Australia

Shortlist of four suitors in the running to take over Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia and its administrator Deloitte have shortlisted "highly credentialed" parties who could end up being the new owners of Australia's second major carrier. ABC News reports that the shortlist…

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Australia announces bid to win back tourists

Australia is reeving up its efforts to attract tourists back to the country. Australia has been largely praised for its ability to "flatten the curve," with attention now turning to…

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International students across Australia rely on free food to survive

International students and other temporary visa holders locked out of federal government support are relying on food banks and restaurants giving away free meals to survive during the coronavirus pandemic.…

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Cafes and bars reopen in parts of Australia after coronavirus lockdown

Restaurants, cafes and bars in Australia's most populous state were reopening on Friday after a two-month shutdown under coronavirus lockdown measures, boosting the federal government's bid to get people back…

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Australians warned worse still to come after job losses hit record high

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned citizens to brace for more bad news as data released on Thursday showed the country’s monthly job losses rose to a record high because…

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Australia saw overseas visitors fall 99% in April amid coronavirus lockdown

Australia saw overseas arrivals collapse to almost nothing in April as it closed its borders to fight the coronavirus pandemic, in a massive blow for the tourist industry. Preliminary data…

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Australians told to ‘maintain vigilance’ as coronavirus curbs eased

Australians need to stay on guard against new outbreaks of novel coronavirus as mobility restrictions are eased across the country this week, authorities said, as the death toll rose to…

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Photo Story: Asylum seekers protest in Brisbane

A refugee supporter holds up a sign as asylum seekers, who are being held in detention, protest at an inner-city motel in Brisbane, Australia, 08 May 2020. The men claim…

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Australia to ease Covid-19 curbs with July targeted for full removal

Australia will ease social distancing restrictions implemented to slow the spread of the coronavirus in a three-step process, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday, with the aim of removing…

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Australia’s biggest states to keep lockdown for Mother’s Day

Australia’s two most populous states on Thursday refused to allow a one-day reprieve from strict limits on personal movement for Mother’s Day this weekend, even as the country’s rate of…

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New Zealand and Australia consider coronavirus “travel bubble”

New Zealand and Australia are discussing the potential creation of a “travel bubble” between the two countries, sources said on Monday, even as Australia reported its highest number of coronavirus…

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The Australian state of Victoria sees biggest jump in new cases in weeks

The Australian state of Victoria has seen its biggest jump in new cases in several weeks while the country's most populous state, New South Wales, is dealing with a cluster…

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Covid-19 vaccine from University of Queensland shows promising results

Early tests of a potential COVID-19 vaccine have shown promising results against the deadly virus, Queensland researchers say. In preclinical tests, the University of Queensland’s COVID-19 vaccine has shown it…

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Australia says international travel will not be resuming ‘anytime soon’

Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, says international travel and mass gatherings will not be resuming ‘anytime soon’. On lifting restrictions, Scott Morrison said "don’t get your hopes up for a…

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2 million Australians download contact tracing app in first 24 hours

Just hours after a contact tracing app was launched by the Australian Government on Monday, more than two million Australians had downloaded it on their mobile phones. The app is…

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Photo Story: Trackwork session at Barwon Heads, Australia

Champion jumps jockey Steven Pateman rides Ivan Grozny during a trackwork session at Barwon Heads, Victoria, Australia, 27 April 2020. Via EPA-EFE/VINCE CALIGIURI

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ANZAC Day services cancelled amid coronavirus pandemic in Turkey

ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day Dawn Services are cancelled this year due to ongoing coronavirus social distancing measures. Anzac Day, held annually on 25 April, is a…

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Australia says all WHO members should support a proposed coronavirus inquiry

All member nations of the World Health Organization (WHO) should support a proposed independent review into the coronavirus pandemic, Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday, further threatening strained…

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Ruby Princess cruise ship leaves Australia

The Ruby Princess cruise ship departed from Port Kembla in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia, on Thursday 23 April 2020. Busloads of crew have been taken from the Ruby Princess…

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Virgin Australia Australia’s first big corporate casualty of the coronavirus pandemic

Virgin Australia has confirmed it has entered voluntary administration - making it Australia's first big corporate casualty of the coronavirus pandemic. It is part-owned by a number of entities…

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China rejects Australia’s questions on its handling of coronavirus

China dismissed as groundless on Monday Australia’s questioning of how Beijing handled the coronavirus pandemic, saying it had been open and transparent, despite growing scepticism about the accuracy of its…

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Australians told restrictions must remain

More than 150 Australian economists on Monday warned the government against easing social distancing rules aimed at halting the spread of the new coronavirus even as the rate of infections…

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Australia calls for international investigation on WHO’s and China’s handling of coronavirus

Australia on Sunday called for an independent investigation into the global response to the coronavirus pandemic, including the World Health Organization's handling of the crisis. Foreign Minister Marise Payne won't…

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Australia may keep coronavirus restrictions for a year

Australian public life could be constrained for another year because of the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned on Friday, as the country’s most populous state mulled sending children…

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Photo Story: Teddy bear hunt to entertain children during coronavirus lockdown

A collection of images showing plush toys and teddy bears displayed in the windows of Parkdale homes in Melbourne, Australia. A mass teddy bear hunt has been under way around…

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Coronavirus restrictions in Australia to remain in place for at least four weeks

Australians will have to live with coronavirus restrictions for at least another four weeks, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said, as the Government begins to chart a path out of…

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Schools urged to reopen in Australia

Australia’s federal government on Thursday urged state premiers to reopen schools as it considers how to start winding back some other restrictions on movement that have helped slow the spread…

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New Zealand, Australia say too soon to ease restrictions

Officials in New Zealand and Australia, hailed globally for their early signs of success in combating the spread of the coronavirus, said on Monday it is too soon to start…

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People who deliberately spread coronavirus to Australian health workers face life in prison

People who deliberately try to spread the coronavirus to Australia's healthcare workers could spend life in prison, the federal government has warned. Speaking at a Wednesday press conference, Health Minister Greg…

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Australia records lowest number of new daily cases in three weeks

Australia recorded its lowest number of new coronavirus cases yesterday, with 96 new cases. This is the first time in three weeks the country has seen the number of new…

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Cardinal Pell released from prison after the country’s highest court quashed his child sexual abuse convictions unanimously

Australia's High Court has overturned Cardinal George Pell's conviction for sexual abuse, allowing him to walk free in time for Easter. The court announced the decision on Tuesday morning local…

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Photo Story: Soft toys in Tasmanian towns to cheer up isolated residents

Soft toys, including one depicting the character 'Sulley' from the 2001 Pixar movie 'Monsters Inc.,' are taped to street posts lining a bike path along a street in the small…

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Ruby Princess docks at Port Kembla

The Ruby Princess, with only crew onboard, docks at Port Kembla, Wollongong, Australia, 06 April 2020. A criminal investigation will be launched into how cruise line operator Carnival Australia could…

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Australia confident can avoid worst impacts of coronavirus

Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy said he is "increasingly confident" Australia will avoid the kind of devastation the coronavirus has caused in countries like Italy and the United States.…

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Australia begins coronavirus vaccine tests

Australian government scientists have begun the first stages of testing for a potential vaccine against the SARS CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19. Australia's national science agency CSIRO said…

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Australian court to rule on ex-Vatican treasurer’s sex offences appeal on April 7

Ex-Vatican treasurer George Pell will learn on April 7 whether he can walk free from jail, when Australia’s highest court hands down its judgment on his appeal against historical child…

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Photo story: Coronavirus restrictions enforced in Australia

A police officer asks a person to move on due to coronavirus restrictions, while patrolling at Rushcutters Bay park in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 01 April 2020. New South…

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Photo Story: Social distancing in Australia

A sign reminding people about social distancing is seen at the entrance to a shopping centre in Toowoomba, Australia, 01 April 2020. The Australian government has restricted gatherings in public…

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Australia limits public gatherings to only two people

Australian officials will use fines and the threat of jail to enforce a new rule limiting public gatherings to two people, as the country’s coronavirus infection rate slowed but the…

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Australia tightens social distancing rules to combat coronavirus

Australia stepped up enforcement of social distancing rules on Saturday to contain community transmission of the novel coronavirus, implementing fines, closing beaches and threatening stricter measures if people defy…

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Photo Story: Covid-19 precautions in Australia

A local council worker sticks a notice advising pedestrians not to push the button that triggers the traffic lights, in Brisbane, Australia, 27 March 2020. The Australia Federal…

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Australian troops to enforce self-isolation rules

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday tightened enforcement on self isolation for thousands of citizens returning from overseas, saying states and territories would quarantine all arrivals in hotels. The…

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Photo Story: Life amid coronavirus pandemic in Brisbane

A health message regarding social distancing sits at a bus stop in Brisbane, Australia, 25 March 2020. A shutdown of non-essential services as well as domestic and international travel restrictions…

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Australia boosts lockdown measures as coronavirus cases increase

Australian officials warned that an accelerating number of coronavirus infections could start overwhelming the country’s intensive care units, as stricter social distancing measures came into force on Wednesday. Prime Minister…

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A message from the Australian PM on why social distancing matters

Australian Prime Minister issued a tweet explaining in simple terms why social distancing in the coronavirus pandemic is of outmost importance. The strident government’s message about social distancing to stop…

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Australia starts lockdown measures

Australia started shutting down pubs, clubs, gyms and houses of worship on Monday after a jump in coronavirus cases and after thousands disregarded social distancing advice and crowded beaches,…

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Australia adds A$66.4 billion in stimulus to protect the economy

Australia’s government will spend additional A$66.4 billion ($38.50 billion) as part of a second stimulus package to shelter the economy from the financial impact of the coronavirus, Prime Minister…

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Australian PM warns of lockdowns, NSW moves to comprehensive shutdown of non-essential services

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison warns the country could see lockdowns in a bid to curb coronavirus. The potential measures come after large crowds gathered on Sydney's beaches including Bondi…

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Australia closes borders to coronavirus, pumps $56 billion into economy

Australia is closing its borders to foreigners and pumping about A$100 billion (49 billion pounds) into the economy as it seeks to minimise the blow from the coronavirus epidemic. Australia…

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Qantas suspends all international flights due to coronavirus pandemic

A Qantas aircraft takes off from Sydney Airport in Sydney, Australia, 19 March 2020. According to media reports on 19 March 2020, Qantas has suspended all international flights and will…

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Australia bans non-citizens and non-residents from entering into country

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the enhanced border measures in response to the coronavirus outbreak. It applies to all non-citizens and non-residents. Australians will still be able to return from…

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Special hours in Australia for shopping by elderly, people with disabilities

Woolworths in Australia has introduced special hours in its supermarkets to ensure that elderly and people with disabilities will be able to shop in less crowded aisles during the coronavirus…

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Western Australia freezes ‘all household fees’ as part of a major economic relief package

The Australian state of Western Australia has frozen all household fees, including electricity, water, public transport fares and motor vehicles charges. The state has declared a state of emergency. WA…

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Australia imposes self isolation, bans cruise ships

Australia will impose a 14-day self isolation on all international passenger arrivals from midnight Sunday to try and contain the spread of coronavirus, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. Australia will…

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Everyone entering New Zealand must self-isolate, cruise ships banned

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Saturday that everyone entering the country from midnight Sunday must self isolate for 14 days in an effort to contain the spread…

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Photo Story: Rex on the loose in Canberra

A hot air balloon in the shape of a tyrannosaurus rex is seen on Thursday next to other hot air balloons at the Canberra International Balloon Festival in Canberra, Australia.…

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Australian Minister Peter Dutton, who recently met Ivanka Trump, has the virus

Australia’s minister for Home Affairs, Peter Dutton, who last week met with Ivanka Trump, President Trump’s daughter and senior adviser, said he had contracted the new coronavirus. Mr. Dutton, a…

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