Right wing surges, abortion resonating as US poll heats
Australia's political class appear stressed about US defence and trade relationships if Donald Trump scoops the presidency, which could also fire up the right.
international relations
Trade boost spruiked as China inspects Australian meat
Trade Minister Don Farrell is launching the first phase of a winemaking agreement with China as he looks to boost trade by tens of billions of dollars.
US election result a bigger picture for Australian ties
A new president won't change the US-Australia relationship but it could alter how other nations interact with Australia, a former ambassador says.
Warning Israel’s aid agency ban could be ‘catastrophic’
Israel has violated international law by moving against a key UN aid group, which could result in sanctions from Australia and other nations, an expert says.
PM: ‘Security of any one of us, matters to all of us’
The prime minister has celebrated a collaboration between Australian and Pacific Islands police, emphasising the initiative is led by and for Pacific nations.
Peru proposes investment ahead of major mining forum
A Peru trade delegation led by its prime minister will attend a major mining conference in Australia as Canberra works to diversify its international trade.
Commonwealth leaders say time for discussion on slavery
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting has selected a new secretary-general who supports reparations for slavery and colonialism.
Climate, reparations top agenda at ‘successful’ meet
Climate, policing and reparations have emerged as key issues at a meeting of Commonwealth heads as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hails the summit a success.
PM defends energy transition after Pacific criticisms
Pacific leaders and King Charles have called for greater action on climate change as the region hosts its first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Modi tells Putin that India wants peace in Ukraine
While praising their "strong friendship" with Russia on the eve of the BRICS summit, India has made it clear it wants to see an end to the war in Ukraine.
Climate action call as King presides over leaders meet
Australia and wealthier Commonwealth nations are being told to pay the rent on climate action as the Pacific faces an existential threat from rising sea levels.
Death of Hamas boss ‘can be turning point in conflict’
Australian politicians have called for urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza and an end to the war in the middle east after Israel killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Political prisoners concerned by diplomacy red tape
Australians wrongfully detained oversees are decrying being freed only to fall through the cracks back home, citing lack of support for them and their families.
Peace call after Hamas leader’s death, ceasefire doubts
The prime minister and foreign minister have used the death of Hamas' leader to reiterate calls for the war in Gaza to end but experts say this is unlikely.
Xi says China willing to be a friend with the US
President Xi Jinping says China-US relations are among the most important bilateral relations in the world.
Australia admonishes Israeli, backs US Gaza aid call
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has condemned the number of civilian deaths in Gaza and backed an American ultimatum to Israel to force an rise in the flow of aid.
A lobster in every pot at Christmas and the New Year
Australia's lobster fishers are confident of being able to meet renewed demand from China and satisfy local customers this Christmas.
Act now as Myanmar crisis goes ‘from worse to horrific’
Australia has been called on to take a more leading role in responding to human rights abuses by the Myanmar junta as families worry about their loved ones.
Clean energy focus at summit after trade breakthrough
After leaving a meeting with China's second-in-command with a big victory, Anthony Albanese is turning his focus to the transition to net-zero emissions.
Protesters defiant as more Aussies return from Lebanon
Protesters are ready to fight police again over a sign attacking Israel as more Australians evacuated out of Lebanon arrive home.
Australia ‘appalled’ at Gaza deaths, aid blockade
Australia IS "appalled by the unacceptable deaths of innocent civilians" following Israel's operations in Gaza, as food shortages spark outrage.
Canada boots India diplomats, links them to Sikh murder
India's top diplomats have been expelled by Canada over alleged involvement in murder and other acts of violence against South Asian dissidents.
Australia urged to press Chinese premier on security
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has touched down in Laos, where he will meet with the Chinese premier against the backdrop of security tensions and trade bans.
Trade war fully thawed as China drops live lobster ban
Australia and China have effectively ended a years-long trade dispute after Beijing agreed to drop an import embargo on live rock lobsters.
‘Enough blood has been spilled’: concern over Gaza toll
A senior Australian minister has questioned whether Israel is complying with international law in its bombing of schools and hospitals in Gaza.
China’s actions ‘dangerous’ in disputed sea: Blinken
The US has delivered a firm message to Beijing at the ASEAN summit over its "increasingly dangerous and unlawful" actions in the South China Sea.
PM to press China on trade sanctions during summit
Territorial disputes between China and other Southeast Asian nations and trade will be top of the agenda of regional meetings to be held in Laos this week.
Australia waives immunity of diplomat’s partner in NZ
Charges could be laid against the partner of an Australian diplomat over an alleged street fight after his immunity from prosecution was removed.
ASEAN leaders to tackle Myanmar crisis and disputed sea
A worsening civil war in Myanmar and rising tensions over the South China Sea are top of the list for Southeast Asian leaders meeting in Laos.
House divided: leaders spar over Israel-Gaza motion
As Australians continue to flee escalating violence in the Middle East, a potential moment of unity between the nation's leaders has been rejected.
Mercy flights to rescue Australians stranded in Lebanon
Australians in Lebanon will be transported by two mercy Qantas flights from Cyprus to Sydney as tensions in the region remain ongoing.