Global Pulse

标签： Oceania

大洋洲

  • ‘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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • English sides seek redemption from Champions League reality check

    English sides seek redemption from Champions League reality check

    England’s Champions League contenders are confronting a stark continental reality check after a historically poor collective performance in the first legs of the last 16. The Premier League’s six representatives failed to secure a single victory across all matches, raising serious questions about the English top flight’s much-vaunted dominance.

    Manchester City faces the most daunting challenge, trailing Real Madrid 3-0 ahead of their return leg at the Etihad. Chelsea similarly stare at a three-goal deficit against Paris Saint-Germain, while Tottenham’s 5-2 demolition by Atletico Madrid leaves them with minimal hope of progression. Although Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle remain in more favorable positions against Galatasaray, Bayer Leverkusen, and Barcelona respectively, the overall picture reveals systemic issues plaguing English clubs in Europe’s premier competition.

    Analysis indicates multiple factors contributing to this downturn. The Premier League’s exhausting winter schedule, unique among major European leagues in its absence of a mid-season break and inclusion of two domestic cup competitions, appears to be taking its physical and mental toll. This phenomenon was once described by former UEFA president Michel Platini as transforming English clubs from ‘lions in winter’ to ‘lambs in spring.’

    Financial comparisons reveal another layer to the struggle. Despite the Premier League’s collective wealth, English clubs faced revenue-stronger opponents in three of the six ties, with Real Madrid maintaining their status as the world’s richest club. Additionally, stylistic differences between the physically demanding Premier League and more technically focused European approaches have created adaptation challenges, with managers like Liverpool’s Arne Slot criticizing the English game’s over-reliance on set-pieces and physical duels at the expense of technical quality.

    The coming second legs will test whether England’s elite can overcome these structural disadvantages or whether this season’s Champions League will confirm a significant power shift away from the Premier League’s European aspirations.

  • Indonesia firms in palm oil fraud probe supplied fuel majors

    Indonesia firms in palm oil fraud probe supplied fuel majors

    A joint investigation by AFP and SourceMaterial has uncovered that Indonesian companies under investigation for palm oil fraud supplied major European energy corporations including Italian energy giant Eni and Finnish sustainable aviation fuel leader Neste. The revelations expose significant vulnerabilities in biofuel supply chain oversight and verification systems.

    The ongoing Indonesian probe alleges that local companies conspired with government officials to systematically mislabel palm oil as palm oil mill effluent (POME), a waste byproduct subject to lower taxation. This fraudulent relabeling scheme allegedly defrauded Indonesian authorities of millions in tax revenue while simultaneously undermining corporate sustainability commitments.

    Both Eni and Neste confirmed receiving multiple shipments described as POME from Indonesian suppliers now implicated in the investigation. The European Union, which plans to ban palm oil in biofuels from 2030 due to deforestation concerns, faces renewed scrutiny over its certification systems. Environmental campaigners note that the case demonstrates how easily suppliers can circumvent sustainability protocols.

    Indonesian authorities have arrested 11 individuals, including customs officials, alleging the fraud occurred between 2022 and 2024. Through trade data analysis and document review, investigators identified three companies—Green Product International, Surya Inti Primakarya, and Bumi Mulia Makmur—as having supplied the mislabeled products to European markets.

    The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) system, which certifies EU palm oil imports, has excluded some implicated companies from recertification while others maintain valid certifications. Additional companies supplied by the Indonesian firms include Swiss trader Kolmar, Spanish oil major Repsol, and American multinational Cargill.

    Industry experts emphasize that verification mechanisms have proven inadequate to prevent such fraud, with some calling for greater transparency and independent scrutiny of POME supply chains. Ireland has already ended incentives for POME use in biofuels, with Germany set to follow in 2025.

  • ‘Pigeons can sh*t on me’: Alex Johnston’s all-time speech as Souths fan reveals incredible 13-year history behind special statue

    ‘Pigeons can sh*t on me’: Alex Johnston’s all-time speech as Souths fan reveals incredible 13-year history behind special statue

    In a ceremony brimming with humor and heartfelt emotion, South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston was honored with a permanent statue at the club’s Maroubra headquarters, commemorating his unprecedented achievement as the National Rugby League’s all-time leading tryscorer. The unveiling, attended by teammates, club officials, local mayor, and the NRL CEO, was punctuated by Johnston’s signature wit. “Along the way there have been a few fans who have sh*t on me, there’s been a few coaches who have sh*t on me, the media has sh*t on me,” he quipped. “And now the pigeons can sh*t on me.”

    The statue, conceived by devoted Rabbitohs supporter Danny Taibel, became a reality following Johnston’s historic double against the Sydney Roosters on Friday night, which propelled him past Ken Irvine’s 53-year-old record of 212 tries. The initiative traces back to a 2023 proposal from Taibel to Souths CEO Blake Solly, inspired by a prophetic encounter a decade earlier. Taibel recounted how his then 11-year-old son, Ryan, directly asked then-coach Michael Maguire about a replacement for departing winger Andrew Everingham. Maguire confidently identified a young Souths junior named Alex Johnston, predicting he possessed the potential to become “one of the superstars of the game.”

    Reflecting on the monumental record and the ensuing pandemonium, Johnston described the surreal experience. The match at Allianz Stadium erupted when thousands of fans stormed the field after his record-breaking try just one minute into the second half—a moment so overwhelming Johnston admitted to feeling genuine fear amidst the adulation. “When I got put back down, and everyone was trying to get a piece, I legitimately was scared for a second,” he revealed. Even Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined the pitch invasion, disregarding potential fines.

    Beyond the public celebration, Johnston cherished a tender private moment with his young daughter, who intuitively recognized the significance of the event. The winger, still processing the magnitude of his accomplishment, also showcased a custom ring crafted to honor his legacy. While discussions emerge about potentially renaming the Ken Irvine Medal for the season’s top tryscorer in his honor, Johnston remains humbly content with the tributes already bestowed upon him, stating, “I think I’ve been spoiled enough.”

  • ‘Disappointed’: MPs dumped in Nationals’ shadow ministry reshuffle

    ‘Disappointed’: MPs dumped in Nationals’ shadow ministry reshuffle

    Australia’s National Party has unveiled a significantly reshaped shadow ministry under its newly appointed leader, Senator Matt Canavan, marking a critical step in the Coalition’s rebuilding efforts following recent political turbulence. The announcement comes just days after Canavan’s election to leadership and former leader David Littleproud’s unexpected resignation citing fatigue.

    The restructured lineup maintains several key figures while implementing strategic demotions and exclusions. Notably, David Littleproud will retain a significant role as opposition spokesperson for emergency services and tourism despite his departure from leadership. Former deputy prime minister Michael McCormack assumes responsibility for water resources and veterans’ affairs, bringing considerable experience to these portfolios.

    The ministerial reshuffle follows months of internal Coalition tensions, particularly regarding January’s rebellion when three Nationals frontbenchers defied the shadow cabinet’s position on the Albanese government’s Bondi hate speech reforms. This defiance contributed to the eventual ousting of former Liberal leader Sussan Ley and created significant fractures within the opposition alliance.

    Senator Canavan described his new team as a ‘posse of patriots’ committed to advancing regional Australia’s interests. ‘The Nationals believe that a bigger regional Australia will make for a better Australia overall,’ he stated, emphasizing policies that would incentivize population movement from cities to regional areas.

    The new appointments include Queensland Senator Susan McDonald as opposition spokesperson for mining and northern Australia, while Kevin Hogan, who lost the deputy leadership following Littleproud’s resignation, will serve as shadow assistant treasurer and financial services spokesperson. Notably absent from the new lineup is Ross Cadell, who had previously crossed the floor during the January rebellion.

    Opposition Leader Angus Taylor endorsed the new Nationals team, acknowledging their understanding of ‘the pressures facing families, farmers, small businesses and regional communities.’ The Coalition simultaneously seeks to leverage current national concerns, including the fuel crisis stemming from the Iran conflict, to pressure the Labor government.