The Australian Government has introduced new visa processing priorities that give greater preference to applicants already in Australia, as part of changes to the country’s skilled and family migration programs. The changes took effect on 25 July 2026 through new Ministerial Directions, including Ministerial Direction 119 (MD 119) for certain skilled visas and Ministerial Direction…
Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation across the Pacific, with Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong highlighting the vital role of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in promoting regional unity and stability. Minister Wong said that at a time of growing global uncertainty, the Pacific Islands Forum has never been more important in ensuring…
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency To Lam, will make an official visit to Australia from 9–12 August 2026. During the visit, Prime Minister Albanese and President To Lam will hold their first bilateral meeting in…
The Australian Government has announced that the Governor-General has appointed Simon Draper PSM as the new Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. Mr Draper, who currently serves as Secretary of the New South Wales Premier’s Department, brings extensive experience across the public sector. His previous leadership roles include CEO of the NSW…
A Sydney man has been sentenced after Australian authorities seized more than $618,000 in cash from his luggage at Perth Airport, with the money believed to be linked to the proceeds of crime. The 32-year-old Kingsford resident was stopped during security screening at Perth Airport’s domestic terminal on 14 March 2023, after officers detected an…
A coalition of small, independent, multicultural, First Nations and regional Australian news publishers has welcomed the Federal Government’s proposed News Bargaining Incentive (NBI), describing it as a significant step toward strengthening Australia’s independent journalism and ensuring local communities continue to receive reliable news. The coalition praised the Government for incorporating industry feedback following consultation, particularly…
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has recovered $129,674 in unpaid wages for 180 workers following a series of surprise inspections targeting fast food outlets, restaurants and cafés across Hobart. The inspections, carried out across 28 food businesses in Hobart CBD, North Hobart, Bellerive, Howrah, Rosny, Rosny Park and Lindisfarne, found widespread breaches of Australia’s workplace…
The Northern Territory and Australian governments have announced a $21 million construction contract to upgrade a key section of the Central Arnhem Road, delivering safer, more reliable transport for remote communities, local industries and visitors across the Territory. The contract has been awarded to Allan King and Sons, with construction scheduled to commence in September…
Nepal’s Prime Minister has paid heartfelt tribute to the Nepali mountaineers who lost their lives during an expedition on Broad Peak (8,051 metres), the world’s 12th-highest mountain located in Pakistan’s Karakoram Range, describing their legacy as one of extraordinary courage, sacrifice and dedication. In a condolence message issued on Saturday, the Prime Minister said mountaineering…
Australia’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum, with a new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) showing that national EV sales have doubled since February. Canberra continues to lead the country in EV adoption, with one of Australia’s highest rates of electric vehicle ownership. Lower fuel and maintenance costs, combined with growing…
CAPA – Centre for Aviation has selected Canberra to host the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2027, bringing some of the aviation industry’s most influential leaders to Australia’s capital in June 2027. The summit will bring together airline chief executives, airport executives, aviation experts and government decision-makers from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss…
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to outgoing Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) leaders Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil, thanking them for their leadership and their contribution to improving wages and workplace conditions for Australian workers. In a statement, the Prime Minister said working families are in a stronger financial position today because…
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