Global Pulse

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  • ‘Says nothing’: Liberal Farrer candidate responds to ex-leader snub

    ‘Says nothing’: Liberal Farrer candidate responds to ex-leader snub

    In the heated campaign for the Farrer by-election, Liberal candidate Raissa Butkowski has publicly defended former party leader Sussan Ley’s absence from recent campaign events. The development comes as Opposition Leader Angus Taylor joined Butkowski in Albury on Monday, attempting to rally support in what was once considered a safe Liberal seat.

    The political landscape in Farrer has shifted dramatically, with polling indicating a potential showdown between One Nation and independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe in primary votes. This transformation has positioned preference allocations as potentially decisive in determining the outcome.

    When questioned about Ley’s non-appearance, Butkowski revealed she had extended an invitation to the former leader but understood her need for respite. ‘I reached out to Sussan,’ Butkowski stated, ‘but I also think that she deserves a well-earned break. Ultimately, this is a by-election to choose a new representative.’

    The candidate emphasized her commitment to earning voter trust across the electorate while dismissing significance from Ley’s lack of response. Butkowski expressed strong support for the new Liberal leadership, noting that both Taylor and Deputy Leader Jane Hume had engaged with her campaign immediately following her preselection.

    Taylor himself praised Ley as a ‘great servant of the Liberal Party and Australia’ while enthusiastically endorsing Butkowski’s qualifications, humorously noting she possesses ‘more degrees than a thermometer.’

    The Opposition Leader addressed the challenge of restoring confidence in the Liberal Party, citing declining living standards under Labor governance. However, Taylor strategically avoided committing to preference arrangements, maintaining the party would compete vigorously for first-preference votes while evaluating preference strategies.

  • London Al-Quds rally defies restrictions amid Gaza war anger

    London Al-Quds rally defies restrictions amid Gaza war anger

    Central London witnessed a significantly diminished Al-Quds Day rally on Sunday after British authorities imposed unprecedented restrictions on the annual event. The Metropolitan Police, acting on government approval, prohibited the traditional procession through the capital, permitting only a stationary demonstration amid concerns about potential public disorder.

    The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), which organizes the UK event typically held near Ramadan’s conclusion, strongly condemned the police decision. Instead of their customary march through London streets, participants were confined to a static gathering, a limitation that substantially reduced attendance compared to previous years.

    Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan acknowledged the lower turnout, noting that ‘fewer people attended than we had anticipated,’ suggesting that the imposed conditions led many supporters to voluntarily abstain from participation.

    This year’s rally focused primarily on protesting Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which organizers termed a ‘genocide.’ Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags while speakers denounced Western support for Israel’s operations that have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties and widespread destruction in the besieged territory. Additional banners expressed opposition to potential conflict with Iran, bearing slogans such as ‘Hands Off Iran.’

    Police reported twelve arrests during the event for various offenses including alleged support for proscribed organizations, public disorder offenses, and abusive behavior. Authorities also confirmed investigations into potentially inflammatory chants delivered by a speaker at the protest.

    Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood supported the police request to ban the march, citing legitimate concerns about ‘serious public disorder’ potentially arising from the demonstration. The government’s decision reflects ongoing tensions surrounding public expressions of support for Palestinian causes amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

  • AFL champion Lance Franklin has revealed his plans for a shock footy comeback

    AFL champion Lance Franklin has revealed his plans for a shock footy comeback

    Australian Rules football icon Lance Franklin, widely regarded as the greatest goal kicker of the modern era, has announced his unexpected return to the sport in a charitable capacity. The 39-year-old champion, who retired in 2023 after an extraordinary career that yielded 1,066 goals, revealed his plans to play for his childhood club in Western Australia.

    Franklin made the announcement during his ‘Buddy & Shane Show’ podcast, expressing particular excitement about returning to Dowerin Football Club, where he first began playing at six years old. This special appearance marks a heartfelt homecoming for the athlete, who hasn’t been on the club’s roster since his teenage departure for the WAFL.

    The comeback serves a dual purpose: while allowing Franklin to reconnect with his roots, the event primarily functions as a fundraising initiative for the local community. Dowerin aims to raise $300,000 for new light towers, and Franklin’s participation is expected to generate significant attention and support for the cause.

    Despite his retirement, Franklin maintains impressive physical condition, evidenced by his completion of the New York City Marathon in just 3 hours and 49 minutes last year. His return to the field, even temporarily, represents a remarkable gesture toward both his junior club and the broader community that supported his early development. Franklin’s decorated career included legendary achievements that may never be duplicated, including the distinction of being likely the last AFL player to both kick 1,000 career goals and 100 goals in a single season.

  • Victoria to pay $125m to settle class action brought by businesses over Covid lockdowns

    Victoria to pay $125m to settle class action brought by businesses over Covid lockdowns

    The Victorian government has reached a landmark $125 million settlement with businesses impacted by the state’s controversial 2020 COVID-19 lockdown measures. The resolution comes after an intensive 12-week trial was unexpectedly postponed in Victoria’s Supreme Court just six days prior to the scheduled proceedings.

    Legal representatives from Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, who spearheaded the class action lawsuit, confirmed the settlement was finalized on the eve of the trial. The case alleged governmental negligence in the administration of hotel quarantine protocols, which plaintiffs contended directly triggered the devastating second wave of infections that necessitated extended lockdowns from July to October 2020.

    Originally, approximately 16,000 businesses had registered for participation in the lawsuit, with initial damage estimates reaching a staggering $2.6 billion. Legal experts had characterized the case as particularly novel and complex due to its unprecedented nature and legal challenges.

    Damian Scattini, a partner at the representing law firm, characterized the settlement as concluding “years of hard-fought litigation” that acknowledged the extraordinary difficulties faced by retail businesses during the specified period. He expressed hope that the compensation would provide meaningful relief to eligible enterprises affected by the lockdown measures.

    The settlement structure allocates 30% of the total amount toward covering legal expenses and litigation funding costs. Final approval of the settlement remains pending review and authorization by Victoria’s Supreme Court, marking the last procedural step in this significant legal proceeding.

  • Why France is bolstering military presence in the Middle East, as Macron prepares for postwar talks

    Why France is bolstering military presence in the Middle East, as Macron prepares for postwar talks

    In a significant strategic move, France has dramatically enhanced its military footprint across the Middle Eastern theater, deploying its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle alongside eight warships and two helicopter carriers. President Emmanuel Macron characterized this naval mobilization as “unprecedented” while simultaneously maintaining that France’s posture remains strictly defensive in nature.

    The deployment positions France as the European nation with the most substantial military presence in the region, aimed at reinforcing anti-drone capabilities, ensuring maritime security in critical waterways like the Red Sea, and establishing readiness for potential emergency evacuations. This military calculus is particularly relevant given France’s substantial expatriate population exceeding 400,000 across Middle Eastern nations.

    Concurrent with military preparations, Macron has embarked on intensive diplomatic engagements, becoming the first Western leader to initiate contact with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian since the outbreak of hostilities. These conversations have emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation, though tangible results remain elusive. France’s diplomatic corps is additionally focused on stabilizing Lebanon, where historical ties remain strong, through support for governmental institutions and humanitarian assistance.

    The complexity of France’s dual-track approach was underscored by a recent drone attack in northern Iraq that resulted in the death of a French soldier, highlighting the inherent risks of regional engagement. While France maintains defense agreements with Gulf allies including Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE—where interception operations have already occurred—analysts question Paris’s actual diplomatic leverage to meaningfully influence the conflict’s trajectory.

  • Jessie Buckley, Michael B Jordan and One Battle After Another reign at Oscars

    Jessie Buckley, Michael B Jordan and One Battle After Another reign at Oscars

    The 98th Academy Awards ceremony witnessed a historic triumph for Paul Thomas Anderson’s political thriller ‘One Battle After Another,’ which secured six Oscars including the coveted Best Picture award. Anderson, a revered filmmaker previously overlooked by the Academy, achieved a personal milestone by winning Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Picture as a producer. In his heartfelt acceptance speech, he humorously remarked on the long-awaited recognition, describing the filmmaking process as a ‘wonderful, wonderful journey.’

    The acting categories celebrated both breakthrough and established talents. Michael B. Jordan claimed his first Best Actor Oscar for his dual role in ‘Sinners,’ outperforming competitor Timothée Chalamet. Jordan emotionally acknowledged the legacy of Black performers who paved his way, specifically naming Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, and Halle Berry among others. Meanwhile, Irish actress Jessie Buckley earned Best Actress for her portrayal of Anne Hathaway in ‘Hamnet,’ dedicating her win to mothers everywhere on UK Mother’s Day and celebrating ‘the beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart.’

    Significant milestones marked the technical categories. Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman to win Best Cinematography for her work on ‘Sinners.’ The newly introduced Best Casting award went to Cassandra Kulukundis for ‘One Battle After Another,’ recognizing the behind-the-scenes artistry of assembling perfect ensembles. Amy Madigan broke horror genre barriers by winning Best Supporting Actress for ‘Weapons,’ becoming the first since 1969 to do so in this category from a horror film.

    The ceremony featured memorable moments beyond the competitive awards. Javier Bardem offered a brief political statement advocating ‘No to war, and free Palestine’ while presenting. The animated feature winner ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ celebrated cultural representation, with producer Maggie Kang emphasizing its significance for Korean audiences worldwide. Though largely apolitical, the evening included touching tributes during the In Memoriam segment, with Barbra Streisand honoring her late co-star Robert Redford as an ‘intellectual cowboy’ who blazed his own trail.

  • Japan not currently mulling maritime ops despite Trump pressure over Hormuz

    Japan not currently mulling maritime ops despite Trump pressure over Hormuz

    Japan’s Defense Ministry has formally declined immediate participation in U.S.-proposed maritime security operations in the Strait of Hormuz, despite direct appeals from President Donald Trump for allied naval support. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated before parliament on Monday that the government is “not at the moment considering issuing a maritime security operation” in response to escalating tensions with Iran.

    The rejection follows Trump’s weekend call for international reinforcements, including from key Asian ally Japan, wherein he pledged U.S. Navy escorts for tankers traversing the critical Middle Eastern oil route. The Japanese response highlights significant legal and political obstacles to overseas military deployment under the nation’s pacifist constitution.

    Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized the “extremely difficult legal” challenges surrounding such operations, reflecting Japan’s unique constitutional position that renounces war and limits military activities abroad. This stance enjoys broad public support despite evolving security debates.

    Takayuki Kobayashi, policy chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, reinforced this position Sunday, noting the “extremely high” threshold for deploying Japanese warships overseas. The decision carries substantial economic implications for Japan, which imports 95% of its oil from the Middle East with approximately 70% transiting through the contested Strait of Hormuz.

    The current tensions stem from Iran’s effective closure of the strategic waterway in retaliation against U.S.-Israeli policies targeting Tehran, creating global energy security concerns that have prompted the American calls for international naval cooperation.

  • ‘Cease doing so’: Rivalry between the Roosters and Rabbitohs intensifies after scoreboard stunt causes a stir

    ‘Cease doing so’: Rivalry between the Roosters and Rabbitohs intensifies after scoreboard stunt causes a stir

    A seemingly minor scoreboard designation has escalated into a major controversy between National Rugby League archrivals the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs. During Friday night’s match at Allianz Stadium, the scoreboard displayed the Roosters’ name and mascot while identifying their opponents merely as “visiting team” rather than acknowledging them as the Rabbitohs.

    The incident occurred during what should have been a celebratory evening honoring Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston’s record-breaking achievement. Instead, South Sydney chairman Nick Pappas expressed profound disappointment, characterizing the display as “thoroughly discourteous and clearly a bit of a jab at us.” Pappas demanded an unconditional apology, emphasizing the symbolic significance of playing at Allianz Stadium where his club has historically enjoyed considerable success.

    The Roosters responded Monday with an official statement clarifying that the decision was entirely theirs—not Venues NSW’s—and was implemented in “good faith” by their marketing department as a nod to the clubs’ century-old rivalry. The statement indicated willingness to discontinue the practice if it genuinely caused offense, while simultaneously acknowledging the reciprocal jest when South Sydney labeled the Roosters as “visitors” during a reserve grade match at Redfern Oval on Sunday.

    This dispute occurs against the backdrop of an ongoing territorial battle over Allianz Stadium, with the Roosters asserting their primacy at the venue while the Rabbitohs seek to relocate their home games from Accor Stadium to the Moore Park precinct. The tension sets the stage for an electrifying Round 27 clash when these historic rivals meet again at the same venue.

  • Historic firsts, emotional speeches, and a tie: Watch the top Oscars moments

    Historic firsts, emotional speeches, and a tie: Watch the top Oscars moments

    The 96th Academy Awards ceremony unfolded as a spectacle of cinematic celebration, marked by groundbreaking achievements and profound emotional resonance. The evening’s trajectory was defined by unexpected developments and heartfelt acknowledgments that captivated a global audience.

    Emerging as the unequivocal champion of the night, the cinematic masterpiece ‘One Battle After Another’ secured an impressive collection of six golden statuettes, solidifying its position as a tour de force in this year’s competition. The production’s sweeping victory across multiple categories demonstrated exceptional artistry and technical proficiency that resonated profoundly with Academy voters.

    While ‘One Battle After Another’ dominated the awards landscape, formidable contenders ‘Sinners’ and ‘Frankenstein’ maintained strong showings throughout the ceremony, each garnering significant recognition for their artistic contributions to this year’s film landscape. The competitive atmosphere produced several nail-biting moments as these exceptional works vied for top honors.

    The evening’s proceedings were punctuated by an extraordinary occurrence—a rare tie in one of the major categories, creating an unforgettable Oscar moment that highlighted the exceptional quality of this year’s nominations. This unusual development underscored the exceptional caliber of artistic achievement recognized by the Academy.

    Beyond the competitive elements, the ceremony served as a platform for powerful human stories, with award recipients delivering moving acceptance speeches that touched upon themes of artistic dedication, social significance, and personal journey. These poignant addresses provided depth and substance to the glamorous proceedings, reminding viewers of the transformative power of storytelling through cinema.

    The 2024 Oscars will be remembered not merely for which films prevailed, but for how the ceremony celebrated artistic excellence while acknowledging the diverse voices and technical innovations driving the film industry forward.

  • Xiaozheng Lin faces fresh legal fight over sex worker deaths in Melbourne

    Xiaozheng Lin faces fresh legal fight over sex worker deaths in Melbourne

    Victoria’s highest court is reconsidering the prison term of an international student convicted of killing two sex workers within a 24-hour period in December 2022. Xiaozheng Lin, 25, received a 14-year maximum sentence in October 2024 after pleading guilty to two counts of manslaughter, avoiding murder trials for the deaths of Yuqi Luo, 31, and Hyun Sook Jeon, 51.

    The Office of Public Prosecutions has launched an appeal arguing the sentence is “manifestly inadequate” for the severity of the crimes. Director of Public Prosecutions Brendan Kissane KC contended before the Court of Appeal that while individual sentences for each killing were appropriate, the four-year cumulative addition for the second victim failed to adequately reflect the separate nature of the offenses.

    According to court proceedings, Lin strangled Ms. Luo in her South Melbourne apartment in the early hours of December 27, 2022, after becoming enraged when she requested additional payment for services. Following the attack, he showered on the premises and stole money, handbags, and electronics. Later that same day, Lin visited Ms. Jeon’s Docklands residence where, after consensual paid intercourse, he fatally assaulted her and stole her bank cards.

    Sentencing judge Justice Stephen Kaye described the attacks as “unprovoked” and noted Lin showed “no mercy” to either victim, leaving them in “severely debilitated states” while callously taking their possessions. The defense maintained the original sentence was “entirely appropriate” and cited legal precedent preventing appeal courts from substituting sentencing opinions without clear error.

    The three-judge appellate panel has reserved its decision for delivery at a later date. Lin faces deportation upon completion of his sentence.