The incumbent Australian Coalition government has panned the opposition Labor Party’s newly released Pacific engagement policy, saying it added “nothing new” to existing initiatives to engage with nations in the region. The Labor Party, on April 26, released its alternative “whole of government effort” Pacific strategy amid ongoing concerns about a security deal between the…

The incumbent Australian Coalition government has panned the opposition Labor Party’s newly released Pacific engagement policy, saying it added “nothing new” to existing initiatives to engage with nations in the region. The Labor Party, on April 26, released its alternative “whole of government effort” Pacific strategy amid ongoing concerns about a security deal between the…

The Australian government has ended its $84 million (US$59.4 million), three-year funding freeze of the country’s two public broadcasters in the run-up to the next federal election. Communications Minister Paul Fletcher made the surprise announcement on Feb. 7, which will unlock $4.2 billion (US$2.8 billion) of extra funding until 2025. Fletcher, however, cautioned the Australian…

Commentary On Sunday, ABC Chair Ita Buttrose released a blistering statement in response to New South Wales, Senator Andrew Bragg, setting up a senate inquiry to review the ABC complaints process. The complaints process for the ABC has been scandal ridden, with months of intense criticism, including over the handling of editorial failings of the…

Commentary On Sunday, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) Chair Ita Buttrose released a blistering statement in response to New South Wales Senator Andrew Bragg, setting up a senate inquiry to review the ABC complaints process. The complaints process for the ABC has been scandal ridden, with months of intense criticism, including over the handling of…

Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s calls for a more “loveable” portrayal of the CCP on the world stage will result in a major charm offensive from Beijing, but no slowdown to its aggression in the Indo-Pacific region, according to experts. In late May, Xi reportedly told a “study session” conducted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s…

Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s calls for a more “lovable” portrayal of the CCP on the world stage will result in a major charm offensive from Beijing, but no slowdown to its aggression in the Indo-Pacific region, according to experts. In late May, Xi reportedly told a “study session” conducted by the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP)…

Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s calls for a more “lovable” portrayal of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on the world stage will result in a major charm offensive from Beijing, but no slowdown to its aggression in the Indo-Pacific region, according to experts. In late May, Xi reportedly told a “study session” conducted by the CCP’s…

Commentary Former Australian Attorney-General Christian Porter has discontinued his defamation action against the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and journalist Louise Milligan, declaring that the settlement of the case was a “humiliating” outcome for the ABC. Speaking late on Monday outside the court after a settlement was agreed to, Porter said, “That is a humiliating backdown for…

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has apologised for editing footage of a naval ceremony that made it appear as if leading dignitaries watched a modern dance troupe perform. Prime Minister Scott Morrison criticised the ABC for misreporting the event, while the dance group has accused the public broadcaster of “deceptive editing” and filming the performance…