Christmas comes early as Bali Nine return to families
Five members of the Bali Nine are adjusting to the spotlight after coming home but are excited to spend Christmas with families for the first time in decades.
international relations
Australia boosts Solomons support as China pact stopgap
A security pact between Australia and Solomon Islands will strengthen the Pacific nation's domestic police force and reduce the need for any Chinese assistance.
Bali Nine return reshines light on ending death penalty
The execution of two Australians for drug smuggling in Indonesia has refocused a spotlight on how the nation co-operates with countries using the death penalty.
Trump says he might demand Panama hand over canal
Donald Trump has threatened the US could retake control of the Panama Canal if it continues to be charged 'ridiculous' fees to use the vital shipping route.
Trump threat to retake control of Panama Canal rebuffed
Panama's president has hit out at Donald's Trump's suggestion the US could take control of the Panama Canal, saying his nation's independence is non-negotiable.
Fears for Australian soldier captured in Ukraine
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says it is concerning news that an Australian citizen is reportedly being held hostage by pro-Russian forces in Ukraine.
‘Scariest moment’: Vanuatu earthquake relief on the way
An estimated 23,000 vulnerable people including those with a disability and children are in urgent need of help after a deadly earthquake rocked Vanuatu.
Australian destroyers to join UK show of force
Two Australian navy destroyers will take part in exercises with a British carrier strike group that will be deployed to the Indo-Pacific in 2025.
Vanuatu counts earthquake cost with 14 dead, 200 hurt
More than a dozen people are dead after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck in Vanuatu but little is known about the extent of the damage further afield.
Business opens door to Vanuatu workers after earthquake
A Queensland business owner has given dozens of stranded Vanuatu workers a place to stay as they wait for a chance to return to their earthquake-hit home.
Indonesian president courts West with Bali Nine release
The release of five Australians serving life sentences in Indonesia for drug smuggling is viewed as an act of political goodwill by President Prabowo Subianto.
Remaining Bali Nine members back on Australian soil
Five members of the Bali Nine have returned to Australia after the federal government reached a deal with Indonesian authorities.
Bali Nine face reintegration challenge in Australia
Five Australians convicted of drug smuggling in Indonesia have landed home, with the members of the infamous Bali Nine expressing gratitude for their return.
Australia’s Gaza ceasefire support splits community
Humanitarian organisations and Palestinian Australians have welcomed Australia's support for a ceasefire in Gaza but the Jewish community has raised concerns.
Trump invites China’s Xi to attend inauguration: report
Donald Trump has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration in January, multiple sources told CBS News.
Israel raps Australia on knuckles for flip on UN vote
Israel's top diplomat in Australia has downplayed criticism by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office over Australia's support for a UN vote.
Donald Trump returns to world stage for Paris ceremony
US President-elect Donald Trump's trip to France for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral is being viewed as a symbolic return to the global stage.
Decorated photographer reveals rare Bali Nine frames
As Australia moves to bring home the surviving members of the Bali Nine, award-winning AAP photographer Mick Tsikas reflects on his years covering their fate.
New era for post-Assad Syria as the world watches
Syria is waking to its first day of freedom from the authoritarian rule of Bashar al-Assad as Russia grants asylum to the ousted president and his family.
China locked out of Nauru security in Australian pact
Australia needs to agree to Nauru entering a security or banking agreement with a third country after signing a treaty to prop up the Pacific nation's budget.
Aussie hub to keep Pacific police ready, China at bay
The opening of a Pacific policing base and training centre in Australia comes a day after China donated boats, 4WDs and motorcycles to Vanuatu police.
China drops final trade blocks as beef back on the menu
Two abattoirs have had Chinese import bans lifted, the final trade restriction to fall after Beijing imposed $20 billion of tariffs against Australia.
‘Significant step’ in push to repatriate Bali Nine
Five Australians serving life sentences in Indonesia for their role in attempting to smuggle heroin as part of the Bali Nine are a step closer to coming home.
‘Not in vain’: families demand poisoning deaths answers
The families of Australians Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones are demanding the Laos government fully investigate a mass poisoning event that claimed their lives.
Tense stand-off at synagogue despite cancelled protest
Police have separated pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups after a planned protest outside a synagogue was cancelled at the last minute.
Trump doesn’t have to hurt Australia-China ties: envoy
A Trump presidency doesn't have to impact how Australia and China co-operate, Beijing's ambassador says, amid a spate of hawkish cabinet picks.
Troubled New Caledonia at ‘turning point’: New Zealand
Veteran Kiwi foreign minister Winston Peters has travelled to Paris to deliver a speech urging France to consider new constitutional futures for New Caledonia.
All eyes on Biden as timeline ticks for Assange pardon
Campaigners for Julian Assange hope the prime minister can help push Joe Biden to formally pardon the Wikileaks founder before the end of his term.
Gaza aid demand echoes as ceasefire in Lebanon welcomed
Australians with families in the Middle East have cautiously welcomed a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon-based listed terror group Hezbollah.
Taiwan backs expansion of AUKUS, strait ship transits
Australia should send more warships to the Taiwan Strait, Taipei says, after its vessels and others from Japan an New Zealand conducted patrols in September.
Australia to present argument in landmark climate case
Pacific island nations are pushing for more action on climate change as they face the existential threat of rising tides and a lack of access to finance.