Stand-off refugees can't choose destination, says Australia

"SYDNEY: Australia told a group of rescued Sri Lankan asylum-seekers they could not choose their destination and refused to rule out using force after they refused to disembark in Indonesia. Foreign Minister...

Homebirths to Become Illegal in Australia

Under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law released last week, from July 2010 midwives could face a AUS$30,000 fine if they assist with a home birth in Australia.   It is expected that this...

Australia delays carbon emissions trading scheme by one year

Australia have announced that they are pushing back their planned carbon emissions trading scheme for one year as the global recession has made efforts like this just not possible within the current budget. This will mean that the date to begin would be July 2011. Prime...

Setback for "Asia-Pacific Community"

As the recession officially hits Australia, according to today's announcement from the Reserve Bank of Australia, plans for a new diplomatic structure for the "Asia-Pacific Community" will be put on the back burner.Doubts have been expressed on creating a new diplomatic...

Australia holds day of mourning for wildfire victims

Australia held a day of mourning today for the Australia wildfire victims; the worst wildfire disaster in the country's history. Tens of thousands of people attended the memorial service in Melbourne. There were a...

Australia unveils economic boost with $42 billion stimulus

The Australian government has announced a US $26.5bn economic stimulus package, targeting infrastructure and those on low incomes. The  stimulus  aid is aimed at creating more jobs as the economy...

Kevin Rudd descended from thieves and forgers

The PM learned of his colourful antecedents yesterday when presented with two leather-bound volumes of his family tree. PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd is descended from solid convict stock, and his forebears include...

Australian PM Kevin Rudd "Descended from Convicts"

It has today been revealed that Australian Prime Minsiter, Kevin Rudd, can trace his descendants back to convicts.   This is no surprise, for Australia has its history as a British penal colony, and as from...

Psychiatrists Identify ‘climate change Delusion’

"UPDATE PERSONAL ATTACKS: It is a shame that some NP members such as  SOLARLIFE  who called the writer  a ("low level couch potato") and others insulted the writer and many NP members with personal...

Australia PM in new nude art row

The debate over the portrayal of children in the magazines are hotly debated in Australia and the current debate has got even Prime Minister involved. "A photograph of a nude six-year-old girl on the front cover of an Australian art magazine has re-ignited a row over the...

Australian PM 'sexist' for censuring lawmaker

"Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was accused by a government colleague Thursday of applying a sexist double standard by insisting that a woman lawmaker seek anger management counseling when male politicians'...

President Yudhoyono to receive Premier Rudd on Friday

"During his three-day visit, Rudd who will arrive here on Thursday will also visit Indonesia`s western-most province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam on Saturday, Dino Patti Djalal said in a press statement issued on Tuesday.This will be Rudd`s first state visit to Indonesia since...

AUSTRALIA: Rudd urges abolition of nuclear arms

Good to hear Australian PM Kevin Rudd speaking out against nuclear weapons during his recent visit to Hiroshima. According to a report on int'l military spending from the Stockholm International Peace Research...

Indonesia to examine Australian PM`s Asia-Pacific plan

"Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia is "really keen" to examine an ambitious plan by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to create a European Union-style grouping for the Asia-Pacific, an official said Friday.Government officials in Australia's closest neighbour said they...

Australia`s Rudd defends push for Asian EU

"Prime Minister Kevin Rudd pledged Friday to push on with his plan for an Asian counterpart to the European Union despite the proposal being lambasted by two former Australian leaders from his own Labor Party.Bob Hawke, the architect of the 21-member Asia Pacific Economic...

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