Australia

Australia extends help to Pacific on maritime zones

Foreign Minister Marise Payne said through its Office of the Pacific, the Australian government has established a dedicated Pacific maritime boundaries section to work closely with Pacific nations and help them secure their rights and entitlements stemming from maritime zones.

She said Canberra is providing additional funding of $US2.4 million to the Pacific Community for addressing the risks to maritime boundaries from sea-level rise, and other climate change related impacts.

Ms Payne said Australia has now spent a total of $US5.9 million on Pacific maritime boundaries.

Australia fights back to defeat Brazil

  The Matildas suffered a surprise loss to Italy in their opening game and their campaign looked in serious trouble when they trailed to a Marta penalty and Cristiane's fourth strike in two matches.

But the Matildas levelled through Caitlin Foord's poked finish and Chloe Logarzo's cross-shot either side of half-time, with Marta needing to be withdrawn with a knock at the interval, having earlier extended her record tally to 16 World Cup goals.

David Warner hits century as Australia beat Pakistan

Warner, transformed from the man who struggled in Sunday's defeat by India, busied his way to 107.

With captain Aaron Finch also clubbing 82, Australia should have posted more than their 307 all out, only to lose their last six wickets for 30 runs thanks mainly to Mohammad Amir's 5-30.

Facing a more reachable target than they would have once feared, Pakistan were well placed at 136-2 when their own collapse of 4-24 sucked the life from the chase.

Inspired India end Australia's run

In an atmosphere more accustomed to Bangalore or Chennai than a suburb of south London, Virat Kohli's side produced an impressive performance that, if there were any doubts beforehand, underlined why they are serious contenders for glory in England.

The battle between bat and ball was as lopsided as the one in the stands, as India’s fans outnumbered their Australian counterparts to such a degree that a game of 'Spot The Aussie' would have kept you busy during the quieter periods of the contest.

Australia police raid headquarters of public broadcaster ABC

Police arrived with search warrants naming two journalists and News Director Gaven Morris, the ABC says.

According to the ABC, the raid is over an investigative story into misconduct by Australian forces in Afghanistan.

The raid comes one day after police searched the home of a News Corp journalist over the alleged leak of classified information.

ABC journalists have been tweeting about the events since police arrived in the morning.

Australia supports Samoa’s Le’auva’a Primary School

The support was made available through Australia’s Direct Aid Programme.

Australian High Commission, Sara Moriarty officiated the opening together with school principal, Ada Uhrle-Mikaele, Sagaga district school inspector, Lafaitele Aiga Esera and school executive committee, member Mr Sala Lameko Thursday.

“The Government of Australia takes pride in working with local communities on projects such as these that aim to achieve sustainable development in Samoa,” Ms Moriarty said. 

Call for bold move by Australia to improve Pacific relationship

But observers said no substantial change is expected for Australia's engagement in the region after the Coalition's surprise win at the weekend.

Shane McLeod of the Australian think-tank, the Lowy Institute, said Australia's so-called Pacific step up, a suite of policies and funding initiatives brought in in 2017, will likely continue.

But he said with losses on the hard right, there may be more room for the government to manoeuvre on climate change.

2019 Australia election: Polls open for 'generational' vote

PM Scott Morrison says he has united his conservative government in the nine months since he replaced Malcolm Turnbull.

Labor opposition leader Bill Shorten has pressed his case with stark policy alternatives.

Australia has mandatory voting and a record 16.4 million enrolled voters.

The nation holds elections every three years, but no prime minister has succeeded in serving a full term since 2007.

Kepu to join London Irish after World Cup

Irish, who will join the English Premiership next season after winning promotion, announced the signing of the Test centurion on social media on Monday night. 

Kepu has been a mainstay of Australian Test rugby and the Waratahs for more than a decade, playing 135 Super Rugby matches and 103 Test matches.

Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said Kepu would leave a hole at the Waratahs, but also had provided a strong foundation for the next generation to develop.

Australia can be surprise package at World Cup

The Wallabies endured their worst test campaign in 60 years in 2018, winning four out of 13 matches and slumping to sixth in the world rankings.

However, former scrumhalf Gregan, who scored 99 points in 139 internationals, believes Michael Cheika's men can peak come tournament time in September, just as they did in 2015 when they reached the final.

"They do have time in a World Cup year, which is a unique year. It is about getting it right when you get over here," said Gregan in an interview with Reuters in Sapporo.