Stories about Australia
‘Free at last’: Aussies respond to Julian Assange homecoming
"This case has … a serious chilling effect on public-interest journalism, and sends a terrifying message to any sources sitting on evidence of abuses by the government and its agencies."
Australia's northern hairy-nosed wombat is back from brink of extinction
In a magnificent moment for conservation, the first northern hairy-nosed wombats have been released to explore their new home at Powrunna State Forest near St George in south-west Queensland.
Decolonization, the climate crisis, and improving media education in the Pacific
"There should be more international reporting about the 'hidden stories' of the Pacific such as the unresolved decolonisation issues."
Australian billionaire's attempt to remove gallery portrait draws international attention
"I would never have known about this and no one would have cared if she didn't demand to have it removed. Now it's arguably more valuable because of the attention..."
Ban on children’s book ‘Same-sex Parents’ backfires down under
One online petition to reverse the ban had over 40,000 signatures, with another exceeding 10,000 signatures before the Cumberland Council overturned its ban in a decisive vote of 12 to 2.
The Global Coalition for Language Rights: A space for language justice
Half of the world's languages are endangered. One new prize champions language justice by awarding language activists from across the world the Language Rights Defenders Award.
Pacific groups highlight role of media in addressing climate crisis
"A free press is vital to informing our communities about the environmental challenges we face and holding all accountable for protecting our precious environment."
Yang Hengjun's death sentence jolts improving relations between Australia and China
"Something worth noting (and may not be readily apparent): Yang Hengjun is an Australian citizen. But to the Chinese government, he's Chinese."
National broadcaster axes Australian journalist Antoinette Lattouf over Gaza social media post
"Does anyone think an ABC reporter would have been sacked for posting a message on social media supporting Israel?"
In search of Australia's treasured koala
With Australia facing potentially catastrophic bushfires this summer like the 2019–2020 season, one of its favorite animals, the koala, is under threat on a number of other fronts as well.
‘Matilda': Australian word of the year following magnificent 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
Some fans made the ultimate sacrifice to attend the quarter final game against France: 'I gave up Taylor Swift tickets for the Matildas'
Australia's bid to co-host COP31 climate conference faces obstacles
Since the election of the new Labor government in 2022, Australia’s international reputation regarding climate action has risen considerably as result of stronger emissions targets and its enhanced safeguard mechanisms.
Australian journalist pushes back against anti-LGBTQ+ trolls
"I don't want people to feel like I'm not their broadcaster. But equally if I'm not my authentic self, I can't do my job well."
‘I can see the entirety of the sky now’: Australian journalist Cheng Lei is now free
"Tight hugs, teary screams, holding my kids in the spring sunshine. Trees shimmy from the breeze. I can see the entirety of the sky now! Thank you Aussies."
Australian parliamentarians visit Washington to lobby for Julian Assange's release
Despite the visit, support for Assange's release remains low in the US. If extradited, he could face a sentence of up to 175 years in prison.
Australia's elusive platypus faces many threats to its survival in the wild
In general, experts are on the same page that platypuses are struggling and will continue to decline if nothing changes.
Australian cartoonists boycott media awards over fossil fuel censorship
"It's 2023, and it's simply unconscionable that the highest awards in Australian journalism are sponsored by fossil fuels, with no specific climate reporting award."
Australian journalists imprisoned in China anxiously await diplomatic breakthrough
Australian novelist Yang Hengjun has been awaiting the verdict on his case in China for more than two years after being accused of spying. Now he fears he may die in detention
‘I haven't seen a tree in three years’: An Australian journalist’s prison letter from China
"I miss the sun. In my cell, sunlight shines through the window but I can stand in it for only 10 hours a year. ... Most of all, I miss my children."
‘Welcome to Sex': Australian sex-ed book tops bestseller list, despite campaign to block sales
"If you are not providing your young teen with sex education then you’re relying on what they learn from porn or from chatting with other students."
Hong Kong pro-democracy exiles not intimidated by China’s arrest warrants and bounties
"Trying to spread fear at home, abroad, and travelling in between. Further incentive to fight for the #rights, #freedom, and #democracy that we deserve"
