Australia

Indonesia 'not suspending' all military ties with Australia

On Wednesday the military said all forms of co-operation were on hold, with things needing "to be improved".

But Wiranto, who goes by one name, said the suspension related only to a language-training programme.

The row relates to "teaching materials" at an Australian army language facility, officials say.

Indonesia's military chief said the materials included "unethical stuff" that discredited the military.

 

How close are Australia and Indonesia?

Mosquito-borne virus prompts warning in Australia

Ross River virus infected 314 people in Victoria in 2016, nearly a 50% increase on the year before, said the state's chief health officer Charles Guest.

Prof Guest suggested stagnant water from recent heavy rain created conditions ripe for mosquito breeding.

The virus, found in Australia and some Pacific nations, can cause joint pain, fatigue and muscle aches.

Current treatments only target symptoms, which can last for months.

"The best protection from these diseases is to avoid mosquito bites," Prof Guest said in a statement.

 

Indonesia suspends military co-operation with Australia

Army spokesman Maj Gen Wuryanto said the halt came into force in December and a broad range of activities were affected, including joint training.

Australian Defence officials confirmed Indonesia had halted all defence co-operation over "teaching materials".

Bilateral relations have been tense at times in recent years, although there were recent signs of improvement.

"All forms of co-operation with the Australian military, including joint training, have been temporarily withheld. I hope it can be resolved as soon as possible," Maj Gen Wuryanto said.

Australia runs through Pakistan to complete unlikely win at MCG

Earlier in the day, Steve Smith declared with Australia 9-624, leading by 181 runs after their first innings and giving his attack something at which to bowl.

Pakistan then lost one wicket in a brief spurt before lunch, four more fell in the afternoon session before losing the final five after tea to be all out for 163.

After being given an awkward 70 overs to negotiate, Pakistan started terribly when opener Sami Aslam dropped a defensive stroke on to his pads and back into the stumps in the second over.

Qantas to fly from London to Australia non-stop

Australia's national carrier says it will connect Perth, in the west of the country, to the UK capital using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

The 9,000 mile (14,498km) flight will take 17 hours.

Perth will be a hub for passengers from eastern Australia going to the UK, tourism minister Steven Ciobo said.

He also said the new service would boost employment and tourism in Australia, a sector growing three times faster than the rest of the national economy, and one that supports 580,000 jobs.

K19b for mining and petroleum exports

 

This is a clear indication of the significant contribution made by the resources sector to the PNG economy.

President of the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, Gerea Aopi, said this today when opening the 14th PNG Chamber of Mining and Petroleum Conference in Sydney, Australia.

Aopi said the statistic from the Treasury Department, revealed the need to continue to nurture this growth of the sectors if the country wished to continue to deliver further development opportunities for our people.

England beat Australia to equal all-time record of 14 wins

 

Old Mutual Wealth Series

England (13) 37

Tries: Joseph 2, Yarde, Youngs Cons: Farrell 3, Ford Pens: Farrell 3

Australia (16) 21

Tries: Naivalu, Kepu Cons: Foley Pens: Foley 3

Autumn internationals: Ireland 27-24 Australia

Tries from Iain Henderson and Garry Ringrose helped the hosts to a 17-0 lead but the Wallabies fought back with three touchdowns to move into the lead.

Keith Earls' score proved decisive but it was the Irish forwards who laid the platform in a breathless encounter.

The result ended Australia's hopes of a Grand Slam over the home nations.

They had defeated Wales, Scotland and France and will face England in the final match of their northern hemisphere tour next week.

Australian Visa Application Service Fees in the South Pacific

This will affect clients submitting visa applications in Fiji, New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Nauru and Kiribati.

The changes have been announced by the Australian Government’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Changes to TTS Service fees

The following TTS Service Fees will take effect from 01 December 2016:

COUNTRY            CURRENCY          PRIMARY SERVICE FEE   SECONDARY SERVICE FEE             BIOMETRIC FEE

Aria awards: Kylie Minogue calls for same-sex marriage in Australia

The 48-year-old singer and actor Joshua Sasse, 28, announced their engagement earlier this year.

The couple subsequently vowed to postpone their nuptials until same-sex marriage becomes legal in Australia.

Dressed in "Say I Do Down Under" T-shirts at the Arias in Sydney, the pair urged the change to come next year.

"We're here to introduce a shining light in the Australian music industry," Minogue told the audience on Wednesday night.

"But we're also here to say thank you to everyone who has supported Josh's campaign for equality."