🇦🇺 Australia

Australia's Unemployment Climbs to 4.3 Percent in June, Signaling Economic Slowdown
July 18 @ 7:00pm ET  
Australia's unemployment rate rose to 4.3 percent in June, the highest since late 2021, with only 2,000 jobs added. Full-time jobs fell by 38,000, raising concerns about economic stability and potential Reserve Bank rate cuts.
Australia's Vape Ban Shows Decline in Teen Vaping, Study Finds
July 17 @ 8:40am ET  
Australia's ban on disposable vapes has led to a drop in teen vaping rates from 17.5% to 14% among 14-17 year-olds. A study by Cancer Council Australia credits the seizure of over 10 million illegal vapes for this decline.
Torres Strait Elders Defeated in Historic Climate Case Against Australia
July 17 @ 4:40am ET  
Australia's Federal Court ruled that the government has no duty to protect Torres Strait Islanders from climate change. This landmark case loss on July 15 disappointed Indigenous elders fighting for their vulnerable islands.
Australia Childcare Crisis: 800 More Children Tested for Disease in Abuse Case
July 16 @ 8:40pm ET  
Australian authorities urge testing for 800 more children linked to alleged abuser Joshua Dale Brown. Over 2,000 kids across 23 Melbourne childcare centers are now affected by this distressing case.
German Backpacker Carolina Wilga Rescued After 11 Days in Australian Outback
July 16 @ 4:40am ET  
German backpacker Carolina Wilga was found alive after 11 days lost in the Australian Outback. She expressed deep gratitude for the incredible support from those who searched for her.
BHP Partners with Chinese Battery Leaders to Electrify Mining Operations
July 16 @ 4:12am ET  
BHP, the world's largest mining company, has signed deals with Chinese battery giants CATL and BYD to electrify its fleet. This aims to cut emissions and achieve net-zero goals by 2050.
Erin Patterson: Mushroom Killer Captivates True Crime Community
July 15 @ 4:40pm ET  
Erin Patterson, convicted of murdering three relatives with toxic mushrooms, has captivated the true crime community. Her case, marked by intense media and public frenzy, continues to spark podcasts and potential adaptations.
Business Turnover Declines in May Amid Arts and Manufacturing Slump
July 11 @ 4:09pm ET  
Business turnover fell by 0.1% in May, with arts and recreation services dropping 5.5%, alongside declines in manufacturing and retail. Gains in utilities and wholesale trade softened the overall impact, per ABS data.
Australia's Peanut Industry Faces Crisis as Largest Processor Closes
July 10 @ 4:10am ET  
Australia's largest peanut processor, the Peanut Company of Australia, is closing after 101 years, impacting 150 jobs. The shutdown by Bega Group highlights broader challenges in the industry.
Coroner Rules Officer in Kumanjayi Walker Shooting Held Racist Views
July 8 @ 8:40pm ET  
A coroner ruled that Constable Zachary Rolfe, who fatally shot Indigenous teen Kumanjayi Walker in 2019, held racist views. The inquest into Walker's avoidable death highlighted systemic racism in Australia's NT police.
Erin Patterson Convicted: Mushroom Murders Shock Australian Community
July 8 @ 4:40pm ET  
Erin Patterson was convicted of murdering three relatives with a toxic mushroom-laced meal in Australia. The jury found her guilty after nine weeks of evidence revealed chilling details of intent.
Australia's Migration Boom Drives Record $38.2 Billion in Remittances
July 7 @ 4:00pm ET  
Australia's migration boom led to a record $38.2 billion in remittances in 2024, with India and China as top recipients. This highlights the economic impact of migrant communities sending funds abroad.
Queensland Premier Advocates for Stronger US Ties Amid Trump Tariff Policies
July 4 @ 6:06am ET  
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli pushes for deeper US ties in a recent speech, seeing opportunities amid Trump tariffs. He also bids to host Trump and the Quad summit in Queensland.
Historic Inquiry Concludes British Genocide Against Indigenous Australians
July 3 @ 8:40pm ET  
A historic Australian inquiry, the Yoorrook Justice Commission, has found that British colonizers committed genocide against Indigenous people in Victoria. The four-year truth-telling process calls for treaties and compensation.
Qantas Data Breach Impacts 6 Million Customers in Major Cyberattack
July 2 @ 6:08am ET  
Qantas suffered a major cyberattack, exposing data of 6 million customers. CEO Vanessa Hudson apologized for the breach, urging vigilance against scams.
Albanese Hesitates on YouTube Ban for Kids Amid eSafety Push
June 30 @ 2:02pm ET  
Australia's Albanese hesitates on including YouTube in a social media ban for kids under 16. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant pushes for its inclusion, citing harmful content exposure.
Small Business Restructurings Surge 300% Amid Economic Challenges
June 30 @ 12:04pm ET  
Small business restructurings have surged 300% in a year, driven by economic challenges, per ASIC data. This trend, especially in Australia, highlights restructuring as a vital alternative to liquidation.
Australia Deploys E-7A Wedgetail Aircraft and 100 Personnel to Support Ukraine
June 26 @ 9:39am ET  
Australia will deploy a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft and 100 personnel to support Ukraine starting in August, at the request of NATO and Poland. Announced at the NATO Summit in The Hague, this non-combat mission under Operation Kudu aims to protect aid routes.
Australian Court Rules ABC Unlawfully Fired Host Over Gaza Post
June 25 @ 6:05am ET  
An Australian court ruled that ABC unlawfully fired radio host Antoinette Lattouf over a Gaza-related social media post. The decision, awarding her $70,000, raises concerns about media freedom.
Australia's eSafety Chief Urges YouTube Inclusion in Under-16 Social Media Ban
June 24 @ 8:11am ET  
Australia's eSafety Commissioner urges including YouTube in an under-16 social media ban, challenging its exemption. This debate could reshape digital policy as the law's rollout nears in December.
NSW Invests $80 Million to Fuel Startup Surge in Sydney's Tech Central
June 23 @ 10:11am ET  
NSW invests nearly $80 million to fuel a startup boom, with $38.5 million boosting Sydney's Tech Central. This initiative aims to establish the region as Australia's top tech hub by 2026.
Australia's Economic Slide: GDP per Capita Falls to 60th in Global Rankings
June 23 @ 4:02am ET  
Australia's GDP per capita has dropped from 20th to 60th in global rankings, reflecting weak economic growth. Business efficiency and overall performance also fell sharply, sparking calls for urgent reforms.
New Zealand Suspends Cook Islands Aid Amid China Partnership Concerns
June 20 @ 8:40pm ET  
New Zealand has suspended $11 million in aid to the Cook Islands over deals with China, demanding steps to repair trust. This move highlights growing tensions and China's expanding influence in the Pacific region.
Tragic Shooting: Australian Officer Killed in Tasmania Incident
June 18 @ 12:40pm ET  
A 57-year-old Australian police officer, Constable Keith Anthony Smith, was fatally shot on June 16 while serving a warrant in North Motton, Tasmania. The incident has shocked the community, with investigations ongoing.
Australians Turn to Social Media Over Traditional News Outlets
June 18 @ 4:00am ET  
Social media has overtaken online news sites as the main news source for Australians, per a recent survey. Over 1 in 5 are comfortable with AI-produced news if human oversight is present.
Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' Sparks Tax Tensions with Australia
June 13 @ 8:05pm ET  
Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' introduces retaliatory taxes that could hit Australia hard. Its focus on unfair foreign taxes may raise dividend and capital gains taxes for Australian investors.
AUKUS Submarine Pact: US Review Raises Concerns in Australia and UK
June 13 @ 12:40pm ET  
The AUKUS submarine pact between Australia, the UK, and the US faces uncertainty due to a US review under the Trump administration. Concerns rise over alignment with 'America First' policies, impacting Indo-Pacific strategy.
G7 Summit 2025: Key Issues for Albanese and Trump Meeting
June 13 @ 3:30am ET  
The G7 Summit in Canada may host a pivotal meeting between Australian PM Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump. Key issues like trade tariffs and defense spending are expected to dominate their talks.
Queensland Property Boom: Could Values Double Twice by 2032 Olympics?
June 13 @ 12:00am ET  
South East Queensland's property market could see values double twice by the 2032 Olympics, predicts a research firm. Massive investments and global attention are driving this unprecedented growth forecast.
Confusing Food Labels Drain Australian Wallets by $2,500 Yearly: Report
June 11 @ 6:00am ET  
Confusing food labels cost Australian households $2,500 yearly by leading to unnecessary waste. A study by RMIT University reveals this contributes to Australia's $36.6 billion food waste crisis.
Australia's Visa Ban on Pro-Israel Blogger Sparks Diplomatic Outcry
June 10 @ 10:01am ET  
Australia revoked the visa of pro-Israel blogger Hillel Fuld, sparking outrage from U.S. diplomats and Jewish leaders. The decision, citing his online rhetoric, has fueled debates over free speech and diplomacy.
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.