Latest Australia government News
Former US military pilot's lawyer tells Sydney court that extradition hearing should be delayed
SYDNEY (AP) — A lawyer for a former U.S. military pilot accused of illegally training Chinese aviators told a Sydney court on Wednesday that an extradition hearing scheduled for next month should be postponed due to delays in government agencies handing over crucial material. ...
Early voting begins in New Zealand's general election and in Australia for Indigenous 'Voice'
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Early voting began on Monday in New Zealand for the nation's Oct. 14 general election, with conservative contender Christopher Luxon casting his ballot. Early voting also began in some parts of Australia in a referendum that would enshrine in...
Chinese ambassador says Australian lawmakers who visit Taiwan are being utilized by separatists
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — China’s ambassador to Australia on Thursday criticized Australian politicians who visit Taiwan, saying they are being utilized by separatists on the self-governing island. Ambassador Xiao Qian was commenting in Sydney after an Australian parliamentary...
Qatar Airways executive says invasive gynecological examinations of passengers won't be repeated
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — A senior Qatar Airways executive told an Australian Senate inquiry on Wednesday there would be no repeat of an incident at Doha’s international airport in 2020 in which female passengers were subjected to invasive gynecological examinations. Australian...
China accuses Taiwan's government of using economic and trade issues to seek independence
BEIJING (AP) — The Chinese government on Wednesday accused Taiwan's ruling party of seeking independence, a day after the self-governing island's president lobbied for Australia's support in joining a regional trade pact. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs...
Australian prime minister says he's confident Indigenous people back having their Parliament 'Voice'
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia’s prime minister said Tuesday he was confident that Indigenous Australians overwhelmingly support a proposal to create their own representative body to advise Parliament and have it enshrined in the constitution. Prime Minister Anthony...
On a visit to Taiwan, Australian lawmakers call for warmer relations with self-ruled island
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — On a visit to Taiwan, a delegation of six Australian lawmakers called Tuesday for warmer relations with the self-ruled island increasingly threatened by Beijing. The visit comes as Australia has been working at recalibrating its relationship with China, which...
Biden tells Pacific islands leaders that he hears their warnings about climate change and will act
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Monday told leaders from the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum that he has heard their warnings about the impact of climate change on their region and that his administration is committed to helping them meet the challenge. Pacific islands...
Senior Australian public servant steps aside during probe of encrypted texts to premiers' friend
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — A senior Australian public servant has stepped aside, authorities said Monday, while an investigation is underway into allegations that he sent encrypted messages in order to undermine some ministers and promote others to further his own career. Michael...
US will establish diplomatic ties with the Cook Islands and Niue as Biden hosts Pacific leaders
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is set to establish diplomatic relations Monday with two South Pacific nations, the Cook Islands and Niue, as his administration aims to show to Pacific Island leaders that it is committed to increasing American presence in the region. The...
