Australia

Australia to force Meta, Google to pay for news

Traditional media companies the world over are in a battle for survival as precious advertising dollars are hoovered up online.

Australia's social media ban for under-16s sparks mixed reactions

Australia has passed a new law banning children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. The law, approved on Thursday, forces companies to block kids under 16 from logging in, or they could face fines of up to A$49.5 million (US $32 million). The government says the ban will protect children from harmful content online, but it has sparked mixed reactions from young people, parents, and tech companies.

India crush Australia by 295 runs in first Test

India ran riot to win the opening Test in Perth by a crushing 295 runs on Monday and leave Australia shellshocked and searching for answers.

Australia backs down on social media misinformation fines

Australia has decided not to go ahead with a plan to fine social media companies for failing to stop the spread of false information. The proposed law would have allowed fines of up to 5% of a company’s yearly earnings but was dropped because it didn’t have enough support in the country's Senate.

Australia fight back after Jaiswal's majestic 161

Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal slammed a majestic 161 but Australia took four wickets in the middle session to give themselves a sliver of hope in the first Test at Perth on Sunday.

Australia protest forces ship to abort arrival at coal port, 170 arrested

New South Wales police said 170 protesters were arrested on Sunday for refusing to move from the shipping channel near the Port of Newcastle.

'Puzzle' master Sinner powers champions Italy back into Davis Cup final

World number one Jannik Sinner was described as a "puzzle that not many have solved" after defeating Alex de Minaur to power holders Italy into the Davis Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Australia on Saturday.

Australia launches 'landmark' bill to ban social media for children under 16

Australia plans to trial an age-verification system that may include biometrics or government identification to enforce a social media age cut-off, some of the toughest controls imposed by any country to date.

Warner backs McSweeney to shine in India series

Former Australia opener David Warner has backed Nathan McSweeney to score the most runs in the test series against India despite the uncapped batsman's lack of experience as an opener.

November 7, 2024
November 7, 2024

Australia plans to ban social media for users under 16

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that his government will introduce legislation to prevent users under 16 from accessing social media platforms, citing the risks of online harm.

September 12, 2024
September 12, 2024

Australia threatens fines for social media giants enabling misinformation

The bill is part of a wide-ranging regulatory crackdown by Australia, where leaders have complained that foreign-domiciled tech platforms are overriding the country's sovereignty, and comes ahead of a federal election due within a year.

September 10, 2024
September 10, 2024

Australia plans age limit to ban children from social media

The minimum age for children to log into sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok has not been decided but is expected to be between 14 and 16 years, Albanese said.

August 29, 2024
August 29, 2024

Indonesia, Australia sign 'historic' defence pact

The two countries have sought to boost security ties in the face of increased flashpoints in the region including the South China Sea, where several states claim sovereignty over disputed islands and waterways.

August 26, 2024
August 26, 2024

Australians can now ignore work calls outside office hours

Australian employees can now enjoy their personal time without the intrusion of work-related communications, thanks to a new "right to disconnect" law that came into effect on Monday. This legislation protects employees, in most cases, from being penalised for not responding to work calls, emails, or texts outside of their official working hours.

August 23, 2024
August 23, 2024

Rupanty Akid set to appear next in ‘Hindi Vindi’

The film “Hindi Vindi”, an Indian-Australian co-production, is gearing up for its October release in cinemas across India and Australia. The movie features rising star Rupanty Akid in a significant role and is directed by Indian filmmaker Ali Sayed, based in Sydney. 

August 21, 2024
August 21, 2024

Australia approves world's 'largest' solar hub

Authorities announced environmental approvals for the US$24 billion SunCable project in Australia's remote north that is slated to power three million homes.

August 19, 2024
August 19, 2024

Australia captain expresses concern over Women's T20 World Cup in Bangladesh

Australia women’s cricket captain Alyssa Healy has said it would be "hard to fathom" playing October's T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, amid the ongoing political crisis in the country.

August 18, 2024
August 18, 2024

Bangladesh HP move into final in Australian T20 series

Bangladesh High Performance squad moved into the final of Top End T20 series in Australia, beating Northern Territory Strike by 21 runs today.

August 17, 2024
August 17, 2024

Indian Film Festival of Melbourne set to feature ‘Agantuk’

The Bangladeshi film "Agantuk" (The Stranger) has been chosen to screen at the 15th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) in Australia. Directed by Biplob Sarkar, the film is a collaborative effort with co-producers Rammya Rahim Choudhury, Tazul Haque and himself. This esteemed festival, taking place from August 15 to 25, will showcase the freshest films from across the subcontinent.