Canberra

Australia unveils major millitary reform in bid to counter China threat

The country's northern bases will become a focus to deter adversaries and protect trade routes and communications, according to Australia's Defence Strategic Review.

King Charles III proclaimed monarch of Australia, New Zealand

The British monarch is the head of state in Australia as well as New Zealand, among 14 realms outside the United Kingdom, although the role is largely ceremonial.

Australia to prevent prime ministers from amassing secret powers

The decision comes following the revelation that former premier Scott Morrison secretly appointed himself to five ministerial roles between March 2020 and May 2021.

Gunman fires shots inside Canberra Airport, detained

Images posted on social media showed a police officer restraining a man on the ground inside the terminal as the emergency alarm sounded in the capital's main airport.

Australia PM appoints record women ministers, including first Muslim

The new Australian government includes 13 women ministers, the largest number in the country's history.

Anti-vaccine mandate protesters occupy streets outside Australia parliament

Australian police have given protesters a day to leave the capital Canberra.

Australia declares Hezbollah as terrorist organisation

The classification makes it illegal for anyone to be a member of all Hezbollah entities, which "pose a real and credible" threat to Australia.

France, Australia agree submarines dispute won’t derail free trade deal

French Ambassador to Australia Jean-Pierre Thebault denies media reports that France was lobbying the EU not to sign a trade deal with Australia that has been under negotiation since 2018.

Australia says it had 'grave concerns' as crisis over subs deal continues

Prime Minister Morrison says he understood the French government's "disappointment" but said he had raised issues with the deal "some months ago", as had other Australian government ministers.

Art masterpieces from Rembrandt to Van Gogh on tour of Australia

First international touring show by London's National Gallery was put on hold for a year, due to Covid-19, but now the artwork will be shown in a whole new light.

Rescue efforts continue in Australia after 'catastrophic' floods

The wild weather system pounding New South Wales (NSW) over the last three days was expected to gather more strength in the next 24 hours due to the combination of a tropical low over northern Western Australia and a coastal trough off the east.

New Zealand-Australia row erupts over dual national Daesh suspect

A dual national was arrested near the Syrian border with her two children and identified as a Daesh member. NZ PM Ardern urged Australia to consider the welfare of the children who were "born in a conflict zone through no fault of their own".