Venezuela crisis: UN says security forces killed hundreds
Venezuelan security forces have carried out hundreds of arbitrary killings under the guise of fighting crime, the UN’s human rights body says. In a report, it cites “shocking” accounts of…
Is racism worsening Australia’s China influence row?
In recent months, Australia has been struggling with a vexing issue – how to stand up for its values and deal with China’s increasing influence. Australia has been moving to…
NSW won’t force priests to break seal of confessional, but sex offenders face life in jail
The New South Wales Government has put off tackling the thorny issue of forcing priests to reveal abuse they learn about in the confessional, despite the Commonwealth saying it is…
South China Sea: US says China’s militarisation of islands an act of ‘intimidation and coercion’
US Defence Secretary James Mattis has raised the prospect of additional American steps against China if its “militarisation” of the South China Sea keeps apace. Mr Mattis said Beijing was…
Barnaby Joyce knew last year Vikki Campion’s pregnancy would mean he had to step down as deputy PM
Barnaby Joyce has admitted he knew when his partner became pregnant in mid-2017 that he would lose his job as deputy prime minister. But he went on to fight a…
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte tells UN human rights expert: ‘Go to hell’
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has lashed out at another UN human rights expert for making critical remarks about his supposed role in the expulsion of the chief justice, telling him…
Donald Trump accuses Robert Mueller of leaking secret letter from lawyers
US President Donald Trump’s lawyers have composed a secret 20-page letter to special counsel Robert Mueller to assert that Mr Trump cannot be forced to testify in the ongoing investigation…
ANZ, Deutsche Bank and Citigroup face ‘criminal cartel’ charges
Financial institutions ANZ, Deutsche Bank and Citigroup will be prosecuted on criminal cartel charges, Australia’s consumer watchdog says. The allegations concern arrangements for the sale of A$2.5bn (£1.4bn; $1.9bn) worth…
China tells Australia to ‘take off tinted glasses’ to improve relationship
China’s Foreign Minister has told Julie Bishop that Australia needs to remove its “tinted glasses” and “translate its words into concrete actions” to improve ties after tensions over Beijing’s anger…
Donald Trump says ‘substantial chance’ summit with North Korea’s Kim Jong-un may be delayed
Philip Wilson to step down as Archbishop of Adelaide after conviction, but refuses to resign US President Donald Trump says there is a “substantial chance” his summit with North Korean…