SYDNEY, 18 MAY 2020 (GRIFFITH ASIA INSTITUTE)—It should not come as a surprise to learn that there have been mixed responses from Pacific leaders and communities about the idea of including their countries in an expanded Trans-Tasman travel bubble. These responses reflect a number of things: there are economic concerns, political preoccupations and social anxieties […]
Tag: Australia
Posted inTop Stories
AUSTRALIAN FUNDING SUPPORTS PREPARATIONS FOR A SECOND INTERNET SUBMARINE CABLE
Reliable, low cost, high-speed internet connectivity is critical for government services, business connections to global markets, and community ties. Australia is providing USD561,000 for a marine survey that will support preparations for a second internet submarine cable into Palau. Australia’s funding builds on the AUD2,000,000 provided in 2016 to land the first submarine cable and […]
Posted inWorld News
The Latest: Over 1 million Australians download virus app
CANBERRA, Australia — Australian officials are pleased that more than 1 million people have downloaded an app designed to accelerate contact tracing for coronavirus despite some privacy concerns. Within 12 hours of the Australian-developed COVIDsafe app becoming available late Sunday, 1.13 million of Australia’s 26 million population had downloaded it onto their smart phones. Chief […]
Posted inWorld News
China warns Australia probe may set off backlash
BANGKOK (AP) — China’s ambassador reportedly is warning the Australian government its pursuit of a coronavirus inquiry could set off a boycott by Chinese consumers, who may no longer travel and study in Australia or buy major exports including beef and wine. Ambassador Cheng Jingye told The Australian Financial Review in an interview published on […]
Posted inPacific News
Australia aid plane to Vanuatu delayed as Chinese plane was parked at Port Vila airport
SYDNEY/PORT VILA, 15 APRIL 2020 (REUTERS)—-A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) plane carrying aid to cyclone-struck Vanuatu turned around and returned home on Sunday as a Chinese plane with medical equipment was already on the airport’s tarmac, Vanuatu airport officials said. The decision to return to Australia, some 2,000 km (1,240 miles) away was made […]
Posted inWorld News
Australia’s highest court to judge cardinal’s abuse appeal
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia’s highest court on Tuesday will judge Cardinal George Pell’s appeal against convictions for molesting two teenage choirboys more than two decades ago. But the legal battle over the world’s most senior Catholic convicted of sexually abusing children may not end there. The High Court could deliver Pope Francis’ former finance […]