Australia's prime minister said Sunday he was ready to "engage" with billionaire X owner Elon Musk over his criticism of the government's ban on under-16s joining social media.

Anthony Albanese hailed the parliament's Thursday passage of landmark legislation requiring social media firms to take "reasonable steps" to prevent young teens from having accounts.

The law, which will come into effect after 12 months, gives few details of how it will be enforced, including how sites like Facebook, Instagram and X will verify users' ages.

Musk – who has been named Donald Trump's government efficiency chief in the incoming US administration – posted on X last month that the law "seems like a backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians".

"We will talk to anyone," Albanese said when asked if he would discuss the legislation with Musk.

"With regard to Elon Musk, he has an agenda. He's entitled to push that as the owner of X, formerly known as Twitter," Albanese told Australian public broadcaster ABC.

When the interviewer mentioned that Musk was also Trump's "right-hand man", the prime minister replied: "We will engage, we will engage."

Social media firms that fail to comply with the new law face fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million) for "systemic breaches".

Musk's platform in October lost a legal bid to avoid a US$417,000 fine levelled by Australia's online watchdog, which has accused X of failing to stamp out harmful posts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-india-other-brics-nations-commit-to-us-dollar-or-face-100-tariff-780553">Trump warns India, other BRICS nations: Commit to US Dollar or face '100%' tariff</a>

<h2>'Bullying'</h2>

The government will decide over the next 12 months how to implement the ban, Albanese said, insisting, however, that it would not require people to provide identification.

"The obligation will be on social media companies to do everything they can to make sure that those people under 16 don't have access to social media," the prime minister said.

"We know that social media companies have more information about you and I than some of our friends do," he added.

"We know that they are able to do that, and the obligation will be on them."

Albanese said he was "determined" to implement the legislation.

"I've met parents who have had to bury their children as a result of the impact that social media has had as a result of bullying, and we need to do something about it," he said.

Several social media giants have promised to work with the government on implementing the law.

But they have also criticised the legislation, saying it was "rushed", full of unanswered questions, and did not take into account the views of experts who opposed it.

The UN children's charity UNICEF Australia warned this week that the law was no "silver bullet" against online harm and could push kids into "covert and unregulated" spaces online.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Australia's prime minister said Sunday he was ready to "engage" with billionaire X owner Elon Musk over his criticism of the government's ban on under-16s joining social media.

Australia's prime minister said Sunday he was ready to "engage" with billionaire X owner Elon Musk over his criticism of the government's ban on under-16s joining social media. Anthony Albanese hailed the parliament's Thursday passage of landmark legislation requiring social media firms to take "reasonable steps" to prevent young teens from having accounts. The law, which will come into effect after 12 months, gives few details of how it will be enforced, including how sites like Facebook, Instagram and X will verify users' ages. Musk – who has been named Donald Trump's government efficiency chief in the incoming US administration – posted on X last month that the law "seems like a backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians". "We will talk to anyone," Albanese said when asked if he would discuss the legislation with Musk. "With regard to Elon Musk, he has an agenda. He's entitled to push that as the owner of X, formerly known as Twitter," Albanese told Australian public broadcaster ABC. When the interviewer mentioned that Musk was also Trump's "right-hand man", the prime minister replied: "We will engage, we will engage." Social media firms that fail to comply with the new law face fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million) for "systemic breaches". Musk's platform in October lost a legal bid to avoid a US$417,000 fine levelled by Australia's online watchdog, which has accused X of failing to stamp out harmful posts. Also read | Trump warns India, other BRICS nations: Commit to US Dollar or face '100%' tariff 'Bullying' The government will decide over the next 12 months how to implement the ban, Albanese said, insisting, however, that it would not require people to provide identification. "The obligation will be on social media companies to do everything they can to make sure that those people under 16 don't have access to social media," the prime minister said. "We know that social media companies have more information about you and I than some of our friends do," he added. "We know that they are able to do that, and the obligation will be on them." Albanese said he was "determined" to implement the legislation. "I've met parents who have had to bury their children as a result of the impact that social media has had as a result of bullying, and we need to do something about it," he said. Several social media giants have promised to work with the government on implementing the law. But they have also criticised the legislation, saying it was "rushed", full of unanswered questions, and did not take into account the views of experts who opposed it. The UN children's charity UNICEF Australia warned this week that the law was no "silver bullet" against online harm and could push kids into "covert and unregulated" spaces online. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Ready to 'engage' with Musk: Australian PM on social media teen ban

Australia, on Tuesday (Feb 20) outlined its decade-long plan and announced a major overhaul of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet saying that it would more than double the number of warships as well as add six large and “optionally crewed” naval vessels heavily armed with missiles as a part of the new $11 billion reshaping of the country’s naval forces.&nbsp;

<h2>Australia’s plan for its Navy</h2>

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government announced a major overhaul of the country’s Navy which includes the acquisition of six new large optionally crewed surface vessels (LOSVs) which can be operated remotely by a support vessel and would be heavily armed with missiles.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Australia to double fleet of Warships by 2034

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Under the sweeping overhaul, Australia will have 26 combat-ready warships up from the current fleet of 11 ships. “It is the largest fleet that we will have since the end of the Second World War,” said Defence Minister Richard Marles.&nbsp;

He also&nbsp;cited concerns over rising geopolitical tensions amid&nbsp;competition between the United States, its allies and China&nbsp;in the Asia-Pacific region.

Canberra has also reduced its order of Hunter-class frigates from nine to six, according to the new plan “Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet.”&nbsp;

The new fleet would include three upgraded Hobart-class destroyers, 11 new general-purpose frigates to replace six remaining Anzac-class frigates, six new LOSVs and 25 minor war vessels, including six Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).

The Hunter class frigates will be built at the Osborne shipyard in South Australia, said Australia’s Department of Defence in a statement.&nbsp;

The announcement also comes after the government received an independent analysis, led by the retired US&nbsp;Navy Vice-Admiral William Hilarides, which found that the current and planned surface combatant fleet was “not appropriate for the strategic environment we face, noting it is the oldest fleet Navy has operated in its history”.

The independent analysis also urged the Albanese government for “immediate implementation” of the overhaul citing the threat to Australia’s national security.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-ashwin-ramaswami-first-gen-z-indian-american-democrat-vying-for-georgia-senate-seat-691843">Meet Ashwin Ramaswami, first Gen Z Indian-American Democrat vying for Georgia Senate seat</a>

Australia’s oldest currently serving warship, HMAS Anzac, as per the plan, will be immediately decommissioned ahead of the gradual replacement of the ageing Anzac-class fleet with new frigates.&nbsp;

<h2>Australia increases defence spending</h2>

To implement the shake-up to the current Australian navy fleet, the government has announced an additional $1.7 billion over the forward estimates and $11.1 billion over the next decade in defence for “accelerated delivery” for the navy’s future surface combatant fleet and to expand the country’s shipbuilding industry.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-expresses-concerns-after-china-targets-its-divers-with-sonar-pulses-659933">Australia expresses concerns after China targets its divers with sonar pulses</a>

The total cost of the plan over the next decade would amount to $54 billion. The plan would also see Australia increase its defence spending to 2.4 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP), above the two per cent target set by its NATO allies.&nbsp;

“This will be the largest surface combatant force we’ve operated in generations. It will also be, in time, the most lethal,” said Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Australia, on Tuesday (Feb 20) outlined its decade-long plan and announced a major overhaul of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet saying that it would more than double the number of warships as well as add six large and “optionally crewed” naval vessels heavily armed with missiles as a part of the new $11 billion reshaping of the country’s naval forces.

Australia, on Tuesday (Feb 20) outlined its decade-long plan and announced a major overhaul of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet saying that it would more than double the number of warships as well as add six large and “optionally crewed” naval vessels heavily armed with missiles as a part of the new $11 billion reshaping of the country’s naval forces. Australia’s plan for its Navy Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government announced a major overhaul of the country’s Navy which includes the acquisition of six new large optionally crewed surface vessels (LOSVs) which can be operated remotely by a support vessel and would be heavily armed with missiles. WATCH | Australia to double fleet of Warships by 2034 Under the sweeping overhaul, Australia will have 26 combat-ready warships up from the current fleet of 11 ships. “It is the largest fleet that we will have since the end of the Second World War,” said Defence Minister Richard Marles. He also cited concerns over rising geopolitical tensions amid competition between the United States, its allies and China in the Asia-Pacific region. Canberra has also reduced its order of Hunter-class frigates from nine to six, according to the new plan “Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet.” The new fleet would include three upgraded Hobart-class destroyers, 11 new general-purpose frigates to replace six remaining Anzac-class frigates, six new LOSVs and 25 minor war vessels, including six Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). The Hunter class frigates will be built at the Osborne shipyard in South Australia, said Australia’s Department of Defence in a statement. The announcement also comes after the government received an independent analysis, led by the retired US Navy Vice-Admiral William Hilarides, which found that the current and planned surface combatant fleet was “not appropriate for the strategic environment we face, noting it is the oldest fleet Navy has operated in its history”. The independent analysis also urged the Albanese government for “immediate implementation” of the overhaul citing the threat to Australia’s national security. Also Read | Meet Ashwin Ramaswami, first Gen Z Indian-American Democrat vying for Georgia Senate seat Australia’s oldest currently serving warship, HMAS Anzac, as per the plan, will be immediately decommissioned ahead of the gradual replacement of the ageing Anzac-class fleet with new frigates. Australia increases defence spending To implement the shake-up to the current Australian navy fleet, the government has announced an additional $1.7 billion over the forward estimates and $11.1 billion over the next decade in defence for “accelerated delivery” for the navy’s future surface combatant fleet and to expand the country’s shipbuilding industry. Also Read | Australia expresses concerns after China targets its divers with sonar pulses The total cost of the plan over the next decade would amount to $54 billion. The plan would also see Australia increase its defence spending to 2.4 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP), above the two per cent target set by its NATO allies. “This will be the largest surface combatant force we’ve operated in generations. It will also be, in time, the most lethal,” said Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia announces navy overhaul to build biggest fleet since World War II

The BCCI has invited Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to watch the India vs Australia World Cup 2023 final in Ahmedabad on Sunday (Nov 16), per the latest reports. Although no official confirmation around this is out yet, if Anthony accepts the invitation, he will join his counterpart, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in watching the clash of the titans at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium.

On Thursday, the Australian Team beat South Africa by three wickets in one of the most closely fought contests at the CWC stage at the Eden Gardens. A day before, on Wednesday, hosts India beat New Zealand by 70 runs in Mumbai to enter their fourth World Cup final.

While India’s record in the final is 2-1, having won twice before in 1983 and 2011, Australia entered their record eighth CWC final, leading 5-2. The Aussies are the most successful team in the tournament history, having won in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2015.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/odi-world-cup-2023-watch-south-africas-aiden-markram-almost-breaks-down-in-three-wicket-loss-vs-australia-659698">ODI World Cup 2023: WATCH | South Africa's Aiden Markram almost BREAKS DOWN in three-wicket loss vs Australia</a>

Besides this, an air show will open the final at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, with several A-Listers to also grace their presence in the India vs Australia World Cup 2023 final.

<h2>Australia beat South Africa in second semi-final</h2>

At the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Australia came on top in the second semi-final, beating the Proteas by three wickets in a nail-biter. While David Miller starred for South Africa, hitting his maiden CWC semis hundred, Travis Head hogged the limelight with his all-round show. Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc were among the wickets too.

David Warner and Steve Smith contributed with handy 20s and 30s, but it was Josh Inglis, alongside the tail, helping Australia stand tall in the end.

<h3>Not stopping Indian Team</h3>

Be it on the runs chart or the wickets, the Indian players are winning everywhere. While Virat Kohli leads the run-scoring list with over 700 runs in 10 matches (most by any batter in history), Mohammed Shami, with his unparalleled performance, stays ahead of everyone in the bowling department.

Outside of the top three, which will hold the keys in the final against Australia, the middle order coming to the party has benefited India in this tournament.

The BCCI has invited Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to watch the India vs Australia World Cup 2023 final in Ahmedabad on Sunday (Nov 16), per the latest reports.

The BCCI has invited Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to watch the India vs Australia World Cup 2023 final in Ahmedabad on Sunday (Nov 16), per the latest reports. Although no official confirmation around this is out yet, if Anthony accepts the invitation, he will join his counterpart, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in watching the clash of the titans at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium. On Thursday, the Australian Team beat South Africa by three wickets in one of the most closely fought contests at the CWC stage at the Eden Gardens. A day before, on Wednesday, hosts India beat New Zealand by 70 runs in Mumbai to enter their fourth World Cup final. While India’s record in the final is 2-1, having won twice before in 1983 and 2011, Australia entered their record eighth CWC final, leading 5-2. The Aussies are the most successful team in the tournament history, having won in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2015. ALSO READ: ODI World Cup 2023: WATCH | South Africa's Aiden Markram almost BREAKS DOWN in three-wicket loss vs Australia Besides this, an air show will open the final at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, with several A-Listers to also grace their presence in the India vs Australia World Cup 2023 final. Australia beat South Africa in second semi-final At the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Australia came on top in the second semi-final, beating the Proteas by three wickets in a nail-biter. While David Miller starred for South Africa, hitting his maiden CWC semis hundred, Travis Head hogged the limelight with his all-round show. Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc were among the wickets too. David Warner and Steve Smith contributed with handy 20s and 30s, but it was Josh Inglis, alongside the tail, helping Australia stand tall in the end. Not stopping Indian Team Be it on the runs chart or the wickets, the Indian players are winning everywhere. While Virat Kohli leads the run-scoring list with over 700 runs in 10 matches (most by any batter in history), Mohammed Shami, with his unparalleled performance, stays ahead of everyone in the bowling department. Outside of the top three, which will hold the keys in the final against Australia, the middle order coming to the party has benefited India in this tournament.

BCCI invites Australia PM Anthony Albanese to watch India vs Australia World Cup final in Ahmedabad

Anthony Albanese on Monday (May 23) was sworn in as the 31st Prime Minister of Australia at Government House in Canberra. After taking office, Albanese headed to Japan to attend the Quad summit, which is scheduled to take place on May 24 in Tokyo.&nbsp;

In Tokyo, the newly-elected Australian PM will meet United States President Joe Biden, and Indian and Japanese counterparts Narendra Modi and Fumio Kishida respectively to discuss issues of mutual interest.&nbsp;

With Albanese, some other members of his party also took charge including Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher. Notably, Wong will join Albanese at the Quad summit.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quad-summit-2022-leaders-of-japan-united-states-india-australia-meet-in-tokyo-481143">WION @ Quad: Updates from Japan</a>

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad is a strategic security dialogue between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States as leaders of the mentioned countries hold talks to discuss global issues apart from strengthening bilateral relations.&nbsp;

After winning the election, Albanese had said that the Tokyo summit was "an absolute priority for Australia and an opportunity to send a message to the world".&nbsp;

He further added that partners overseas can expect wholesale changes ", particularly with regard to climate change and our engagement with the world on those issues".&nbsp;

WION reports from Tokyo: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-reports-from-tokyo-despite-no-security-goals-quad-understand-china-poses-threat-to-indo-pacific-481259">Despite no security goals spelt out, Quad understands China's threat to Indo-Pacific</a>

WATCH |&nbsp;Australia's election: Labor party returns to power after 9 yrs

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The Quad grouping has been seen as intended to pressure China as it builds its economic and military weight in the region. Meanwhile, Albanese on Monday said the country's relationship with China would remain "a difficult one".&nbsp;

"It is China that has changed, not Australia, and Australia should always stand up for our values and we will in a government that I lead," Albanese said during a media briefing.&nbsp;

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Anthony Albanese on Monday (May 23) was sworn in as the 31st Prime Minister of Australia at Government House in Canberra. After taking office, Albanese headed to Japan to attend the Quad summit, which is scheduled to take place on May 24 in Tokyo.

Anthony Albanese on Monday (May 23) was sworn in as the 31st Prime Minister of Australia at Government House in Canberra. After taking office, Albanese headed to Japan to attend the Quad summit, which is scheduled to take place on May 24 in Tokyo. In Tokyo, the newly-elected Australian PM will meet United States President Joe Biden, and Indian and Japanese counterparts Narendra Modi and Fumio Kishida respectively to discuss issues of mutual interest. With Albanese, some other members of his party also took charge including Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher. Notably, Wong will join Albanese at the Quad summit. WION @ Quad: Updates from Japan The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad is a strategic security dialogue between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States as leaders of the mentioned countries hold talks to discuss global issues apart from strengthening bilateral relations. After winning the election, Albanese had said that the Tokyo summit was "an absolute priority for Australia and an opportunity to send a message to the world". He further added that partners overseas can expect wholesale changes ", particularly with regard to climate change and our engagement with the world on those issues". WION reports from Tokyo: Despite no security goals spelt out, Quad understands China's threat to Indo-Pacific WATCH | Australia's election: Labor party returns to power after 9 yrs × The Quad grouping has been seen as intended to pressure China as it builds its economic and military weight in the region. Meanwhile, Albanese on Monday said the country's relationship with China would remain "a difficult one". "It is China that has changed, not Australia, and Australia should always stand up for our values and we will in a government that I lead," Albanese said during a media briefing. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Anthony Albanese sworn in as Australia's PM, heads to Tokyo for Quad summit

Australia has committed A$70 million ($50 million) to fund lethal defensive weapons for Ukraine, including missiles and ammunition, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Tuesday.

Australia has shifted from its stance last week when it said it would only fund military technical assistance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-gives-visas-to-only-50-ukrainian-refugees-france-calls-it-lack-of-humanity-459814">UK gives visas to only 50 Ukrainian refugees, France calls it 'lack of humanity'</a>

Morrison told reporters on Tuesday the majority of the new weapons funding for Ukraine would be in the lethal category.

"We're talking missiles, we're talking ammunition, we're talking supporting them in their defence of their own homeland in Ukraine and we will be doing that in partnership with NATO."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-allies-plan-ways-to-help-establish-support-a-ukrainian-government-in-exile-459791">US, allies plan ways to help establish, support a Ukrainian government-in-exile</a>

He said the weapons would be delivered rapidly, but didn't disclose how.

Morrison also urged Australian citizens not travel to join Ukraine's militia in fighting against the Russian military, saying the legal position of foreign civilian combatants was unclear.

"Don't do it," he said.

Australia will commit A$35 million in humanitarian support to international organisations assisting Ukrainians with shelter, food, medical care, water and education, he said.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia calls for a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine from 7 AM GMT to aid in evacuations

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&nbsp;

Australia has committed A$70 million ($50 million) to fund lethal defensive weapons for Ukraine, including missiles and ammunition, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Tuesday.

Australia has committed A$70 million ($50 million) to fund lethal defensive weapons for Ukraine, including missiles and ammunition, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Tuesday. Australia has shifted from its stance last week when it said it would only fund military technical assistance. Also read | UK gives visas to only 50 Ukrainian refugees, France calls it 'lack of humanity' Morrison told reporters on Tuesday the majority of the new weapons funding for Ukraine would be in the lethal category. "We're talking missiles, we're talking ammunition, we're talking supporting them in their defence of their own homeland in Ukraine and we will be doing that in partnership with NATO." Also read | US, allies plan ways to help establish, support a Ukrainian government-in-exile He said the weapons would be delivered rapidly, but didn't disclose how. Morrison also urged Australian citizens not travel to join Ukraine's militia in fighting against the Russian military, saying the legal position of foreign civilian combatants was unclear. "Don't do it," he said. Australia will commit A$35 million in humanitarian support to international organisations assisting Ukrainians with shelter, food, medical care, water and education, he said. Watch | Russia calls for a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine from 7 AM GMT to aid in evacuations

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Australia will fund lethal weapons for Ukraine, says PM Morrison

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday he wants greater federal powers during natural disasters, as authorities warned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-megablaze-brought-under-control-273841">bushfires ravaging the country</a> for months were sweeping through a national park near the capital.

Morrison said he wanted to set up a "legal framework that would allow the Commonwealth to declare a national state of emergency" before the next summer bushfire season, adding the chain of command between states and the federal government remained unclear.

Although he gave no details, the plan showed the conservative leader moving to head off criticism he was too slow to act when the seriousness of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-proposes-high-powered-inquiry-into-bushfires-response-273680">country's worst bushfire season</a> in a generation became apparent late last year.

Attacked by political opponents and media commentators for holidaying in Hawaii while the fires raged, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-bushfires-scott-morrison-announces-new-recovery-agency-272334">Morrison </a>initially said the country's eight state and territory governments had the main oversight during natural disasters.

He later mobilised about 3,000 Australian Defence Force reservists to help regional communities <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-bushfires-2000-homes-destroyed-military-buries-4000-animals-to-prevent-diseases-272607">affected by the fires</a>. "It has long been the case that state and territory governments have primary responsibility for protecting the life and property within their borders," Morrison said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-prime-ministers-approval-rating-singed-by-bushfires-273895">Australian Prime Minister's approval rating singed by bushfires</a>

"The scale of the bushfires this season, not least their simultaneous reach across many borders, has demonstrated to me the limits of these arrangements," Morrison said in a speech in the capital, Canberra.

<img alt="Scott Morrison" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="718272a9-03b3-49cb-b634-6b779f2924fa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_24.jpg" /> 
[ Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Just to the south of the city, authorities warned people to stay away from some regional areas due to a 10,000 hectare (25,000 acre) forest fire, although no suburbs of Canberra itself were under threat.

Over the summer, Canberra has regularly been shrouded in bushfire smoke that has put its air quality among the lowest-ranked in the world and prompted government agencies to ask employees to stay home.

A week ago, the city's airport was closed briefly when bushfire burned near its edges. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned Canberra will be at the centre of a heatwave that will put the city's temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) for several days.

Since September, bushfires in Australia have killed 33 people and an estimated 1 billion native animals, while 2,500 homes and a wilderness area the size of Greece have been destroyed, prompting critics to accuse Morrison of not doing enough to cut the country's carbon emissions.

Morrison said Australia should adapt to changing weather patterns that would make bushfires more frequent, but "when it comes to practical safety of people living in bushfire zones, hazard reduction is even more important than emissions reduction". 
&nbsp;

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday he wants greater federal powers during natural disasters, as authorities warned bushfires ravaging the country for months were sweeping through a national park near the capital.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday he wants greater federal powers during natural disasters, as authorities warned bushfires ravaging the country for months were sweeping through a national park near the capital. Morrison said he wanted to set up a "legal framework that would allow the Commonwealth to declare a national state of emergency" before the next summer bushfire season, adding the chain of command between states and the federal government remained unclear. Although he gave no details, the plan showed the conservative leader moving to head off criticism he was too slow to act when the seriousness of the country's worst bushfire season in a generation became apparent late last year. Attacked by political opponents and media commentators for holidaying in Hawaii while the fires raged, Morrison initially said the country's eight state and territory governments had the main oversight during natural disasters. He later mobilised about 3,000 Australian Defence Force reservists to help regional communities affected by the fires. "It has long been the case that state and territory governments have primary responsibility for protecting the life and property within their borders," Morrison said. Also Read: Australian Prime Minister's approval rating singed by bushfires "The scale of the bushfires this season, not least their simultaneous reach across many borders, has demonstrated to me the limits of these arrangements," Morrison said in a speech in the capital, Canberra. [ Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Just to the south of the city, authorities warned people to stay away from some regional areas due to a 10,000 hectare (25,000 acre) forest fire, although no suburbs of Canberra itself were under threat. Over the summer, Canberra has regularly been shrouded in bushfire smoke that has put its air quality among the lowest-ranked in the world and prompted government agencies to ask employees to stay home. A week ago, the city's airport was closed briefly when bushfire burned near its edges. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned Canberra will be at the centre of a heatwave that will put the city's temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) for several days. Since September, bushfires in Australia have killed 33 people and an estimated 1 billion native animals, while 2,500 homes and a wilderness area the size of Greece have been destroyed, prompting critics to accuse Morrison of not doing enough to cut the country's carbon emissions. Morrison said Australia should adapt to changing weather patterns that would make bushfires more frequent, but "when it comes to practical safety of people living in bushfire zones, hazard reduction is even more important than emissions reduction".

Australian PM seeks greater federal powers to protect the nation from threatening bushfires

Prime Minister Scott Morrison will debate Labor leader Bill Shorten in Perth on Monday in a bid to win over undecided voters. Voter concerns about tax and climate policy are expected to dominate the first leaders’ debate of the federal election campaign on Monday night.

Australia Elections: Australia to vote for general elections on 18th May

Australia&#39;s wealthy Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull reportedly made a large personal donation to the conservative Liberal Party during the recent fiercely fought election in a move ridiculed by the Labor opposition. 
 
The multi-millionaire, whose Liberal/National coalition was narrowly re-elected, handed over US$760,000 (Aus$1 million) of his own money in the final weeks of the campaign with the party &quot;desperate for finances&quot;, The Australian newspaper said today. 
 
The party did not deny the alleged bail-out but said in a statement that &quot;the claim in todays Australian that the Liberal Party is either in debt or broke is false&quot;. 
 
The newspaper said the money was a &quot;tightly kept secret&quot; and was used to fund television advertising, direct mail-outs and opinion polls. 
 
The donation was mocked by senior opposition Labor politician Anthony Albanese, who told broadcaster Channel Nine: &quot;I wish we had someone who had a lazy Aus$1 million sitting in the corner that could just plonk into the campaign&quot;. 
 
Labor relies on donations and affiliation fees from trade unions for much of its funding. 
 
Turnbull is reportedly worth Aus$200 million through his previous careers as a barrister, businessman and investment banker. 
 
Under Australian law, political parties receive public funding according to how well they perform in an election. 
 
The funding, which is received after the polls, is usually insufficient to pay for campaigns, with parties having to approach donors - individuals and companies - to boost their kitty. 
 
All donations above Aus$13,000 at the national level have to be disclosed, with the latest contributions to be revealed in 2017. 
 
The Liberal Party`s New South Wales branch had Aus$4.4 million withheld from its coffers earlier this year by the electoral commission over its failure to disclose the identity of major donors in 2011 state elections. 
 
(AFP)

Turnbull had donated $760,000 in the final weeks of campaign to help with the finances. The Liberal party did not deny the bailout

Australia's wealthy Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull reportedly made a large personal donation to the conservative Liberal Party during the recent fiercely fought election in a move ridiculed by the Labor opposition. The multi-millionaire, whose Liberal/National coalition was narrowly re-elected, handed over US$760,000 (Aus$1 million) of his own money in the final weeks of the campaign with the party "desperate for finances", The Australian newspaper said today. The party did not deny the alleged bail-out but said in a statement that "the claim in todays Australian that the Liberal Party is either in debt or broke is false". The newspaper said the money was a "tightly kept secret" and was used to fund television advertising, direct mail-outs and opinion polls. The donation was mocked by senior opposition Labor politician Anthony Albanese, who told broadcaster Channel Nine: "I wish we had someone who had a lazy Aus$1 million sitting in the corner that could just plonk into the campaign". Labor relies on donations and affiliation fees from trade unions for much of its funding. Turnbull is reportedly worth Aus$200 million through his previous careers as a barrister, businessman and investment banker. Under Australian law, political parties receive public funding according to how well they perform in an election. The funding, which is received after the polls, is usually insufficient to pay for campaigns, with parties having to approach donors - individuals and companies - to boost their kitty. All donations above Aus$13,000 at the national level have to be disclosed, with the latest contributions to be revealed in 2017. The Liberal Party`s New South Wales branch had Aus$4.4 million withheld from its coffers earlier this year by the electoral commission over its failure to disclose the identity of major donors in 2011 state elections. (AFP)

Australia PM donated hundreds of dollars to party's election bid