Stories about Australia
China’s Belt and Road Initiative divides the Pacific
Global Voices Southeast Asia and Oceania editor Mong Palatino reviews the impact of China's economic and diplomatic expansion in the Pacific.
Australia explores ways to combat widespread greenwashing of carbon emissions
"As consumers become increasingly interested in purchasing sustainable products, there are growing concerns that some businesses are falsely promoting their environmental or green credentials."
Australian PM Anthony Albanese adds to growing political pressure to #FreeJulianAssange
The Australian PM has finally talked about Julian Assange ... and while distancing himself from Assange’s well-motivated actions, has said he has raised it with representatives of the US administration.
Australia’s World Cup team urges better treatment of migrants and LGBTQ+ individuals in Qatar
Australian football players participating in the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar have released a powerful video highlighting human rights abuses for workers and the LGBTQ+ community in the host country
Australia's unique natural wonders are at risk from ecotourism expansion
"These islands attract millions of visitors a year keen to experience their natural wonders. Yet often this very “ecotourism” is contributing to their degradation."
Policing the pandemic: Australia’s technology response to COVID-19
Australian governments approached the use of digital technologies from an ideological perspective, heavily leaning on control and surveillance.
Part 2: Australian nurse discusses her humanitarian mission to Ukraine's frontlines
"The world is out there, your skills are needed, chances are it is you that is stopping yourself. Get out there and chase your dreams and give it a go."
Australian nurse discusses her humanitarian mission to Ukraine's frontlines
"Irrespective of whichever side you may have family or friends on, there are innocent lives that are being used as pawns in a very vicious game."
In a blow to regional unity, Kiribati leaves the Pacific Islands Forum
"It is meant to be a reminder to us all that our solidarity and unity as a region is dependent on how we treat each other with respect and understanding."
Aussie 14-year-old leads a trailblazing online news service
"Mate, I’m just seeing your broadcasts now and they are bloody fantastic! I tried doing what you’ve done when I was young and got nowhere near your professionalism."
Australia changes government as climate action takes centre stage
There may have been lots of swirling currents but the results of the federal election overwhelmingly showed that 2022 was, finally, the year of climate politics.
Podcast: Australia's election result, and a Mexican state looks for a way to deal with drought
Today we travel to the state of Queretaro in Mexico, and then to Australia.
Indonesia is caught between Russia and the West ahead of the November G20 conference
This year’s G20 is being chaired by Indonesian President Joko Widodo who is facing pressure to ban Russian representatives because of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Mass coral bleaching of Australia's Great Barrier Reef goes under the media radar
This week Will Smith got more media coverage for bad behaviour than the ongoing decline of the world’s coral reefs.
Koalas face bleak future after being listed as endangered
"The primary driver of koala population decline is the clearing of its habitat. No amount of money can save koalas unless we tackle this".
Meet ‘Lock the Gate’ Alliance: Australia's grassroots environmental campaigners
The movement campaigns against "risky coal mining and coal seam gas and fracking" and has taken on some of Australia's biggest polluters and environmental aggressors.
Mixed response to Australia's Great Barrier Reef funding boost in lead up to election
"Good to see greater effort going into reef management but the greatest threat to the Great Barrier Reef is still climate change and we need greater commitment ...on that front."
Australian town of Onslow hits record 50.7 degrees Celsius, as global warming rolls on relentlessly
A disaster film occurring daily in real time... Rising ocean temps are inextricably linked to massive extreme weather/climate events, destabilization of Antarctic ice shelves and massive sea level rise
Police violently break up Afghan refugee protest in Indonesia
Some refugees in Indonesia have been in limbo for more than 10 years. Protesters gathered outside the UNHCR building in Medan to call for resettlement and demand better living conditions.
Australia’s refugees react to double standard over tennis star Novak Djokovic's treatment
"It's sad that so many contacted me about Djokovic. I've been in a cage for 9 years, I turn 24 today, and all you want to talk to me about is that."
‘Strollout’: Australia’s word of 2021 alludes to the slow vaccine rollout and delayed climate action
Cartoonist Veteran Peter Broelman joked, "‘The government is a bunch of heartless climate-denying rorting crooks who only look after themselves’ was too long to fit on a page."