Global Pulse

标签： Oceania

大洋洲

  • Government faces pressure to scrap tax breaks that could save budget $200bn

    Government faces pressure to scrap tax breaks that could save budget $200bn

    Amid what political leaders describe as Australia’s most severe housing crisis in modern history, new Parliamentary Budget Office analysis reveals the federal government stands to recover approximately $190 billion in revenue over the coming decade by reforming capital gains tax (CGT) discounts and negative gearing policies. The figures, commissioned by the Australian Greens, highlight substantial budgetary impacts with these tax concessions projected to cost $15.4 billion during the 2025-2026 financial year alone—a figure expected to escalate to $24 billion annually within ten years.

    Greens leader Larissa Waters condemned the current system as fundamentally flawed, stating: ‘When purchasing a fifth property becomes more feasible than acquiring a first home, the mechanism is unequivocally broken.’ She emphasized the urgency of redirecting these funds toward addressing housing inequality through systemic reforms.

    Further analysis from the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) indicates disproportionate benefits flowing to affluent communities, with the wealthiest ten electorates capturing one-third of total tax concessions. ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie criticized the arrangement as ‘supercharging inequality’ while essential services and social housing programs remain critically underfunded.

    The debate gained additional momentum as teal independent Allegra Spender addressed the National Press Club, advocating for comprehensive tax restructuring to restore intergenerational fairness. Spender argued that Australia’s ‘unspoken covenant’ of rewarding hard work has been systematically eroded over two decades.

    Despite mounting pressure, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remain noncommittal regarding specific tax modifications in the upcoming May budget. While acknowledging housing supply as a priority, the government has not excluded potential adjustments to the 50% CGT discount introduced by the Howard government in 1999. The concession currently allows property investors to halve their capital gains tax liability after holding assets for twelve months, while negative gearing permits deducting rental losses from annual taxable income.

    The ongoing deliberations occur against a backdrop of intense scrutiny regarding intergenerational housing accessibility and budgetary sustainability, setting the stage for potentially transformative fiscal policy decisions.

  • French soldier killed in attack in Iraqi Kurdistan

    French soldier killed in attack in Iraqi Kurdistan

    A French military serviceman has been killed in a drone attack targeting an international coalition base in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, marking the first French combat fatality since the recent escalation of Middle East hostilities. President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the death occurred during an assault on a base in the Erbil region where French troops were conducting counter-terrorism training with Iraqi partners.

    The attack, which involved multiple drones according to local officials, struck the Mala Qara base approximately 40 kilometers from Erbil’s regional capital. Several other French soldiers sustained injuries in the assault, though specific numbers remain unconfirmed. The incident follows a pattern of increased attacks against international forces in the region since U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran last month triggered broader regional conflict.

    President Macron characterized the attack as ‘unacceptable’ while emphasizing that France’s military presence in Iraq operates ‘within the strict framework of the fight against terrorism.’ He stated that the war in Iran does not justify such attacks against coalition forces. The French military maintains that their mission remains strictly defensive despite the escalating violence.

    This incident parallels a recent drone strike targeting an Italian military base in the same region, though no casualties were reported in that attack. Italy has subsequently announced the temporary withdrawal of its personnel from the base. The international coalition, led by Washington, continues to train Kurdish security forces in counter-terrorism operations despite the deteriorating security situation.

    The identity of the attackers remains officially unconfirmed, though regional analysts attribute the pattern of attacks to pro-Iranian factions operating in Iraq. The French government has vowed to continue its counter-terrorism mission while enhancing protective measures for its deployed personnel.

  • ‘Say a prayer and send it’: Paralympic alpine skiers tackle fear

    ‘Say a prayer and send it’: Paralympic alpine skiers tackle fear

    MILAN-CORTINA – Athletes competing in the Paralympic alpine skiing events are demonstrating extraordinary courage as they navigate treacherous slopes at speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, despite physical impairments including limb differences and visual disabilities. The competition, divided into three classifications—visually impaired, standing, and sitting—showcases remarkable athleticism and mental fortitude.

    Visually impaired skiers rely on guides and radio communication to navigate the course, with some wearing blacked-out goggles to ensure fair competition. Meanwhile, many competitors in standing and sitting categories ski with one or more limbs absent. The downhill event, renowned for its extreme velocity, presents a unique set of psychological and physical challenges.

    American skier Meg Gustafson, 16, who is classified as AS4 due to her limited vision, described the sensation of racing as akin to ‘flying.’ Before each run, she admits, ‘I say a little prayer and then I send it.’ Her teammate, Allie Johnson, 31, acknowledged the fear involved, stating, ‘Being scared and doing things scared—that’s what it is to me.’

    Even seasoned athletes are not immune to mishaps. American sitting skier Anna Soens experienced a crash during her Paralympic debut, later quipping that the lesson was to ‘land straighter.’ Swedish gold medalist Ebba Aarsjoe emphasized the razor-thin margin for error, noting that imprecise technique can lead to disastrous outcomes.

    The risks are substantial—high-speed accidents can result in severe injuries, as evidenced by Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn’s recent near-amputation on the same course. Yet, for athletes like Australia’s Michael Milton, 52, who returned from retirement, the adrenaline and emotional intensity are irresistible. ‘It’s the feeling of standing at the start… and then overcoming that fear,’ he explained.

    For Slovakia’s Alexandra Rexova, a double bronze medalist, skiing has been transformative. ‘It opened new doors for me,’ the 20-year-old said. ‘I’m glad I can race here… and survive.’

  • Fantastic Mr Stowaway: fox sails from Britain to New York port

    Fantastic Mr Stowaway: fox sails from Britain to New York port

    In an extraordinary case of animal migration, a red fox successfully completed a transatlantic journey as a stowaway aboard a cargo ship traveling from Southampton, England to the Port of New York and New Jersey. The remarkable discovery was confirmed by the Bronx Zoo, which reported that customs officials detected the unexpected passenger upon the vessel’s arrival.

    The approximately two-year-old male fox, weighing 11 pounds, managed to board the international vessel undetected and survived the lengthy ocean crossing. According to zoo representatives, the animal is currently in good condition despite its unauthorized adventure. Veterinary professionals are conducting comprehensive health assessments to ensure the fox hasn’t contracted any diseases during its journey.

    This incident highlights the ongoing collaboration between the Bronx Zoo and port authorities in rescuing wildlife that moves through New York’s transportation hubs. While the zoo confirmed the animal’s current well-being, officials are now seeking a permanent appropriate habitat for the transatlantic traveler once medical clearance is obtained.

    The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) represents one of the world’s most widespread carnivorous mammals, with native populations spanning Europe, Asia, North America, and parts of Africa. Britain specifically maintains one of the highest-density urban fox populations globally, with academic research estimating tens of thousands inhabiting British cities. These adaptable creatures have increasingly become part of urban landscapes since the 1930s, as expanding city boundaries encroached upon their traditional rural territories.

  • ‘We’ve lost one hell of a player’: Craig Bellamy unimpressed with Zac Lomax’s code switch

    ‘We’ve lost one hell of a player’: Craig Bellamy unimpressed with Zac Lomax’s code switch

    Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has expressed profound disappointment over the departure of star player Zac Lomax from the National Rugby League (NRL), characterizing it as a significant loss for the sport. Lomax’s move to Super Rugby’s Western Force, confirmed on Monday with a two-year contract, concludes a protracted contractual dispute that initially appeared destined to bring him to Melbourne.

    The situation originated when Lomax secured an early release from the Parramatta Eels, just one season into a four-year agreement, under the presumption he would join the proposed R360 competition. However, the league’s postponement until 2028 left the player in professional limbo. A specific clause in his release agreement prohibited him from signing with any rival NRL club without Parramatta’s explicit consent, ultimately thwarting Melbourne’s pursuit despite their offer of financial compensation to the Eels.

    Bellamy acknowledged understanding Lomax’s frustration while lamenting the outcome. “It’s a shame that we lost him,” the veteran coach stated. “I don’treally know what happened at the end there, but I can understand his frustration and I can understand him leaving our game. I think we’ve lost one hell of a player to another code when we didn’t really have to. But even more importantly, we lost a really good person in our code.”

    Despite missing Lomax’s potential contribution to their backline, the Storm demonstrated resilience in their season opener with a commanding victory over Parramatta. Emerging talent Sua Fa’alogo delivered an impressive performance at fullback, filling the void left by Ryan Papenhuyzen’s retirement. Bellamy attributed Fa’alogo’s success to significantly improved fitness levels, noting that the position demands exceptional endurance and that the young player returned to camp in markedly better condition this season.

    Looking ahead, Melbourne faces a challenging encounter against the St. George Illawarra Dragons in Wollongong. The Dragons seek redemption after a narrow golden-point defeat to the Bulldogs in Las Vegas, and historically they have proven formidable opponents for the Storm, having secured victories in their two most recent meetings. Bellamy identified Dragons playmakers Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook as particular threats, emphasizing the need for defensive improvements following their first-round performance.

  • Neo-Nazi Jacob Hersant out of jail after Nazi salute sentence

    Neo-Nazi Jacob Hersant out of jail after Nazi salute sentence

    Jacob Hersant, a 26-year-old Melbourne-based neo-Nazi, has been released from custody after completing a one-month prison sentence. His incarceration marked a historic first in Australia, stemming from a conviction for performing a Nazi salute in public—an act recently criminalized in the state of Victoria. Hersant executed the gesture directly before television cameras outside the County Court of Victoria on October 27, 2023, deliberately flouting the new legislation just days after its enactment.

    Emerging from confinement, Hersant expressed no remorse for his actions, a stance consistent with his previous declaration, “I am a Nazi.” His legal troubles, however, are far from over. On Friday, he appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court concerning separate allegations of “grossly offensive public conduct” related to an incident on Halloween 2024. Hersant and an associate, Nathan Bull, 24, are accused of verbally abusing members of the public while allegedly dressed in highly offensive costumes; Hersant as a Ku Klux Klan member and Bull in blackface with a noose around his neck.

    This court appearance was adjourned until April due to a scheduling discrepancy with his co-accused’s case. A former leader of the now-disbanded National Socialist Network, a neo-Nazi group, Hersant also has a prior criminal history, having previously pleaded guilty to a violent disorder charge for a group assault on hikers in 2021. Despite his mounting legal challenges, Hersant remarked outside court that he had been ‘productive’ during his jail term and anticipates further guilty verdicts in his ongoing cases.

  • Qantas agrees to pay $74m over Covid-19 travel voucher refunds

    Qantas agrees to pay $74m over Covid-19 travel voucher refunds

    Australian national carrier Qantas Airways has reached a landmark settlement of A$105 million (approximately £55 million or $74 million) to resolve a class action lawsuit concerning its refund practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legal action was initiated on behalf of passengers whose flights were cancelled between 2020 and 2022, alleging the airline improperly issued travel credits instead of providing timely cash refunds.

    Echo Law, the firm leading the class action, asserted that Qantas engaged in misleading conduct by withholding refunds that customers were legally entitled to receive. The settlement amount nearly doubles the A$55 million that Qantas had previously anticipated paying, as indicated in its February financial reports. Notably, the airline agreed to the settlement without admitting liability, maintaining this position in its Friday statement.

    The resolution awaits formal court approval, after which detailed claim procedures will be communicated to affected customers. This development follows Qantas’s 2023 policy change removing expiration dates from pandemic-era flight credits, enabling immediate cash refund requests.

    In a related legal matter, Echo Law is pursuing similar action against budget carrier Jetstar, alleging comparable practices regarding travel credit valuations. Meanwhile, Qantas continues to address recent regulatory challenges, including a record A$90 million fine imposed in August 2025 for unlawfully terminating approximately 1,800 ground staff during the pandemic—the largest penalty ever levied by Australian courts for industrial relations violations. CEO Vanessa Hudson has publicly apologized for the workforce reductions, acknowledging the harm caused to employees and their families.

  • US jury to begin deliberations in social media addiction trial

    US jury to begin deliberations in social media addiction trial

    A California jury is poised to commence deliberations in a groundbreaking legal battle that accuses tech giants Meta and YouTube of deliberately engineering addictive platforms that harmed a young user’s mental health. The case, filed by 20-year-old Kaley G.M., represents a significant challenge to the legal protections traditionally enjoyed by social media companies.

    During closing arguments, plaintiff’s attorney Laura Marquez-Garrett employed a culinary metaphor, comparing social media’s impact to baking soda in a cupcake—seemingly small but fundamentally essential to the final product. She argued that while other factors contributed to Kaley’s struggles, social media served as the critical catalyst that exacerbated her mental health challenges.

    Defense attorneys presented a contrasting narrative, with Meta’s representative Paul Schmidt highlighting that none of the testifying therapists identified social media as the primary cause of Kaley’s documented emotional and physical abuse, academic difficulties, and pre-existing psychiatric conditions. YouTube’s legal team further distanced their platform by comparing it to traditional television rather than social media.

    The trial featured testimony from Kaley herself, who described becoming hooked on YouTube videos at age six and later developing depression and suicidal thoughts that she attributed to platform engagement. However, under cross-examination, she acknowledged significant family troubles and neglect that contributed to her mental health struggles.

    In a notable courtroom moment, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed regret over the company’s delayed progress in identifying underage users but maintained that current systems are now adequate. YouTube executive Cristos Goodrow testified that despite aggressive growth targets, the platform prioritizes user value over addictive engagement.

    This case transcends individual damages, potentially establishing a legal precedent for thousands of similar lawsuits alleging that social media platforms’ algorithmic designs and business models constitute defective products that harm youth mental health. The verdict could redefine accountability under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which has historically shielded platforms from liability for user-generated content.

  • Western Australia GST share tipped to rise again, QLD back in the black

    Western Australia GST share tipped to rise again, QLD back in the black

    Australia’s complex Goods and Services Tax (GST) distribution system has unveiled its 2026-27 financial year allocations, revealing significant disparities among states and territories. The Commonwealth Grants Commission’s latest recommendations position Western Australia as the primary beneficiary, securing a substantial $1.3 billion increase that elevates its total share to $9.3 billion.

    The distribution mechanism, which considers both revenue-raising capacity and service delivery costs, continues to generate inter-state tensions. Despite Western Australia’s above-average revenue generation, the Commission noted the state receives per capita GST distribution below national average due to higher service provision expenses. However, legislated protection mechanisms ensure Western Australia maintains parity with New South Wales at 0.82 per person.

    New South Wales, Australia’s most populous state, receives a modest $316 million increase for a total allocation of $26.1 billion. The Commission attributed this relatively smaller share to NSW’s efficient service delivery and demographic concentration, with only 5% of its population in remote areas compared to the national average of 9.8%.

    Victoria emerges with a $1.4 billion boost reaching $27.9 billion, while Queensland experiences a notable reversal from previous declines with a $1.68 billion increase to $18.4 billion. South Australia gains $343 million ($9.5 billion total), Tasmania increases by $286 million ($4 billion total), with both territories also receiving elevated allocations.

    The current distribution framework stems from 2018 reforms that established a minimum 75-cent return per dollar of GST revenue for Western Australia. This mechanism has generated persistent criticism from eastern states, with Queensland Premier David Crisafulli characterizing previous allocations as “pretty aggressive” and NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey asserting his state “carries the federation.”

    The Productivity Commission is conducting a mandated review of the GST distribution system, with an interim report expected August 28 and final recommendations due by year’s end, potentially reshaping Australia’s fiscal equalization landscape.

  • ‘Nowhere else I’d rather be’: Adam Doueihi commits to Wests Tigers long term after signing contract extension

    ‘Nowhere else I’d rather be’: Adam Doueihi commits to Wests Tigers long term after signing contract extension

    In a significant move signaling long-term stability, the Wests Tigers have solidified their playmaking future by securing halfback Adam Doueihi on a contract extension that will keep him at the club until the conclusion of the 2029 NRL season. The announcement arrives on the eve of the Tigers’ season opener against the North Queensland Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval, providing a substantial morale boost for the team and its supporters.

    Doueihi, whose existing contract ran through 2027, has committed to an additional two years, effectively eliminating any possibility of a move to the league’s forthcoming expansion franchises. The 27-year-old Lebanese international, who debuted with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2018, has persevered through a career punctuated by multiple severe knee injuries during his six seasons with the Tigers.

    This new agreement cements Doueihi’s role as the cornerstone of the Tigers’ rebuilding phase under head coach Benji Marshall. He is poised to further develop his pivotal halves partnership with five-eighth Jarome Luai, a combination central to the club’s strategic ambitions. Having previously been utilized in various backline positions and even at lock forward, Doueihi now finds a settled home in the crucial No. 7 jersey, providing the team with much-needed consistency.

    Expressing his commitment, Doueihi stated, ‘I’m really excited to be locked in with the Tigers for the next four seasons. It’s a special place for me and my family. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. We’re building something special here amongst this group and I’m looking forward to repaying the faith shown in me by Benji and the club on the field.’

    Coach Benji Marshall praised the re-signing, highlighting both Doueihi’s on-field value and off-field leadership. ‘It’s a credit to Adam’s character and work ethic to bounce back from injuries and put himself in this position. Not only do we value what Adam brings us on the field, his leadership and influence off it are just as important,’ Marshall remarked, underscoring the multifaceted benefits of retaining the resilient playmaker as the Tigers continue their journey toward finals contention.