Category: Australia

No Jab, No Life: Senator Helps Unvaccinated Patient Search for Heart Transplant

A senator is calling for donors to help an unvaccinated Melbourne mother receive a heart transplant from overseas after she was denied one locally due to her COVID-19 vaccination status. Vicki Derderian is a mother of two from Melbourne, Australia, and has suffered a heart condition over the past eight years. She currently lives with…


‘Deeply Concerning War’: Australia, Indonesia Condemn Russia While Sending Message to Beijing

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indonesian President Joko Widodo jointly denounced Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, noting its effects on the global economy through inflation, disrupted supply chains, and worsening food insecurity. Mr. Albanese welcomed Mr. Widodo to Australia on July 4 during the annual Australia-Indonesia leaders’ meeting in Sydney, where they deepened links between…


Hundreds of Complaints Submitted to New Federal Corruption Body Days After Its Opening

The new corruption watchdog appears to have its work cut out for it after it received a massive upsurge of complaints. Officially opening on July 1, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has been tasked with stopping corrupt conduct involving Commonwealth officials, ministers, parliamentarians, and their staff. In a media statement on July 5, the Commission said…


More Interest-free Loans to Support Vulnerable Australian Motorists Buy Vehicles

The Australian government has extended support for a trial program helping low-income families obtain vehicles following a surge in demand. According to the Department of Social Services, the No Interest Loans Scheme for Vehicles program delivered by charity Good Shepherd Australia will receive $500,000 (US$334,000) in extra federal funding to support vulnerable families until June…


Mental Health Reform Flagged After Boy Stabbed 76 Times

The death of a five-year-old boy stabbed 76 times by his father has prompted recommendations for heightened availability of mental health services within the community. The child, known for legal reasons as JY, was stabbed by his father and died at Westmead Children’s Hospital on the morning of June 8, 2018. An autopsy found stab wounds…


Hong Kong Will Pursue Pro-Democracy Activists For Life

The Beijing-run Hong Kong (HK) Chief Executive John Lee has said that the eight pro-democracy activists who are currently being pursued by the Hong Kong police for allegedly breaking the island state’s National Security Law should be aware they will be pursued for life. Mr. Lee, who made the remarks on July 4, expressed he…


Hong Kong Authorities Vow to Pursue Pro-Democracy Activists ‘For Life’

The Beijing-backed Hong Kong (HK) Chief Executive John Lee has said that the eight pro-democracy activists who are currently being pursued by the Hong Kong police for allegedly breaking the island state’s National Security Law should be aware they will be pursued for life. Mr. Lee, who made the remarks on July 4, expressed he…


Magistrate Blasts Accused Taser Cop Not Fronting Court

A magistrate has berated prosecutors for allowing the police officer accused of tasering a 95-year-old grandmother not to appear in person before court. Senior Constable Kristian White first appeared before Cooma Court Local Court via video link on July 5 over the tasering of great-grandmother Clare Nowland, who later died from injuries sustained in the…


Australia to Ease Visa Rules to Boost Indonesian Ties

Business travel for Indonesians to Australia will be made easier in a bid to boost the economic partnership between the two countries following a deal struck between Anthony Albanese and President Joko Widodo. The pair met for talks in Sydney on Tuesday during the Indonesian president’s three-day visit to Australia. Visa changes, climate initiative funding and…


Fuel Standard Could Save Drivers $10,000, Study Finds

Introducing an ambitious fuel-efficiency standard in Australia could save drivers up to $10,000 over the life of their vehicles, reduce the price of electric cars by 2.8 percent each year, and cut 31 million tonnes of carbon emissions by 2035, according to a new study. It found the policy could also deliver economic and environmental…