Australia
🇦🇺 Nauru is in talks with Australia for a migration and economic deal while also considering offers from China. This engagement highlights the island’s strategic position amid regional influence dynamics.
🇨🇳 China’s Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian states that US trade policy will affect relations between Australia and China.
🇦🇺 Climate change protest off the coast of New South Wales forces a ship to abort its arrival at Australia’s largest coal export terminal. 138 people have been arrested.
🇦🇺 Australian police arrested three climate activists during a protest at the country’s largest coal port. The activists attempted to disrupt vessel movements.
🇦🇺 Adani Group faces human rights complaint from an Aboriginal group over accusations of racism at its Australian coal unit. This follows the indictment of its billionaire chairman for fraud by U.S. prosecutors.
🇺🇸 U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell hopes the incoming Trump administration collaborates with Pacific allies Australia and New Zealand amid rising strategic competition with China, emphasizing the importance of U.S. commitment to the region.
🇦🇺🇹🇷 Australia and Turkey are in a standoff over hosting the 2026 UN climate change talks, with both countries determined to secure the opportunity. Neither side is willing to concede their bid.
🇲🇱 Australian goldminer Resolute Mining to pay Mali $160m to secure the release of CEO and executives detained over tax disputes. The agreement resolves outstanding claims, as Mali seeks to increase state ownership in mining projects amid ongoing challenges.
🇨🇳 China’s President Xi Jinping announces a turnaround in relations with Australia during a meeting with PM Anthony Albanese. The two nations are now maintaining positive momentum in their development.
🇦🇺 PM Anthony Albanese is set to meet President Xi Jinping in Brazil, as China positions Australia as a model for trade amidst changing global dynamics. This comes as Australia strengthens its defense ties with the US, balancing relations with both powers.
🇦🇺 Australian Senator Ralph Babet, of Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party, faces widespread condemnation after posting slurs targeting people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and the disabled. Despite public outrage and calls for his removal, Babet has refused to apologize, doubling down on remarks.
🇦🇺 Unearthed footage shows Aussie Ambassador Kevin Rudd calling President-elect Trump a “village idiot” and “incoherent,” raising questions over his role in Washington. Rudd’s past critiques of Trump, labeling him a “problem” for global stability, now fuel scrutiny as the former PM faces fallout.
🇦🇺 Pro-Hezbollah merchandise, including Nasrallah tributes, was openly sold at family-oriented Lebanon fundraisers in Sydney, sparking concerns over the normalization of violent extremist symbols. Attendees were “alarmed” to see kids wearing shirts honoring a banned terror leader at a family event.
🇦🇺 Australia’s Parliamentary Workplace Support Service reported 30 cases of serious workplace offences, including sexual assault and stalking, within its first nine months, highlighting ongoing issues despite recent reforms. Service was established after a 2021 report revealed widespread harassment.
🇦🇺🇮🇩 Australian Defence Force troops arrived in East Java, Indonesia, for the Keris Woomera Exercise, the largest joint military drill between Australia and Indonesia, involving 2,000 personnel. Set for Nov. 13-16, the exercise will include joint landing operations etc.
🇦🇺 Australia’s PM Albanese discussed strengthening security ties with Trump, focusing on AUKUS and regional stability. Foreign Minister Wong affirmed bipartisan U.S. support, while Ambassador Rudd removed past critical comments about Trump to align with his diplomatic role.
🇦🇺 Australia plans to ban social media for children under 16, citing mental health concerns and risks to youth. PM Albanese emphasizes the urgency of this “world-leading” measure, putting pressure on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to enforce age verification.
🇦🇺 Australia is addressing defense staffing shortages by offering A$600 million in recruitment incentives, including A$40,000 bonuses for mid-rank personnel. Amid record low unemployment, the Albanese government aims to boost permanent defense staff to 69,000 by the early 2030s.
🇦🇺 PM Albanese announces massive A$16B student debt relief plan, slashing loans by 20% for 3M Australians. Labor sweetens pre-election pot with promise of 100K free TAFE places annually as cost-of-living crisis bites and polls slip.
🇦🇺 Double heat wave set to scorch Australia with temps soaring above 40C inland - Sydney’s west bracing for 36C weekend while Perth, Adelaide hit mid-30s, as forecasters warn of La Nina’s likely return bringing wetter summer ahead.