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Category: Australia

  • Australia joins statement issued by several nations condemning Trump attack on ICC

    Australia joins statement issued by several nations condemning Trump attack on ICC

    The federal government has belatedly joined international criticism of the Trump administration’s latest assault on the International Criminal Court (ICC), prompting questions about Australia’s “sluggish” response to sweeping US sanctions designed to cripple it.

    Japan, Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom issued a statement late on Friday reaffirming their “continued and unwavering support for the independence, impartiality, and integrity of the ICC”.

    It came just hours after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio unveiled new sanctions freezing the court’s US assets and cutting it off from American companies.

    “As committed supporters of the ICC we regret and strongly disagree with the announcement of sanctions to be imposed upon the Court by the United States,” they said.

    “If put into effect, these sanctions will have a significant impact on the Court’s work, its dedicated staff and their families. They work every day to bring those accused of the most serious international crimes to justice and to support their victims.”

    Australia was not listed on the statement when it was first issued on Saturday morning, local time, and the government’s initial silence drew fierce criticism from legal experts, who accused it of cowardice.

    But late on Monday Australia’s name was added to the list of countries on the joint statement, which was then uploaded to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) website.

    A federal government spokesperson told the ABC that Australia was invited to join the statement only after it was first published, and that Australia signalled to the Netherlands on Sunday that it would be willing to put its name on it.

    An official from a European country backed that account and defended Australia’s approach, saying it took time to coordinate a position across continents over the weekend.

    A second official from another Western country also said they did not believe that Australia had “hesitated” to join the statement and the process simply “took time”.

    But they said the Australian government was still taking a much more “careful” and “low profile” approach to defending the ICC when compared with other US allies.

    They drew a contrast between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi  who on Friday night issued a statement in English and Japanese sharply criticising the sanctions  and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who have not made any personal statements on the issue.

    Canberra’s cautious approach

    Last month the foreign minister declined to directly criticise the Trump administration over the sanctions during an interview with SBS, saying that she “spoke for Australia” not the US.

    Woman standing and looking

    Professor Catherine Renshaw said it was disappointing Australia did not sign onto the original statement. (ABC News: Lydia Feng)

    Officials told the ABC earlier this year that while there was deep unease in Canberra about the sanctions, Australia was wary of a fight with the Trump administration over it, particularly as the campaign against the court has been championed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

    The Dean of Law at the University of Western Sydney, Professor Catherine Renshaw, said the government’s initial response was “sluggish” but that she was still pleased to see Australia eventually join the statement.

    “It was disappointing to see Australia not sign onto the original statement  it was particularly disappointing given Australia’s long history of building international law and support of institutions like the ICC,” she said.

    “But it’s a welcome development that Australia has now joined friends and allies in supporting international law.”

    “The foundational principle here is the defence of the rule of law and that is most important when the actions of powerful states threaten those fundamental principles.”

    The government has also been working with Australians employed by the ICC to help them “work through” the implications of the sanctions, although the Trump administration has offered a 180-day grace period before they are fully implemented.

    One official from a third country said it was “surreal” to watch Western diplomats working out how they could best shield their nationals from US sanctions.

    Professor Renshaw said the US sanctions would create a “very difficult problem” because US companies and financial institutions played a “central” role providing the court with legal, travel and banking services.

    “Australians who work for the court will need to know that the Australian government will support them carrying out their work when it’s made far more difficult, complex and perilous by the actions of the US,” she said.ABC Australia

     

     

     

     

     

  • Albanese says thoughts and prayers with Pope Leo after cancer diagnosis

    Albanese says thoughts and prayers with Pope Leo after cancer diagnosis

    Doctors have confirmed Pope Leo has lung cancer during surgery in which they have removed the lower lobe of his right lung.

    Preoperative tests had suggested a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma and the 90-minute surgery confirmed it, the Vatican said in a medical bulletin after the operation.

    “The surgery was successful, and there were no complications,” the statement said.

    The pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Tuesday, local time, for surgery to remove a growth on his lung that doctors found in a recent health check-up.

    The Vatican said earlier on Tuesday evening that the surgery had been successful before providing a more detailed update from the pope’s lead surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, the chief of thoracic surgery at the Gemelli hospital.

    “In order to make the procedure curative, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique,” Professor Margaritora’s update said.

    “A rapid intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as had been suspected from the preoperative tests,” it said.

    The surgery lasted about 90 minutes and was successful with no complications, the Vatican said.

    The pope regained consciousness normally after the operation and later returned to his hospital room, where he was resting.

    Albanese says thoughts and prayers with Pope Leo after cancer diagnosis

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his thoughts and prayers were with him.

    “Pope Leo XIV is a source of inspiration to Catholics right around the world  and here in Australia.

    “He is a voice for peace, humanity and reason in our modern world.

    “My thoughts and prayers are with him as he recovers from his recent surgery.

    “We hope and pray for a quick recovery.”

     

    Expected to stay in hospital a week

    Pope Leo had left the Vatican for the surgery shortly before 1pm and was seen waving from the back of a black SUV as his convoy drove about 9 kilometres north to the Gemelli.

    Upon arriving, Pope Leo shook hands with several officials, walked in front of a waiting crowd of well-wishers, some of whom shouted “Auguri” (best wishes), and headed in via the main entrance.

    The Vatican said earlier this week that the pope was expected to recover in hospital for about a week. All his public events have been cancelled until October 20.

    Pope Leo, elected by the world’s cardinals in May 2025, is relatively young for a Church leader.

    He enjoys sports, including tennis, and is not known to smoke or have had recent health issues.

    The late Pope Francis, Leo’s predecessor, was hospitalised several times as he grew frail in his later years.

    He died in April 2025 at age 88.

    Pope Leo, who spoke in a firm, clear voice at his only public event on Monday, keeps a very busy schedule.

    He is due to make an 11-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17.

    ABC/Reuters

     

  • Anne Aly accuses Liberal MP Angie Bell of racism over ‘stoning’ comment

    Anne Aly accuses Liberal MP Angie Bell of racism over ‘stoning’ comment

    Small Business Minister Anne Aly has accused a Liberal MP of making racist and misogynistic comments in parliament, saying they are contrary to Australian values.

    During a fiery speech in the lower house, shadow minister Angie Bell called for the prime minister and Ms Aly to be “shamed and stoned in the square” over the tax office’s decision to ban credit card payments.

    The ban has sparked backlash from the business community, with the government last week intervening to ensure the ATO delays the measure until July next year.

    In her speech to parliament, Ms Bell, who holds the arts and sport portfolios on the opposition frontbench, called on the government to overturn the credit card ban.

    “We’re talking about millions and millions of Australians who are employed by small business,” Ms Bell said.

    “And this minister and this prime minister should be absolutely shamed and stoned in the square.”

    Ms Bell subsequently withdrew the comments after Leader of the House Tony Burke raised concerns with what he described as “some physically violent imagery”.

    Ms Aly, the first Muslim woman elected to federal parliament, later posted a video on social media, describing Ms Bell’s comments as racist and misogynistic.

    “This past week alone, I have had 19 death threats on my social media, and in the past I have had death threats that are couched in that exact same language,” she said in a video posted to Instagram and TikTok.

    “It’s not just something that a parliamentarian shouldn’t say in terms of advocating violence against another parliamentarian.

    “It is something that stands against our Australian values. We are a country that proudly stands against violence against women, and against regimes that use brutal methods like stoning against women.”

    A spokesperson for Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said it was appropriate that Ms Bell had withdrawn the remarks.

    But the spokesperson also demanded Prime Minister Anthony Albanese show the same accountability, referring to comments he made earlier this year about melons being gifted to him by the Japanese prime minister.

    “Australians are still waiting for him to apologise to Japan’s prime minister and [for] his own litany of broken promises.

    “The prime minister cannot demand accountability from others while refusing to take responsibility for his own failures.”

    Speaking on Afternoon Briefing, Shadow Foreign Minister Ted O’Brien also said Ms Bell did “the right thing” by withdrawing the remarks.

    He also praised her as someone who is doing a “wonderful job” on the frontbench and as a local member in her Gold Coast electorate of Moncrieff.

  • Labor senator Fatima Payman won’t be expelled from Labor for crossing the floor on Palestinian recognition

    Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles says WA Labor senator Fatima Payman will not be expelled from the Labor Party for crossing the floor in parliament yesterday.

    Senator Payman crossed the floor to back a motion from the Greens calling for Palestinian statehood, breaking protocol against voting against party lines.

    Labor senator Fatima Payman has become the party’s first member to cross the floor in decades after she voted with the Greens to recognise Palestinian statehood in a vote on Tuesday.

    The federal government moved quickly to quell expectations the WA senator would be expelled from Labor, despite the fact MPs have previously been thrown out for not toeing the party line. Payman, a first-term senator, said she was proud she had upheld her convictions, although she was bitterly disappointed her Labor colleagues had not joined her.

  • WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange pleads guilty to espionage charge at US court in Saipan

    The resolution brings to a close a more than decade-long legal battle, sparked by Mr Assange’s released a cache of classified US defence documents alleging war crimes in Afghanistan and Syria.

    When asked if he was prepared to enter a plea, Mr Assange said “yes”.

    When asked for his plea in relation to the specific charge, Mr Assange simply said “guilty”.

    The plea will resolve the question of Mr Assange’s future, with the court likely to approve a sentence of time served given the five years he has spent in the UK’s Belmarsh Prison, leading to his release.

    However, it has sparked renewed concerns about the case’s potential chilling effect on press freedom, with free speech advocates highlighting the need for Mr Assange’s style of no-holds-barred, activist investigative journalism to keep governments honest.

    Mr Assange, who is wearing a black suit, was earlier sworn in for the highly anticipated hearing, telling the court his full name and swearing to tell the truth.

    Australia’s ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, Australia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Stephen Smith, and human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson took seats behind him.

    All stood up as Justice Manglona, an Obama appointee, entered the court room.

    She opened the hearing by explaining Saipan had been chosen for the hearing after years of negotiations between Mr Assange and the US government, and it had been agreed by all parties that the location was convenient for him to then travel home to his “dear Australia”.

    “Not many people recognise we are part of the United States, but that is true,” she said.

    The resolution to Mr Assange’s case follows years of diplomacy from the Australian government, with the case reportedly becoming an issue in the US-Australia relationship.

    He had previously spent seven years in the Ecuadorian embassy in London fighting moves to extradite him to Sweden on a charge of rape, saying he was concerned he would be extradited to the United States if he went to Sweden in person to fight the charge.

    The UK government maintained a 24-hour guard outside the embassy for the majority of his stay there, preventing his escape to Ecuador, where he had been granted asylum.

    The charge in question was eventually dropped in 2019, with prosecutors citing insufficient evidence to proceed.

    Mr Assange is due to fly to Canberra later today, according to WikiLeaks.

  • Julian Assange released from prison and has left UK, Julian Assange says

    WikiLeaks announced Mr Assange’s whereabouts shortly after court documents showed he was due to plead guilty this week to violating US espionage law, in a deal that would allow him to return home to Australia.

    Mr Assange is due to be sentenced to 62 months of time already served at a hearing on the island of Saipan.

    He is expected to return home after that hearing.

    A lawyer for Mr Assange did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    WikiLeaks posted a statement on social media platform X saying Mr Assange was free and had left the UK on Monday morning local time.

    Part of the statement read: “This is the result of a global campaign that spanned grassroots organisers, press freedom campaigners, legislators and leaders from across the political spectrum, all the way to the United Nations.

    “This created the space for a long period of negotiations with the US Department of Justice, leading to a deal that has not yet been formally finalised.”

    Christine Assange, Mr Assange’s mother, said she was grateful her son’s ordeal had finally come to an end.

    “I am grateful that my son’s ordeal is finally coming to an end. This shows the importance and power of quiet diplomacy.

    “Many have used my son’s situation to push their own agendas, so I am grateful to those unseen, hard-working people who put Julian’s welfare first.

    “The past 14 years have obviously taken a toll on me as a mother, so I wish to thank you in advance for respecting my privacy.”

    Mr Assange’s father, John Shipton, told ABC Victorian Mornings his son had spent 15 of his most productive years “in some form of incarceration or another”.

    “The appearances are that Julian will be able to enjoy ordinary life with his family and his wife, Stella, that’s my understanding,” he said of the reported deal.

    “It looks as though Julian will be free to come back to Australia and my thanks and congratulations to all his supporters in Australia that have made that possible, and of course, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.”

    In a video message, prerecorded on Wednesday June 19, Stella Assange said she was confident this period of their lives had come to an end.

    “By this time next week, I’m confident he will be free,” she said.

    “Things are moving very quickly and it is very difficult for us to plan or even play out the next few hours and days.

    “If everything goes well, Julian will be on a plane on the way to freedom.”

    She added: “We still need your help, what starts now with Julian’s freedom is a new chapter.

    “This new chapter in Julian and our lives, we ask for your support. In the coming hours we intend to start an emergency fund for Julian’s health and recovery.”

    In the footage, editor-in-chief of WikiLeaks Kristinn Hrafnsson also recorded a message.

    “I can say in earnest that without your support this would have never materialised, this important day of joy, the day of Julain’s freedom,” he said.

    “Thank you so much.”

    A government spokesperson said they were aware legal proceedings had been scheduled.

    “We are aware Australian citizen Mr Julian Assange has legal proceedings scheduled in the United States,” a spokesperson said.

    “Given those proceedings are ongoing, it is not appropriate to provide further comment.

    “The Australian government continues to provide consular assistance to Mr Assange.

    “Prime Minister Albanese has been clear — Mr Assange’s case has dragged on for too long and there is nothing to be gained by his continued incarceration.”

    Filings in the US District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands show that US prosecutors have filed criminal paperwork against Mr Assange that is typically a preliminary step before a plea deal.

    The paperwork outlines a single criminal count of conspiring to obtain and disclose classified US national defence documents.

    In 2010, WikiLeaks released hundreds of thousands of classified US military documents relating to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, along with thousands of diplomatic cables.

    The release was the largest security breach of its kind in US military history.

    Mr Assange was indicted over the release of the information during former president Donald Trump’s administration.

    The secret documents were leaked by Chelsea Manning, a former US military intelligence analyst who was also prosecuted under the Espionage Act.

    The trove of more than 700,000 documents included diplomatic cables and battlefield accounts, such as a 2007 video of a US Apache helicopter firing at suspected insurgents in Iraq, killing a dozen people including two Reuters news staff.

    That video was released in 2010.

    The charges against Mr Assange sparked outrage among his many global supporters, who have long argued that he, as the publisher of WikiLeaks, should not face charges typically used against federal government employees who steal or leak information.

    Many press freedom advocates have argued that criminally charging Mr Assange represents a threat to free speech.

  • Pinnacle College Stage 1 – Girls Secondary Building

    The new campus building, whose foundation was laid two years ago, was inaugurated with a ceremony attended by Federal and State Government representatives and local officials. Under the auspices of the McYess Ltd, Pinnacle College provides education across three campuses and now have inaugurated the Golden Grove Girls High School building. In his speech, Mr Tony Zappia MP remarked “I have known Pinnacle College since its inception in 2005. This is my third time participating in their programs. I am intimately familiar with their work and efforts. I leave here with a different synergy every time,”. Pinnacle College have added a new link to their service chain, funded under the Australian Government’s Grant Program (CGP). The first phase of the new school cost $5.7 million, and upon project completion of the second stage, 600 students will receive education.

    600 Students to Receive Education Upon Project Completion. Providing information about the school, Campus Principal Sukan Alkın began by thanking former principal Atilla Sinik, the School Board, and the guests. Mr Alkın stated that the Golden Grove Girls High School Campus features state-of-the-art infrastructure to meet evolving educational needs. The first phase includes a science laboratory, an art room, a food technology room, five classrooms, and a multi-purpose hall. The campus, which currently accommodates 400 students, will increase its capacity to 600 upon project completion. The second phase will add six classrooms, a library, a sports hall, and additional facilities. Ms Dana Wortley MP for Torrens, representing the Labor Party and State Government remarked that “Pinnacle College has a long history of supporting the education of young people and catering for their personal, social and academic needs. Many of the staff have worked to ensure the success of the Pinnacle College”. South Australian Shadow Minister for Education and Liberal Party MP John Gardner, who previously served as the state education minister, acknowledged the efforts of Pinnacle College. He stated that Pinnacle Golden Grove Girls High School would significantly contribute to the community and state education. He further remarked that he was grateful to be invited to attend this important event. He continued noting “This is a school that reaches out to the broader South Australian community on a regular basis and makes an important contribution to multi-culturalism in our state”.

    Before unveiling the plaque, on behalf of the Federal Minister of Education, South Australian Federal MP Tony Zappia, emphasized that Pinnacle College is more than a school; it is a comprehensive educational institution. He further added “…. I am familiar with their work and efforts. Pinnacle College is not just a school; it is an important educational institution. The girls educated here are tomorrow’s doctors, engineers, and professionals. This modern campus, equipped with the latest technology, will train future leaders. I thank everyone on the School Board and the staff for their valuable services”

    High Interest in the Program. In addition to Federal MP Tony Zappia, notable attendees included Labor Party MP – Dana Wortley, Liberal Party MP and Shadow Minister of Education – John Gardner, City of Playford Council Mayor Glenn Docherty, Member of the Legislative Council – Russell Wortley, Chief Executive of the Association of Independent Schools of SA – Anna Dunstan, CEO of the Committee for Adelaide – Sam Dighton, Chairperson of the Block Grant Authority – Russell Eley, Chairperson of Pinnacle College – Kamber Bağsöken, Executive Principal of Pinnacle College – Mahmut Karaduman, Former Socceroo & SA Executive Director of Property Council of Australia – Bruce Djite, Managing Director of Pascale Construction Company – Richard Zanchetta and representatives from Pakistani, Indian, Turkish, Afghan, Uyghur Associations, and including the members of the Middle Eastern Communities. SAPOL Police Members – Northern District Community Engagement team were also present and protecting and working for our communities. Overall, there were over 100 dignitaries and community & education leaders attend, including SRC students, staff members & parents!

  • Sydney in awe as cultural festival kicks off in style with brilliant light displays over the Harbour City

    ‘For the next three weeks Sydney will showcase the magical lights, art and fun of Vivid Sydney.’

    ‘There is something for the whole family, so I encourage everyone to come along and make the most of Vivid Sydney this year,’ he added.

    Its 14th year is themed ‘Humanity’, with artworks centred around a universal search for meaning and purpose.

  • Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton deliver their 2023 Christmas messages focusing on those doing it tough

    “For so many Australians, this is a chance to rest,” Mr Albanese said in his Christmas message on Sunday.

    “To spend time with our family, catch up with friends, and to cherish the memories of those no longer with us.”

    Christmas was also a holy time, he added.

    Mr Albanese expressed his gratitude to everyone who’s giving up their Christmas for the sake of others.

    “In particular, our emergency personnel and Australian Defence Force members, whether here or overseas,” he said.

    “Our medical workers and our hospitality and those who give up for others through charities,” he added.

    At the same time, it wasn’t an easy period for some, the prime minister said.

    “I know many Australians are doing it tough at the moment, in particular those in Far North Queensland, dealing with the aftermath of the floods,” he said.

    Mr Albanese also asked Australians to drive safely this holiday season.

    Mr Albanese plans to spend his day at the Exodus Foundation in Ashfield in Sydney’s west helping to serve Christmas lunch to thousands of people who are homeless and in need of connection and a chat.

    He volunteers at the event, run by the Reverend Bill Crews, each year.

    Usually arriving early in the morning, Mr Albanese said it was an uplifting experience and represented the spirit of Christmas.

    Australians will be looking forward to celebrating Christmas after a tough year in 2023 when many struggled to make ends meet as the cost of living rose, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said.

    “But despite the difficulties, Australians pressed on with characteristic resilience,” he said in his Christmas and New Year message.

    “The generosity and the efforts of our wonderful charity workers and volunteers epitomised the very best of our society.”

    However, “abhorrent displays” of anti-Semitism marked a low point, Mr Dutton said, in the wake of the October 7 attack on southern Israel by the Islamist militant group Hamas.

    Mr Dutton also remembered those who lost loved ones in 2023.

    “I wish all Australians a happy, relaxing and safe Christmas in the company of family and friends,” Mr Dutton said.

    Defence Minister Richard Marles and his defence portfolio colleagues — Pat Conroy, Matt Keogh and Matt Thistlewaite — thanked Australian Defence Force members and families.

    “We are eternally grateful for the hard work and sacrifices made by our serving personnel, their APS colleagues, friends and family,” the ministers said in a joint statement.

    “To those with an empty seat at the dinner table or setting up a video call with family and friends, we truly appreciate the sacrifices you make.”

    The ministers also paid tribute to ADF personnel assisting with the northern Queensland flood effort, in support of state emergency services.

    AAP

  • Senate passes referendum plan, cementing Voice to Parliament vote before end of the year

    The Senate vote ends months of parliamentary procedures and now requires Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to set a referendum date, which must happen no sooner than two months and no later than six months.

    The proposed Voice to Parliament would be an independent advisory body that can advise the parliament and government about matters that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

    Mr Albanese is expected to announce a referendum for October, which will be the first since 1999 when Australians rejected the establishment of a republic.

    The Senate chamber erupted in applause as president Sue Lines announced the result — 52 votes in support, 19 votes against.