing India’s Consulate General in Bali, serving the Indian community in eastern Indonesia for four years. At the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, he led key initiatives, including the Passport Seva Programme and India’s Official Language promotion efforts, maintaining close ties with the World Hindi Secretariat in Fiji.
As part of #Ekpedmaakenaam campaign, a Rock Kurrajong – Brachychiton Acuminatus tree native to resource-rich regional area of Pilbara was planted at the Karratha Leisureplex, honouring motherhood and nurturing nature . The tree plantation was done in collaboration with the… pic.twitter.com/Wt9Y6vPopK
A graduate of Delhi University and an alumnus of the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University, Takhi leaves behind a remarkable legacy of diplomatic service. As he embarks on retirement, his contributions to India-Australia relations and the Indian diaspora in WA will be remembered with deep respect.
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Image: resident Donald J. Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron (Source: The White House - x)
US President Donald Trump has announced a new phase of ceasefire negotiations between American and Russian delegations in the ongoing Ukraine war, with talks set to take place in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on 25 February. This follows an initial meeting in the same city earlier this week.
Following the talks, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said both sides had broadly agreed on three key objectives: restoring embassy staff in Washington and Moscow, creating a high-level team to support Ukraine peace discussions, and exploring closer diplomatic and economic ties. However, he cautioned that the talks, attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other senior Russian officials, marked only the beginning of the process. Lavrov described the meeting as “very useful.”
.@POTUS is committed to ending the Russia-Ukraine war. On Monday, three years since the Russia-Ukraine war, the U.S. will propose to the United Nations a landmark resolution the entire @UN membership should support in order to chart a path to peace. https://t.co/qf0dLYfmAj
Notably absent from the negotiations were Ukrainian officials, a move that sparked criticism as Kyiv continues to lose ground to Russian forces nearly three years after Moscow’s full-scale invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected any outcomes from the talks, stressing that Ukraine was not involved. He also postponed a planned visit to Saudi Arabia.
I had a productive talk with UK Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer. Europe must be at the negotiating table to end the war and ensure strong security guarantees. Ukraine’s security is inseparable from Europe’s security.
We coordinated our military cooperation, joint steps, and…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 22, 2025
Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov revealed that preparations are underway for a potential face-to-face meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ryabkov hinted that such a summit could address broader global issues beyond the Ukraine war but noted that discussions were still in the early stages and required extensive preparatory work.
Trump also met French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House on Monday to discuss the situation, marking three years since Russia’s invasion. He suggested that Putin might accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of a potential settlement, claiming he had posed the idea to the Russian leader.
Trump defended his stance, stating that he believes ending the war is in Russia’s best interest. “I really believe that he wants to make a deal,” Trump said of Putin.
“I may be wrong, but I believe he wants to make a deal.”
For three years, Ukraine has been fighting with admirable courage against an aggressor—Russia.
For sovereignty and freedom.
Our support for Ukraine will remain unwavering. I am in Washington to reaffirm this and to move forward with President @realDonaldTrump and our allies. pic.twitter.com/ZUehOczJhM
Meanwhile, Trump suggested that the US and Ukraine were nearing an agreement on mineral resources, hinting that Zelenskyy could visit Washington soon to finalise a deal.
The Trump administration has been pushing for access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, though Kyiv has yet to sign off on the proposal. Ukraine is also seeking security guarantees as part of any agreement, but Trump did not specify whether the deal would include American assurances.
“Europe is going to make sure nothing happens.”
As Ukraine marks three years of war, the latest developments raise critical questions about the future of peace negotiations and the extent of Western involvement in shaping any resolution.
Today marks three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
For three years, Ukraine has bravely resisted Russia’s illegal and immoral war of aggression.
Australia mourns the loss of life of Ukraine’s citizens and defenders, and the generational toll of Russia’s…
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese marked the anniversary by reaffirming his country’s support for Ukraine. In a statement on X, he condemned Russia’s “illegal and immoral war of aggression” and highlighted Australia’s commitment of over $1.5 billion in aid, including $1.3 billion in military support. The Australian government also announced its largest sanctions package since 2022, targeting individuals and entities supporting Russia’s invasion and military cooperation with North Korea.
Albanese reiterated Australia’s call for Russia to end the war and adhere to international law, emphasizing that his government remains committed to working with Ukraine and its allies for a just and lasting peace.
“Australia calls on Russia to immediately end its war and adhere fully to its obligations under international law, including in relation to the protection of civilians and treatment of prisoners of war.”
With increasing international pressure and diplomatic manoeuvres, the road to peace remains uncertain, as key stakeholders continue to debate the terms of a potential resolution.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the landmark investment would deliver an additional 18 million bulk-billed GP visits each year, ensuring Australians can access healthcare without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses.
“Labor built Medicare, we will protect it and improve it for all Australians,” he said.
“I want every Australian to know they only need their Medicare card, not their credit card, to receive the healthcare they need.”
By 2030, nine out of ten GP visits are expected to be bulk billed, tripling the number of fully bulk-billing practices to around 4,800 nationwide. The initiative will see patient savings of $859 million annually, significantly reducing the financial strain on households.
You'll be able to see a GP for free with Labor.
Our doctors and nurses work so incredibly hard to keep Australians healthy.
And our changes will mean all you'll need to see them is your Medicare card – not your credit card.
For the first time, bulk billing incentives will extend to all Australians, with an additional incentive payment introduced for practices that bulk bill every patient. From 1 November, practices adopting full bulk billing will receive an extra 12.5% loading payment on their Medicare rebates.
Health Minister Mark Butler said the initiative would reverse cuts made under the previous Coalition government, which the Australian Medical Association estimates drained $8.3 billion from Medicare due to a funding freeze initiated by Peter Dutton a decade ago.
He added that the freeze had put significant financial pressure on GP practices, making it harder for Australians to afford essential medical care.
In addition to expanding bulk billing, the Labor Government is investing in the future of the healthcare workforce. The plan includes 400 nursing scholarships and the largest GP training program in Australian history, funding the training of 2,000 new GP trainees per year by 2028.
Albanese said the initiative was about strengthening Medicare for future generations.
“No Australian should have to check their bank balance to see if they can afford to see a doctor,” he said.
“That is not who we are. That is not the future we want for Australia.”
With the cost of living continuing to rise, the government hopes this investment will provide relief while reinforcing Australia’s commitment to universal healthcare.
“This is a policy that lifts up our entire nation and ensures no one is held back, and no one is left behind,” Albanese said.
“It will make Medicare even stronger, help with cost-of-living pressures and ensure every Australian receives the best healthcare that they deserve.”
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But when it comes time to start school, it’s common for parents to worry about raising a child to be bilingual or multilingual.
They may wonder, am I harming my child’s English development if I speak another language at home?
The short answer is no. Research shows speaking more than one language doesn’t hinder a child’s academic progress – in fact, it can even help.
What does the research say?
Up until the 1980s, some studies incorrectly suggested early exposure to more than one language could harm a child’s academic achievement. But these findings have since been widely criticised because many of the children in the studies came from economically disadvantaged backgrounds (and so were already disadvantaged in terms of their schooling).
More recent Australian research has found when socioeconomic status is accounted for, multilingual children are “indistinguishable from their monolingual peers” in literacy and numeracy by the time they are eleven years old. This is provided they have adequate English vocabulary skills by the time they finish Year 2.
Some studies show multilingual students even surpass monolingual children in different academic areas. This includes English reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation as well as numeracy. Research suggests multilingual students’ enhanced mental flexibility from switching between languages may explain their higher academic performance later in school, but this is not yet confirmed.
Do you need to learn one language before starting the other?
Research shows children can learn multiple languages at the same time, starting from infancy.
This means you don’t have to wait for a child to become fluent in one before you start learning another.
Similarly, a child does not have to be a highly skilled English speaker to start to learn to read in English. They can develop their spoken and written/reading language skills at the same time.
It is also important to look at children’s skills across all the languages they know.
Research on children aged up to 30 months found multilingual children often had smaller vocabularies in English than their monolingual peers. But they had a healthy range when assessed on words they knew in all languages.
A common misconception is multilingual children may “confuse” words between languages, but this is not the case. They actually learn quite quickly whom they can communicate with in each language, and switch between languages without much effort.
For example, Valeria’s niece Aurora is four and is already fluent in Hungarian, Spanish and Ukrainian. There are videos of Aurora speaking Spanish with her Venezuelan father and grandmother, turning to respond to her grandfather in Hungarian, and switching to Ukrainian to speak with her mother, all in one conversation.
How can I help my child learn multiple languages?
Research shows it is important a child receives lots of exposure to each language through meaningful interactions with people who speak those languages.
There is no clear definition of the amount needed, but it should be regular – for example, everyday talk with parents or visits or phone calls with grandparents who share the home language.
Also, if you’re worried your child isn’t getting enough English exposure outside school, do not abandon your home language. Instead, create other English opportunities, such as in playgroups, daycare, sports teams or other out-of-school activities.
Ultimately, the best thing parents can do to support their children’s multilingual learning is build a community filled with native speakers of English and the home language(s).
Staying consistently connected to this community of people who value each language, especially after children start school, will also support a child’s motivation to keep growing in each language.
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Image: New rooftop housing boom (Source: Supplied)
A landmark planning reform set to take effect next week will allow over 220,000 properties across New South Wales to build upwards, unlocking $25 billion in rooftop development potential.
Announced by Minister Paul Scully and the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, the initiative is expected to create thousands of new homes while funding essential building repairs.
Image: Paul Scully, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces (Source: X)
The Low and Mid Rise (LMR) Reforms mark one of the most significant changes to NSW’s planning rules in recent history. The reforms will enable higher-density housing near transport hubs, employment centres, and essential services, allowing medium-density developments in R1 and R2 zones and 4-6 storey apartment buildings in R3 and R4 zones.
The changes will impact more than 130 transport stations and town centres in Sydney, 25 locations across the Central Coast and Newcastle region, and 11 in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region.
Of the 185,000 properties eligible for new development, 129,000 will benefit from increased floor space ratios and minimum lot size adjustments, making additional storeys and rooftop homes a reality.
The shift towards airspace development mirrors global trends seen in cities like London, Paris, and New York, where vertical expansion has been embraced as a sustainable solution to housing shortages. “This is a game-changing policy,” said Warren Livesey, an airspace specialist from Buy Airspace.
“Rather than demolishing buildings and displacing communities, we can now utilise underused airspace to create much-needed housing and fund vital repairs—without adding urban sprawl.”
Image: New rooftop housing boom (Source: Supplied)
With 35 local government areas set to benefit, including nearly 10,000 properties in Sutherland Shire alone gaining floor space ratio uplifts, property owners are encouraged to assess their rooftop potential.
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Image: DPM Prof. Biman Prasad (Source: Facebook ) and Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube speaking at the Climate Integrity Summit in Canberra (Source: YouTube screenshot)
Image: Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube speaking at the Climate Integrity Summit in Canberra (Source: YouTube screenshot)
Speaking at the Climate Integrity Summit in Canberra, Narube raised concerns over the size of Fiji’s delegation to COP29 in Baku and the expansion of Cabinet, accusing the government of irresponsible spending.
“The question that I silently asked was this: Why would donors such as Australia agree to fund such excessive delegations? Is it a reward for good family behaviour?”
Narube criticised the government’s decision to increase Cabinet size from 26 to 35, highlighting additional costs in salaries and tax-free allowances.
“A parliament deciding how much to pay themselves is unethical and maybe illegal,” he said. “This self-serving prioritisation is irresponsible.”
Narube called for stricter conditions on Australian aid, saying,
“While recipients should continue to enjoy flexibility on how they spend the general budget support, policy triggers must be tightened to ensure donor funds are effectively used.”
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Prof. Biman Prasad, has hit back, accusing Narube of attempting to sabotage the economy with baseless claims.
“Narube, who has failed miserably in two national elections, has reached a new low,” Prasad said in statement on Facebook.
“To suggest that Australia should review its budget support while lying about its use reveals his true character and his unworthiness to lead Fiji.”
Prasad clarified that Fiji’s delegation to COP29 consisted of 56 members—not the 100 claimed by Narube—at a total cost of $1.2 million, with 91% externally funded. The government, he said, only covered costs for five delegates, amounting to $238,739.77.
“External funding did not come from Australia alone. Multiple donors, agencies, and NGOs supported Fiji’s participation in critical negotiations,” he added.
Image: DPM Prof. Biman Prasad (Source: Facebook ) and Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube speaking at the Climate Integrity Summit in Canberra (Source: YouTube screenshot)
Prasad also took a swipe at Narube’s past silence, pointing out that in 2017, Fiji’s previous government sent nearly 80 delegates to COP23, with millions spent on public relations.
“He never opened his mouth then. But now he insults Fiji, ridicules Australia, and attempts economic sabotage.”
Dismissing Narube’s claims as politically motivated, Prasad asserted that Australia’s support for Fiji was well-regulated and accountable.
“If Narube thinks squealing overseas will boost his political fortunes, he is daydreaming.”
Prasad emphasised Fiji’s gratitude towards Australia, its largest development partner, and dismissed Narube’s claims as an “insult to Australia and its taxpayers.”
“Australia and other donors don’t give budget support like a blank cheque,” he said.
“There are strict conditions and evaluations.”
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Image: Queensland and India forge stronger ties with agricultural roundtable and trade delegation (Source: LinkedIn)
Brisbane played host to a high-powered roundtable discussion on “Strengthening the Queensland-India Agriculture Partnership,” organised by the Australia India Business Council (AIBC) on Friday.
The event saw a full house of government representatives, peak industry bodies, agriculture experts, and business leaders from both nations eager to explore collaborative opportunities.
The discussion, held on the sidelines of AgriFutures evokeAG, Australia’s premier agtech conference, was supported by key partners including the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) in New Delhi and Brisbane, the Department of Primary Industries (Queensland), and Trade and Investment Queensland. A select delegation of Indian agtech businesses also travelled to Australia to engage in the dialogue.
Image: Roundtable Discussion on “Strengthening the Queensland-India Agriculture Partnership” held on Friday in Brisbane 9Source: AIBC – LinkedIn)
The roundtable highlighted specific pathways for deepening agricultural ties, with a focus on leveraging each country’s strengths. Key takeaways included exploring pigeon pea (toor dal) and millet cultivation in Queensland for the high-demand Indian market, enhancing synergies in agtech between Australia and India, particularly in adapting technologies for India’s smaller landholdings, engaging with India’s Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) as channels to implement Australian agtech solutions, leveraging India’s expertise in data, technology, and manufacturing to support Australia’s agtech innovations, and incorporating university research institutions to drive innovation and seek international development funding.
The discussions gained further significance in light of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AIECTA), which in 2022 reduced tariffs on a range of agricultural products, fostering deeper industry engagement and research collaborations.
Image: Roundtable Discussion on “Strengthening the Queensland-India Agriculture Partnership” held on Friday in Brisbane 9Source: AIBC – LinkedIn)
The roundtable’s success was spearheaded by AIBC Queensland President Namrata Datt, Committee Member Jinendra Khara GAICD, ACEcD, and Secretariat Kritika Bansal, who organised the event.
The gathering also saw the presence of notable industry leaders, including Salvo Vitelli, Elton Miller, and Kaye Nunan from the Department of Primary Industries (Queensland); Tony Burnett and Gabrielle Troon from Trade and Investment Queensland; Dr Asha Sundaramurthy from Austrade; and Neetu Bhaagotia who is India’s Consul General in Brisbane.
Queensland’s Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSMMinister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, the Honourable Ros Bates MP RN
Adding to the momentum, Queensland’s Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, and Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, the Honourable Ros Bates MP RN, are embarking on a strategic visit to India. Their itinerary spans Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Mumbai, reinforcing Queensland’s commitment to long-term economic collaboration.
The delegation will also take centre stage at BioAsia 2025, a premier global life sciences forum. Given their extensive experience in the health sector, their participation highlights growing opportunities in health-tech, biopharmaceuticals, and innovation-driven investments.
India has emerged as Queensland’s fourth-largest goods export market, with trade spanning across life sciences, energy, sports, education, and technology. As both regions continue to build on this economic momentum, new partnerships and investments are poised to reshape the future of agricultural and technological collaboration.
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File image: Opposition leader Peter Dutton in Box Hill for this year’s Lunar New Year celebrations (Source: X)
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has taken a commanding lead in the race for power, with voters backing him as a strong leader while slashing their support for Labor to a record low of 25 per cent.
A new Resolve Political Monitor survey shows the Coalition now holds a 55-45 per cent lead over Labor in two-party-preferred terms, putting Anthony Albanese’s government on course for defeat.
Despite last week’s Reserve Bank interest rate cut, which the government had hoped would boost support, 59 per cent of voters said it would not change their vote.
The survey, conducted for this masthead by Resolve Strategic, paints a grim picture for Albanese, with 43 per cent of voters describing him and Labor as weak. In contrast, only 22 per cent see Dutton and the Coalition in the same light.
Dutton is also leading in key leadership metrics, with 37 per cent of voters saying the Coalition offers strong leadership, compared to just 24 per cent for Labor—a reversal from last year when Albanese led on this measure.
The Opposition Leader further extends his advantage on international relations, with 34 per cent of voters believing he would be better at handling a second Donald Trump presidency, compared to 18 per cent for Albanese.
For the second consecutive month, Dutton is the preferred prime minister, leading 39-35 per cent, though 26 per cent of voters remain undecided.
Resolve director Jim Reed told SMH the data indicates a clear swing towards the Coalition.
“The public mood has lifted after the rate cut, but it has not led to any increase in support for the government.”
Labor’s primary vote has plummeted from 30 per cent in November to 25 per cent in February, marking its lowest point since the election. Meanwhile, the Coalition’s primary vote has edged up to 39 per cent.
The poll also highlights growing support for minor parties, with Pauline Hanson’s One Nation rising from 7 to 9 per cent, while independent support dropped slightly from 10 to 9 per cent.
A separate YouGov MRP poll suggests the Coalition is on track to win about 73 seats, with a chance of forming a majority government. The model also indicates Labor could lose up to 15 seats, including traditional strongholds like Werriwa.
Labor’s struggles are particularly pronounced in outer-suburban areas, where cost-of-living pressures are expected to dominate the election campaign.
With an election due by May 17, the race is heating up, and the Coalition is emerging as the frontrunner. However, with months still to go, the battle for votes remains far from over.
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Image: NASA’s SPHEREx space observatory was photographed at BAE Systems in Boulder, Colorado, in November 2024 after completing environmental testing. The spacecraft’s three concentric cones help direct heat and light away from the telescope and other components, keeping them cool (Photo Credit: BAE Systems / Source: NASA)
By Deanne Fisher
NASA will soon launch a new telescope which it says will create the “most colourful” map of the cosmos ever made.
The SPHEREx telescope is relatively small but will provide a humongous amount of knowledge in its short two-year mission.
NASA’s SPHEREx observatory undergoes integration and testing at BAE Systems in Boulder, Colorado, in April 2024. NASA/JPL-Caltech/BAE Systems
It is an infrared telescope designed to take spectroscopic images – ones that measure individual wavelengths of light from a source. By doing this it will be able to tell us about the formation of the universe, the growth of all galaxies across cosmic history, and the location of water and life-forming molecules in our own galaxy.
In short, the mission – which is scheduled for launch on February 27, all things going well – will help us understand how the universe came to be, and why life exists inside it.
A massive leap forward
Everything in the universe, including you and the objects around you, emits light in many different colours. Our eyes split all that light into three bands – the brilliant greens of trees, blues of the sky and reds of a sunset – to synthesise a specific image.
But SPHEREx – short for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer – will divide light from everything in the sky into 96 bands. This is a massive leap forward. It will cover the entire sky and offer new insights into the chemistry and physics of objects in the universe.
The mission will complement the work being done by other infrared telescopes in space, such as the James Webb Space Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope.
Both of these telescopes are designed to make high-resolution measurements of the faintest objects in the universe, which means they only study a tiny part of the sky at any given time. For example, the sky is more than 15 million times larger than what the James Webb Space Telescope can observe at once.
In its entire mission the James Webb Space Telescope could not map out the whole sky the way SPHEREx will do in only a few months.
SPHEREx will take will take spectroscopic images of 1 billion galaxies, 100 million stars, and 10,000 asteroids. It will answer questions that require a view of the entire sky, which are missed out by the biggest telescopes that chase the highest resolution.
NASA’s SPHEREx mission will use these filters to capture spectroscopic images of the cosmos. NASA/JPL-Caltech
Measuring inflation
The first aim of SPHEREx is to measure what astronomers call cosmic inflation. This refers to the rapid expansion of the universe immediately after the Big Bang.
The physical processes that drove cosmic inflation remain poorly understood. Revealing more information about inflation is possibly the most important research area of cosmology.
Inflation happened everywhere in the universe. To study it astronomers need to map the entire sky. SPHEREx is ideal for studying this huge mystery that is fundamental to our cosmos.
SPHEREx will use the spectroscopic images to measure the 3D positions of about a billion galaxies across cosmic history. Astronomers will then create a picture of the cosmos not just in position but in time.
This, plus a lot of statistics and mathematics, will let the SPHEREx team test different theories of inflation.
The SHEREx mission will complement the work of the James Webb Space Telescope, which captured this composite image of stars, gas and dust in a small region within the vast Eagle Nebula, 6,500 light-years away from Earth. NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI
Pinpointing the location of life-bearing molecules
In the coldest parts of our galaxy, the molecules that create life (such as water, carbon dioxide and methanol) are trapped in icy particles. Those icy biogenic molecules have to travel from the cold gas in the galaxy onto planets so life can come to be.
Despite years of study, this process remains a huge mystery.
To answer this fundamental question about human existence, we need to know where all those molecules are.
What SPHEREx will provide is a complete census of the icy biogenic molecules in our surrounding galaxy. Icy biogenic molecules have distinct features in the infrared spectrum, where SPHEREx operates.
By mapping the entire sky, SPHEREx will pinpoint where these molecules are, not only in our galaxy but also in nearby systems.
Located some 13,700 light-years away from Earth in the southern constellation Centaurus of the Milky Way, RCW 49 is a dark and dusty stellar nursery that houses more than 2,200 stars. NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Wisconsin
Once we know where they all are, we can determine the necessary conditions to form biogenic molecules in space. In turn, this can tell us about a crucial step in how life came to be.
Currently 200 spectra have been taken on biogenic molecules in space. We expect the James Webb Space Telescope will obtain a few thousand such measurements.
SPHEREx will generate 8 million new spectroscopic images of life-bearing molecules. This will revolutionise our understanding.
Mapping the whole sky enables astronomers to identify promising regions for life and gather large-scale data to separate meaningful patterns from anomalies, making this mission a transformative step in the search for life beyond Earth.
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After a successful strike at Melbourne Immigration Detention Centre last week, UWU is urging its members to vote in a new Protected Action Ballot (PAB) before it closes on 24 February to authorise further action against Serco.
Image: MIDC MELBOURNE IMMIGRATION DETENTION CENTRE (Source: Supplied)
The industrial action follows months of tension after British multinational Serco lost its contract to operate Australia’s six detention centres to American firm Secure Journeys late last year.
Serco informed staff they would need to resign in order to secure employment with the new operator, a move the UWU says is misleading and designed to avoid redundancy payouts. UWU has taken the matter to the Fair Work Commission, arguing Serco is intentionally delaying negotiations to minimise severance costs.
Image: MIDC MELBOURNE IMMIGRATION DETENTION CENTRE (Source: Supplied)
“Serco has deliberately misled workers on redundancy entitlements and refused to offer a fair pay increase,” Kennedy said.
“This wouldn’t be happening if massive multinationals prioritised their workers over profits.”
Union officials have also gathered nearly 1,000 signatures for an open letter to Immigration Minister Tony Burke, seeking government intervention in the dispute.
Image: MIDC MELBOURNE IMMIGRATION DETENTION CENTRE (Source: Supplied)
Meanwhile, Serco has warned its managers to prepare for disruptions and has offered additional payments to non-union staff willing to work extra shifts.
“We are actively supporting employees who wish to apply for roles with the new operator,” Serco stated.
“All employees will be paid their entitlements in accordance with the law.”
Image: MIDC MELBOURNE IMMIGRATION DETENTION CENTRE (Source: Supplied)
Despite the looming strikes, UWU remains firm in its stance. Kennedy warned:
“If an agreement isn’t reached, industrial action will continue across the country.”
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Image: Himatjit Kahlon
and his "trusted friend" appearing in the Auckland District Court charged with methamphetamine importation in May 2023 (Photo / Jason Oxenham / Source: NZ Herald)
42-year-old Himatjit Jimmy Singh Kahlon has been sentenced by Justice Kiri Tahana to 21 years for manslaughter and meth possession, with a minimum 10-year term.
“I accept that you did not know that the cans you gave to Mr Sagala contained methamphetamine, but you did know that many of the Honey Bear cans contained methamphetamine because you were involved with the extraction,” Justice Tahana observed.
Kahlon and another 32-year-old man (name suppressed by court order) were arrested after police raided a warehouse in Manukau and uncovered pallets of ‘Honey Bear House Beer’ cans allegedly laced with meth.
Image: Aiden Sagala of Auckland died after drinking beer allegedly contaminated with methamphetamine (Source: NZ Herald).
It was reported that meth was allegedly smuggled into the country in cans of ‘Honey Bear House Beer,’ Kombucha bottles, and coconut water. The illicit shipments originated from Canada, Los Angeles, and New Delhi.
Kahlon was acquitted of one major drug charge: possession of cocaine for supply. However, intelligence reports indicate that Kahlon’s so-called “trusted businessman friend” was the alleged mastermind of the meth importation ring. While this “trusted businessman friend” was not charged in connection with Sagala’s death, he was deemed the key figure behind the illicit drug network.
The 32-year-old man, arrested while boarding a flight to Dubai, pleaded guilty to multiple drug charges, including importing meth and ephedrine concealed in beer cans and possessing meth and cocaine for supply.
This man was sentenced to 22 years in prison for charges including importing meth, possession of meth for supply and possession of cocaine for supply.
It is reported that intelligence sources noted a sudden increase in the wealth in recent years, with Kahlon’s trusted businessman friend’s father reportedly owning a real estate firm and purchasing a NZ$23 million (Rs 100 crore) property.
A total of 747kg of methamphetamine, worth hundreds of millions of dollars, was seized from a Manukau warehouse, where investigators found equipment used to convert liquid meth into crystal form. During raids, authorities also recovered over NZ$120,000 in cash and forensic evidence linking Singh to the operation.
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Currently, brewers and distillers receive a full refund of excise paid up to $350,000 annually. Under the new plan, the excise remission cap will rise to $400,000 from 1 July 2026. Wine producers will also benefit, with the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) producer rebate increasing to the same level. The move is expected to benefit around 1,500 brewers and distillers, along with 3,000 winemakers across the country.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the initiative would strengthen small and medium-sized businesses that are crucial to Australia’s economy.
“To build Australia’s future, we need strong small and medium-sized businesses generating jobs and economic opportunity for Australians,” he said.
“This common-sense measure will back thriving local industries and open the way for growth.”
Aussie beer, wine, and spirits are the best in the world. And we’ve got big news for all the fans out there.
We’re giving local brewers, distillers, and winemakers more support, with tax breaks so they can invest, grow, and create jobs.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers emphasised that the decision to provide tax relief was made despite budget constraints, recognising the industry’s significance.
“We’re pleased to have found room in a tight budget to provide some tax relief for a really important industry creating jobs and opportunities around Australia,” he said.
“Brewers, distillers and winemakers play a large role in many local economies, and this support will help them invest and grow.”
Beyond tax relief, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) will provide additional support to help local distillers, brewers, and winemakers expand into high-priority overseas markets. This includes trade missions, expert advice, and business connections to help small and medium-sized exporters tap into fast-growing markets in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell highlighted the broader impact of supporting the industry, saying it was about more than just quality products.
“Supporting small distillery, brewing and wine businesses is not just about producing exceptional products – it’s about creating jobs, fostering local economies, and building a better Australia,” he said.
“By boosting our export support for these businesses, we are helping fast-track their success in international markets, which will create even more jobs at home.”
The tax relief package is estimated to reduce tax receipts by $70 million over five years from 2024-25.
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Speaking at The Advertiser’s Future SA conference in Adelaide, Dutton condemned the rise of antisemitism in Australia, citing the recent controversy involving two Sydney nurses who made violent threats against Jewish patients in a recorded interview. The Liberal leader described these incidents as “the most shocking thing” he has witnessed in his lifetime.
The two nurses, Ahmed ‘Rashid’ Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh, were filmed telling Israeli influencer Max Veifer that they would kill Jewish patients, with Nadir making a throat-slashing gesture. Both have since apologised through lawyers or family members, claiming their comments were either jokes or provoked.
Dutton seized on revelations that Nadir, an Afghan refugee, was granted Australian citizenship nearly five years ago, calling it an example of weaknesses in the migration system. He acknowledged that constitutional barriers currently make it difficult to strip citizenship but signalled his willingness to push for change.
“If somebody commits a terrorist act against our country, they have broken their allegiance,” Dutton said.
“We have laws that allow the stripping of citizenship for terrorist offences, but the High Court has limited their application.”
Dutton expressed deep concern over threats facing the Jewish community, recounting a visit to Sydney’s Central Synagogue.
“There are bombproof shelters, kids being pulled out of Jewish childcare centres, and people being doxed. This has no place in our country.”
He broadened his stance, vowing to protect all Australians from racial and religious hatred.
“Whether it’s the Jewish people, Indians, Greeks, Asian Australians, atheists, or Catholics, I will not stand by while a segment of our population is vilified.”
The arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne is an abhorrent act that has no place in Australia. pic.twitter.com/pqooaPhJBx
Shadow Immigration Minister Dan Tehan reinforced Dutton’s hardline stance, outlining the Coalition’s plans to deport non-citizens involved in antisemitic acts. Speaking at Sky News Australia’s Antisemitism Summit, Dutton made it clear that non-citizens who spread hate “have no place in this country.”
Tehan revealed that under a Dutton-led government, a dedicated antisemitism task force—comprising the Australian Federal Police, ASIO, the Australian Border Force, and state police—would be established. The task force would identify visa holders involved in antisemitic acts for immediate deportation.
“If the Bankstown nurses had been non-citizens, we would have cancelled their visas and deported them,” Tehan told 3AW’s Tom Elliott.
“We will act decisively to stamp out antisemitism.”
Tehan confirmed that non-citizens would not need to be convicted of a crime to be deported. Instead, the Immigration or Home Affairs Minister would have the authority to make that determination.
“Blatant acts of antisemitism, as deemed by the AFP and intelligence agencies, would trigger deportation.”
The Coalition is also considering expanding deportation laws to target other forms of bigotry.
“If there were other forms of blatant prejudice, absolutely, we would look at those as well.”
In November 2023, I wrote to the Prime Minister asking him to convene a National Cabinet meeting on the rising tide of anti-Semitism. He refused. This week, I wrote to him again calling for a National Cabinet meeting to address this urgent crisis and ensure Jewish Australians…
Dutton conceded that constitutional limitations might hinder his proposed crackdown but maintained he was prepared to pursue a referendum if necessary.
“I am prepared to do what it takes to make our country safe and uphold the values of Australian citizenship,” he said.
“If we need to amend the Constitution, then I think that’s a debate our country is mature enough to have.”
The debate over deportation laws has intensified as the Senate considers the Albanese government’s proposed deportation bill. The bill, which could be put to a vote next week, has faced scrutiny from human rights groups, asylum seeker advocates, and members of the Greens, who have called for its outright rejection.
The Coalition is now in a pivotal position to demand amendments, support the bill alongside Labor, or block it entirely.
Tehan also signalled a broader effort to educate new migrants on Australian values before granting citizenship. “We want to ensure those who become Australians understand that antisemitism and racial hatred have no place in our country,” he said.
“There’s no reason why citizenship modules shouldn’t include education on the dangers of antisemitism.”
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In the modern entertainment industry, the balance between artistic integrity and commercial success has become increasingly skewed in favour of profit. Film studios, publishing houses, and other creative industries have shifted their focus from originality to the mass reproduction of existing intellectual properties (IPs) for financial gain. This trend, most evident in Hollywood’s reliance on remakes, sequels, and franchise expansions, has led to an industry that prioritises safe, marketable content over innovation. Similarly, in Bollywood and other major film industries, formulaic action films and star-driven spectacles overshadow smaller, thought-provoking projects. As a result, the fundamental purpose of art—its ability to challenge, inspire, and provoke thought—is often sidelined.
The resurgence of live-action remakes, cinematic universes, and franchise extensions exemplifies Hollywood’s increasing preference for financial security over creative risk-taking. The live-action adaptations of The Lion King (2019), Aladdin (2019), and The Little Mermaid (2023) demonstrate a pattern of capitalising on audience nostalgia rather than introducing fresh perspectives. These films often fail to bring significant narrative or thematic innovation, instead relying on high-budget visual effects and minor updates to maintain the illusion of change. The financial success of these projects—The Lion King (2019) grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide—reinforces the notion that originality is secondary to marketability.
This issue extends beyond Disney. The broader entertainment industry has adopted a similar strategy, with sequels and franchise expansions dominating the box office. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Star Wars spin-offs, and the continuous expansion of the Harry Potter universe through Fantastic Beasts exemplify how studios prioritise longevity over fresh storytelling. This phenomenon raises concerns about the role of art in the modern era—should its primary function be to generate revenue, or does it have a higher cultural responsibility?
The problem of profit-driven filmmaking is not exclusive to Hollywood. Bollywood, one of the largest film industries in the world, faces a similar crisis, where high-budget, star-studded action films often overshadow more original and meaningful stories. In recent years, films like Pathaan (2023) and Tiger 3 (2023) have dominated the Indian box office despite relying on formulaic plots, extravagant action sequences, and superficial storytelling. Meanwhile, films that explore deep, socially relevant themes—such as Court (2014), The Lunchbox (2013), or Ship of Theseus (2012)—struggle to receive the same level of mainstream attention and commercial success.
Bollywood’s increasing reliance on spectacle-driven cinema reflects a broader shift in the industry, where profit considerations dictate creative choices. Scripts are often designed to cater to mass audiences rather than to challenge them intellectually. Remakes of classic Bollywood films, such as Coolie No. 1 (2020) and Kabir Singh (2019), further reinforce the idea that the industry prefers to recycle successful formulas rather than invest in bold, original storytelling. The commodification of art in Indian cinema thus mirrors Hollywood’s approach, raising the same fundamental question: is art being reduced to a mere tool for financial gain?
Walter Pater and the aesthetic movement of the late 19th century championed the idea of “art for art’s sake”—the notion that art should exist independently of moral, political, or economic concerns. This philosophy contends that the intrinsic value of art lies in its ability to evoke beauty and emotion rather than its ability to generate profit. However, in an era where profitability determines creative decisions, this ideal is increasingly challenged.
Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer’s concept of the culture industry further critiques this trend. According to their work in Dialectic of Enlightenment, mass-produced entertainment is designed to sustain capitalism rather than foster critical thinking or genuine artistic expression. Under this system, art becomes a commodity, stripped of its autonomy and reduced to a mere product tailored to consumer demands. The commercialisation of art erodes its capacity to provoke introspection, leading to a cycle where studios create content based on market trends rather than artistic merit.
The widespread prioritisation of profit in creative industries raises fundamental questions about the nature of art itself. If artistic endeavours are primarily driven by financial incentives, does that diminish their cultural and philosophical significance? While commercial viability has always been a factor in artistic production, the modern entertainment landscape suggests a tipping point where financial motivations override artistic ones.
Jean Baudrillard’s concept of hyperreality provides further insight into this phenomenon. According to Baudrillard, modern culture is dominated by simulations—copies of reality that replace genuine experiences. The endless cycle of reboots and remakes contributes to this hyperreality, where audiences consume slightly altered versions of familiar stories rather than engaging with new artistic expressions. This raises the concern that, rather than experiencing true creativity, audiences are simply consuming nostalgia repackaged as novelty.
As studios continue to prioritise profit over originality, the future of artistic expression remains uncertain. While financial stability is a necessary component of any industry, the over-commercialisation of creative fields threatens to strip art of its core purpose. The dominance of sequels, reboots, and franchise expansions suggests a landscape where risk-taking and innovation are increasingly rare commodities.
However, it is possible to strike a balance between commercial success and artistic integrity. The challenge moving forward is for creators and audiences alike to demand more from the industry—supporting original works, encouraging risk-taking, and recognising that art’s value cannot be solely measured by its box office returns. If art is to retain its cultural significance, it must not be reduced to a mere tool for profit but rather be allowed to thrive as an expression of human creativity and imagination.
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Image: $1.1 million seized at Perth Airport, NSW man charged following money laundering investigation (Source: AFP)
A 21-year-old New South Wales man faced Perth Magistrates Court on 22 February 2025 after Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers uncovered more than $1.1 million in cash inside an abandoned suitcase at Perth Airport, triggering an interstate money laundering probe.
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Chwal said the operation had disrupted a significant money laundering scheme.
“Anyone with large amounts of undeclared cash can be put before the courts to explain the source of that wealth.”
The man, from North Rocks, was arrested in Sydney on 20 February before being extradited to Perth yesterday (21 February). He has been charged with dealing with money suspected to be the proceeds of general crime worth $1 million or more, under section 400.3(2A) of the Criminal Code (Cth). If convicted, he faces up to 12 years in prison.
Image: $1.1 million seized at Perth Airport, NSW man charged following money laundering investigation (Source: AFP)
The investigation began on 17 February when the man attempted to pay an excess baggage fee at Perth Airport using a credit card that did not match the name on his boarding pass. Airline staff refused the transaction and cancelled his flight booking. Instead of retrieving his suitcase, the man allegedly left the terminal and later boarded a different flight to Sydney.
Airport staff alerted the AFP to the abandoned suitcase, prompting officers to inspect it with a currency, firearm, and drug-detection dog. The dog signalled suspicion, leading officers to open the suitcase, where they discovered $1,102,440 in cash wrapped in plastic bundles.
Image: $1.1 million seized at Perth Airport, NSW man charged following money laundering investigation (Source: AFP)
AFP officers later raided the man’s Sydney home on 19 February, seizing electronic devices and clothing for forensic analysis.
The AFP’s investigation into the origins of the cash remains ongoing.
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Representative image: Car accident (Source: CANVA)
By Ali Soltani
In the past 12 months, more than 1,300 people have died on Australia’s roads. In January alone, there were 114 road deaths in Australia – roughly 20% more than the average for that month over the previous five years.
Our new study projects these tragedies are set to continue over the next 25 years, despite a commitment by Australian governments to achieving zero deaths on the nation’s roads by 2050.
Published in the journal Injury, our study uses a modelling tool to forecast the number of road fatalities in 2030, 2040 and 2050. Importantly, it also identifies the people and regions at higher risks, which provides an opportunity for taking a more nuanced and targeted approach to road safety.
Clear trends
Improved vehicle safety technology, stricter traffic laws and public awareness campaigns have led to a significant drop in the number of road deaths over the past several decades in Australia. But tragically, the number of people dying on Australia’s roads is still high.
The data reveal some clear trends. For example, weekdays see fewer fatalities, likely due to routine commuting and lower-risk behaviours. On the other hand, weekends, particularly Saturdays, experience spikes linked to alcohol consumption and more social travel.
December emerges as the deadliest month. This is likely driven by holiday travel surges, with secondary peaks in March and October tied to school holidays and seasonal weather changes that affect road conditions.
Geographic disparities further complicate the picture. Urban centres in New South Wales and Victoria such as Sydney and Melbourne account for 35% to 40% of fatalities, in part because of dense traffic volumes, complex intersections and pedestrian-heavy zones.
In contrast, rural and remote areas, though less congested, have more severe road accidents because of inadequate road infrastructure and higher speed limits. For example, the Northern Territory, with vast stretches of high-speed highways, records the highest fatality rate, while the Australian Capital Territory, with its urban planning emphasis on safety, reports the lowest.
Speed zones of 51–80 km/h are particularly lethal for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. This underscores the crucial role of speed management in urban and rural areas alike.
Demographic risks also remain entrenched. For example, men constitute more than 70% of fatalities – in part because they are more likely to engage in risky behaviour such as speeding and drunk driving. Young drivers (17–25 years) and middle-aged adults (40–64 years) are also over-represented due to a combination of inexperience, overconfidence and high mileage.
In good news, child fatalities (0–16 years) have sharply declined. This reflects the success of targeted measures like child seat laws and school zone safety campaigns.
35 years of data
To forecast these trends over the next 25 years, our new study used a modelling tool called Prophet developed by tech company Meta.
We fed 35 years of road data – from 1989 to 2024 – into the model. This data came from Australia’s Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics. It incorporated variables such as road user type, age, gender, speed limits and geographic location.
To refine predictions, we also incorporated public holidays such as Christmas and Easter.
Prophet outperformed other models we tested, including SARIMA and ETS. It did a better job at modelling past changes in road safety. And it especially excelled at handling non-linear trends, multiple seasonal patterns (daily, weekly, yearly) and the effects of holiday periods.
An unmet target
The findings of the study are cause for some cautious optimism.
Overall, by 2050 fatalities are expected to decline. But Australia’s ambitious zero fatality target by the middle of the century will remain unmet.
The modelling indicates annual male fatalities will drop from 855 in 2030 to 798 in 2050, while female fatalities will plummet from 229 to 92.
There will also be a drop in the number of child fatalities – from 37 in 2030 to just two in 2050. But the model shows a troubling rise of the number of older drivers (over 65) dying on Australia’s roads – from 273 in 2030 to 301 in 2050. This reflects Australia’s ageing population, with more people expected to have both reduced mobility and reduced reflexes.
Motorcyclist fatalities buck the overall trend, rising from 229 in 2030 to 253 in 2050. This signals urgent needs for dedicated lanes and better rider education.
Regionally, Queensland and the Northern Territory lag due to rural road risks. Urban areas with speed limits lower than 80 km/h show steadier declines.
A shared priority
Based on these findings, our study provides several recommendations to mitigate the risk of death on Australia’s roads.
Speed management: enforce dynamic speed limits in high-risk zones such as school areas and holiday corridors, and expand 80 km/h zones on rural highways.
Targeted campaigns: launch gender-specific safety initiatives for men (for example, anti-speeding programs) and age-focused interventions, such as mandatory refresher courses for drivers over 65.
Infrastructure upgrades: invest in rural road safety such as median barriers and better signage, as well as dedicated cyclist pathways.
Technology integration: accelerate the adoption of autonomous vehicles to reduce crashes caused by human error and risky behaviours, and pilot artificial intelligence-driven traffic systems for real-time hazard detection.
Expand public transport: subsidise off-peak travel and rural transit networks to reduce how much people – particularly high-risk groups – depend on car travel.
Better enforcement: strengthen weekend and nighttime policing of roads and deploy more mobile speed cameras during peak holiday periods.
By following these recommendations, Australia can move closer to its vision of safer roads. Our findings underscore that sustained progress demands not only rigorous policy, but also community engagement.
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Queensland Police have charged three teenage boys in relation to a break and enter and sexual assault in Manunda early yesterday morning (February 21).
It is alleged that at around 3.30am three teenage boys entered a Manunda address and threatened the occupants with a knife, demanding property. It is also alleged the woman was taken into a separate room, and sexually assaulted, before the group left on foot.
A 15-year-old boy and 16-year-old boy have been charged with eleven offences each, including five counts of rape and two counts each of armed robbery and deprivation of liberty, one count each of enter dwelling and commit and enter dwelling with intent by break at night whilst armed in company.
A third teenager, who is also 15 years old, has been charged with 13 offences, including five counts of rape and two counts each of armed robbery and deprivation of liberty, one count each of enter dwelling and commit and enter dwelling with intent by break at night whilst armed in company, possessing dangerous drugs, and obstruct police officer.
Police including officers from the Tactical Crime Squad and Dog Squad were called and arrested two teenage boys on McCormack Street at around 4:30am.
Extensive investigations involving significant police resources lead detectives to attend a Manunda address at just after 5.45pm yesterday afternoon, where a second 15-year-old boy was taken into custody.
All three boys are expected to appear before Cairns Children’s Court (at Innisfail Magistrates Court) today, Saturday February 22.
Detectives believe there are no further persons outstanding. Police investigations remain ongoing.
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In previous blogs in this series, we’ve shown that while people in Australia are generally happy with current immigration policy settings toward the Pacific (part 1), there is less support for the rest of the migration program, apart from skilled migration. People’s perceptions of migrants across the board are also very inaccurate (part 2).
Does providing people with information change these views? Are people more influenced by quantitative factual information, which might help correct perceptions, or by different narratives on the costs or benefits of immigration? We tested these questions using a randomised controlled trial embedded in a large, nationally representative survey of 5,282 people in Australia. And we found that people’s views on immigration can change, at least in the short term.
To do this, we randomly split respondents into five groups after they answer questions on demographics and perceptions of migrants (see Figure 1). Four are exposed to different types of information “treatments”, and the fifth serves as a clean “control” group, whose responses reflect the baseline preferences of the Australian public (also reported in the last two blogs).
The first three treatment groups were provided with different narrative information on how immigrants affect Australia’s housing market before being asked about their immigration policy preferences. Each narrative reflects often-discussed “positive”, “balanced” and “negative” potential impacts of immigration on housing, and is constructed from actual newspaper headlines and quotes from the Daily Mail, the ABC, and the Financial Review. The “positive” vignette is shown below (Figure 2) as an example.
The fourth treatment group was provided with quantitative information from the Australian census about the characteristics of migrants before being asked about their policy preferences. For example, for permanent migration, the fourth group was told, “Out of every 100 migrants who arrived in Australia between 2013 and 2023, 22 were permanent visa holders.” They were then asked: “Going forward, how many permanent migrants do you personally think Australia should accept?”
All groups were then asked about their preferences in relation to different types of migration. The differences between their responses and those of the control group reflect the causal effect of each type of information. This design allows us to compare the (a) relative effectiveness of different types of narratives — for example, does how the media report on a particular issue matter? — and (b) how the effects of quantitative information, which may help to improve the accuracy of peoples’ beliefs, compare to narratives.
We find that migration policy preferences are easily shifted by information, at least in the short term. How information is framed does matter. Narratives tend to be more effective than quantitative facts at shifting public opinion overall, but not when it comes to Pacific migration.
Figure 3 shows that narratives tend to be more effective at shifting views than quantitative information for the migration program at large. The effects however differ according to the type of narratives provided and the type of migration in question. Support for more immigration increases by seven percentage points when respondents are shown a brief snippet emphasising how immigrants might help improve housing affordability (the “positive” narrative), but remains unchanged when respondents are shown a “negative” narrative. However, we show in the paper that highlighting potential negative impacts on housing reduces support for increasing or maintaining current immigration levels. Quantitative information, on the other hand, tends to generate smaller increases in support than narratives, of about two percentage points.
Figure 3: Effects of information on support for more immigration
Figure 4 shows that for migration to Australia from the Pacific, providing people with different narratives around housing doesn’t have a statistically discernible effect on their migration preferences. Given how few Pacific migrants respondents perceive there to be living in Australia, this is unsurprising.
Figure 4: Effects of information on support for more immigration from the Pacific
Figure note: Dots represent the estimated treatment effects on the likelihood of respondents supporting “more” of different types of migration. The vertical lines are 95% confidence intervals.
That said, providing people with accurate factual information substantially increases support for different types of migration from the Pacific. The magnitude of these effects is around five percentage points, and they appear to hold across both temporary and permanent migration from the Pacific. Given the relatively low levels of Pacific migration awareness discussed in our first blog, it is probably easier to shift views with basic information than for the overall migration program, where beliefs and preferences are likely more entrenched.
One caveat on our results is that we measure only the short-run effects of these information treatments. But, overall, our work shows that immigration policy preferences in Australia are not set in stone. Public opinion on immigration in Australia can be shaped by providing even small snippets of information, whether narrative or quantitative. It’s incumbent then on the government, media and researchers to communicate carefully and accurately on the issue.
Disclosure: This research was supported by the Pacific Research Program, with funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The views represent those of the authors only.
Contributing Author(s):Alyssa Leng is a research officer at the Development Policy Centre. Ryan Edwards is Deputy Director of the Development Policy Centre and a Fellow at the Crawford School of Public Policy. He leads Pacific migration research under the Pacific Research Program at the ANU. Terence Wood is a Fellow at the Development Policy Centre. His research focuses on political governance in Western Melanesia, and Australian and New Zealand aid.
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Announcing the package on-site in Whyalla, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese underscored the importance of the steelworks to the nation’s infrastructure and economy.
“My Government is building Australia’s future. And to do that, we need Whyalla steel,” Albanese said.
“Whyalla steel has forged some of our country’s biggest projects – rail lines, airports and stadiums. That’s why, in partnership with the Malinauskas Government, we are delivering more than $2 billion to secure the future of the steelworks and support local jobs.”
Thousands of jobs saved and securing Australia’s steel industry.
Employing 1,100 workers directly and supporting over 2,000 more, Whyalla is one of only two operational steelworks in Australia. It produces 75% of the country’s structural steel and remains the sole domestic producer of long steel products, essential for infrastructure projects, including railways, bridges, hospitals, and defence assets.
The funding package, exceeding $2 billion, will be delivered in three key stages:
Immediate support: $100 million for creditor assistance, infrastructure upgrades, and job matching services.
Stabilisation: $384 million in co-investment by the federal and state governments to maintain operations during administration and ensure workers and contractors remain employed.
Future investment: $1.9 billion to upgrade and modernise the steelworks, ensuring its long-term viability under a new owner.
Premier Peter Malinauskas, reaffirming the government’s commitment to Australian-made steel, said the funding recognises Whyalla’s strategic importance.
“Locally-made steel is vital to South Australia and Australia’s future, and this unprecedented investment recognises the importance of the Whyalla Steelworks,” he said.
“We are stepping up to provide immediate assistance for workers and businesses, stabilising the steelworks and setting it up for long-term prosperity.”
Today we sign the Heads of Agreement with Prime Minister @AlboMP.
We are strongly committed to the long-term future of Whyalla.
Because locally made steel is vital to not only South Australia’s future but Australia’s future.
To further support the industry’s transition to greener production, the Albanese Government also announced the establishment of a Green Iron Investment Fund, with up to $500 million earmarked to support Whyalla’s shift towards decarbonised steel production.
A joint taskforce will be formed to engage with workers, the City of Whyalla, administrators, and creditors, ensuring a clear path forward. The South Australian Government will also redirect funding from the Hydrogen Jobs Plan and contribute $50 million from the Whyalla Steelworks Operational Efficiency Improvements Fund to aid the transition.
Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic emphasised the long-term vision for Australian steel manufacturing.
“Making more things here means making more steel in Whyalla,” he said.
“Steel-making has provided spine to Australian industry for a century, and it’s here to stay. We want a strong future for Australian steel making, and Whyalla will help deliver that.”
The announcement follows the South Australian Government’s decision to place Whyalla Steelworks into administration, appointing KordaMentha to oversee its restructuring. With government backing and a focus on green innovation, Whyalla is set to continue playing a central role in Australia’s steel industry for generations to come.
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Image: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown' during his recent trip to China. (Photo: Cook Islands Office of the Prime Minister)
By Ankit K.
In a geopolitical manoeuvre that should alarm every nation invested in Pacific stability, the Cook Islands has fallen prey to Beijing’s predatory diplomacy. The recently signed “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” between China and this tiny Pacific nation represents nothing less than a calculated Chinese incursion into New Zealand’s constitutional backyard, one that threatens to unravel decades of regional security arrangements.
Prime Minister Mark Brown’s eager embrace of Chinese influence demonstrates either catastrophic naivety or wilful disregard for his nation’s long-term sovereignty. While Brown touts the agreement as merely “complementing” existing relationships, the reality is far more sinister. China isn’t offering partnership, but it’s executing a strategic encirclement of Western influence in the Pacific.
The constitutional relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands, a “free association” that has provided Cook Islanders with New Zealand citizenship, healthcare, education, and defence guarantees since 1965, now faces its greatest challenge. Brown’s government has effectively invited a wolf into the fold while dismissing New Zealand’s legitimate concerns about transparency and consultation. Beijing is expertly exploiting Brown’s ambitions for greater independence while dangling relatively modest financial incentives. A mere US$4 million grant—pocket change for China—has purchased influence in a nation that controls 2.2 million square kilometres of resource-rich ocean.
Welcomed the opportunity to catch up with Ambassador Wang Xiaolong today and was particularly pleased that Air Rarotonga was able to bring the Ambassador and his business delegation from Niue to Rarotonga. pic.twitter.com/bNzTa5mBOe
The 2001 Joint Centenary Declaration committed the Cook Islands to “work together and consult” with New Zealand on defence and security matters. Brown’s decision to negotiate secretly with China represents a shocking betrayal of this commitment. Even more troubling is China’s warning that “third parties” should not interfere, a thinly veiled threat to New Zealand’s legitimate interests. Behind Beijing’s diplomatic initiative lies a nakedly extractive agenda. The Cook Islands seabed contains an estimated 6.7 billion tonnes of mineral-rich nodules, including 20 million metric tonnes of cobalt and significant deposits of nickel, copper, manganese, and rare earth elements—all critical for China’s technological and military ambitions.
The agreement’s emphasis on “hydrography and geospatial research” should set off alarm bells throughout the region. These seemingly innocuous scientific pursuits have direct military applications. China isn’t seeking scientific collaboration; it’s mapping the Pacific for strategic advantage. The planned “multi-use transport hub” in the Northern Cook Islands follows a disturbing pattern seen in Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Nauru, where China has established dual-use facilities that blur the line between civilian and military infrastructure. These are the pieces of a grand strategic puzzle that, once assembled, will fundamentally alter the balance of power in the Pacific.
Beijing isn’t making dramatic military moves that would trigger immediate resistance. Instead, it’s gradually warming the water through economic entanglements, infrastructure projects, and diplomatic agreements that collectively undermine the existing security architecture. The Cook Islands’ strategic location halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii made it a crucial logistics base during World War II. American forces established airstrips on Penrhyn and Aitutaki, with 850 Marines stationed in the latter. New Zealand maintained 14 Coastwatcher stations across the islands. This historical context underscores the islands’ enduring strategic significance. Today, China seeks to exploit this same geography to break the U.S. defence line along the island chains and to cut off key U.S. partners—New Zealand and Australia. Beijing’s ultimate goal is to push the United States out of East Asia and establish regional hegemony.
Perhaps most apparent is the domestic opposition to Brown’s China gambit. Protests erupted in Avarua, with Cook Islanders carrying placards reading “Stay connected with New Zealand” and waving oversized replicas of New Zealand passports. Opposition parties have filed a motion of no confidence against Brown, reflecting widespread concern about the direction of his government. Opposition leader Tina Browne articulated the public’s frustration: “The first concern is the lack of consultation not only with us Cook Islanders but also with New Zealand.” This statement reflects a troubling democratic deficit in how the agreement was negotiated. The Cook Islands’ population of just 15,040 is dwarfed by the 90,000 Cook Island Māori living in New Zealand.
The implications of this agreement extend far beyond the Cook Islands. It represents another piece in China’s methodical campaign to establish dominance in the Pacific, a campaign that has already secured footholds in the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and elsewhere. For the people of the Cook Islands, the risks are profound. While Brown celebrates Chinese “respect” for Cook Islands sovereignty, the historical evidence suggests otherwise. Nations that become economically dependent on China invariably find their political independence compromised and their natural resources exploited. The protest signs in Avarua speak volumes about ordinary Cook Islanders’ understanding of where their true interests lie. They recognise the value of their relationship with New Zealand, a democratic nation that shares their values and has consistently supported their development without strategic ulterior motives.
Contributing Author: Ankit K. is an Assistant Professor of International Relations at the National Defence University, specialising in international politics, warfare, defence, and strategy.
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iMAGE: Image: Alleged Iranian organised crime syndicate members charged over failed plot to import 110kg meth (Source: AFP)
Three men with alleged links to an Iranian organised crime syndicate have been charged after authorities intercepted an air cargo shipment containing boxes allegedly fabricated from methamphetamine.
AFP Acting Commander Peter Fogarty said the operation was a testament to law enforcement’s commitment to dismantling organised crime and keeping illicit drugs off Australian streets.
“These harmful drugs destroy lives, and no matter how elaborate the attempts to smuggle them in, the AFP and our partners will not stop pursuing criminal syndicates.”
A 40-year-old Melbourne man, a 41-year-old Baulkham Hills man, and a 46-year-old Telopea man have been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Image: Alleged Iranian organised crime syndicate members charged over failed plot to import 110kg meth (Source: AFP)
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested the men on Tuesday, 18 February, after the Australian Border Force (ABF) detected suspicious cargo from southwest Asia. The shipment, containing 400 hip flasks allegedly made from methamphetamine, was found to contain approximately 110kg of the drug—enough for 1.1 million street deals, with an estimated value of $101.75 million.
Authorities removed the methamphetamine before conducting a controlled delivery, which was allegedly accepted by the Telopea man. AFP investigators monitored him as he travelled to a western Sydney shopping centre, where he allegedly met with other members of the syndicate before taking the consignment to a Liverpool unit.
Image: Alleged Iranian organised crime syndicate members charged over failed plot to import 110kg meth (Source: AFP)
A short time later, AFP officers raided the property, where they allegedly found equipment used for extracting methamphetamine, items consistent with a drug lab, suspected proceeds of crime, and electronic devices for further examination.
Simultaneous raids were conducted at a Carlingford property linked to the importation plot. When AFP officers entered, the Melbourne man allegedly attempted to flee but was apprehended with the help of the NSW Police Force Canine Unit and taken to hospital with minor injuries. The Baulkham Hills man was arrested at the scene.
Image: Alleged Iranian organised crime syndicate members charged over failed plot to import 110kg meth (Source: AFP)
Authorities allege they uncovered an active clandestine laboratory at the Carlingford rental home. The NSW Police Drug & Firearms Squad Chemical Operations team dismantled the facility, seizing around 9kg of pre-manufactured methamphetamine and additional electronic devices.
ABF Commander Kari Ellis praised the inter-agency effort that prevented more than $100 million worth of methamphetamine from reaching the streets.
“ABF officers work around the clock to monitor air, sea, and mail cargo, and this detection is a direct result of our vigilance and intelligence-sharing.”
The three accused men appeared before Downing Centre Local Court and have been remanded in custody until their next hearing on 16 April 2025. Investigations remain ongoing.
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Representative image: Private school student (Source: CANVA)
By Emma Rowe and Diana Langmead
This week, updated figures once again showed an increasing number of Australian families are choosing to send their children to private schools.
Just over 63% of Australian students are enrolled in government schools. Almost 20% are in Catholic schools and almost 17% go to independent schools, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics.
How much is it costing parents?
While headlines often focus on the most expensive schools, there is a huge range of private schools operating in Australia.
In our new analysis, which is not peer-reviewed, we looked at private school fees in New South Wales and Victoria (the two most populous states).
Fees for Year 12
We looked only at independent schools. The non-government school sector is made up of Catholic and independent schools, but Catholic private schools typically charge lower fees and this can skew the data on the sector.
The tuition fees we refer to are based on what is publicly available through each school’s website.
We collected all available data for Year 12 tuition fees in every independent school in NSW and Victoria in 2021 and 2024. We chose to focus on Year 12, as this is typically the most expensive year at school.
In NSW, we found fee information for 369 schools (77% of independent schools).
In Victoria we found fee information for 138 schools (92% of independent schools).
What is the average tuition fee?
In 2024, the average tuition fee for a Year 12 student in NSW was A$15,674 and in Victoria it was $20,923.
This is in keeping with other analyses showing Victoria is the most expensive state for school fees in Australia.
These figures suggest while many schools are far from the headlines of “$50,000 fees”, many families are still paying substantial amounts for a private education – particularly if they have more than one child.
However, there were significant variations in tuition fees between schools. In NSW, 12% of schools in our sample charged under $5,000 per year per student. In Victoria, 9% charged less than $5,000.
One alternative school in NSW charged just $100 per student per year. This is less than parents typically pay out of their own pocket at the average public school.
This shows us there some cheaper options available, depending on where families live although they are certainly not the majority.
At the other end of the sample, The Scots College in NSW and Geelong Grammar School in Victoria charged the highest tuition fees in their respective states for 2024. Geelong Grammar charged $49,720 for Year 12; Scots charged $46,920.
While we only looked at tuition fees, families might also have to pay levies for infrastructure or technology.
There are also extra charges for activities such as camps, excursions and incursions, as well as fees for uniforms, school buses, and special subjects such as music and sport.
For the majority of independent schools, parents are asked to pay to enrol or go on the waiting list. The average application fee in Victoria was $156 and in NSW was $197. These fees widely differed between schools, ranging from zero to $650.
Our analysis found in Victoria, tuition fees in independent schools increased by an average of 15% from 2021 to 2024 – roughly 3.75% each year. In NSW, fees increased by 13% from 2021 to 2024, or about 3.25% per year.
In media coverage, individual schools have blamed fee increases on inflation, “operational costs”, rising staff costs, and a drop in federal funding.
Will fees keep rising?
In some OECD countries, if private schools receive government funding, there are conditions placed on what they can charge for tuition.
This is not the case in Australia, where the system is unregulated and uncapped.
Unless this policy approach changes, we can expect private schools to keep increasing fees, as long as there are families willing and able to pay them.
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The confirmation marks a dramatic shift in the leadership of the FBI, which has faced repeated attacks from Trump and his allies, who claim the agency has been weaponised against conservatives.
In a statement on X, Patel vowed to restore trust in the FBI, pledging to end the politicisation of the justice system and uphold transparency and accountability. He expressed gratitude to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for their support and emphasised his commitment to empowering law enforcement.
“My mission as Director is clear: let good cops be cops—and rebuild trust in the FBI.”
Patel promised to work alongside FBI agents and partners to rebuild the agency’s reputation and issued a stern warning to those threatening America, stating they would be pursued relentlessly. His closing message: “Mission First. America Always.”
I am honored to be confirmed as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Thank you to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for your unwavering confidence and support.
The FBI has a storied legacy—from the “G-Men” to safeguarding our nation in the wake of…
Patel replaces Christopher Wray, who resigned last month after Trump indicated he would remove him. His appointment was met with applause at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where Florida Senator Rick Scott asked the crowd, “What do you think about Kash Patel?” The audience responded with loud cheers.
Kash is extremely passionate about restoring the reputation of the FBI, and I look forward to working closely with him to end violent crime, protect our national security, and make America safe again. https://t.co/wEYUsUKgWj
During his career, Patel has been instrumental in efforts to declassify documents related to the FBI’s Russia investigation. His book, Government Gangsters, lists dozens of officials he accused of undermining Trump’s presidency.
Patel’s appointment expands the presence of Indian-Americans in key roles within the new Trump administration, joining Tulis Gabbard, Jay Bhattacharya, Harmeet K. Dhillon, Ricky Gill, Kush Desai and Saurabh Sharma.
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File photo: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at BlueScope in Port Kembla (Source: X)
The Albanese Labor Government is forging Australia’s future as a global leader in green iron manufacturing with the launch of the $1 billion Green Iron Investment Fund. The initiative aims to strengthen local industry, create jobs, and position Australia as a key player in the world’s transition to low-emissions steel production.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the investment would help Australia harness its natural advantages in iron ore production while securing a more sustainable future for the industry.
“Labor’s plan for a Future Made in Australia is very clear: we want Australia to make more things here,” he said.
“We’ve got the resources, the workers, and the know-how – the only thing we don’t have is time to waste.”
The Green Iron Investment Fund will provide targeted financial support to green iron manufacturing projects, helping unlock large-scale private investment. Up to $500 million has been earmarked for the transformation of the Whyalla steelworks, a move that will shore up local jobs and support the region’s energy transition. The remaining $500 million will be available to projects nationwide, offering both existing facilities and new ventures the opportunity to enhance Australia’s iron ore value chain.
Australia is the world’s largest producer of iron ore, generating over $100 billion in export revenue in 2023-24. The iron and steel sectors support more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs. However, with iron and steel production responsible for 8% of global emissions, industry leaders have warned that a shift to greener production is necessary to secure the future demand for Australian iron ore.
Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic emphasised that this fund is a key step in positioning Australia at the forefront of the green metals revolution.
“The Green Iron Investment Fund will enable Australia to take advantage of our existing iron ore supply chain, renewable energy potential, world-class research, and highly skilled workforce,” Husic said.
“Through this $1 billion Fund, we’re supporting industrial diversification, productivity, and economic growth, for a Future Made in Australia.”
Research backs the economic potential of green iron production. The Minerals Institute of Western Australia has found that a single green iron plant could contribute $85 billion to GDP over its lifetime, add $2.4 billion in real income annually, and create more than 1,500 full-time jobs. A separate 2023 Accenture report suggests a green metals industry could generate up to $122 billion per year in export revenue by 2040.
The Green Iron Investment Fund builds on the Albanese Government’s broader strategy to strengthen Australia’s energy and mining sectors. Other key initiatives include a $2 billion investment in Australian-made aluminium, Production Tax Credits for hydrogen and critical minerals, and funding for major rare earths projects.
Additionally, $3.4 billion has been allocated to Geoscience Australia to accelerate resource discovery, while the Hydrogen Headstart program aims to catalyse Australia’s clean energy industry.
With global demand for low-emissions steel rising, Australia’s investment in green iron could prove a game-changer. As Prime Minister Albanese put it:
“This investment is good for Australian workers and good for Australian business.”
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Image: Rekha Gupta has been named Delhi’s new Chief Minister (Source: X)
In a dramatic turn of events, first-time MLA Rekha Gupta has been named Delhi’s new Chief Minister, marking the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) return to power in the capital after 27 years.
Gupta’s selection came as a surprise, as heavyweight contenders like former Lok Sabha MP Parvesh Verma were also in the race.
मा. प्रधानमंत्री श्री Narendra Modi जी के मार्गदर्शन में 'विकसित दिल्ली' के संकल्प के साथ आज मुख्यमंत्री पद की शपथ ली। यह सिर्फ एक जिम्मेदारी नहीं, बल्कि दिल्लीवासियों की आकांक्षाओं को साकार करने का अवसर है।
Gupta’s appointment, finalised after intense deliberations within the party, aligns with the BJP’s strategic push for women empowerment and community representation.
The 50-year-old leader, who has steadily risen through the BJP ranks, previously served as the President of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) and held leadership roles in the party’s youth and women’s wings. She also has experience as a municipal councillor and former mayor of North Delhi.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded her elevation, calling it a testament to the BJP’s commitment to grassroots leadership. “She has risen from student politics to state administration and now as Chief Minister,” he posted on X.
Congratulations to Smt. Rekha Gupta Ji on taking oath as Delhi's Chief Minister. She has risen from the grassroots, being active in campus politics, state organisation, municipal administration and now MLA as well as Chief Minister. I am confident she will work for Delhi's… pic.twitter.com/GEC9liURd9
Gupta took the oath of office at a grand ceremony at Ramlila Maidan, alongside six cabinet ministers, including Parvesh Verma, Kapil Mishra, and Manjinder Singh Sirsa.
Congratulations to Shri Parvesh Sahib Singh Ji, Shri Ashish Sood Ji, Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa Ji, Shri Ravinder Indraj Singh Ji, Shri Kapil Mishra Ji and Shri Pankaj Kumar Singh Ji on taking oath as Ministers in the Delhi Government. This team beautifully mixes vigour and… pic.twitter.com/S7fUjnVeR5
The BJP’s landslide victory in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, where it won 48 out of 70 seats, was largely attributed to strong support from women voters. In a nostalgic moment, Congress leader Alka Lamba shared a 1995 photograph of her and Gupta taking their DUSU oaths, congratulating her on the new role.
1995 की यह यादगार तस्वीर – जब मैंने और रेखा गुप्ता ने एक साथ शपथ ग्रहण की थी- मैंने @nsui से दिल्ली विश्वविद्यालय छात्र संघ (DUSU) #अध्यक्ष पद पर जीत हासिल की थी और रेखा ने #ABVP से #महासचिव पद पर जीत हासिल की थी- रेखा गुप्ता को बधाई और शुभकामनाएँ. दिल्ली को चौथी महिला… pic.twitter.com/csM1Rmwu9y
As she assumes office, Gupta faces the challenge of delivering on the BJP’s ambitious promises, including women’s welfare schemes and infrastructure improvements. With her grassroots experience and the party’s backing, all eyes are now on Delhi’s fourth woman Chief Minister to see how she shapes the capital’s future.
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Image: Lord Mayor Nick Reece with a new Australian citizen at the January 2025 ceremony (Source: City of Melbourne - website)
By Alyssa Leng, Ryan Edwards, and Terence Wood
Migration flows globally are at an all-time high. There are good reasons to believe the increase brings economic and broader development benefits, and that those benefits are particularly important when migrants come from developing countries. In Australia, migration programs for Pacific countries are growing, something that has real potential to help the people of the region. Yet migration is a notoriously hard sell politically, including in Australia.
We used a large public opinion survey to study the attitudes of people in Australia to migration. Our aim was to determine whether respondents’ beliefs about migration were accurate and whether attitudes could be changed with additional information. The full findings are in our new Development Policy Centre Discussion Paper. In a previous blog on this research, we focused on attitudes towards, and understanding of, Pacific migration to Australia. Here, we look at how the relatively positive findings we reported compare to our findings about attitudes to migration in general and to key types of migration.
Our first finding (Figure 1) fits with other recent opinion surveys which have included questions on migration to Australia: the majority of people in Australia currently think migration is too high.
Yet respondents’ views differ when asked about different types of migrants. As we discuss in the paper, people in Australia were somewhat less hostile to temporary migrants than to permanent migrants. And, as Figure 2 below shows, respondents have notably more favourable views about skilled migrants compared with unskilled migrants. Meanwhile, as we show in the paper (Page 38) most people in Australia do not support a reduction in international students.
Figure 2: Views on the whether there should be more or fewer skilled and unskilled migrants
In addition to asking people in Australia what their own views were, we also asked them what they thought other peoples’ answers would be to the same questions. Respondents systematically thought that others were less supportive of immigration than themselves, across most all types of immigration examined.
We also asked all our survey respondents factual questions about migration, then compared their answers to the official figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Our approach here follows and builds on those used to study the accuracy of beliefs about migrants in other parts of the world, including in a recent paper by the late Alberto Alesina, with Armando Miano and Stefanie Stantcheva. To give one example, we asked how many people had migrated to Australia in the last 10 years, as well as how many people had left (in effect, asking about net migration flows). We then compared this to actual net migration flows from the ABS.
Some of the findings from our comparison of perceptions and reality are shown in Figure 3, which shows the percentage differences between the average of respondents’ estimates and actual figures. Positive percentages are overestimates; negative ones underestimates.
Figure 3: Misperceptions of migration into Australia
As can be seen, people in Australia overestimate net migration. The average reply to our survey indicated that net migration over the last decade was over 350,000 people per year. The actual figure is closer to 229,000 people. In other words, people overestimated net migration by 59% on average. There was also a clear tendency to underestimate the share of migrants who were only in Australia on a temporary basis: on average respondents thought that about 57% of migrants are in Australia on temporary work visas, whereas the reality is that 78% fall into this category. The chart also shows that people underestimated the share of migrants who were high-skilled.
When it came to whether migrants were gainfully employed or not, on average people overestimated the share of migrants that were in part-time employment. In line with this, respondents thought a smaller share of migrants were in full-time work than is actually the case. People also substantially overestimated the share of migrants who were unemployed.
Most respondents were also not able to accurately estimate the shares of Australian migrants who came from different parts of the world. Figure 3 shows one misperception of particular importance to our research: on average people in Australia overestimate the share of migrants from the Pacific. On average respondents thought nearly 10% of migrants to Australia came from the Pacific. In reality, only just over 2% do.
If you look at the figure showing misperceptions of immigrants’ characteristics in our paper (page 37), you will see that people’s estimates were not always that badly off. However, in general, when it came to basic facts and figures, survey participants did not have a particularly accurate understanding of migration into Australia.
Some types of people were more likely to have mistaken beliefs than others: people in rural areas, as well as people on the political right, tended to overestimate immigration numbers over the last decade. People in rural areas also tended to overestimate the share of migrants from the Pacific. Yet almost all respondents demonstrated some mistaken beliefs about the facts of migration to Australia.
The prevalence of mistaken beliefs about migration to Australia raises an obvious question: would people’s views on this subject change if they actually knew the facts? We will look at this, as well as some other possible means of changing people’s views, in the third and final blog of the series.
Disclosure: This research was supported by the Pacific Research Program, with funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The views represent those of the authors only.
Contributing Author(s):Alyssa Leng is a research officer at the Development Policy Centre. Ryan Edwards is Deputy Director of the Development Policy Centre and a Fellow at the Crawford School of Public Policy. He leads Pacific migration research under the Pacific Research Program at the ANU. Terence Wood is a Fellow at the Development Policy Centre. His research focuses on political governance in Western Melanesia, and Australian and New Zealand aid.
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Image: Theft of farm equipment in Shepparton (Source: Victoria Police)
Shepparton Police are investigating the theft of farm equipment worth approximately $135,000 from a property in Toolamba earlier this month.
Unknown offenders allegedly broke into the residential property on Pyke Road overnight between 4 and 5 February, making off with valuable machinery.
Image: Theft of farm equipment in Shepparton (Source: Victoria Police)
Police report that the stolen items include two planting machines, an irrigation machine unit, a navigation system, and a 300-litre water tank.
Detectives have released images of some of the stolen equipment, hoping the public may recognise them. Anyone with information, footage, or who witnessed the theft is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie represents the lowest-income Australians, with median weekly earnings of $1,208 a week. In the Australian Capital Territory, where the nation’s highest median weekly earners live, including the brains trust of the Australian Public Service, it’s $1,688 a week – 40% higher.
As a federal politician, Lambie shuttles between these two starkly different earnings worlds and is not happy about the disparity.
Of course, Lambie herself is on a reasonable wicket. Parliamentarians’ base salaries are $233,660 a year, according to an Instagram post she made this month drawing attention to the issue.
At a time of considerable financial stress for Australians hit by the combination of inflation, high interest rates and housing shortages, Lambie struck a nerve with her post, which listed a range of public roles drawing big six figure-plus annual salaries.
In doing so, Lambie underlined the far higher salaries paid to senior public servants compared to the ministers to whom they’re responsible.
Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary Glyn Davis earns $1,011,410 a year, 66% more than the man he serves, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who earns $607,516.
Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy’s salary is more than double that of Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who is paid $438,112. Another three departmental secretaries each earn $960,840.
Lambie’s Instagram post drew hundreds of comments including:
How does a public servant earn more than the prime minister? That’s wrong!!
Politicians get flak about their salaries from belligerent constituents, but also keenly feel the injustice of earning far less than senior public servants.
Higher pay for higher risk
The salaries of both politicians and public servants have long and specific histories. Without an income, only the rich could afford to be politicians, so publicly paid allowances and salaries have historically been an important equity and inclusion measure. They remain so today.
The original framers of the public service component of our Westminster system of government believed that to prevent conflicts of interest that drive corruption, the bureaucracy ought to be staffed by “permanent officers” with job security. In exchange for what, barring wrongdoing, was going to be a lifetime career, public service pay was historically adequate but not extravagant.
This nexus was broken when, in exchange for higher pay, the Keating government introduced five-year contracts for departmental secretaries in March 1994. Three departmental secretaries refused contracts and continued as “permanent officers”. The rest took the money and the increased employment risk that went with it.
Two years later, the Keating government lost office and incoming Prime Minister John Howard summarily fired nearly a third of departmental secretaries, fatally eroding the “frank and fearless” tradition of public service advice underpinned by security of employment.
Compromised advice
Contract employment for secretaries, who effectively can now be fired at will, not only created pressure for public servants to tell ministers what they wanted to hear, but also untethered their salaries from historical norms. Higher pay reflected that insecurity. The flow-on effect meant other salaries in the senior executive service also floated upwards.
Contracts for secretaries have also been central to the revolving door that’s developed between the top of the public service and large consulting firms, creating conflicts of interest unknown in the traditional Westminster public service.
The big four consulting firms are attractive alternative employers for highly paid and insecure departmental secretaries.
Little wonder, then, that a quasi-privatisation of public service advice through consultancy contracts to those firms occurred, at vast expense to taxpayers – something Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has made strong efforts to reverse.
Lambie’s push for answers
Lambie has introduced the Remuneration Tribunal Amendment (There for the Public Service, Not Profit) Bill 2025 to cap senior APS pay at $430,000. It’s a bid to address remuneration which has raced far beyond ministerial salaries, and well beyond reasonable public expectations.
The Lambie bill has been referred to a Senate committee, which presents an opportunity to evolve debate on the deeper reasons for what has gone awry in the public service and to devise a response that gets to the root of the problem.
The precarity of contract employment for departmental secretaries, which is used to justify high salaries, is both unnecessary and harmful to the quality of public policy and administration in Australia.
The intrinsic interest and challenge of working for the nation and the betterment of its citizens has always paid well in terms of a “psychic wage” on top of senior public servants’ actual salaries. If the complaint is that an executive could make much more in the private sector, they’re probably not the right person to work in the public service anyway.
One reply to Lambie’s Insta post summed up the situation:
It’s the pollies that made this mess.
Politicians are the ones who are going to have to clean it up.
It is neither likely nor plausible that highly paid public service leaders will cut their own salaries in return for an end to the five year contract system for secretaries.
But that is what a return to good public service governance – and to frank and fearless advice in the national interest – now requires.
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Image: U.S. President Donald J. Trump hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Source: X)
In a bold move to safeguard both nations’ interests, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly addressed rising concerns over external and internal threats that jeopardise public safety, diplomatic security, and the sovereignty of both the United States and India.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combatting terrorism, organised crime, and the influence of destabilising actors in the region. They underscored the need for enhanced intelligence-sharing, coordinated law enforcement efforts, and a unified approach to tackling cybersecurity threats.
Additionally, the two leaders vowed to take stringent action against any elements or entities that threaten the territorial integrity of their respective countries, highlighting the importance of a secure and stable global environment for future cooperation.
Earlier in a significant display of diplomatic and strategic cooperation, US President Trump hosted Indian Prime Minister Modi for an official working visit in Washington, D.C. The two leaders reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, emphasising shared values of democracy, freedom, and economic growth.
A key highlight of the visit was the launch of the “U.S.-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century”, a transformative initiative aimed at deepening bilateral ties across defence, trade, energy, and technology. The leaders committed to an ambitious, results-driven agenda, pledging to achieve major milestones this year.
Recognising the deepening convergence of their defence interests, Trump and Modi announced plans to sign a new ten-year Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership. The U.S. will expand defence sales and co-production with India, with new agreements for Javelin anti-tank guided missiles and Stryker infantry combat vehicles. The two nations will also accelerate negotiations for a Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreement to streamline defence trade and technology exchange.
A new initiative, the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA), was also unveiled, fostering collaborations like Anduril Industries’ partnership with Mahindra Group to develop cutting-edge maritime and AI-enabled counter-drone technologies. Additionally, the leaders pledged to enhance military exercises, including an expanded “Tiger Triumph” tri-service drill and new intelligence-sharing agreements.
In a bold economic move, the leaders set a target to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 through the new “Mission 500” initiative. They committed to negotiating a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by the end of 2025 to boost market access and eliminate trade barriers.
India’s decision to lower tariffs on key U.S. exports—such as bourbon, motorcycles, and agricultural products—was welcomed, while the U.S. agreed to increase imports of Indian mangoes and pomegranates. The meeting also saw a focus on supply chain resilience and increased investment, with Indian companies announcing $7.35 billion in new ventures across the U.S.
Recognising energy security as a critical pillar of economic growth, Trump and Modi reaffirmed their commitment to expanding U.S.-India energy trade. The U.S. pledged firm support for India’s full membership in the International Energy Agency, while both nations agreed to enhance cooperation in oil and gas production, LNG trade, and nuclear energy. Plans were announced to finalise agreements for U.S.-designed nuclear reactors in India, with large-scale localisation and technology transfers on the horizon.
A major breakthrough in tech collaboration came with the launch of the “U.S.-India TRUST” (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative, which will facilitate partnerships in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, and space.
As part of this initiative, the leaders announced the U.S.-India Roadmap on Accelerating AI Infrastructure, which aims to build large-scale AI infrastructure in India with U.S. expertise. Additionally, a new INDUS Innovation bridge was introduced to promote industry and academic collaborations in space and emerging technologies.
2025 is set to be a landmark year for U.S.-India civil space cooperation, with NASA and ISRO partnering to send the first Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) through the AXIOM program. The joint NISAR satellite mission—a groundbreaking project to map Earth’s surface changes—was also confirmed for an early launch.
Reaffirming their commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific, the leaders pledged to strengthen cooperation under the Quad framework. Prime Minister Modi invited President Trump to New Delhi for the upcoming Quad Summit, where new initiatives on disaster response and maritime security will be unveiled.
Additionally, the two nations committed to greater diplomatic and economic cooperation in the Middle East and Indian Ocean region, launching the Indian Ocean Strategic Venture to boost regional investments and connectivity.
President Trump and Prime Minister Modi’s meeting marks a significant step forward in U.S.-India relations, reinforcing their position as key strategic partners in a rapidly evolving global landscape. With landmark agreements across defence, trade, energy, and technology, the U.S.-India COMPACT initiative is poised to drive transformative change, setting the stage for an even stronger bilateral partnership in the years ahead.
Modi will next host Trump in India for the Quad Summit, where further milestones in the growing alliance are expected to be unveiled.
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Representative image: Womenm health (Source: CANVA)
The Albanese Government is investing $5.4 million to extend a vital health education program that helps migrant and refugee women access crucial health information in their own language.
The funding will enable the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health to continue delivering the Health in My Language (HiML) program across all states and territories in 2025-2026.
HiML recruits and trains bicultural women’s health educators who conduct sessions in languages spoken by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. These sessions cover key health topics such as sexual and reproductive health, cancer screening, and COVID-19, ensuring the information is both accessible and culturally appropriate.
The program has already helped thousands of women make informed health decisions, and this funding extension will allow it to reach even more communities.
The Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health will deliver the program in partnership with:
True Relationships and Reproductive Health (QLD)
Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) (NSW)
Women’s Health Matters (ACT)
Australian Red Cross (TAS, SA, NT)
Ishar Multicultural Women’s Health Services (WA)
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney MP, said removing language and cultural barriers is essential to ensuring all women receive the best healthcare.
“No person or group should feel unsafe, judged, or unwelcome when seeking healthcare. We must make healthcare accessible by ensuring information is available in diverse languages and culturally safe ways.”
Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill MP, highlighted the government’s commitment to health equity:
“The great promise of Australian multiculturalism is a fair go – that everyone can access the information and services they need. Since 2022, Health in My Language has empowered thousands of women, and this extension will build on that success.”
The continued funding reaffirms the government’s commitment to providing inclusive healthcare and ensuring migrant and refugee women have the knowledge to make informed health decisions.
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Image: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his fiancée Jodie Haydon (Source: X)
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his fiancée Jodie Haydon have revealed plans for a “small, intimate” wedding in spring, opting for an outdoor ceremony surrounded by family and friends rather than a traditional Catholic church service.
The couple, who announced their engagement on Valentine’s Day 2024, confirmed in an interview with The Australian Women’s Weekly that the wedding will take place after the upcoming federal election, expected in April or May.
Image: Jodie Haydon and Anthony Albanese have revealed plans to wed in a ‘small, intimate ceremony’ in spring after the federal election (Picture: Alana Landsberry for Australian Women’s Weekly)
“This [being Prime Minister] will end one day, and the thing about our relationship is that we enjoy spending time together—just us.”
While the exact venue remains undecided, Haydon hinted at a scenic outdoor location, though the backyard of their Copacabana home may not be big enough for the occasion.
“Possibly outdoors, in the second half of this year, with our family and loved ones … And you can be sure Toto [their dog] will make an appearance.”
It is reported that the PM sought his adult son Nathan’s blessing before proposing and received his full support.
“He wants me to be happy, and Nathan and Jodie have a really nice relationship as well.”
The engagement has drawn congratulations from across the political spectrum, with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton offering his best wishes.
Albanese is set to become the first Australian Prime Minister to marry while in office, adding another chapter to his remarkable political and personal journey.
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The Melbourne County Court handed down the sentence on 19 February 2025 after the Victorian Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET) arrested the man in July 2023. The investigation was sparked by a report from a concerned mother about an Australian social media user soliciting child abuse material.
Police linked the man to the illegal activity and executed a search warrant at his home on 19 July 2023, where officers discovered child abuse material on his mobile phone. A deeper forensic examination of seized electronic devices, including tablets and laptops, uncovered hundreds of images containing child abuse material.
Investigators also found evidence of online grooming involving 10 children, with the offender attempting to procure self-produced child exploitation material by offering payments for explicit images and videos. The court heard that after receiving images, he engaged in ‘sextortion’—coercing and manipulating victims into sending more material under threats of exposing them to friends and family.
The man pleaded guilty on 5 February 2025 to 11 charges under the Criminal Code (Cth), including:
Eight counts of causing child abuse material to be transmitted using a carriage service
One count of soliciting child abuse material using a carriage service
One count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence
One count of possessing child abuse material obtained using a carriage service
AFP Detective Superintendent Bernard Geason urged parents to be vigilant about children’s online interactions, warning that signs of online grooming can include excessive screen time, secrecy, and social withdrawal.
“If parents suspect their child is engaging in harmful online activity, it’s crucial to have open conversations and provide appropriate support.”
Det Supt Geason also reassured victims that sextortion is never their fault and encouraged reporting such crimes to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE).
“This outcome should serve as a warning—those involved in these abhorrent crimes will be tracked down and brought before the courts,” he said, commending AFP and Victoria Police officers for their dedication to protecting vulnerable children.
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Image: India’s Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Singh, met with Fiji’s Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh (Source: X)
India and Fiji are deepening their bilateral cooperation with a strong focus on skill development and workforce mobility, as top officials from both nations engaged in high-level discussions this week.
India’s Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Singh, met with Fiji’s Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh, to explore avenues for collaboration in skill enhancement programs. Expressing enthusiasm about India’s commitment to strengthening ties, Jayant Singh stated,
“Excited about India’s commitment to stronger bilateral ties through skill development programs!”
Met with Sh Agni Deo Singh, Minister of Employment, Productivity & Industrial Relations, Fiji to explore ways to enhance cooperation in skills and deepen our partnership. Excited about India's commitment to stronger bilateral ties through skill development programs!… pic.twitter.com/3vNyTzhK5Z
Meanwhile, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, also held discussions with Agni Deo Singh on enhancing cooperation in the mobility of skilled workers to Fiji. Sharing details on social media platform X, Margherita wrote,
“Discussed ways and means to further deepen our bilateral ties, including enhancing cooperation on mobility of skilled workers to Fiji.”
Pleased to welcome @agnisinghfj Hon. Agni Deo Singh, Minister of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations of Fiji today.
Discussed ways and means to further deepen our bilateral ties including on enhancing cooperation on mobility of skilled workers to Fiji. @MEAIndiapic.twitter.com/3YN21pgOag
Earlier in a separate engagement, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, met with Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Germany. The two leaders exchanged insights and reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening relations. “An honour to meet PM & FM Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji this evening. Always nice to hear his recollections, views, and insights,” Jaishankar posted on X.
An honour to meet PM & FM @slrabuka of Fiji this evening.
Always nice to hear his recollections, views and insights.
The discussions align with Fiji’s broader efforts to boost collaboration with India in key sectors, including infrastructure development, renewable energy, climate change, healthcare, IT, education, and sustainable agriculture. On Tuesday, the Fijian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the nation’s commitment to expanding its partnership with India.
During an introductory courtesy call by India’s new High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Raijeli Taga, acknowledged the ongoing cooperation between the two countries. She expressed appreciation for India’s support in major development projects, including the construction of a 100-bed Super Speciality Hospital in Fiji.
High Commissioner Suneet Mehta paid a courtesy call on @FijiGovernment Minister for Employment, Productivity & Workplace Relations Hon. Agni Deo Singh today. Strengthening bilateral ties for a productive and resilient workforce mobility and building people-to-people ties! pic.twitter.com/M7gnVCNiwG
High Commissioner Mehta also met with Agni Deo Singh to further discuss workforce mobility and productivity initiatives, underscoring the importance of people-to-people ties in fostering a resilient and prosperous future for both nations.
With these high-level engagements, India and Fiji continue to reinforce their diplomatic and economic partnership, paving the way for deeper collaboration in critical development areas.
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Sydney’s Four Seasons Hotel recently played host to a high-profile roundtable co-hosted by the State Bank of India (SBI) and the Australia India Business Council (AIBC) NSW.
The event, attended by senior SBI executives from India—Niraj Kumar Panda and Jagat Kant Choudhary (CAMS, CFCS)—focused on the bank’s role in strengthening Australia-India trade relations.
AIBC Associate Chair and NSW President Irfan Malik (MAICD) welcomed the gathering of business leaders, AIBC members, and SBI representatives. Ganesh Radhakrishnan, CEO of SBI Australia, highlighted the bank’s expanding footprint in Australia and its strategies to attract Australian investment into India, particularly in regional areas.
Dr Janakiraman Sarvesvaran, Consul General of India in Sydney, outlined how SBI could support Australian businesses with banking, trade, and remittance services.
Tim Thomas, CEO of the Centre for Australia-India Relations, reinforced the growing momentum in bilateral trade and identified key opportunities in digital trade, the knowledge economy, agritech, startups, and investment.
Discussions also covered industry challenges and emerging sectors, with Narasimhan Viswanathan (AIBC Make with India Chapter Lead) addressing supply chain issues. Dianne Tipping, Chair of the Export Council of Australia, and Poornima Menon, AIBC NSW Vice President, explored opportunities in regional Australia and the startup ecosystem.
Critical minerals and trade compliance were key themes, with insights from Warren Wickman, COO of MMC Corporation, and Anand Singh (MBA, GAICD), AIBC Critical Infrastructure Chapter Lead. Sheba Nandkeolyar, past AIBC National Chair, emphasised the current “New India” opportunity for Australian businesses.
SBI’s General Manager for Compliance, Jagat Kant Choudhary, noted India’s booming banking sector, with over 530 million Indians now holding bank accounts. He highlighted SBI’s extensive range of products designed to facilitate international trade.
Wrapping up the event, Irfan Malik thanked the speakers and attendees, reaffirming AIBC’s commitment to strengthening business ties with SBI and fostering greater Australian participation in India’s economic growth.
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Image: ASIO chief Mike Burgess (Source: UniSA - Website)
By Michelle Grattan
ASIO chief Mike Burgess has warned that over the next five years Australia’s security environment will become more dynamic, diverse and degraded, with “more security surprises” in the second half of the decade than in the first.
In his Annual Threat Assessment delivered on Wednesday night, Burgess predicted more communal violence attacks and foreshadowed Australia’s defence system would face greater threats from espionage, foreign interference and potentially sabotage.
The situation had prompted him to take the unusual step of declassifying details of the security outlook covering the coming five years.
With an “unprecedented number of challenges, and an unprecedented cumulative level of potential harm, Australia has never faced so many different threats at scale at once,” he said.
“Many of the foundations that have underpinned Australia’s security, prosperity and democracy are being tested: social cohesion is eroding, trust in institutions is declining, intolerance is growing, even truth itself is being undermined by conspiracy, mis-and disinformation.
“Similar trends are playing out across the Western world.
“Australia is facing multifaceted, merging, intersecting, concurrent and cascading threats. Major geopolitical, economic, social and security challenges of the 1930s, 70s and 90s have converged. As one of my analysts put it with an uncharacteristic nod to popular culture: everything, everywhere all at once”.
Burgess said ASIO was empowered to investigate seven heads of security:
espionage
foreign interference
politically motivated violence (which includes terrorism)
the promotion of communal violence
sabotage
attacks on Australia’s defence system, and
serious threats to border integrity.
“Three of our heads of security are already flashing red: espionage, foreign interference and politically motivated violence,” Burgess said.
ASIO expected in the next five years the promotion of communal violence, sabotage and attacks on the defence system could join them.
Burgess did not envisage any immediate raising of the national threat level, which puts an act of terrorism at “probable”.
But he said “politically motivated violence is raising the temperature of the security environment and making acts of terrorism more likely”.
At the same time, he stressed that none of last year’s incidents in Australia came from an offshore group and “our greatest threat remains a lone actor using an easily obtained weapon”.
“Of all the potential terrorist matters investigated last year, fewer than half were religiously motivated. The majority involved mixed ideologies or nationalist and racist ideologies.
“Almost all the matters involved minors. All were lone actors or small groups. Almost all the individuals were unknown to ASIO or the police and it is fair to say they allegedly moved towards violence more quickly than we have seen before.
“Importantly, none of the attacks or plots appear to be directly inspired by the conflict in the Middle East or directed by offshore extremists”.
On the promotion of communal violence, Burgess said “I am concerned these attacks have not yet plateaued”.
Promoting communal violence refers to “activities that are directed to incite violence between different groups in Australia, so as to endanger the peace”.
Burgess anticipated “nationalist and racist violent extremists to continue their efforts to ‘mainstream’ and expand their movement.
“They will undertake provocative, offensive and increasingly high-profile acts to generate publicity and recruit. While these activities will test legal boundaries, the greatest threat of violence comes from individuals on the periphery of these organised groups.
“I remain concerned about young Australians being caught up in webs of hate, both religiously and ideologically motivated.
“In the polarised, grievance-rich environment I’m describing, social cohesion will remain strained and we can expect spikes in communal violence.”
Burgess said the Middle East war “has not yet directly inspired terrorism in Australia, but it is prompting protest, exacerbating division, undermining social cohesion and elevating intolerance. This, in turn, is making acts of politically motivated violence more likely.”
The normalisation of violent protests lowered the threshold for potentially violent acts.
“Narratives originally centred on ‘freeing Palestine’ expanded to include incitements to ‘kill the Jews’. Threats transitioned from harassment and intimidation to specific targeting of Jewish communities, places of worship and prominent figures.
“Looking forward, targets of community violence are likely to be broad, depending on the perceived grievance, and will not be limited to nationality, race, culture, religion or gender.
“A hyper-connected world will allow political tensions or conflicts overseas to resonate quickly in Australia, spread by social media and online echo chambers, inflamed by mis- or disinformation”.
Burgess said more traditional distinctions between extremist motivations were breaking down.
Individuals were cherry-picking ideologies to create hybrid beliefs. For example, ASIO had found one person who was apparently motivated by Islamic State propaganda and neo-Nazi propaganda. Another described himself as a left-wing environmentalist aligned with Adolf Hitler.
Burgess said while he was troubled by the breadth of security threats, he was more concerned about their depth.
“More specifically, the depths some regimes are willing to plumb in pursuit of their strategic interests. This is why we assess the security environment is becoming more degraded.”
“A small number of authoritarian regimes are behaving more aggressively, more recklessly, more dangerously. More willing to engage in what we call ‘high harm’ activities.
“Russia’s brazen acts of sabotage in Europe show authoritarian regimes are willing to use a wider range of tools and tactics to coerce, intimidate and damage perceived adversaries. As a supporter of and supplier to Ukraine, it is conceivable Russia could also target Australia for sabotage.”
Australia was not immune to hostile states such as Iran undertaking “acts of security concern” in Australia or the near region.
“Whether such acts serve an internal interest, or a form of retaliation against Israel or our allies, we need to remain alert and responsive to these evolution.”
ASIO had identified at least three different countries plotting to harm people living in Australia.
In one case, a foreign intelligence service wanted to silence an Australia-based human rights activist and tried to trick them into visiting a third country where they would encounter an “accident”. ASIO foiled the plot.
In another case, a different hostile foreign intelligence service wanted to harm and possibly kill one or more individuals on Australian soil. This too was foiled.
“Beyond those egregious examples, multiple foreign regimes continually attempt to monitor, harass, intimidate and coerce cooperation from Australians and those who call Australia home. This includes trying to strong-arm people to report on other members of their diaspora community, threatening perceived dissidents and their family members with violence, and coercing people in Australia to return to the country of their birth to face questioning or charges – or possibly worse.”
On threats to Australia’s defence system, Burgess said multiple countries relentlessly sought information on our military capabilities.
“AUKUS will remain a priority target for intelligence collection, including by countries we consider friendly.
“ASIO has identified foreign services seeking to target AUKUS to position themselves to collect on the capabilities, how Australia intends to use them, and to undermine the confidence of our allies.
“By 2030, as the submarine project matures, intelligence services are more likely to focus on foreign interference to undermine community support for the enterprise and potentially sabotage if regional tensions escalate.”
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Image: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tours Whyalla Steelworks as it advances towards low-carbon GREENSTEEL production, 2023 (Source: GFG Alliance website)
The Whyalla steelworks in South Australia has been forced into administration, with the state government seizing control of the troubled operation following an emergency parliamentary meeting on Wednesday morning.
Owned by British steel magnate Sanjeev Gupta’s GFG Alliance, the steelworks has been struggling with mounting debts, reportedly owing tens of millions to creditors, including the South Australian government and local subcontractors.
This is a significant step, and one we do not take lightly.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas announced the government had appointed KordaMentha as administrators, vowing to stabilise operations and find a new owner.
“This means GFG is no longer running the Whyalla steelworks and associated mines,” Malinauskas said.
“The South Australian Government has intervened to protect the future of steelmaking in this country.”
The Whyalla steelworks, a critical economic driver for the regional town of 22,000 people on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, has been operating under financial strain for months.
Malinauskas framed the move as essential to safeguarding Australia’s sovereign steelmaking capabilities, stating,
“We could not have GFG holding back steelmaking in this country… This is about securing the future of the industry and the people who rely on it.”
The intervention was made possible by urgent amendments to the Whyalla Steelworks Act, passed by both houses of parliament on Wednesday morning. The changes granted the government the authority to call in debts and assume control of the plant.
The steelworks directly employs around 1,000 people, with many more jobs linked to its operations. Malinauskas sought to reassure workers, saying the government’s intervention meant their future was more secure than it was before.
“The administrator is fully funded, meaning bills will be paid, work orders will be fulfilled, and workers can turn up without fear of sudden shutdowns,” he said.
We have taken strong and immediate action to secure the long-term future of the Whyalla Steelworks. pic.twitter.com/AR5IJ0O9ta
Malinauskas also hinted at a major industry support package, to be unveiled on Thursday, calling it “one of the most comprehensive this nation has ever seen.”
Sanjeev Gupta acquired the Whyalla steelworks in 2017 for $700 million, pledging to modernise it into a “green steel” plant. However, Malinauskas argued those plans had not materialised.
“Mr Gupta’s vision was largely the right one—it just hasn’t been realised,” Malinauskas said.
GFG Alliance recently announced plans to sell its Tahmoor Coking Coal Mine in an effort to pay down debts related to Whyalla. However, the South Australian government determined that GFG’s financial position was deteriorating too rapidly, making intervention unavoidable.
Workers here at BlueScope in Port Kembla make steel used around the world, in everything from submarines to colorbond roofs.
Labor backs manufacturing and a future made in Australia, which is essential for our economy and local jobs.
KordaMentha, which previously oversaw Whyalla’s administration before Gupta’s acquisition, will now work to stabilise the plant and explore potential buyers. One key player in discussions is BlueScope Steel, a major Australian steel producer.
A creditors’ meeting will be held within seven days, where stakeholders will decide whether to accept KordaMentha’s appointment or propose an alternative administrator.
Despite the uncertainty, Malinauskas remains confident in the government’s intervention.
“This is the right course of action to secure steelmaking in this country.”
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In response to Nick Cater’s recent Sky News op-ed on the Bankstown Hospital anti-Semitic outbursts, I feel compelled to address a common misconception about Australia’s multicultural experiment. While Cater rightfully condemns the vile actions of the nurses involved, his assertion that the entire Australian multicultural model is failing misses a crucial point.
Cater’s article highlights the deeply disturbing incident in which two nurses were caught on video making anti-Semitic remarks. It is, without question, a chilling example of hate and prejudice that has no place in any society, least of all in a country like Australia that prides itself on tolerance and diversity. However, Cater’s conclusion that this event signals the failure of Australia’s multiculturalism oversimplifies a far more complex issue.
While these nurses’ actions were reprehensible, the underlying issue is not the multicultural model itself, but rather the harmful ideologies that certain migrant groups may bring with them. Cater himself notes that “the demoralising conclusion from this incident is that hatred of Israelis is unremarkable in Bankstown and in the suburbs where Nadir and Abu Lebdeh live.” This, however, is not indicative of the failure of Australian multiculturalism as a whole. Instead, it exposes the reality that there are pockets of isolation where radical and extremist views take hold. These communities, driven by political, social, or religious ideologies, often fail to fully engage with mainstream Australian values. This does not mean that multiculturalism is inherently flawed—it simply highlights that certain groups may resist assimilation or integration into the broader social and cultural fabric of the nation.
Cater’s article points to the existence of “Ethnoburgs”—areas where ethnic communities live in relative isolation from the rest of society and, as he suggests, may be more susceptible to radical ideas. These communities may struggle with the integration process for various reasons, whether due to language barriers, limited economic opportunities, or entrenched cultural beliefs. It is important to recognise that such challenges are not exclusive to any one ethnic or religious group. Every migrant community faces its own struggles in adjusting to life in a new country. However, the focus should not solely be on these challenges but also on the solutions that encourage better integration and shared understanding.
The key issue at hand is not multiculturalism itself but the failure of some individuals or groups to embrace the fundamental values of Australian society—values that prioritise equality, respect, and non-violence. As Cater rightly points out, “Australian citizenship is not just a flag of convenience. It is an obligation to put our shared identity as Australians first.” The challenge is ensuring that all migrants, regardless of background, understand that the key to a successful Australian society lies in mutual respect, coexistence, and commitment to the shared ideals that unite us as citizens.
It’s crucial to remember that multiculturalism has been an overall success in Australia. The vast majority of migrants who arrive here do so with a genuine desire to build better lives for themselves and their families while embracing the core values of this nation.
Multiculturalism in Australia thrives because the majority of migrants and their descendants understand that diversity does not mean division but the enrichment of society. We should not allow the actions of a few individuals or communities who have failed to adapt to sour our perception of the broader multicultural project.
Moreover, it’s important to acknowledge that not all migrant groups face the same struggles. As Cater mentions, “Pakistani migrants are not at war with Indians, and Serbian and Croatians no longer fight proxy wars in the grandstands at soccer games.” Similarly, it is wrong to generalise or scapegoat entire communities based on the actions of a few. Just as past waves of migrants—such as the Irish and Italians—integrated into Australian society and contributed to the country’s cultural fabric, so too will those from more recent migrant communities, provided we offer them the right support and opportunities.
In fact, Indian-Australians are one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant communities in Australia, contributing significantly to the country’s cultural, economic, and social landscape. They are among the highest taxpayers in Australia, particularly within the skilled migration sectors, as many in the community work in high-paying professions such as healthcare, information technology, engineering, and finance. Despite occasional challenges such as racial discrimination, Indian-Australians continue to thrive, making significant contributions to Australian society.
That said, when extreme ideologies take root within any community, the responsibility falls on both the government and society to address them head-on. This means confronting hate speech, educating about Australian values, and ensuring that radical ideologies are not allowed to fester unchecked. The incident at Bankstown should serve as a wake-up call not to abandon multiculturalism, but to double down on our efforts to create a more inclusive society where extremism has no place.
Australia’s multicultural identity has always been about more than just tolerance; it’s about actively embracing diversity and promoting inclusion. But for that to work, all members of our society must be willing to accept the underlying principles that make Australia the fair and just country it is. These principles demand mutual respect, a commitment to social harmony, and the understanding that, while our differences make us unique, we all share the responsibility to uphold the values that unite us.
The real threat to multiculturalism lies not in the model itself, but in the failure of some individuals and groups to integrate into it. It is not the diversity of cultures that threatens our social fabric, but the intolerance and extremism that, when left unchecked, undermine the very foundation of the Australian way of life.
Ultimately, the way forward is not to abandon the ideals of multiculturalism but to ensure that those who come to our shores are willing to adopt and uphold the values that make Australia the inclusive, tolerant, and prosperous society that it is. It’s time to confront these challenges directly, rather than dismissing the entire multicultural experiment based on the actions of a few.
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KLM Foods Pty Ltd, which operated the Sandy Bay and Kingston outlets in Hobart, was hit with a hefty penalty of $135,143.
According to Fair Work, Loveleen Gupta who is the sole director of KLM Foods and manager of Vizaan Pty Ltd was also penalised a total of $44,078 for his involvement in the unlawful practices.
The four workers, including young visa holders from India and Bangladesh, were employed as console operators and paid flat hourly rates ranging from $16 to $23, well below the minimum wages, overtime, and penalty rates they were entitled to. One worker, aged 19-20 at the time, was severely underpaid.
While KLM Foods and Vizaan rectified the underpayment after the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) began its investigation, a further violation occurred when one worker was forced to pay back $6,353 in an unlawful cashback arrangement.
In addition to the underpayments, KLM Foods was found to have provided false pay slips and timesheets, breaching the Fair Work Act and related record-keeping laws.
Judge Karl Blake condemned the blatant disregard for the workers’ rights and described the requirement for a cashback payment as “particularly unpalatable.”
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth emphasised the seriousness of underpaying visa holders, stressing that all employees, regardless of visa status, are entitled to the same pay and conditions.
Booth warned employers that providing false records will lead to significant penalties, noting that the FWO’s investigators would rigorously test the authenticity of such records.
The case was part of a broader investigation into United Petroleum outlets across Australia. The FWO also filed cases against multiple other operators, uncovering further non-compliance with Australian workplace laws. Despite some of the companies going into liquidation, the FWO’s audits have led to the recovery of over $6,500 for workers across 20 United Petroleum outlets.
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File photo: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Lunar Year celebrations (Source: X)
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed the interest rate cut, highlighting its benefit for mortgage holders. In a post on X, he noted that inflation has dropped from over 6% at the last election to 2.4%, crediting Australians for their hard work in achieving this progress. While calling the rate cut a sign of improvement, Albanese acknowledged that more work remains and assured that further support is on the way.
Today’s rate cut is welcome news. It will mean Australians paying less on their mortgages.
Inflation was more than 6% at the last election, and now it’s down to 2.4%. Australians have worked hard to get here.
The worst is behind us. But we know there’s more work to do – and…
Earlier, Albanese joined ABC Sydney’s morning show, covering a range of topics, including the Reserve Bank’s stance on interest rates, ongoing cost-of-living relief, and a recent rise in opposition polling.
Albanese stressed the importance of the Reserve Bank’s independence, acknowledging public pressure on interest rates but maintaining that the Bank’s decisions would be based solely on economic factors. He noted that inflation has dropped significantly from a six-figure rate when the government took office, now sitting at 2.4%.
Despite positive economic figures, Albanese addressed concerns about whether relief measures were reaching Australians, especially in light of recent polls indicating a potential win for the Coalition in a hypothetical election. He highlighted the cost-of-living measures his government has introduced, including tax cuts, cheaper child care, and energy bill relief, and took aim at Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s opposition to these initiatives.
Albanese also reiterated his commitment to strengthening Medicare, pointing to the government’s efforts to reverse the decline in bulk billing, which had worsened during Dutton’s tenure as Health Minister. He rejected accusations of misinformation, stressing that the government’s policies were grounded in fact.
On the issue of the ongoing train disruptions in Sydney, Albanese clarified that the dispute was a state matter, but expressed his support for the NSW government’s efforts to resolve the issue. He urged the unions to settle the dispute for the benefit of commuters.
Lastly, Albanese expressed his concerns for Australian prisoner of war, Oscar Jenkins, after a video surfaced showing him alive in Russia. The Prime Minister confirmed that representations had been made to both Russia and Ukraine, urging for Jenkins’ safe return.
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Image: Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Raijeli Taga greets High Commissioner of India to Fiji H.E. Mr. Suneet Mehta (Source: HCI Suva - Facebook)
Fiji and India are committed to enhancing their bilateral relations with an emphasis on infrastructure, renewable energy, climate change, health, information technology, education, sustainable agriculture, and cultural exchange.
This commitment was reiterated during a courtesy meeting today between Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Raijeli Taga, and the newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Suva, provided an opportunity for both nations to review ongoing projects and discuss future collaborations.
Image: Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Raijeli Taga greets High Commissioner of India to Fiji H.E. Mr. Suneet Mehta (Source: HCI Suva – Facebook)
Dr Taga acknowledged the significant cooperation between the two countries, particularly in areas aligned with Fiji’s development objectives. She expressed gratitude to India for its role in major development projects such as the 100-bed Super Speciality Hospital in Fiji.
“The collaboration between our two nations continues to evolve, and we are eager to build on this success with further cooperation in key sectors,” said Dr Taga. She also extended her congratulations to High Commissioner Mehta, expressing optimism for the strengthening of bilateral and multilateral ties.
High Commissioner Mehta emphasised the vast potential for growth in the Fiji-India relationship, noting India’s intention to enhance its partnership with Fiji. He highlighted India’s focus on infrastructure investment, capacity building, skill development, and climate-resilient initiatives. He also underscored India’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its friendship with Fiji, stressing the historical and cultural ties that bind the two nations.
A major focus of their discussion was the 100-bed Super Speciality Hospital project, one of the largest development initiatives in the Pacific region. Announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2023 Forum for India-Pacific Island Countries (FIPIC) III Summit, the hospital project is progressing well and is set to address significant healthcare challenges for Fiji and the broader Pacific region.
Image: India’s High Commissioner Suneet Mehta with Fiji’s Acting PM & Minister for Finance Prof. Biman Prasad (Source: HCI Suva – Facebook).
The meeting further reinforced the strong historical bond between Fiji and India. Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Prof. Biman Prasad, also met with High Commissioner Mehta.
During the courtesy call, both leaders reaffirmed the importance of their long-standing relationship, particularly in areas such as health, education, and digital transformation. Prof. Prasad highlighted India’s vital role in supporting small island nations like Fiji and reiterated Fiji’s commitment to working closely with India to advance shared priorities.
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Image: Virtual Global Taskforce to be led by AFP for the next three years (Source: AFP)
The Australian Federal Police (AFP), through the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE), has taken on the chair of the Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT) for the next three years.
The VGT, a global alliance of 15 law enforcement agencies, has been tackling the growing threat of child sexual abuse, particularly online, since its establishment in 2004. This international collaboration was born from the increasing danger of offenders targeting children through online social interactions and travelling abroad to commit abuse.
The AFP has previously chaired the VGT between 2009 and 2012. Since then, the landscape has evolved, with the threat becoming more complex and the rise of the ACCCE, which saw a significant spike in reports of online child sexual exploitation. In the 2023-24 financial year alone, the ACCCE received 58,000 reports, an increase of approximately 18,000 from the previous year.
Assistant Commissioner Justine Gough, Chair of the VGT, highlighted the global scale and complexity of online child sexual exploitation, noting that technology allows offenders to operate without geographical limits. “The Virtual Global Taskforce provides a collaborative and united approach to tackling child sexual abuse,” she said.
“A collaborative approach is essential as technology allows offenders to operate without geographic limits.”
The VGT’s mission includes knowledge exchange, global influence, threat scanning, and collaboration across borders to combat online and offline child sexual abuse. The AFP, working alongside the VGT Board of Management, will continue to drive innovative solutions to tackle this ever-evolving threat.
The VGT now includes 15 law enforcement agencies, including those from the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Colombia, the Philippines, the UAE, and several other nations. The AFP assumed the chair on 1 November 2024, taking on this crucial responsibility for a three-year term.
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The global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today—with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors—is doing just that. Sustaining this requires support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon
Sports Excellence Forum in #Gujarat. Stay tuned for extracts from my address on the vast opportunities to grow our cooperation and for Australia to further support #India’s sporting achievements
#AUSINDsportsForum #SportsDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/1EJqDt8o4f
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