๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia

Australia's Economic Growth Stalls at 0.2 Percent Amid Investment Slump
June 6 @ 10:12am ET  
Australia's economy grew by just 0.2 percent in the March quarter of 2025, hampered by low investment. This flatline performance raises concerns amid global uncertainties and declining productivity.
Virgin Australia's $685 Million IPO Marks ASX Return
June 6 @ 10:09am ET  
Virgin Australia is set to return to the ASX with a $685 million IPO, marking a significant comeback after five years. Trading is expected to begin on June 24, fueled by strong investor demand and a rebound in domestic tourism.
Australia Surpasses US and UK in Billionaires Per Capita Wealth Surge
June 6 @ 4:10am ET  
Australia now has more billionaires per capita than the US or UK, with their numbers doubling over decades. Philanthropy has also risen, though public sentiment on wealth inequality remains mixed.
Captain Cook's Endeavour Wreck Confirmed in Newport Harbor After Long Search
June 5 @ 4:03am ET  
The final resting place of Captain Cook's Endeavour has been confirmed in Newport Harbor, Rhode Island. This historic discovery by the Australian National Maritime Museum ends a decades-long search for the iconic ship.
Erin Patterson's Mushroom Trial: Wild Fungi and Murder Charges
June 4 @ 4:40pm ET  
Erin Patterson faces trial for allegedly murdering three relatives with toxic mushrooms at a 2023 lunch in Victoria. Her defense claims no intent, citing wild fungi's flavor, as the court examines evidence.
ASIC Targets Choosi in Lawsuit Over Misleading Insurance Comparisons
June 4 @ 6:00am ET  
ASIC has sued Choosi Pty Ltd for allegedly misleading customers by promoting mainly Hannover-issued insurance policies since July 2019. The lawsuit claims Choosi received $61 million in commissions for biased comparisons.
Australia Presses China for Clarity on Massive Military Expansion
June 3 @ 12:40pm ET  
Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles urges China to explain its 'extraordinary' military build-up, seeking transparency. This reflects regional concerns over Beijing's rapid modernization and assertive presence.
Bondi Junction Tragedy: Missed Chances to Stop Joel Cauchi's Rampage
June 2 @ 8:40pm ET  
The Bondi Junction stabbing rampage by Joel Cauchi, which killed six in April 2024, is under scrutiny in an inquest. It examines 'missed opportunities' in mental health and police systems that failed to prevent the tragedy.
Coles Supermarket Slashes Prices on 300 Items Amid Rivalry with Woolworths
June 2 @ 6:08pm ET  
Coles Supermarket has cut prices on over 300 grocery items for 12 weeks, following Woolworths' earlier reduction on 400 items. This move aims to ease the cost-of-living burden for Australian shoppers amid intense market rivalry.
Healthscope Collapse Signals Crisis in Australia's Private Healthcare
May 28 @ 8:16pm ET  
Healthscope, Australia's second-largest private hospital operator, has collapsed amid rising costs and insurer disputes. This crisis raises urgent questions about the sustainability of the nation's private healthcare model.
South Australian Premier Supports Tesla Factory Despite Strong Local Backlash
May 28 @ 4:10am ET  
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas supports a Tesla factory in Adelaide, promising 100 jobs. Despite this, 95 percent of local submissions oppose the plan due to environmental concerns and anti-Musk sentiment.
Queensland Mother Charged in Tragic Death of 3-Year-Old Daughter
May 27 @ 11:45am ET  
Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, faces murder charges in the tragic death of her 3-year-old daughter, Sophia, in Queensland, Australia. Disturbing social media posts, including 'Train like it's war,' have surfaced amid community grief.
Australia's PM Slams Israel's Gaza Aid Blockade as 'Outrageous'
May 27 @ 10:03am ET  
Australian PM Anthony Albanese has condemned Israel's Gaza aid blockade as 'outrageous' on May 26, calling it 'completely unacceptable.' He criticized Israel's excuses as 'untenable' amid growing international pressure.
Supercars Expands to New Zealand with 2026 Double-Header Events
May 24 @ 4:30pm ET  
Supercars will host a historic double-header in New Zealand starting 2026, with events at Taupล and Ruapuna Raceway near Christchurch. This marks the first South Island race, locked in for three years until 2028.
Australia's Streaming Quotas Threaten $200 Million Hollywood Loss, Warns US Official
May 23 @ 10:12am ET  
Australia's 'Revive' policy could divert $200 million from Hollywood with new streaming quotas. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer warns of significant economic impacts on the American entertainment industry.
Starlink Faces Australian Regulator Warning Over Record-Keeping Issues
May 23 @ 6:05am ET  
Starlink, operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, received a formal warning from Australia's telecommunications regulator over record-keeping issues. This highlights growing scrutiny on global tech firms in national markets.
New South Wales Overhauls Rental Laws: No-Grounds Evictions Banned
May 22 @ 7:14am ET  
New rental laws in New South Wales ban no-grounds evictions, offering tenants greater security. Pet ownership rules are also eased, allowing pets unless valid refusal grounds are provided by landlords.
RBA Slashes Cash Rate to 3.85 Percent Amid Inflation Drop
May 21 @ 4:04am ET  
The Reserve Bank of Australia has cut the cash rate to 3.85 percent as inflation drops significantly from its 2022 peak. This move aims to stimulate economic growth while balancing inflationary risks.
Victoria's Budget Surplus Marred by $25 Million Daily Debt Costs
May 20 @ 4:00pm ET  
Victoria, Australia, records its first budget surplus since COVID-19, offering hope for economic recovery. Yet, a $25 million daily debt servicing cost burdens Victorians, raising concerns about long-term fiscal health.
Australian Billionaire Commits $7 Billion to Environmental Causes
May 20 @ 6:07am ET  
Australian billionaire Cameron Adams and partner Lisa Miller have pledged $7 billion to environmental causes. This historic commitment aims to protect ecosystems and combat climate change globally.
Chinese Scammers Face Jail and Deportation in New Zealand for 'Blessing' Fraud
May 19 @ 8:12am ET  
Three Chinese nationals face imprisonment and deportation from New Zealand for a 'blessing' scam targeting elderly Chinese women. They amassed over $100,000 in three weeks by exploiting cultural beliefs.
New Zealand Pours $577 Million into Film Subsidies to Revive 'Wellywood'
May 17 @ 8:00pm ET  
New Zealand's Finance Minister Nicola Willis has committed $577 million to the film subsidy fund to attract Hollywood back to 'Wellywood.' This investment aims to boost the economy through job creation and tourism while competing globally for major film projects.
Australian Housing Boom: 1 in 3 Homes Valued Over $1 Million
May 16 @ 5:58am ET  
One in three Australian homes is now worth over $1 million, with cities like Sydney and Melbourne among the world's least affordable. This housing boom is reshaping urban life and pricing many out of the market.
New Zealand Unveils $190 Million Social Investment Fund in Budget Preview
May 15 @ 2:35pm ET  
New Zealand's Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced a $190 million social investment fund in a budget preview. This initiative aims to tackle social issues with measurable outcomes for vulnerable communities.
Australia's Biggest Bank Probes Customers on Cash Withdrawals
May 15 @ 8:10am ET  
Australia's largest bank, Commonwealth Bank, is now questioning customers on cash withdrawals to comply with anti-money laundering laws. This has sparked privacy concerns among clients amid efforts to prevent financial crime.
โ€˜Extremely Dangerousโ€™: Australians Warned Not to Travel to Ukraine
May 14 @ 11:05am ET  
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has warned Australians against traveling to Ukraine following the death of a young Australian volunteer, Nick Parsons, near Izyum. 'The situation is extremely dangerous,' Albanese stated, urging citizens to avoid the conflict zone.
New Zealand Faces Measles Outbreak Risk Amid Low Vaccination Rates
May 13 @ 10:35am ET  
New Zealand faces a serious risk of a measles outbreak due to vaccination rates around 80 percent, well below the needed threshold. Doctors warn of a 'nightmare' scenario if the disease spreads among unvaccinated communities.
New Zealand Deputy Police Commissioner Steps Down Over Scandal
May 13 @ 8:35am ET  
New Zealand Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming resigned after inappropriate content was found on his work computer. Police Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed initiating removal proceedings amid concerns over professional conduct.
Australia Plans to Recruit Papua New Guineans for Defence Force Roles
May 12 @ 12:35pm ET  
Australia is set to recruit Papua New Guineans into its Defence Force to strengthen regional security ties. This move has sparked debate over cultural integration and sovereignty concerns.
Woolworths Slashes Prices on 400 Products Through 2026
May 12 @ 8:10am ET  
Woolworths, a major Australian supermarket, is cutting prices on 400 products until at least 2026. This move aims to ease the burden of rising costs for shoppers and strengthen the company's market position.