Omicron cases continue to spread virtually as a wildfire. Australia has now said that it has surpassed the grim milestone of a million Covid 19 infections with more than half of them having been recorded in just the last week.

Australia has now surpassed the milestone of million Covid 19 infections, more than half of them recorded in last week

Australia has now surpassed the milestone of a million Covid 19 infections

After a week-long saga, the world's biggest tennis superstar Novak Djokovic has now won his appeal against being deported from Australia after the government revoked his visa as soon as he had landed in Australia last week. Now in the latest, an Australian judge has ruled in favor of Djokovic.

Australia: Novak Djokovic wins court case challenging deportation

These government-facilitated flights will be focused on returning Australian citizens, residents and families who have registered with our High Commission and consular offices within India

Australia resumes repatriation flights from India for stranded citizens

Australia's federal court found Alphabet Inc's Google misled consumers about personal location data collected through Android mobile devices, the country's competition regulator said on Friday.

The tech giant has been embroiled in legal action in the country in recent months as the government mulled and later passed a law to make Google and Facebook pay media companies for content on their platforms.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said the court found Google wrongly claimed it could only collect information from the location history setting on user devices between January 2017 and December 2018.&nbsp;

A setting to control web and application activity, when turned on, also enabled Google to collect, store and use the data and was turned on by default on the devices, according to the ACCC.

Users were also not informed that turning off location history but leaving the "Web &amp; App Activity" setting on would allow Google to continue to collect data, the court found.

The regulator said it would seek penalties, but did not specify the amount.

A Google spokesman said that while the court had rejected many of ACCC's claims, the company disagreed with the remaining findings and was reviewing its options, including a possible appeal.

(With input from agencies)

Australia's federal court found Alphabet Inc's Google misled consumers about personal location data collected through Android mobile devices, the country's competition regulator said on Friday.

Australia's federal court found Alphabet Inc's Google misled consumers about personal location data collected through Android mobile devices, the country's competition regulator said on Friday. The tech giant has been embroiled in legal action in the country in recent months as the government mulled and later passed a law to make Google and Facebook pay media companies for content on their platforms. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said the court found Google wrongly claimed it could only collect information from the location history setting on user devices between January 2017 and December 2018. A setting to control web and application activity, when turned on, also enabled Google to collect, store and use the data and was turned on by default on the devices, according to the ACCC. Users were also not informed that turning off location history but leaving the "Web & App Activity" setting on would allow Google to continue to collect data, the court found. The regulator said it would seek penalties, but did not specify the amount. A Google spokesman said that while the court had rejected many of ACCC's claims, the company disagreed with the remaining findings and was reviewing its options, including a possible appeal. (With input from agencies)

Australia finds Google misled customers over data collection

Australian PM Scott Morrison has demoted two of his cabinet ministers amid rising controversies over sexual misconduct at the workplace.

Australian PM Scott Morrison demotes two ministers

Australia is facing out-of-season floods that are worst in a century, with tens of thousands of people evacuated, dams overflowing and livestock stranded.

Once-in-a-century floods drown Australia

A former crown prosecutor, Mr Porter entered parliament in 2013 and became attorney general in 2017.

Australian attorney general denies rape allegation

Australians woke to empty news feeds on their Facebook Inc pages on February 18 after the social media giant blocked all media content.

Australia: Govt slams FB's content blackout, states move as 'Wrong, heavy handed'

The Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison has apologised to a former staffer who alleges that she was raped by a parliamentarian in Defence Minster's office. PM Morrison vows a strict probe against the crime and promises to punish the person.

Australia: PM Scott Morrison apologises to woman who was raped in Parliament

A massive effort by firefighters in Australia's Perth brought large bushfire near Perth under control. However, strong winds are still a challenge.

The fire at Perth Hills destroyed at least 81 homes.

Western Australia state Premier Mark McGowan said the devastation caused was "almost too much to comprehend". 
But after "a bleak couple of days", he said, firefighters managed to keep the flames at bay overnight as the blaze threatened homes in more populous areas.

"This is a truly remarkable achievement given the ferocity of the fire. And that, as far as we know, no additional homes have been lost overnight thanks to the incredible work of our fireys," McGowan said.

Seven firefighters sustained minor injuries but there was no death.

The bushfires have 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) since they were sparked Monday.

It comes about a year after Australia was hit by unprecedented climate change-fuelled bushfires, devastating whole communities and wiping out billions of animals.

More than 3.5 million hectares were burned across Western Australia during 2019-2020 but the state was largely spared the loss of properties and lives seen in the country's more densely populated southeast.

Scientists say fires are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, with people living in urban-bushland areas like the Perth Hills especially vulnerable to the impact of blazes.

Hundreds of people have fled the area in recent days and emergency warnings remain in place.

More than 250 firefighters were operating in rough and hilly terrain, making their task "really difficult", said department of fire and emergency services commissioner Darren Klemm.

Winds of up to 70 kilometres an hour (43 mph) have left some water-bombing planes grounded and were continuing to fan the flames.

(With AFP inputs)

A massive effort by firefighters in Australia's Perth brought large bushfire near Perth under control. However, strong winds are still a challenge. The fire at Perth Hills destroyed at least 81 homes.

A massive effort by firefighters in Australia's Perth brought large bushfire near Perth under control. However, strong winds are still a challenge. The fire at Perth Hills destroyed at least 81 homes. Western Australia state Premier Mark McGowan said the devastation caused was "almost too much to comprehend". But after "a bleak couple of days", he said, firefighters managed to keep the flames at bay overnight as the blaze threatened homes in more populous areas. "This is a truly remarkable achievement given the ferocity of the fire. And that, as far as we know, no additional homes have been lost overnight thanks to the incredible work of our fireys," McGowan said. Seven firefighters sustained minor injuries but there was no death. The bushfires have 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) since they were sparked Monday. It comes about a year after Australia was hit by unprecedented climate change-fuelled bushfires, devastating whole communities and wiping out billions of animals. More than 3.5 million hectares were burned across Western Australia during 2019-2020 but the state was largely spared the loss of properties and lives seen in the country's more densely populated southeast. Scientists say fires are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, with people living in urban-bushland areas like the Perth Hills especially vulnerable to the impact of blazes. Hundreds of people have fled the area in recent days and emergency warnings remain in place. More than 250 firefighters were operating in rough and hilly terrain, making their task "really difficult", said department of fire and emergency services commissioner Darren Klemm. Winds of up to 70 kilometres an hour (43 mph) have left some water-bombing planes grounded and were continuing to fan the flames. (With AFP inputs)

Firefighters bring Perth bushfire under control, but danger remains

Canberra celebrates the day marking British invasion of the continent as Australia day. PM Scott Morrison believes in celebrating the 26th of January, many disagree. Palki Sharma Upadhyay has a report.

Gravitas: Scott Morrison draws fire

The combined worth of Australian billionaires was assessed to be 52.4% higher this week than at the same time last December.

Australian billionaires get 50% richer amid pandemic

Australia said on Monday it had detected cases of the new fast-spreading coronavirus strain identified in the United Kingdom.

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Two travellers from the United Kingdom to&nbsp;Australia's New South Wales state were found carrying the mutated variant of the virus that Britain has said could be up to 70 per cent&nbsp;more infectious. Both are in hotel quarantine, and the recent spike in infections in Sydney is not linked to this, authorities said.

However,&nbsp;Australia's Health Minister Greg Hunt said&nbsp;there are no plans to follow other countries in halting flights from the UK.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/covid-20-twitter-abuzz-with-conspiracy-theories-after-discovery-of-new-strain-of-coronavirus-351388" hreflang="en">COVID-20? Twitter abuzz with conspiracy theories after discovery of new strain of coronavirus</a>

Chase told journalists on Monday that Australia's lodging isolate framework, under which global appearances enter required 14-day observed isolate at committed inns, implied Australia would not be doing likewise.&nbsp;

"Something in Europe is that they have not received a comparable [hotel quarantine] framework," Hunt said.&nbsp;

Australian health authorities said a virus strain in northeastern Sydney matched a traveller from the United States, but how it got from the airport to the community was puzzling.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-that-have-blocked-travel-from-uk-after-the-emergence-of-new-strain-of-coronavirus-351376" hreflang="en">Countries that have blocked travel from UK after the emergence of new strain of coronavirus</a>

Much is unknown about the strain, but experts said current vaccines should still be effective against it.

Countries around the world have begun banning flights and travellers from Britain as London said Sunday the spread of a more-infectious new coronavirus strain was now "out of control”, stoking fears among many that a resurgence in the peak-level cases could be seen in parts of the world if the new variant of COVID-19 isn’t stopped.

Earlier, UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned that the new strain of the coronavirus is “out of control” and suggested parts of England will be stuck in the new, highest tier of restrictions until a vaccine is rolled out.

Emerging scientific evidence suggests the new variant, which Hancock said has also appeared in Australia and continental Europe,&nbsp;can spread significantly more quickly than previous strains in circulation and is behind the surge in infections in recent days.

The government had initially announced an easing of restrictions to allow families to meet over Christmas, but changed its plans after it was presented last week with dire analysis of the new strain that is running rampant across southeast England.&nbsp;

Britain has been badly hit by the pandemic, with more than 67,000 deaths of those testing positive for the virus.

Australia said on Monday it had detected cases of the new fast-spreading coronavirus strain identified in the United Kingdom. Two travellers from the United Kingdom to Australia's New South Wales state were found carrying the mutated variant of the virus that Britain has said could be up to 70 per cent more infectious.

Australia said on Monday it had detected cases of the new fast-spreading coronavirus strain identified in the United Kingdom. Two travellers from the United Kingdom to Australia's New South Wales state were found carrying the mutated variant of the virus that Britain has said could be up to 70 per cent more infectious. Both are in hotel quarantine, and the recent spike in infections in Sydney is not linked to this, authorities said. However, Australia's Health Minister Greg Hunt said there are no plans to follow other countries in halting flights from the UK. Also read: COVID-20? Twitter abuzz with conspiracy theories after discovery of new strain of coronavirus Chase told journalists on Monday that Australia's lodging isolate framework, under which global appearances enter required 14-day observed isolate at committed inns, implied Australia would not be doing likewise. "Something in Europe is that they have not received a comparable [hotel quarantine] framework," Hunt said. Australian health authorities said a virus strain in northeastern Sydney matched a traveller from the United States, but how it got from the airport to the community was puzzling. Also see: Countries that have blocked travel from UK after the emergence of new strain of coronavirus Much is unknown about the strain, but experts said current vaccines should still be effective against it. Countries around the world have begun banning flights and travellers from Britain as London said Sunday the spread of a more-infectious new coronavirus strain was now "out of control”, stoking fears among many that a resurgence in the peak-level cases could be seen in parts of the world if the new variant of COVID-19 isn’t stopped. Earlier, UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned that the new strain of the coronavirus is “out of control” and suggested parts of England will be stuck in the new, highest tier of restrictions until a vaccine is rolled out. Emerging scientific evidence suggests the new variant, which Hancock said has also appeared in Australia and continental Europe, can spread significantly more quickly than previous strains in circulation and is behind the surge in infections in recent days. The government had initially announced an easing of restrictions to allow families to meet over Christmas, but changed its plans after it was presented last week with dire analysis of the new strain that is running rampant across southeast England. Britain has been badly hit by the pandemic, with more than 67,000 deaths of those testing positive for the virus.

After UK, Australia detects new fast-spreading coronavirus strain

Australia`s most populous state of New South Wales (NSW) on Monday reported 15 new local COVID-19 cases compared with 30 a day earlier and warned that more venues could be added to a list of virus-exposed locations.

Australia: New South Wales reports 15 new local COVID-19 cases

Australia's Gold Coast Beaches are swamped by foam caused by rough seas. Some people turned up at the beaches for a party. WION's Palki tells you why this was a bad idea.

Gravitas: Australia's cyclone season whips up a surprise

Mountains of sea foam covered coastlines along Australia's eastern seaboard as cyclonic winds and unprecedented weather conditions bear down on the coast.

Severe wet weather continues for 5th day; Gold Coast hit with dangerous strong winds

Australia is cracking down on white terror at home a year after a 28-year-old Australian attacked two mosques in New Zealand's Christchurch and killed 51 worshippers.

Gravitas: Australia's battles White supremacy

Australia has approved a law which gives federal government power to veto any agreement stuck between Australian state and foreign nations.

Australia approves new veto power for stuck pacts with foreign nations

Economists said the rebound in activity reflected Australian authorities’ successful suppression of Covid-19.

Australia bounces out of recession as economy grows

Parts of the continent sweated through the hottest November night on record on Saturday.

Record heat wave in Australia sparks fears of more bushfires

None of the 19 soldiers were identified in the report, which was written by a state judge appointed by the inspector-general of defence.

13 Australian soldiers face dismissal over Afghan unlawful killings

Scientists in a study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society Journal said that half of Great Barrier Reef's corals had died in last 25 years. Climate change is severely affecting the world-heritage listed reef off Australia's northeastern coast.

Great Barrier Reef is made up of corals that support rich and bio-diverse marine life. The reef is 2300 km long.

Climate change has affected larger species of corals which have almost disappeared from far northern reaches of the reef.

"They're typically depleted by (up to) 80 or 90 percent compared to 25 years ago," report co-author and James Cook University professor Terry Hughes told AFP.

"They make the nooks and crannies that fish and other creatures depend on, so losing big three-dimensional corals changes the broader ecosystem."

Great Barrier Reef was an estimated USD 4 billion in revenue from tourism before the coronavirus pandemic.

The reef is at risk of losing its coveted world heritage status because of ocean warming -- fuelled by climate change -- damaging its health.

Changes in ocean temperatures stress healthy corals, causing them to expel algae living in their tissues -- draining them of their vibrant colours in a process known as bleaching.

Back-to-back mass bleaching events in 2016 and 2017 prompted the government to downgrade the long-term outlook for the world's largest living organism to "very poor". 
Mass bleaching was first seen on the reef in 1998 -- at the time, the hottest year on record -- but as temperatures continue to soar it frequency has increased, shrinking the reef and making it harder to recover.

The big mamas

"A vibrant coral population has millions of small, baby corals, as well as many large ones -- the big mamas who produce most of the larvae," the study's lead author Andy Dietzel, also of James Cook University, said.

"Its resilience is compromised compared to the past, because there are fewer babies, and fewer large breeding adults."

On top of long-term ocean warming and associated bleaching, the reef has been battered by several cyclones and two outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish -- which eat the coral -- since 1995.

When the starfish occur in small numbers, they are considered part of the natural ecosystem, but when a large outbreak happens, they can rapidly destroy parts of the reef.

While four mass bleaching events up to 2017 were covered by the latest research, the damage to coral species from bleaching in early 2020 is yet to be assessed.

It was the most widespread bleaching on record, impacting swathes of the southern reaches of the reef for the first time.

Hughes said scientists expected corals to continue dying off unless nations met their Paris Agreement commitment to keep the increase in global average temperature under 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels.

"It takes about a decade for a half-decent recovery for the fastest-growing species, so the chances of us getting decades between the future sixth, seventh and eighth bleaching events is close to zero because temperatures are because going up and up and up," he said.

If temperatures do stabilise later this century under the Paris target, it is hoped that corals will be able to reassemble and rebuild their numbers.&nbsp;

Even then, Hughes said, "we don't think they'll rebuild into the mix of species that we've known historically".

If the rise is as much as 3 or 4 degrees Celsius, "forget it", he said.

"The trajectory is changing very, very quickly -- we're shocked and surprised by how quickly these changes are happening -- and there's further change ahead."

(With AFP inputs)

Scientists in a study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society Journal said that half of Great Barrier Reef's corals had died in last 25 years. Climate change is severely affecting the world-heritage listed reef off Australia's northeastern coast.

Scientists in a study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society Journal said that half of Great Barrier Reef's corals had died in last 25 years. Climate change is severely affecting the world-heritage listed reef off Australia's northeastern coast. Great Barrier Reef is made up of corals that support rich and bio-diverse marine life. The reef is 2300 km long. Climate change has affected larger species of corals which have almost disappeared from far northern reaches of the reef. "They're typically depleted by (up to) 80 or 90 percent compared to 25 years ago," report co-author and James Cook University professor Terry Hughes told AFP. "They make the nooks and crannies that fish and other creatures depend on, so losing big three-dimensional corals changes the broader ecosystem." Great Barrier Reef was an estimated USD 4 billion in revenue from tourism before the coronavirus pandemic. The reef is at risk of losing its coveted world heritage status because of ocean warming -- fuelled by climate change -- damaging its health. Changes in ocean temperatures stress healthy corals, causing them to expel algae living in their tissues -- draining them of their vibrant colours in a process known as bleaching. Back-to-back mass bleaching events in 2016 and 2017 prompted the government to downgrade the long-term outlook for the world's largest living organism to "very poor". Mass bleaching was first seen on the reef in 1998 -- at the time, the hottest year on record -- but as temperatures continue to soar it frequency has increased, shrinking the reef and making it harder to recover. The big mamas "A vibrant coral population has millions of small, baby corals, as well as many large ones -- the big mamas who produce most of the larvae," the study's lead author Andy Dietzel, also of James Cook University, said. "Its resilience is compromised compared to the past, because there are fewer babies, and fewer large breeding adults." On top of long-term ocean warming and associated bleaching, the reef has been battered by several cyclones and two outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish -- which eat the coral -- since 1995. When the starfish occur in small numbers, they are considered part of the natural ecosystem, but when a large outbreak happens, they can rapidly destroy parts of the reef. While four mass bleaching events up to 2017 were covered by the latest research, the damage to coral species from bleaching in early 2020 is yet to be assessed. It was the most widespread bleaching on record, impacting swathes of the southern reaches of the reef for the first time. Hughes said scientists expected corals to continue dying off unless nations met their Paris Agreement commitment to keep the increase in global average temperature under 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels. "It takes about a decade for a half-decent recovery for the fastest-growing species, so the chances of us getting decades between the future sixth, seventh and eighth bleaching events is close to zero because temperatures are because going up and up and up," he said. If temperatures do stabilise later this century under the Paris target, it is hoped that corals will be able to reassemble and rebuild their numbers. Even then, Hughes said, "we don't think they'll rebuild into the mix of species that we've known historically". If the rise is as much as 3 or 4 degrees Celsius, "forget it", he said. "The trajectory is changing very, very quickly -- we're shocked and surprised by how quickly these changes are happening -- and there's further change ahead." (With AFP inputs)

Great Barrier Reef lost half of its corals in 25 years

Australia’s A$2 trillion economy suffered its deepest slump on record in the June quarter.

Australia to spend more on jobs amid COVID crisis

The owner of Australia's biggest theme park was fined $2.5 million (Aus$3.6 million) Monday for safety failures leading to the deaths of four people on a popular water ride in 2016.

Two women and two men died when their rafts collided on the Thunder River Rapids ride at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast, leading prosecutors to file three charges against owner Ardent Leisure in June.

A Queensland court found the company had breached the state's workplace health and safety laws but stopped short of the maximum Aus$4.5 million penalty.

Ardent Leisure said it accepted full responsibility and apologised "unreservedly" in a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange.

Its board and executives expressed their "deepest sympathies" to the victims' families for the "enormous loss to each of them from the terrible tragedy which occurred at Dreamworld... and the ongoing suffering from that loss".

The company, which faced heavy criticism for trying to re-open before the funerals had taken place, said a new leadership had driven a "complete overhaul" of safety procedures at the theme park.

Ardent Leisure said it had compensated the "majority" of families, first responders and others impacted by the tragedy and was working to complete the outstanding claims.

Construction of a memorial to the victims in Dreamworld was put on hold due to the pandemic but work is expected to restart within months, the firm added.

The owner of Australia's biggest theme park was fined $2.5 million (Aus$3.6 million) Monday for safety failures leading to the deaths of four people on a popular water ride in 2016.

The owner of Australia's biggest theme park was fined $2.5 million (Aus$3.6 million) Monday for safety failures leading to the deaths of four people on a popular water ride in 2016. Two women and two men died when their rafts collided on the Thunder River Rapids ride at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast, leading prosecutors to file three charges against owner Ardent Leisure in June. A Queensland court found the company had breached the state's workplace health and safety laws but stopped short of the maximum Aus$4.5 million penalty. Ardent Leisure said it accepted full responsibility and apologised "unreservedly" in a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange. Its board and executives expressed their "deepest sympathies" to the victims' families for the "enormous loss to each of them from the terrible tragedy which occurred at Dreamworld... and the ongoing suffering from that loss". The company, which faced heavy criticism for trying to re-open before the funerals had taken place, said a new leadership had driven a "complete overhaul" of safety procedures at the theme park. Ardent Leisure said it had compensated the "majority" of families, first responders and others impacted by the tragedy and was working to complete the outstanding claims. Construction of a memorial to the victims in Dreamworld was put on hold due to the pandemic but work is expected to restart within months, the firm added.

Australian theme park operator fined $2.5 million over accident that killed four

Protesters in Melbourne defied coronavirus lockdown for a second weekend on Sunday. The city has been under hard lockdown for last six weeks. The protests against the lockdown resulted in 74 arrests and at least 175 infringement notices for breaching public health orders. Melbourne is coronavirus hotspot. Number of new infections has risen to 41.

A riot squad marched through fruit and vegetable stalls at the city's landmark, the Queen Victoria market, before the scuffling with protesters erupted, with some people throwing fruit at the police, television footage showed.

Victoria Police said in a statement that there were between 200 and 250 people involved in the protests, but there were no immediately known injuries to the police.

"It was extremely disappointing to see people not just protesting but putting the lives of other Victorians at risk despite all the warnings," the police said in an e-mailed statement.

Australian state of Victoria, the capital of which is Melbourne, accounts for about 75 per cent of Australia's more than 26,609 coronavirus cases.

The state accounts for more than 90 per cent of the total deaths. The death toll is currently at 810.

The city will remain under hard lockdown, but the amount of time people will be able to spend outside will double to two hours per day and the overnight curfew will be shortened by an hour as of Monday.

Protests in New Zealand:

Anti-restriction protests were also witnessed in New Zealand where the government has been able to stop the community transmission stage. People rallied in Auckland against social distancing restrictions in effect.

On Saturday, television footage showed tightly packed crowds, with many people not wearing masks, with estimates of the attendance varying in reports between a thousand and a few thousand people.

Protesters in Melbourne defied coronavirus lockdown for a second weekend on Sunday. The city has been under hard lockdown for last six weeks. The protests against the lockdown resulted in 74 arrests and at least 175 infringement notices for breaching public health orders.

Protesters in Melbourne defied coronavirus lockdown for a second weekend on Sunday. The city has been under hard lockdown for last six weeks. The protests against the lockdown resulted in 74 arrests and at least 175 infringement notices for breaching public health orders. Melbourne is coronavirus hotspot. Number of new infections has risen to 41. A riot squad marched through fruit and vegetable stalls at the city's landmark, the Queen Victoria market, before the scuffling with protesters erupted, with some people throwing fruit at the police, television footage showed. Victoria Police said in a statement that there were between 200 and 250 people involved in the protests, but there were no immediately known injuries to the police. "It was extremely disappointing to see people not just protesting but putting the lives of other Victorians at risk despite all the warnings," the police said in an e-mailed statement. Australian state of Victoria, the capital of which is Melbourne, accounts for about 75 per cent of Australia's more than 26,609 coronavirus cases. The state accounts for more than 90 per cent of the total deaths. The death toll is currently at 810. The city will remain under hard lockdown, but the amount of time people will be able to spend outside will double to two hours per day and the overnight curfew will be shortened by an hour as of Monday. Protests in New Zealand: Anti-restriction protests were also witnessed in New Zealand where the government has been able to stop the community transmission stage. People rallied in Auckland against social distancing restrictions in effect. On Saturday, television footage showed tightly packed crowds, with many people not wearing masks, with estimates of the attendance varying in reports between a thousand and a few thousand people.

Protests against coronavirus lockdown erupt in Melbourne, 74 arrested

Cheng Lei, an Australian citizen who has worked as a reporter in China and is a well-known TV anchor, was detained by Chinese authorities last month. There has previously been no public explanation.

Journalist Cheng Lei has been detained by China over 'National Security risks'

An alligator-skin&nbsp;designer handbag worth&nbsp;$19,000&nbsp;is to be destroyed after a woman imported it into Australia but&nbsp;its would-be owner failed to buy a $51 permit.

The luxury bag, from a Saint Laurent boutique in France, was seized by the Australian Border Force in Perth&nbsp;on the suspicion it might have been involved in the illegal wildlife trade.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/adolf-hitlers-rumoured-alligator-dies-in-moscow-300749">Adolf Hitler's 'rumoured' alligator dies in Moscow</a>

The handbag shopper had arranged a CITES export permit from France, but didn’t make an application for an import permit from the Australian CITES Management Authority.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) strictly&nbsp;regulates and monitors products derived from alligator are allowed into Australia&nbsp;to protect species that might be adversely affected by illicit markets.

The maximum penalty for wildlife trade offences in Australia is 10 years in prison and over $160,000&nbsp;fine.

<ul>
</ul>

Australian Environment Minister Sussan Ley called it a “costly reminder” to apply for the correct paperwork and the citizens of the country&nbsp;should take the time to think about ethical fashion choices.&nbsp;<cite> </cite>

<img alt="Australian Environment Minister Sussan Ley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="24597491-b4ef-431a-bb19-c216032c13a3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/6277152-3x2-940x627.jpg" />

In picture: Australian Environment Minister Sussan Ley/Reuters

"We all need to be aware of what we're purchasing online as restricting the trade of animal products is crucial to the long-term survival of endangered species," she added.

"Aside from the rules themselves, it is important that people take the time to think about ethical fashion choices."

Governments across the globe have been clamping down on the trade of over-exploited species such as alligators, which&nbsp;critics say are fuelled by the fashion industry.

An alligator-skin designer handbag worth $19,000 is to be destroyed after a woman imported it into Australia but its would-be owner failed to buy a $51 permit. The luxury bag, from a Saint Laurent boutique in France, was seized by the Australian Border Force in Perth on the suspicion it might have been involved in the illegal wildlife trade.

An alligator-skin designer handbag worth $19,000 is to be destroyed after a woman imported it into Australia but its would-be owner failed to buy a $51 permit. The luxury bag, from a Saint Laurent boutique in France, was seized by the Australian Border Force in Perth on the suspicion it might have been involved in the illegal wildlife trade. Also read: Adolf Hitler's 'rumoured' alligator dies in Moscow The handbag shopper had arranged a CITES export permit from France, but didn’t make an application for an import permit from the Australian CITES Management Authority. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) strictly regulates and monitors products derived from alligator are allowed into Australia to protect species that might be adversely affected by illicit markets. The maximum penalty for wildlife trade offences in Australia is 10 years in prison and over $160,000 fine. Australian Environment Minister Sussan Ley called it a “costly reminder” to apply for the correct paperwork and the citizens of the country should take the time to think about ethical fashion choices. In picture: Australian Environment Minister Sussan Ley/Reuters "We all need to be aware of what we're purchasing online as restricting the trade of animal products is crucial to the long-term survival of endangered species," she added. "Aside from the rules themselves, it is important that people take the time to think about ethical fashion choices." Governments across the globe have been clamping down on the trade of over-exploited species such as alligators, which critics say are fuelled by the fashion industry.

Customs to destroy alligator skin bag worth $19,000 over $51 missing permit

China has detained an Australian news anchor working for its state-run English-language television network CGTN, Australia's foreign minister said on Monday.

The detention of journalist Cheng Lei is a blow to deteriorating relations between the two countries that have seen China warn its citizens of travelling to Australia and vice-versa.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Australia was informed on August 14 that Cheng was being held by Beijing authorities.

Australian consular officials spoke to Cheng in her detention facility via video link on August 27 and were in touch with her family, Payne said in a statement.

She provided no further details, but public broadcaster ABC said Cheng's friends became concerned after she stopped responding to messages in recent weeks.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-lacks-formal-combat-capability-to-assault-us-taiwan-324271">China lacks 'formal combat capability' to assault us: Taiwan</a>

The CGTN website page which described Cheng as an anchor on the network's Global Business programme was no longer available after news of her detention emerged.

The ABC said Cheng was being held under "residential surveillance at a designated location", a form of detention that allows investigators to hold and question a suspect for up to six months without them being formally arrested.

The broadcaster published a statement by Cheng's family in Melbourne expressing confidence that "In China, due process will be observed and we look forward to a satisfactory and timely conclusion to the matter."

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"We ask that you respect that process and understand there will be no further comment at this time," the statement said.

Ties began to sour between Australia and China -- its biggest trading partner -- more than two years ago when Australian authorities began to move against what was seen as China's growing political interference and influence peddling in the country.

Beijing was particularly infuriated by Australia's leading role in international calls earlier this year for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, which began in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

Since then, China has taken steps to curb key Australian imports and encouraged Chinese students and tourists to avoid the country.&nbsp;

Cheng is the second high-profile Australian citizen to be detained in Beijing after writer Yang Hengjun was arrested in January 2019 on suspicion of espionage.

Earlier this year Australia warned its citizens they faced the risk of arbitrary detention if they traveled to China.

China has detained an Australian news anchor working for its state-run English-language television network CGTN, Australia's foreign minister said on Monday. The detention of journalist Cheng Lei is a blow to deteriorating relations between the two countries that have seen China warn its citizens of travelling to Australia and vice-versa.

China has detained an Australian news anchor working for its state-run English-language television network CGTN, Australia's foreign minister said on Monday. The detention of journalist Cheng Lei is a blow to deteriorating relations between the two countries that have seen China warn its citizens of travelling to Australia and vice-versa. Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Australia was informed on August 14 that Cheng was being held by Beijing authorities. Australian consular officials spoke to Cheng in her detention facility via video link on August 27 and were in touch with her family, Payne said in a statement. She provided no further details, but public broadcaster ABC said Cheng's friends became concerned after she stopped responding to messages in recent weeks. Also Read: China lacks 'formal combat capability' to assault us: Taiwan The CGTN website page which described Cheng as an anchor on the network's Global Business programme was no longer available after news of her detention emerged. The ABC said Cheng was being held under "residential surveillance at a designated location", a form of detention that allows investigators to hold and question a suspect for up to six months without them being formally arrested. The broadcaster published a statement by Cheng's family in Melbourne expressing confidence that "In China, due process will be observed and we look forward to a satisfactory and timely conclusion to the matter." × "We ask that you respect that process and understand there will be no further comment at this time," the statement said. Ties began to sour between Australia and China -- its biggest trading partner -- more than two years ago when Australian authorities began to move against what was seen as China's growing political interference and influence peddling in the country. Beijing was particularly infuriated by Australia's leading role in international calls earlier this year for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, which began in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Since then, China has taken steps to curb key Australian imports and encouraged Chinese students and tourists to avoid the country. Cheng is the second high-profile Australian citizen to be detained in Beijing after writer Yang Hengjun was arrested in January 2019 on suspicion of espionage. Earlier this year Australia warned its citizens they faced the risk of arbitrary detention if they traveled to China.

China detains Australian journalist, allows consular access

The high-profile anchor was the China correspondent for US pay TV network CNBC for nine years.

Australian TV anchor Cheng Lei detained in China

Facebook Inc said it will block news sharing on its platforms in Australia if the government goes ahead with a law to force it, and Alphabet Inc`s Google, to pay local media outlets for featuring their content on its platforms.

The matter is being watched closely around the world as it represents the biggest challenge so far to the way the U.S. tech giants use news on some of the world`s biggest websites.

WHAT DOES THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION SAY?

<ul>
	<li>The draft law states that Australian news outlets can negotiate individually or collectively with Facebook and Google over payment for content used on the tech firms` sites. Other tech firms may be added if they are deemed big enough.</li>
	<li>If the parties cannot reach an agreement, an arbitrator will decide whose offer is more reasonable. If Facebook or Google break any resulting agreements, they can be fined up to A$10 million ($7.4 million) in civil penalties.</li>
	<li>The draft also requires tech firms give media outlets notice when they change search algorithms in a way affecting the order in which content appears. They must also share their use of consumer data extracted from news content on their sites.</li>
	<li>The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission began investigating "big tech" in 2017 and sought feedback on the draft until Aug. 28. It now hopes to work with government and industry to redraft the law before it goes before parliament.</li>
	<li>While internet and media companies have battled in other jurisdictions - notably in Germany over copyright of news snippets and other items published by Google - Australia`s proposal represents the most expansive reform.</li>
</ul>

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/facebook-to-conduct-research-on-its-impact-on-us-elections-324424">Facebook to conduct research on its impact on US elections</a> 
&nbsp;

WHY WAS THE LAW PROPOSED?

<ul>
	<li>In recent years, traditional media companies operating in Australia have suffered huge hits to income streams, such as subscriptions and advertising. For every A$100 spent on online advertising in Australia, excluding classifieds, nearly a third goes to Google and Facebook, the competition regulator has said.</li>
	<li>Last year, the regulator published a report stating news outlets lacked bargaining power when negotiating with digital firms over compensation for content posted on online platforms. It said this was a problem because those same publishers relied on Facebook and Google to reach many of their consumers.</li>
	<li>The government wanted the tech giants to abide by a voluntary code. Citing lack of progress in discussions, it decided earlier this year that legislation was necessary.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

WHAT HAS THE RESPONSE BEEN?

<ul>
	<li>The local arm of News Corp is a vocal supporter of the legislation. It partly blamed the tech companies for the closure of dozens of mastheads earlier this year.</li>
	<li>Facebook and Google said they help connect media outlets with consumers, boosting their subscriptions and enabling them to charge advertisers more. Facebook said in the first five months of 2020 it sent 2.3 billion "clicks" worth about A$200 million to Australian news websites via articles appearing on Facebook users` pages. Google has said it would pay for content, though no major media organisation has agreed to its terms.</li>
	<li>Australia has previously engaged in lengthy battles with major corporations. In 2012, the then centre-left government became the first in the world to prohibit cigarette companies from using designs on their packaging to attract consumers. Tobacco companies mounted legal challenges but the courts ultimately upheld the law.</li>
</ul>

($1 = 1.3501 Australian dollars) 
&nbsp;

Facebook Inc said it will block news sharing on its platforms in Australia if the government goes ahead with a law to force it, and Alphabet Inc`s Google, to pay local media outlets for featuring their content on its platforms.

Facebook Inc said it will block news sharing on its platforms in Australia if the government goes ahead with a law to force it, and Alphabet Inc`s Google, to pay local media outlets for featuring their content on its platforms. The matter is being watched closely around the world as it represents the biggest challenge so far to the way the U.S. tech giants use news on some of the world`s biggest websites. WHAT DOES THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION SAY? The draft law states that Australian news outlets can negotiate individually or collectively with Facebook and Google over payment for content used on the tech firms` sites. Other tech firms may be added if they are deemed big enough. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, an arbitrator will decide whose offer is more reasonable. If Facebook or Google break any resulting agreements, they can be fined up to A$10 million ($7.4 million) in civil penalties. The draft also requires tech firms give media outlets notice when they change search algorithms in a way affecting the order in which content appears. They must also share their use of consumer data extracted from news content on their sites. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission began investigating "big tech" in 2017 and sought feedback on the draft until Aug. 28. It now hopes to work with government and industry to redraft the law before it goes before parliament. While internet and media companies have battled in other jurisdictions - notably in Germany over copyright of news snippets and other items published by Google - Australia`s proposal represents the most expansive reform. Also Read: Facebook to conduct research on its impact on US elections WHY WAS THE LAW PROPOSED? In recent years, traditional media companies operating in Australia have suffered huge hits to income streams, such as subscriptions and advertising. For every A$100 spent on online advertising in Australia, excluding classifieds, nearly a third goes to Google and Facebook, the competition regulator has said. Last year, the regulator published a report stating news outlets lacked bargaining power when negotiating with digital firms over compensation for content posted on online platforms. It said this was a problem because those same publishers relied on Facebook and Google to reach many of their consumers. The government wanted the tech giants to abide by a voluntary code. Citing lack of progress in discussions, it decided earlier this year that legislation was necessary. WHAT HAS THE RESPONSE BEEN? The local arm of News Corp is a vocal supporter of the legislation. It partly blamed the tech companies for the closure of dozens of mastheads earlier this year. Facebook and Google said they help connect media outlets with consumers, boosting their subscriptions and enabling them to charge advertisers more. Facebook said in the first five months of 2020 it sent 2.3 billion "clicks" worth about A$200 million to Australian news websites via articles appearing on Facebook users` pages. Google has said it would pay for content, though no major media organisation has agreed to its terms. Australia has previously engaged in lengthy battles with major corporations. In 2012, the then centre-left government became the first in the world to prohibit cigarette companies from using designs on their packaging to attract consumers. Tobacco companies mounted legal challenges but the courts ultimately upheld the law. ($1 = 1.3501 Australian dollars)

Facebook to Australians: Will block news sharing if government passes proposed law

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