A U.S. soldier inspects a Patriot missile defense battery near Warsaw in 2015. Precision munitions and air defense are seen as key areas of need as NATO looks to expand defense industrial cooperation. (Agencja Gazeta via Reuters)
Indo-Pacific

NATO to expand defense industrial cooperation to Indo-Pacific

Alliance aims to tap production capacity of South Korea, Japan and Australia

9 July 2024
The Australian Cyber Security Centre said in a report that a Chinese hacker group, APT40, had conducted malicious cyber operations for China's Ministry of State Security.
Cybersecurity

Australia says China-backed hackers behind cybercrimes

Cybersecurity agency says thieves stole passwords, usernames from 2 networks

9 July 2024
The Reserve Bank of Australia: The central bank says the decline in correspondent banks serving the Pacific is due to streamlining and counterterrrorism and anti-money laundering efforts.
Finance

Australia, U.S. to tackle Pacific's fall in correspondent banks

'Worrying trend' hurts financial access, stability in region, U.S. official says

9 July 2024
The offer follows Rex's search for partners for its proposed Hillside Copper-Gold project on the Yorke Peninsula.
Commodities

Indonesia's Salim makes bid for Australia copper player Rex Minerals

Group's $265m offer represents hefty premium over recent share price

8 July 2024
A Switchblade drone strikes a target at sea. (Australian Department of Defence)
Defense

Australia to purchase U.S.-made 'killer drones'

Adoption of armed drones by Canberra has been slow, expert says

8 July 2024
People walk in the central business district of Sydney, one of Australia's largest cities.
Technology

Australian tech companies look beyond degrees when hiring

Industry focuses more on experiences and skills in diversification push

7 July 2024
Dalisa Pigram, left, and Miranda Wheen perform during "Cut the Sky," a production from Australian dance company Marrugeku. (Photo by Marina Levitskaya)
Arts

Australian contemporary dance eyes center stage

Nationwide, troupes embrace the languages of the body in motion

7 July 2024
NATO is forming a closer relationship with four key Indo-Pacific nations to counter perceived security threats from China and Russia.  
Indo-Pacific

NATO to up security links with Japan, South Korea, Australia, NZ

Atlantic military alliance will issue joint cooperation document next week

4 July 2024
The Australian government has contracted with Amazon Web Services to provide "top-secret" cloud storage, citing the U.S. company's capabilities. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by AP)
Defense

Australia taps Amazon for $1.3bn 'top secret' cloud storage system

Local arm of U.S tech giant to run data centers for military and intelligence

4 July 2024
Australia's earnings from metallurgical coal, used as a fuel for steelmaking, are forecast to fall in the next 12 months due to weaker prices.
Commodities

China tensions with West a risk for resource exports, Australia warns

Further dips in value expected as U.S., Europe look to reshore manufacturing

2 July 2024
Students work in a computer lounge at the campus of the University of New South Wales in Sydney.
Education

Australia doubles visa fees in clampdown on international students

Move is one of a raft of changes as nation seeks to reduce migration

1 July 2024
An excavator digs up vines near the town of Griffith in southeast Australia.
Food & Beverage

In vino veritas: Australia wrestles with wine glut

Falling consumption among young, thirst for quality fuels change at wineries

29 June 2024
A lithium mine in Brazil: The global market for the metal used in EV batteries is getting more crowded, even as prices slump. 
Commodities

Australia to dominate lithium supply for 'years to come' but prices subdued

BMI outlook suggests lithium market unlikely to return to boom prices

28 June 2024
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange walks outside a United States District Court following a hearing in Saipan, the Northern Mariana Islands, U.S., on June 26.
Crime

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange heads to Australia after U.S. plea

Release ends 14-year legal saga and more than five years in a British prison

26 June 2024
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, left, speaks as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese listens in Canberra on June 26. Manele is on his first official overseas trip since taking office in May.
International relations

Solomon Islands PM visits Australia in first foreign trip

Leaders discuss security, policing as geopolitical tension in Pacific heats up

26 June 2024
Australia's Labor government has a legislated target of generating 82% of the country's electricity from renewable sources by 2030 to meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate.
Energy

Renewable backers anxious as Australia's energy debate goes nuclear

Proposal adds uncertainty to wind and solar projects already facing hurdles

26 June 2024
Australian sheep farmers are facing pressures due to low prices for wool.
Commodities

Australian wool threatened by low prices, industry body CEO says

Farmers consider pulling out of business as prices stay at half pre-pandemic peak

26 June 2024
Some Japanese airports are struggling to keep up with surging inbound tourism. (Photo by Konosuke Urata)
Transportation

Australia's Qantas drops Sapporo flight idea over labor shortages

Japan faces ground staff shortage as oil refiners struggle to meet surging demand

20 June 2024
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, left, visits the Fortescue Hazelmere hydrogen research hub in Perth, Western Australia, on June 18. (Pool photo via Reuters)
Commodities

Chinese premier's visit puts Australia's critical mineral ambitions in spotlight

China's support could help make Albanese's processing ambitions affordable

18 June 2024
Australian Ambassador to Japan Justin Hayhurst speaks during an interview with Nikkei on June 17 in Tokyo. (Photo by Manami Yamada)
Interview

Australia's new rules 'facilitate' Japan investment, envoy says

Canberra streamlines access to critical minerals to strengthen supply chains

18 June 2024
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, left, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang shake hands in Canberra on June 17. Both men welcomed improved relations between their countries.
International relations

Chinese Premier Li Qiang says ties with Australia are back on track

Meeting with Prime Minister Albanese in Canberra comes as economic ties warm

17 June 2024
A promotion for "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" in Sydney on May 1: Exact figures for government financial support for the film are unclear. (AAP Image)
Opinion

Australia's taxpayers have reasons to be mad about 'Furiosa'

Unlimited public funding for Hollywood film productions makes little sense

16 June 2024
A tiger rests just outside a guest room at the Jamala Wildlife Lodge at Canberra's National Zoo and Aquarium. (Photo by Sophie Mak)
Travel & Leisure

Australian zoos target roaring trade through luxury lodges and glamping

Guests can get up close to animals such as lions, bears and tigers

15 June 2024
The Indian Army's Punjab Regiment. India has historically shunned collective defense arrangements, but that might be changing, according to a think tank report.
Indo-Pacific

India can be part of Quad collective defense, university report says

Xi's vision for China is incompatible with New Delhi, according to ex-Indian naval officer

14 June 2024
Big consulting firms like PwC have come under fire in Australia after a scandal in which PwC was found to have used confidential information from the government for commercial gain.
Economy

Australian senate urges stricter rules for 'Big 4' consultancies

Report calls for tighter oversight of government contracts following scandal

13 June 2024