Australia
NSW fast-tracks freedoms for fully vaccinated people
The NSW government is bringing forward new freedoms for fully vaccinated people and delaying privileges for those who've shunned the Covid-19 vaccine.
Covid-19: Victoria records 1471 new cases, NSW offers booster shots
Victoria has recorded more than 1400 new Covid-19 cases and four deaths, as quarantine-free international travel returns to Melbourne.
'The Pacific is not a highway for nukes' - regional watchdog
Nuclear proliferation risks in the Pacific could be heightened by a new security pact between the US, Britain and Australia, a regional watchdog says.
Australian government commits to reaching net zero by 2050
Australia has joined the world in promising to make the nation carbon-neutral by 2050, ahead of a global climate change summit.
Climate change: Why Australia refuses to give up coal
In a world racing to reduce pollution, Australia is proportionately one of the dirtiest countries. It is a massive supplier of fossil fuels and burns coal for most of its electricity.
Australia opens to limited international travel in just over a week
Australia is throwing open its doors to international travel with flights resuming in as soon as 10 days.
It comes as Victoria and New South Wales hit 70 and 80 percent double dose levels, ease… Audio
Norfolk teachers walk off the job
Norfolk Island teachers walked off the job on Tuesday over the Commonwealth Government's failure to provide education services beyond this year.
Covid-19: NSW records 283 new cases, three states record zero cases
The NSW government has announced a $NZ553 million package to revitalise the pandemic-ravaged tourism industry as the state records another 283 Covid-19 cases and seven deaths.
In brief: More news from around the Pacific for October 20th
Call in Australia for detainees to be released after multiple Covid cases; Samoan Minister speaks out after drunk driving episode; Illegal mining on Kiribati coast increasing; Cook Islanders arriving…
Australia: Govt's own climate stoush ahead of COP26
Australia correspondent Bernard Keane joins Kathryn to talk about Australia's climate position and the difficulties and disagreements the coalition government is having ahead of COP26 in Glasgow… Audio
Covid-19: New South Wales residents enjoy new freedoms
New South Wales residents will face fewer Covid-19 restrictions from today, as the state hits a significant milestone.
It's become the first in Australia to have 80 percent of its eligible population… Audio
NSW to reopen border for visitors, but PM says otherwise
New South Wales' new Premier says the state will soon do away with hotel quarantine.
From the November 1, fully vaccinated travellers will be allowed in without having to isolate in a hotel or at… Audio
Victoria restrictions set to ease despite daily cases record
The Australian state of Victoria has set a new record with almost 2,300 daily Covid-19 cases being announced today. There have also been 11 more deaths. But the state premier, Daniel Andrews, isn't… Audio
Outrage as Australia walks away from refugee responsibilities
The Refugee Action Coalition has called Australia's apparent attempt to walk away from its responsibilities for the refugees it dumped in Papua New Guinea an outrage.
Those fully vaccinated in Sydney celebrate 'Freedom Day'
Sydney has been celebrating what's been dubbed Freedom Day - but only for those fully vaccinated.
After more than 100 days in lockdown, it's a relief for many - and a shot in the arm for a suffering… Audio
Victoria: 1890 new Covid-19 cases, five deaths, NSW: 477 cases, six deaths
Australia's state of Victoria has recorded 1890 new locally acquired cases of Covid-19, and five people have died with the virus.
Victoria sees at least 1800 Covid cases, five deaths overnight
For Aucklanders in the midst of about 50 days in lockdown and 44 new Covid-19 infections today, spare a thought for the state of Victoria which is in the thick of a serious outbreak, breaking its own… Audio
Victoria records 1838 new Covid-19 cases, 11 deaths in NSW
The state of Victoria has recorded Australia's highest daily case tally with 1838 new cases of Covid-19 and five deaths.
'Look at moy!' Why Kath & Kim is earning a new generation of fans
Kath & Kim ran from 2002 to 2007 and was the highest-rated comedy series in Australia at the time - spawning a US remake, a telemovie called Da Kath & Kim Code and even a feature film - Kath &… Audio
China seemingly set on new approach to Pacific influence
China seems set to change the way it relates to Pacific nations.
