Great Barrier Reef has escaped the prospect of being listed as endangered world heritage site by UNESCO. However, concerns remains for damage to ecosystem's corals due to climate change and other factors.

At a World Heritage Committee meeting chaired by China, delegates voted to delay the decision, after a concerted lobbying effort by Canberra.

The Great Barrier Reef has suffered three mass coral bleaching events in past five years. By some measures, the Reef has lost half of its corals since 1995 as ocean temperatures have increased.

Moreover, cyclones have battered the reef. Outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish has also damaged the reef. Crown-of-thorns starfish eat the corals.

"It's a warning to the international community and all of humanity that the coral ecosystem is in danger," Fanny Douvere, the head of UNESCO's World Heritage marine programme, said in June.

Australian government scientists say the corals have made a comeback over the past year, but acknowledge that will not improve the ecosystem's "very poor" long-term outlook.

What is World Heritage List?

World Heritage List is a UNESCO list that mentions sites all over the world. These sites have historical, scientific, cultural or other forms of importance. When a site gets listed, it is demarcated by UNESCO as a protected site.&nbsp;

Inclusion in the list increases chances of the site being better cared for and protected as it comes on international radar. The heritage list has helped conservation of sites all over the world.

Great Barrier Reef has escaped the prospect of being listed as endangered world heritage site by UNESCO. However, concerns remains for damage to ecosystem's corals due to climate change and other factors.

Great Barrier Reef has escaped the prospect of being listed as endangered world heritage site by UNESCO. However, concerns remains for damage to ecosystem's corals due to climate change and other factors. At a World Heritage Committee meeting chaired by China, delegates voted to delay the decision, after a concerted lobbying effort by Canberra. The Great Barrier Reef has suffered three mass coral bleaching events in past five years. By some measures, the Reef has lost half of its corals since 1995 as ocean temperatures have increased. Moreover, cyclones have battered the reef. Outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish has also damaged the reef. Crown-of-thorns starfish eat the corals. "It's a warning to the international community and all of humanity that the coral ecosystem is in danger," Fanny Douvere, the head of UNESCO's World Heritage marine programme, said in June. Australian government scientists say the corals have made a comeback over the past year, but acknowledge that will not improve the ecosystem's "very poor" long-term outlook. What is World Heritage List? World Heritage List is a UNESCO list that mentions sites all over the world. These sites have historical, scientific, cultural or other forms of importance. When a site gets listed, it is demarcated by UNESCO as a protected site. Inclusion in the list increases chances of the site being better cared for and protected as it comes on international radar. The heritage list has helped conservation of sites all over the world.

Great Barrier Reef won't be listed as endangered heritage site for now

Bangladesh's Mushfiqur Rahim will miss next month's Twenty20 International series against Australia after he was unable to join the team in time for quarantine because of personal reasons. 
 
Bangladesh are undergoing a 10-day quarantine in Dhaka ahead of the five-match series, due to be held August&nbsp;3 to 9. 
 
However, Cricket Australia said on Thursday, the series has come under doubt after their second one-day international against West Indies was suspended minutes before the start following a COVID-19 case among the West Indies staff. 
 
Bangladesh Cricket Board's cricket operations chairman Akram Khan said Mushfiqur opted out of their ongoing series in Zimbabwe to be with his parents. 
 
"Mushfiqur wanted to play the (Australia) series but he missed the quarantine by a couple of days," ESPNcricinfo news site quoted Akram as saying. 
 
"His parents are sick, so he had to leave the Zimbabwe tour. But the (10-day) quarantine is part of our agreement with Cricket Australia, so we couldn't include him. 
 
"They didn't agree to Mushfiqur entering quarantine two days after it began. It is disappointing but one can't do much about these things."

Bangladesh's Mushfiqur Rahim will miss next month's Twenty20 International series against Australia after he was unable to join the team in time for quarantine because of personal reasons.

Bangladesh's Mushfiqur Rahim will miss next month's Twenty20 International series against Australia after he was unable to join the team in time for quarantine because of personal reasons. Bangladesh are undergoing a 10-day quarantine in Dhaka ahead of the five-match series, due to be held August 3 to 9. However, Cricket Australia said on Thursday, the series has come under doubt after their second one-day international against West Indies was suspended minutes before the start following a COVID-19 case among the West Indies staff. Bangladesh Cricket Board's cricket operations chairman Akram Khan said Mushfiqur opted out of their ongoing series in Zimbabwe to be with his parents. "Mushfiqur wanted to play the (Australia) series but he missed the quarantine by a couple of days," ESPNcricinfo news site quoted Akram as saying. "His parents are sick, so he had to leave the Zimbabwe tour. But the (10-day) quarantine is part of our agreement with Cricket Australia, so we couldn't include him. "They didn't agree to Mushfiqur entering quarantine two days after it began. It is disappointing but one can't do much about these things."

Cricket: Bangladesh's Mushfiqur to miss Australia T20 series

The Great Barrier Reef near Australia may be downgraded as 'endangered' in the World Heritage listing this week. This has again focused everyone's attention on the list people often know a bit less about. The common man may well have heard of the list. But for him, it's often somewhat a static thing. Talk about intricacies and there are great chances of puzzled looks.

What is World Heritage List?

World Heritage List is a UNESCO list that mentions sites all over the world. These sites have historical, scientific, cultural or other forms of importance. When a site gets listed, it is demarcated by UNESCO as a protected site.&nbsp;

Inclusion in the list increases chances of the site being better cared for and protected as it comes on international radar. The heritage list has helped conservation of sites all over the world.

The downgrade

The status of a partuicular site can be downgraded. The World Heritage List is not permanently fixed and sites can be downgraded or even deleted entirely on the UN body's recommendation. While placement on the "in-danger" list is not considered a sanction -- some nations have their sites added to gain international attention to help save them -- others see it as a dishonour.

The Great Barrier Reef is facing the same fate.

The Great Barrier Reef -- the world's largest living structure, visible from space -- was added to the list in 1981 for its "superlative natural beauty" and extensive biodiversity.

Why could the reef lose its status?

The reef has suffered three mass coral bleaching events in the past five years, by some measures losing half its corals since 1995 as ocean temperatures have climbed.

It has also been battered by several cyclones, as climate change drives more extreme weather, and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish which eat the coral.

"It's a warning to the international community and all of humanity that the coral ecosystem is in danger," Fanny Douvere, the head of UNESCO's World Heritage marine programme, said in June.

Australian government scientists say the corals have made a comeback over the past year, but acknowledge that will not improve the ecosystem's "very poor" long-term outlook.

What is the likely outcome?

This is not the first time the UN has threatened to downgrade the reef's World Heritage listing -- furious lobbying by Australia prevented it in 2015.

The country created a "Reef 2050" plan and has poured billions of dollars into reef protection, including water quality improvements, in part to address the concerns.

While UNESCO has acknowledged these efforts, it has also taken aim at Australia for its lacklustre climate efforts as the government continues to resist calls to commit to net zero emissions by 2050.

The decision now rests in the hands of the World Heritage Committee, but 12 other countries have proposed delaying the decision until 2023, after reported lobbying from Australian officials.

With 14 votes required to pass that submission, Australia would need to find just one other member to back that position, assuming it also votes in favour.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Great Barrier Reef near Australia may be downgraded as 'endangered' in the World Heritage listing this week. This has again focused everyone's attention on the list people often know a bit less about.

The Great Barrier Reef near Australia may be downgraded as 'endangered' in the World Heritage listing this week. This has again focused everyone's attention on the list people often know a bit less about. The common man may well have heard of the list. But for him, it's often somewhat a static thing. Talk about intricacies and there are great chances of puzzled looks. What is World Heritage List? World Heritage List is a UNESCO list that mentions sites all over the world. These sites have historical, scientific, cultural or other forms of importance. When a site gets listed, it is demarcated by UNESCO as a protected site. Inclusion in the list increases chances of the site being better cared for and protected as it comes on international radar. The heritage list has helped conservation of sites all over the world. The downgrade The status of a partuicular site can be downgraded. The World Heritage List is not permanently fixed and sites can be downgraded or even deleted entirely on the UN body's recommendation. While placement on the "in-danger" list is not considered a sanction -- some nations have their sites added to gain international attention to help save them -- others see it as a dishonour. The Great Barrier Reef is facing the same fate. The Great Barrier Reef -- the world's largest living structure, visible from space -- was added to the list in 1981 for its "superlative natural beauty" and extensive biodiversity. Why could the reef lose its status? The reef has suffered three mass coral bleaching events in the past five years, by some measures losing half its corals since 1995 as ocean temperatures have climbed. It has also been battered by several cyclones, as climate change drives more extreme weather, and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish which eat the coral. "It's a warning to the international community and all of humanity that the coral ecosystem is in danger," Fanny Douvere, the head of UNESCO's World Heritage marine programme, said in June. Australian government scientists say the corals have made a comeback over the past year, but acknowledge that will not improve the ecosystem's "very poor" long-term outlook. What is the likely outcome? This is not the first time the UN has threatened to downgrade the reef's World Heritage listing -- furious lobbying by Australia prevented it in 2015. The country created a "Reef 2050" plan and has poured billions of dollars into reef protection, including water quality improvements, in part to address the concerns. While UNESCO has acknowledged these efforts, it has also taken aim at Australia for its lacklustre climate efforts as the government continues to resist calls to commit to net zero emissions by 2050. The decision now rests in the hands of the World Heritage Committee, but 12 other countries have proposed delaying the decision until 2023, after reported lobbying from Australian officials. With 14 votes required to pass that submission, Australia would need to find just one other member to back that position, assuming it also votes in favour. (With inputs from agencies)

What is World Heritage List and why is Great Barrier Reef facing a downgrade?

Canada and Australia may be sending some of their biggest&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;teams to the Tokyo&nbsp;Games&nbsp;but only a small fraction will attend Friday's opening ceremony, officials said on Thursday.

Around 30-40 athletes from the 370-strong team will be at the event in a largely empty Tokyo Olympic stadium, bar a few hundred officials, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) said.

"Athletes are only arriving in the village five days before they compete," the COC said in a news release. "This means that there are less athletes in the village and that most of them are on the verge of competing.

"The focus of Team Canada remains on safety, performance, and adhering to the letter and spirit of the Tokyo 2020 playbooks."

Basketball player Miranda Ayim and rugby sevens co-captain Nathan Hirayama will be the flag bearers for Canada's biggest Olympic team since the 1984 Los Angeles Summer&nbsp;Games.

The Rio de Janeiro&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;had more than 12,000 athletes and team officials marching in the opening ceremony but with Tokyo's draconian COVID-19 measures it will be a far smaller number.

For&nbsp;Olympics-mad Australia, who have sent their biggest ever team to a&nbsp;Games&nbsp;held overseas, only some 50 athletes from their 470-plus delegation will march.

Team chief Ian Chesterman told athletes to still enjoy the moment despite a lack of spectators and the absence of the usual celebratory atmosphere in the stadium.

"My instruction to the team is to enjoy yourself. It has been a hell of a ride getting here," he told a news conference.

"Just enjoy the moment and soak it up. We are expecting around about 50 athletes to march and we are limited to six officials."

With COVID-19 restrictions having cut athletes' stay short in Tokyo -- they arrive shortly before their competition and leave soon after -- every team must accept a reduction of its team parade numbers.

For triple and long jump Olympic medallist Will Claye it means many fellow American athletes will miss out on a unique experience.

"Just (to) meet and take pictures with some of my idols in the sport," the 30-year-old told reporters, noting that in the past&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;he enjoyed getting the opportunity to spend some time with idols like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

"I think those are the memories that last a lifetime."

Canada and Australia may be sending some of their biggest Olympics teams to the Tokyo Games but only a small fraction will attend Friday's opening ceremony, officials said on Thursday.

Canada and Australia may be sending some of their biggest Olympics teams to the Tokyo Games but only a small fraction will attend Friday's opening ceremony, officials said on Thursday. Around 30-40 athletes from the 370-strong team will be at the event in a largely empty Tokyo Olympic stadium, bar a few hundred officials, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) said. "Athletes are only arriving in the village five days before they compete," the COC said in a news release. "This means that there are less athletes in the village and that most of them are on the verge of competing. "The focus of Team Canada remains on safety, performance, and adhering to the letter and spirit of the Tokyo 2020 playbooks." Basketball player Miranda Ayim and rugby sevens co-captain Nathan Hirayama will be the flag bearers for Canada's biggest Olympic team since the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Games. The Rio de Janeiro Olympics had more than 12,000 athletes and team officials marching in the opening ceremony but with Tokyo's draconian COVID-19 measures it will be a far smaller number. For Olympics-mad Australia, who have sent their biggest ever team to a Games held overseas, only some 50 athletes from their 470-plus delegation will march. Team chief Ian Chesterman told athletes to still enjoy the moment despite a lack of spectators and the absence of the usual celebratory atmosphere in the stadium. "My instruction to the team is to enjoy yourself. It has been a hell of a ride getting here," he told a news conference. "Just enjoy the moment and soak it up. We are expecting around about 50 athletes to march and we are limited to six officials." With COVID-19 restrictions having cut athletes' stay short in Tokyo -- they arrive shortly before their competition and leave soon after -- every team must accept a reduction of its team parade numbers. For triple and long jump Olympic medallist Will Claye it means many fellow American athletes will miss out on a unique experience. "Just (to) meet and take pictures with some of my idols in the sport," the 30-year-old told reporters, noting that in the past Olympics he enjoyed getting the opportunity to spend some time with idols like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. "I think those are the memories that last a lifetime."

Tokyo Olympics: Canada, Australia to assemble with 10 percent of team at opening ceremony

Defending champions Australia and New Zealand withdrew from the&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;League&nbsp;World Cup in England on Thursday, citing player welfare and safety concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in a massive blow for the sport's global showpiece.

The Australian&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;League&nbsp;Commission (ARLC) and New Zealand&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;League&nbsp;(NZRL) said they had repeated a request to organisers to postpone the Oct&nbsp;23-Nov&nbsp;27 event until 2022 to "minimise risk of players contracting COVID-19".

"The decision to withdraw from the RLWC2021 comes after considering the risk of COVID-19 infection in the United Kingdom, the worsening environment in Australia and the time a majority of NRL (National&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;League) players will spend away from home under strict biosecurity conditions prior to the World Cup," they said in a joint statement.

Rugby&nbsp;Football&nbsp;League&nbsp;(RFL) chairman Simon Johnson called the withdrawals "a selfish, parochial and cowardly decision".

"Rugby&nbsp;League&nbsp;World Cup organizers have bent over backward to offer every assurance to the Australians and the Kiwis," Johnson told the BBC. "We are very unhappy with this decision and we are not prepared to take it lying down."

World Cup Organisers said they were informed about the withdrawals at "very short notice" and would continue discussions with stakeholders to agree on the best way forward.

"RLWC2021 note the disappointing statement made by the ARLC and NZRL which may have wide-ranging implications for international&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;League," organizers said in a statement.

COVID-19 infections are increasing in the UK, with 47,114 new ones reported on average each day. The UK has recorded 5.5 million confirmed cases and 128,896 total deaths, according to a Reuters tally.

Australia is also battling outbreaks of COVID-19 albeit on a much smaller scale. Around 13 million people, or half the country's population, are under strict lockdown.

Australia's "Kangaroos" have dominated the World Cup, winning eight out of the last nine editions dating back to the 1970s.

New Zealand, whose top players also compete in the NRL, won the 2008 World Cup hosted by Australia.

<h2>HOTEL QUARANTINE</h2>

Australian and New Zealand media had reported that both nations had cold feet about sending teams to England.

Most NRL players are already living away from home, with the&nbsp;league&nbsp;moving teams to northern Queensland state to escape COVID-19 outbreaks and lockdowns further south.

"They would then be required to remain under (COVID) protocols and away from home for the duration of the tournament before again quarantining on return to Australia," ARLC chairman Peter V'landys said.

"This is too much to ask our players and officials to do."

NZRL boss Greg Peters said the safety staff and players could not be guaranteed."There are stark differences between how the pandemic is being managed in the UK compared to Australasia and recent developments have highlighted how quickly things can change," he said.

Australia has sent more than 400 athletes to the Tokyo Olympics and a large squad of cricketers to the Caribbean for a tour of the West Indies in recent weeks.

England recently hosted the final of soccer's European Championship at Wembley, as well as hundreds of tennis players at Wimbledon and golfers at the British Open.

With over two-thirds of adults having received two vaccine shots, England ended COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on Monday.

Defending champions Australia and New Zealand withdrew from the Rugby League World Cup in England on Thursday, citing player welfare and safety concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in a massive blow for the sport's global showpiece.

Defending champions Australia and New Zealand withdrew from the Rugby League World Cup in England on Thursday, citing player welfare and safety concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in a massive blow for the sport's global showpiece. The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) said they had repeated a request to organisers to postpone the Oct 23-Nov 27 event until 2022 to "minimise risk of players contracting COVID-19". "The decision to withdraw from the RLWC2021 comes after considering the risk of COVID-19 infection in the United Kingdom, the worsening environment in Australia and the time a majority of NRL (National Rugby League) players will spend away from home under strict biosecurity conditions prior to the World Cup," they said in a joint statement. Rugby Football League (RFL) chairman Simon Johnson called the withdrawals "a selfish, parochial and cowardly decision". "Rugby League World Cup organizers have bent over backward to offer every assurance to the Australians and the Kiwis," Johnson told the BBC. "We are very unhappy with this decision and we are not prepared to take it lying down." World Cup Organisers said they were informed about the withdrawals at "very short notice" and would continue discussions with stakeholders to agree on the best way forward. "RLWC2021 note the disappointing statement made by the ARLC and NZRL which may have wide-ranging implications for international Rugby League," organizers said in a statement. COVID-19 infections are increasing in the UK, with 47,114 new ones reported on average each day. The UK has recorded 5.5 million confirmed cases and 128,896 total deaths, according to a Reuters tally. Australia is also battling outbreaks of COVID-19 albeit on a much smaller scale. Around 13 million people, or half the country's population, are under strict lockdown. Australia's "Kangaroos" have dominated the World Cup, winning eight out of the last nine editions dating back to the 1970s. New Zealand, whose top players also compete in the NRL, won the 2008 World Cup hosted by Australia. HOTEL QUARANTINE Australian and New Zealand media had reported that both nations had cold feet about sending teams to England. Most NRL players are already living away from home, with the league moving teams to northern Queensland state to escape COVID-19 outbreaks and lockdowns further south. "They would then be required to remain under (COVID) protocols and away from home for the duration of the tournament before again quarantining on return to Australia," ARLC chairman Peter V'landys said. "This is too much to ask our players and officials to do." NZRL boss Greg Peters said the safety staff and players could not be guaranteed."There are stark differences between how the pandemic is being managed in the UK compared to Australasia and recent developments have highlighted how quickly things can change," he said. Australia has sent more than 400 athletes to the Tokyo Olympics and a large squad of cricketers to the Caribbean for a tour of the West Indies in recent weeks. England recently hosted the final of soccer's European Championship at Wembley, as well as hundreds of tennis players at Wimbledon and golfers at the British Open. With over two-thirds of adults having received two vaccine shots, England ended COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on Monday.

Australia, New Zealand withdraw from Rugby League World Cup citing Covid concerns

Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) boss John&nbsp;Coates&nbsp;has defended his awkward exchange with Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk after drawing criticism on Thursday for publicly ordering her to attend the Tokyo Games opening ceremony.

Coates, one of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) most powerful executives, raised eyebrows when he told the premier at a media conference that she needed to attend Friday's ceremony along with other members of Australia's delegation.

The exchange came after Brisbane was named host of the 2032 Olympics.

“You are going to the opening ceremony,"&nbsp;Coates&nbsp;said to Palaszczuk, who travelled to Tokyo as a representative of Brisbane's bid.

"I am still the deputy chair of the candidature leadership group.

"And so far as I understand, there will be an opening and a closing ceremony in 2032, and all of you have got to get along there and understand the traditional parts of that, what’s involved in an opening ceremony.

"So none of you are staying and hiding in your rooms, all right."

Palaszczuk replied: “I don’t want to offend anybody, so..."

Coates's comments triggered outrage on social media, and he was accused of misogyny and "mansplaining" by some Australian media pundits.

"He gave a masterclass in how to be an arrogant powerbroker," academic Jenna Price wrote in the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper.

Former Swimming Australia boss Leigh Russell said the exchange was "disgusting".

"And yet another example of how women are treated in sport,” she wrote on Twitter.

Coates&nbsp;said his comments had been "misinterpreted" by people who were not in the room.

“The premier and I have a long-standing and very successful relationship,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

“We both know the spirit of my remarks and I have no indication that she was offended in any way. Those in doubt should ask her."

Palaszczuk said there were no issues between her and&nbsp;Coates&nbsp;after the exchange.

"Yeah absolutely. He’s fantastic,” she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

“If we didn’t have John&nbsp;Coates&nbsp;this will not have happened," she said of the successful Brisbane bid.

"John&nbsp;Coates&nbsp;has been the driving force behind us securing the Olympics."

Palaszczuk's trip to Japan was criticised by home media who questioned the need for her to be present in Tokyo while around 13 million Australians remain locked down due to COVID-19 outbreaks.

She had said she would not attend any events while in Tokyo apart from the bid team's presentation to the IOC on Wednesday, and would confine herself to her hotel.

Interviewed on an Australian breakfast TV show on the Nine Network on Thursday, Palaszczuk said in relation to the opening ceremony, she would "do whatever John&nbsp;Coates&nbsp;tells me to do."

"I am not going to offend the International Olympic Committee now that we have been awarded the Games," she added.

Coates&nbsp;has led the AOC for over 30 years and played a key role in Brisbane's winning bid.

In 2017, the AOC was hit by allegations of bullying and intimidation made by former staff, including former chief executive Fiona de Jong.

An independent review cleared the AOC of a bullying culture but criticised the conduct of some senior leaders in the organisation.&nbsp;Coates&nbsp;was not among the leaders criticised.

Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) boss John Coates has defended his awkward exchange with Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk after drawing criticism on Thursday for publicly ordering her to attend the Tokyo Games opening ceremony.

Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) boss John Coates has defended his awkward exchange with Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk after drawing criticism on Thursday for publicly ordering her to attend the Tokyo Games opening ceremony. Coates, one of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) most powerful executives, raised eyebrows when he told the premier at a media conference that she needed to attend Friday's ceremony along with other members of Australia's delegation. The exchange came after Brisbane was named host of the 2032 Olympics. “You are going to the opening ceremony," Coates said to Palaszczuk, who travelled to Tokyo as a representative of Brisbane's bid. "I am still the deputy chair of the candidature leadership group. "And so far as I understand, there will be an opening and a closing ceremony in 2032, and all of you have got to get along there and understand the traditional parts of that, what’s involved in an opening ceremony. "So none of you are staying and hiding in your rooms, all right." Palaszczuk replied: “I don’t want to offend anybody, so..." Coates's comments triggered outrage on social media, and he was accused of misogyny and "mansplaining" by some Australian media pundits. "He gave a masterclass in how to be an arrogant powerbroker," academic Jenna Price wrote in the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper. Former Swimming Australia boss Leigh Russell said the exchange was "disgusting". "And yet another example of how women are treated in sport,” she wrote on Twitter. Coates said his comments had been "misinterpreted" by people who were not in the room. “The premier and I have a long-standing and very successful relationship,” he said in a statement on Thursday. “We both know the spirit of my remarks and I have no indication that she was offended in any way. Those in doubt should ask her." Palaszczuk said there were no issues between her and Coates after the exchange. "Yeah absolutely. He’s fantastic,” she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “If we didn’t have John Coates this will not have happened," she said of the successful Brisbane bid. "John Coates has been the driving force behind us securing the Olympics." Palaszczuk's trip to Japan was criticised by home media who questioned the need for her to be present in Tokyo while around 13 million Australians remain locked down due to COVID-19 outbreaks. She had said she would not attend any events while in Tokyo apart from the bid team's presentation to the IOC on Wednesday, and would confine herself to her hotel. Interviewed on an Australian breakfast TV show on the Nine Network on Thursday, Palaszczuk said in relation to the opening ceremony, she would "do whatever John Coates tells me to do." "I am not going to offend the International Olympic Committee now that we have been awarded the Games," she added. Coates has led the AOC for over 30 years and played a key role in Brisbane's winning bid. In 2017, the AOC was hit by allegations of bullying and intimidation made by former staff, including former chief executive Fiona de Jong. An independent review cleared the AOC of a bullying culture but criticised the conduct of some senior leaders in the organisation. Coates was not among the leaders criticised.

John Coates slammed for 'mansplaining' to Queensland premier on opening ceremony

After a decision of member nations of the International Olympic Committee in Tokyo, Brisbane was formally awarded hosting rights for the 2032 Olympic Games.&nbsp;

The Olympic Games will land on Australia’s shores for a third time,&nbsp;before this Melbourne held the Games in 1956 and Sydney hosted them in 2000.

“The International Olympic Committee has the honour of announcing that the Games of the XXXV Olympiad in 2032 are awarded to Brisbane, Australia,” said IOC President Thomas Bach after the meeting, with the words marked by a massive fireworks display over the Brisbane River.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-sports-start-with-a-softball-game-japan-routs-australia-8-1-399363" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics sports start with a softball game, Japan routs Australia 8-1</a>

According to Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates, the region already possesses roughly 80% of the requisite infrastructure to hold a competition, thanks in part to the Gold Coast's hosting of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.&nbsp;

The winning bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 11 years comes after it was granted preferred bidder status, meaning no other cities were competing.&nbsp;

Brisbane appeared to be a genuine possibility after the IOC's 15-strong executive board unanimously proposed it as the sole candidate for 2032 in June.

The IOC has now confirmed hosts for the next three Summer Olympics, with Paris hosting the event in 2024 and Los Angeles hosting the tournament in 2028.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After a decision of member nations of the International Olympic Committee in Tokyo, Brisbane was formally awarded hosting rights for the 2032 Olympic Games. The Olympic Games will land on Australia’s shores for a third time, before this Melbourne held the Games in 1956 and Sydney hosted them in 2000.

After a decision of member nations of the International Olympic Committee in Tokyo, Brisbane was formally awarded hosting rights for the 2032 Olympic Games. The Olympic Games will land on Australia’s shores for a third time, before this Melbourne held the Games in 1956 and Sydney hosted them in 2000. “The International Olympic Committee has the honour of announcing that the Games of the XXXV Olympiad in 2032 are awarded to Brisbane, Australia,” said IOC President Thomas Bach after the meeting, with the words marked by a massive fireworks display over the Brisbane River. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics sports start with a softball game, Japan routs Australia 8-1 According to Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates, the region already possesses roughly 80% of the requisite infrastructure to hold a competition, thanks in part to the Gold Coast's hosting of the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The winning bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 11 years comes after it was granted preferred bidder status, meaning no other cities were competing. Brisbane appeared to be a genuine possibility after the IOC's 15-strong executive board unanimously proposed it as the sole candidate for 2032 in June. The IOC has now confirmed hosts for the next three Summer Olympics, with Paris hosting the event in 2024 and Los Angeles hosting the tournament in 2028. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia clinches third Olympics after Brisbane declared host of 2032 Games

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's approval ratings fell to the lowest level in more than a year, according to a poll published on Monday, as a sluggish COVID-19 vaccine rollout dented voters' confidence in his conservative government. 
 
A Newspoll conducted for The Australian newspaper showed Morrison's public support dropped two points to 51% over the last three weeks, the lowest level since he faced criticism early last year over his response to devastating bushfires. 
 
Morrison has come under increasing pressure as a slow national vaccine rollout leaves Australia exposed to a deadly new wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Sydney and Melbourne, the country's biggest two cities, are in lockdown in a bid to stem a fast-moving outbreak of the Delta variant. 
 
Morrison's Liberal-National Party coalition government also slumped to its lowest electoral position this term, the Newspoll showed, trailing the opposition Labor Party 47-53 on a two-party preferred basis. 
 
If the poll result was replicated at an election, the conservative government would suffer "a significant defeat" against centre-left Labor, The Australian reported. 
 
After a 2019 general election gave the coalition a wafer-thin majority, Morrison's popularity initially surged during the COVID-19 crisis as measures including closing the international border, social distancing and speedy contact tracing kept Australia's overall exposure relatively low. The country has recorded just over 31,900 cases and 914 deaths. 
 
But delays with the vaccine rollout - just 13% of the country's adult population of around 20 million are fully vaccinated - have frustrated voters. 
 
Morrison`s handling of the pandemic fell nine points in the past three weeks to 52%, according to the Newspoll, far below the 85% rating at the previous peak of the pandemic in April last year. Confidence in the vaccine rollout slumped to 40%. 
 
Morrison has suggested changing medical advice for the country's mainstay AstraZeneca's vaccine and supply constraints for Pfizer's vaccine have been to blame. 
 
The Newspoll was based on surveys of just over 1,500 voters in metropolitan and regional areas from Wednesday to Saturday.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's approval ratings fell to the lowest level in more than a year, according to a poll published on Monday, as a sluggish COVID-19 vaccine rollout dented voters' confidence in his conservative government.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's approval ratings fell to the lowest level in more than a year, according to a poll published on Monday, as a sluggish COVID-19 vaccine rollout dented voters' confidence in his conservative government. A Newspoll conducted for The Australian newspaper showed Morrison's public support dropped two points to 51% over the last three weeks, the lowest level since he faced criticism early last year over his response to devastating bushfires. Morrison has come under increasing pressure as a slow national vaccine rollout leaves Australia exposed to a deadly new wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Sydney and Melbourne, the country's biggest two cities, are in lockdown in a bid to stem a fast-moving outbreak of the Delta variant. Morrison's Liberal-National Party coalition government also slumped to its lowest electoral position this term, the Newspoll showed, trailing the opposition Labor Party 47-53 on a two-party preferred basis. If the poll result was replicated at an election, the conservative government would suffer "a significant defeat" against centre-left Labor, The Australian reported. After a 2019 general election gave the coalition a wafer-thin majority, Morrison's popularity initially surged during the COVID-19 crisis as measures including closing the international border, social distancing and speedy contact tracing kept Australia's overall exposure relatively low. The country has recorded just over 31,900 cases and 914 deaths. But delays with the vaccine rollout - just 13% of the country's adult population of around 20 million are fully vaccinated - have frustrated voters. Morrison`s handling of the pandemic fell nine points in the past three weeks to 52%, according to the Newspoll, far below the 85% rating at the previous peak of the pandemic in April last year. Confidence in the vaccine rollout slumped to 40%. Morrison has suggested changing medical advice for the country's mainstay AstraZeneca's vaccine and supply constraints for Pfizer's vaccine have been to blame. The Newspoll was based on surveys of just over 1,500 voters in metropolitan and regional areas from Wednesday to Saturday.

Australian PM Morrison's approval rating slumps on slow vaccine rollout

"Songs are within the land, sing country strong," trills this Indigenous musician for her audience. It's not the average lesson for these university students, but what they learn will last a lifetime. This is about hearing from the people whose ancestors were the first people to call Tasmania home. And that history is being taught in a way that's very different from university lectures.

Indigenous scholars teach students their history

Chris Gayle got back to form with 67 off 38 balls as West Indies whipped Australia by 6 wickets in the third T20I on Monday in St Lucia.

With this triumph, the hosts have taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in their five-match series.&nbsp;

Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. They headed out to a fair beginning before opener Matthew Wade at 23 runs was bowled by Obed McCoy and Mitchell Marsh was caught leg-before by Fabian Allen as the guests arrived at 72-2 out of 10 overs.&nbsp;

Alex Carey was then dismissed by Hayden Walsh while captain Aaron Finch who scored 30 runs was excused in the 12th over to leave Australia in a difficult situation at 80-4.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-imagine-virat-kohli-playing-brett-lee-explains-why-big-bash-league-needs-more-private-ownership-397755" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'Imagine Virat Kohli playing': Brett Lee explains why Big Bash League needs more private ownership</a>

Although, Moises Henriques and Ashton Turner put on Australia's first half-century stand of the series. They sewed 59 runs for the fifth wicket before Moises Henriques was caught at Fabien Allen off Dwayne Bravo in the last over. The batsman was disillusioned and neglected to set up a significant score. They scored 141 runs towards the end of their 20 overs which was never going to be sufficient against a solid West Indies line-up.&nbsp;

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc is perhaps the most dreaded bowler in the world. He bowls with extraordinary speed and gets his yorkers right usually. In any case, he wasn't at the top of his game in&nbsp;the initial two matches of the series.

The third game, however, was particularly extraordinary. Mitchell Starc showed everybody why he is among the best in the business with regards to limited-overs cricket. He bowled with serious speed and control in a match where all his kindred bowlers battled. He yielded just fifteen runs in his four overs and picked up a wicket too.&nbsp;

Despite the fact that Mitchell Starc had a decent game, the equivalent can't be said about the Australian team overall.&nbsp;

In quest for an unassuming 142-run target, West Indies returned home in style with Gayle's rankling game dominating thump that included 4 four's and seven sixes.

It was his first T20 half-century since 2016.

Chris Gayle got back to form with 67 off 38 balls as West Indies whipped Australia by 6 wickets in the third T20I on Monday in St Lucia. With this triumph, the hosts have taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in their five-match series.

Chris Gayle got back to form with 67 off 38 balls as West Indies whipped Australia by 6 wickets in the third T20I on Monday in St Lucia. With this triumph, the hosts have taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in their five-match series. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. They headed out to a fair beginning before opener Matthew Wade at 23 runs was bowled by Obed McCoy and Mitchell Marsh was caught leg-before by Fabian Allen as the guests arrived at 72-2 out of 10 overs. Alex Carey was then dismissed by Hayden Walsh while captain Aaron Finch who scored 30 runs was excused in the 12th over to leave Australia in a difficult situation at 80-4. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'Imagine Virat Kohli playing': Brett Lee explains why Big Bash League needs more private ownership Although, Moises Henriques and Ashton Turner put on Australia's first half-century stand of the series. They sewed 59 runs for the fifth wicket before Moises Henriques was caught at Fabien Allen off Dwayne Bravo in the last over. The batsman was disillusioned and neglected to set up a significant score. They scored 141 runs towards the end of their 20 overs which was never going to be sufficient against a solid West Indies line-up. Australian pacer Mitchell Starc is perhaps the most dreaded bowler in the world. He bowls with extraordinary speed and gets his yorkers right usually. In any case, he wasn't at the top of his game in the initial two matches of the series. The third game, however, was particularly extraordinary. Mitchell Starc showed everybody why he is among the best in the business with regards to limited-overs cricket. He bowled with serious speed and control in a match where all his kindred bowlers battled. He yielded just fifteen runs in his four overs and picked up a wicket too. Despite the fact that Mitchell Starc had a decent game, the equivalent can't be said about the Australian team overall. In quest for an unassuming 142-run target, West Indies returned home in style with Gayle's rankling game dominating thump that included 4 four's and seven sixes. It was his first T20 half-century since 2016.

Cricket: Chris Gayle fires West Indies to seal T20I series against Australia

To make people aware of the rise in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid infections</a> in the country, the Australian government rolled out awareness advertisements. However, these graphic adverts have received negative reviews from locals.

Two advertisements were released by the federal government over the weekend. One showed a young woman gasping for oxygen in a hospital. The aim of the advertisement was to urge people to stay at home and get tested for coronavirus if they develop any symptoms. The other advertisement showed a parade of arms carrying band-aids for after vaccination. With a tagline of "arm yourself against COVID-19", the advertisement encouraged people to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydney-records-first-covid-related-death-as-delta-variant-surges-through-australia-397467" hreflang="en">Sydney records first Covid-related death as Delta variant surges through Australia</a>

"That is the message as well with the more difficult, more challenging ad but a deliberately constructed ad which was prepared in anticipation of if there were a major outbreak and approved by the chief medical officer as being the appropriate time to release," federal health minister Greg Hunt told reporters.

However, the general public does not seem pleased by these graphic advertisements as many believe it is a scare tactic that can work opposite to its actual aim. Some experts said the advertisements are very close to scare tactics which can actually increase hesitancy towards vaccination, rather than motivating people to get vaccinated. It can also increase distrust in the government as people would feel manipulated considering the government has used paid actors.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasal-covid-19-vaccine-protects-animals-from-the-deadly-infection-397522" hreflang="en">Nasal COVID-19 vaccine protects animals from the deadly infection</a>

"We've seen with vaccination in particular that fear campaigns or scary messages about diseases can actually cause people to become more fearful of vaccine side-effects," Dr Jessica Kaufman, a research fellow at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute told the Guardian.

Another fact that backfired at the government was that the advertisements are targeting young people. However, youngsters are not yet eligible for vaccination as the Australian government has failed to procure enough doses to vaccinate all of the adult population.

To make people aware of the rise in Covid infections in the country, the Australian government rolled out awareness advertisements. However, these graphic adverts have received negative reviews from locals.

To make people aware of the rise in Covid infections in the country, the Australian government rolled out awareness advertisements. However, these graphic adverts have received negative reviews from locals. Two advertisements were released by the federal government over the weekend. One showed a young woman gasping for oxygen in a hospital. The aim of the advertisement was to urge people to stay at home and get tested for coronavirus if they develop any symptoms. The other advertisement showed a parade of arms carrying band-aids for after vaccination. With a tagline of "arm yourself against COVID-19", the advertisement encouraged people to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Also read | Sydney records first Covid-related death as Delta variant surges through Australia "That is the message as well with the more difficult, more challenging ad but a deliberately constructed ad which was prepared in anticipation of if there were a major outbreak and approved by the chief medical officer as being the appropriate time to release," federal health minister Greg Hunt told reporters. However, the general public does not seem pleased by these graphic advertisements as many believe it is a scare tactic that can work opposite to its actual aim. Some experts said the advertisements are very close to scare tactics which can actually increase hesitancy towards vaccination, rather than motivating people to get vaccinated. It can also increase distrust in the government as people would feel manipulated considering the government has used paid actors. Also read | Nasal COVID-19 vaccine protects animals from the deadly infection "We've seen with vaccination in particular that fear campaigns or scary messages about diseases can actually cause people to become more fearful of vaccine side-effects," Dr Jessica Kaufman, a research fellow at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute told the Guardian. Another fact that backfired at the government was that the advertisements are targeting young people. However, youngsters are not yet eligible for vaccination as the Australian government has failed to procure enough doses to vaccinate all of the adult population.

Too graphic: Australia's Covid vaccination awareness advertisements backfire

An ex-US Marine has been charged with murdering his wife in Australia. The charge says that he killed her by pouring Gasoline on her and setting her on fire.

Brian Earl Johnston (34) has been charged with murder and breaking restraining order. He allegedly killed his wife in the backyard of her Gold Coast house. News reports say that the murder took place in front of their children aged 2 and 9.

Authorities have said that after setting his wife on fire, he set fire to himself but jumped in a pool to douse the flames.

Surprisingly, he turned down the opportunity to apply for bail. His lawyer said that he took this decision due "concerns" about his own "safety". This is being interpreted as him wanting to avoid wrath of the community for his heinous crime. He has preferred staying in jail.&nbsp;

News reports have mentioned witnesses who rushed to help Johnston's wife of 10 years having been traumatised by the visuals of her burning in the backyard of the house.

Police found Johnston in semi-conscious state and recovered a can of gasoline, three knives and a duffel bag with rope and duct tape from the crime scene.

An ex-US Marine has been charged with murdering his wife in Australia. The charge says that he killed her by pouring Gasoline on her and setting her on fire. Brian Earl Johnston (34) has been charged with murder and breaking restraining order.

An ex-US Marine has been charged with murdering his wife in Australia. The charge says that he killed her by pouring Gasoline on her and setting her on fire. Brian Earl Johnston (34) has been charged with murder and breaking restraining order. He allegedly killed his wife in the backyard of her Gold Coast house. News reports say that the murder took place in front of their children aged 2 and 9. Authorities have said that after setting his wife on fire, he set fire to himself but jumped in a pool to douse the flames. Surprisingly, he turned down the opportunity to apply for bail. His lawyer said that he took this decision due "concerns" about his own "safety". This is being interpreted as him wanting to avoid wrath of the community for his heinous crime. He has preferred staying in jail. News reports have mentioned witnesses who rushed to help Johnston's wife of 10 years having been traumatised by the visuals of her burning in the backyard of the house. Police found Johnston in semi-conscious state and recovered a can of gasoline, three knives and a duffel bag with rope and duct tape from the crime scene.

Ex-US Marine kills wife by pouring gasoline on her

Adding to the fear of another possible outbreak, Australia announced its first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus-related</a> death in Sydney.

This death has come as Sydney is battling to control the widespread of the Delta variant which has also been labelled as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The woman was in her 90s and took his last breath a few hours after she tested positive for coronavirus. She became the first victim to die from a locally acquired infection in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-update-90-year-old-belgian-woman-died-with-double-variant-infection-397418">WATCH |</a>

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Local authorities have warned people to stay indoors, practice social distancing and wear face mask at all times when stepping outdoors.

"Tomorrow and the&nbsp;few days afterwards will be worse,&nbsp;much worse than we've seen today," New South Wales state premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

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The death has come as Sydney enters its third week of lockdown, even though cases have been alarming increasing.

"Given where we're at and&nbsp;given the lockdown was supposed to&nbsp;be lifted on Friday, everybody can&nbsp;tell it's highly unlikely at this&nbsp;stage, given where the numbers are," Berejiklian said.

To warn citizens against a possible deadly outbreak, the government of Australia has launched a new advertising campaign that urges people to stay vigilant and arm themselves against coronavirus by getting vaccinated and staying at home.

Adding to the fear of another possible outbreak, Australia announced its first coronavirus-related death in Sydney. This death has come as Sydney is battling to control the widespread of the Delta variant which has also been labelled as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Adding to the fear of another possible outbreak, Australia announced its first coronavirus-related death in Sydney. This death has come as Sydney is battling to control the widespread of the Delta variant which has also been labelled as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization (WHO). The woman was in her 90s and took his last breath a few hours after she tested positive for coronavirus. She became the first victim to die from a locally acquired infection in the country. WATCH | × Local authorities have warned people to stay indoors, practice social distancing and wear face mask at all times when stepping outdoors. "Tomorrow and the few days afterwards will be worse, much worse than we've seen today," New South Wales state premier Gladys Berejiklian said. Also read | COVID-19: Israel set to offer booster shot of Pfizer vaccine against Delta variant The death has come as Sydney enters its third week of lockdown, even though cases have been alarming increasing. "Given where we're at and given the lockdown was supposed to be lifted on Friday, everybody can tell it's highly unlikely at this stage, given where the numbers are," Berejiklian said. To warn citizens against a possible deadly outbreak, the government of Australia has launched a new advertising campaign that urges people to stay vigilant and arm themselves against coronavirus by getting vaccinated and staying at home.

Sydney records first Covid-related death as Delta variant surges through Australia

Australia reported its first coronavirus-related death of the year on Sunday and a 2021 record 77 new cases of the virus in the state of New South Wales, which is battling an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant.

State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the numbers in and around the country's biggest city Sydney, already under a hard lockdown, are expected to rise.

"I'll be shocked if it's less than 100 this time tomorrow, of additional new cases," Berejiklian told a televised briefing.

On Saturday there were 50 cases, the previous 2021 record high. The recent outbreak stands at 566 cases.

Of Sunday's cases, 33 were people who had spent time in the community while they were infectious, raising the likelihood that the three-week lockdown of more than 5 million people in Sydney and surroundings will be extended.

"Given where we're at and given the lockdown was supposed to be lifted on Friday, everybody can tell it's highly unlikely at this stage," Berejiklian said.

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There are 52 cases in hospital&nbsp;or about one in 10 people infected in the current outbreak. Fifteen people are in intensive care, five require ventilation. The death, the country's first locally contracted case since December, involved a woman in her 90s.

Australia has fared much better than many other developed countries in keeping its COVID-19 numbers relatively low, seeing just over 31,000 cases since the start of the pandemic and 911 deaths.

The vaccination rollout, however, has been sluggish due to supply constraints and changing medical advice for its mainstay AstraZeneca shots.

Vaccinations are available for now only to people over 40 and groups at risk either due to their health or exposure to the virus at work. Of those hospitalised in Sydney, 11 are under the age of 35 and more than three-quarters of the patients have not had any doses, health authorities said.

Australia reported its first coronavirus-related death of the year on Sunday and a 2021 record 77 new cases of the virus in the state of New South Wales, which is battling an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant.

Australia reported its first coronavirus-related death of the year on Sunday and a 2021 record 77 new cases of the virus in the state of New South Wales, which is battling an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant. State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the numbers in and around the country's biggest city Sydney, already under a hard lockdown, are expected to rise. "I'll be shocked if it's less than 100 this time tomorrow, of additional new cases," Berejiklian told a televised briefing. On Saturday there were 50 cases, the previous 2021 record high. The recent outbreak stands at 566 cases. Of Sunday's cases, 33 were people who had spent time in the community while they were infectious, raising the likelihood that the three-week lockdown of more than 5 million people in Sydney and surroundings will be extended. "Given where we're at and given the lockdown was supposed to be lifted on Friday, everybody can tell it's highly unlikely at this stage," Berejiklian said. Also read | Afghan govt to rush troops to border to tackle Taliban There are 52 cases in hospital or about one in 10 people infected in the current outbreak. Fifteen people are in intensive care, five require ventilation. The death, the country's first locally contracted case since December, involved a woman in her 90s. Australia has fared much better than many other developed countries in keeping its COVID-19 numbers relatively low, seeing just over 31,000 cases since the start of the pandemic and 911 deaths. The vaccination rollout, however, has been sluggish due to supply constraints and changing medical advice for its mainstay AstraZeneca shots. Vaccinations are available for now only to people over 40 and groups at risk either due to their health or exposure to the virus at work. Of those hospitalised in Sydney, 11 are under the age of 35 and more than three-quarters of the patients have not had any doses, health authorities said.

Australia reports first 2021 COVID-19 death, highest case number

Australia's defence minister on Sunday confirmed the end of his country's involvement in the 20-year&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;war, saying the troop withdrawal had taken place "in recent weeks".

Australia&nbsp;announced in April that it would remove its remaining&nbsp;troops&nbsp;by September in line with the US decision to end its military operations in the war-torn country.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton told Sky News that the country's&nbsp;last&nbsp;80 support personnel had left&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;"in recent weeks".

"That doesn't mean we won't be a part of campaigns with the United States... where we deem that to be in our national interest or in the interest of our allies," he added.

"For now, though, that campaign has come to an end."

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Australia&nbsp;had deployed 39,000&nbsp;troops&nbsp;over the past 20 years as part of the US and NATO-led operations against the Taliban and terrorist groups in&nbsp;Afghanistan, a mission that cost the country billions of dollars and left 41 Australian soldiers dead.

And while the country has not had a significant troop presence in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;since withdrawing combat personnel in late 2013, the war has taken a toll and fuelled controversy at home.

Veterans groups have pressured the government into launching a formal inquiry into the high number of suicides among Afghan veterans and other ex-servicemen and women.&nbsp;

The military and police are also actively investigating allegations that elite Special Air Services soldiers committed numerous war crimes in&nbsp;Afghanistan.

Australia's defence minister on Sunday confirmed the end of his country's involvement in the 20-year Afghanistan war, saying the troop withdrawal had taken place "in recent weeks".

Australia's defence minister on Sunday confirmed the end of his country's involvement in the 20-year Afghanistan war, saying the troop withdrawal had taken place "in recent weeks". Australia announced in April that it would remove its remaining troops by September in line with the US decision to end its military operations in the war-torn country. Defence Minister Peter Dutton told Sky News that the country's last 80 support personnel had left Afghanistan "in recent weeks". "That doesn't mean we won't be a part of campaigns with the United States... where we deem that to be in our national interest or in the interest of our allies," he added. "For now, though, that campaign has come to an end." Also read | 17 years after founding Virgin Galactic, Branson bound for space Australia had deployed 39,000 troops over the past 20 years as part of the US and NATO-led operations against the Taliban and terrorist groups in Afghanistan, a mission that cost the country billions of dollars and left 41 Australian soldiers dead. And while the country has not had a significant troop presence in Afghanistan since withdrawing combat personnel in late 2013, the war has taken a toll and fuelled controversy at home. Veterans groups have pressured the government into launching a formal inquiry into the high number of suicides among Afghan veterans and other ex-servicemen and women. The military and police are also actively investigating allegations that elite Special Air Services soldiers committed numerous war crimes in Afghanistan.

Australia says last troops withdrawn from Afghanistan

Shimron Hetmyer's 61 off 36 balls and Dwayne Bravo's unbeaten 47 helped the West Indies seal a comprehensive 56-run victory over Australia in the second Twenty20 international in St Lucia on Saturday, to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Australia's Mitchell Marsh struck his second half-century in as many matches with a steady 54, but a batting collapse similar to the one they suffered in the opening game meant the visitors were bowled out for 140 in 19.2 overs chasing 197 for a win.

It marked the first time since 2010 that the team lost all 10 wickets in consecutive T20 matches.

"We just said we were going to do the same things we did last night, even a little better. It was fantastic to see how Hetmyer responded," said West Indies' stand-in skipper Nicholas Pooran.

Asked to bat first by Australia skipper Aaron Finch, the hosts got off to a solid start with 46 runs in the Powerplay overs as opening batsman Lendl Simmons blasted three sixes in his knock of 30 before man-of-the-match Hetmyer took over.

The left-hander was the aggressor with four sixes and two boundaries as he stitched together a 103-run partnership with Bravo, who had three hits over the fence as the Australian bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs.

"I think it was one of my best T20 innings. I think I paced it quite well. It really worked out well for me with the guys backing me to be the guy to just take it as deep as possible," Hetmyer said.

Andre Russell added 24 off eight balls after Hetmyer was run out, as the West Indies added 123 runs in last 10 overs to reach 196-4 on a good batting wicket.

Australia lost both openers inside four overs and barring Marsh, failed to rise to the occasion, as West Indies leg-spinner Hayden Walsh claimed 3-29 from his four overs while paceman Sheldon Cottrell returned figures of 2-22.

"Chasing 190 you have to get off to a good start," Finch said. "When both your openers get out cheaply, it puts pressure on a reasonably inexperienced middle order. The 100-plus partnership, that's the difference in the game."

The third T20 will be held at the same venue on Monday.

Shimron Hetmyer's 61 off 36 balls and Dwayne Bravo's unbeaten 47 helped the West Indies seal a comprehensive 56-run victory over Australia in the second Twenty20 international in St Lucia on Saturday, to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Shimron Hetmyer's 61 off 36 balls and Dwayne Bravo's unbeaten 47 helped the West Indies seal a comprehensive 56-run victory over Australia in the second Twenty20 international in St Lucia on Saturday, to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Australia's Mitchell Marsh struck his second half-century in as many matches with a steady 54, but a batting collapse similar to the one they suffered in the opening game meant the visitors were bowled out for 140 in 19.2 overs chasing 197 for a win. It marked the first time since 2010 that the team lost all 10 wickets in consecutive T20 matches. "We just said we were going to do the same things we did last night, even a little better. It was fantastic to see how Hetmyer responded," said West Indies' stand-in skipper Nicholas Pooran. Asked to bat first by Australia skipper Aaron Finch, the hosts got off to a solid start with 46 runs in the Powerplay overs as opening batsman Lendl Simmons blasted three sixes in his knock of 30 before man-of-the-match Hetmyer took over. The left-hander was the aggressor with four sixes and two boundaries as he stitched together a 103-run partnership with Bravo, who had three hits over the fence as the Australian bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs. "I think it was one of my best T20 innings. I think I paced it quite well. It really worked out well for me with the guys backing me to be the guy to just take it as deep as possible," Hetmyer said. Andre Russell added 24 off eight balls after Hetmyer was run out, as the West Indies added 123 runs in last 10 overs to reach 196-4 on a good batting wicket. Australia lost both openers inside four overs and barring Marsh, failed to rise to the occasion, as West Indies leg-spinner Hayden Walsh claimed 3-29 from his four overs while paceman Sheldon Cottrell returned figures of 2-22. "Chasing 190 you have to get off to a good start," Finch said. "When both your openers get out cheaply, it puts pressure on a reasonably inexperienced middle order. The 100-plus partnership, that's the difference in the game." The third T20 will be held at the same venue on Monday.

Cricket: Shimron Hetmyer helps West Indies thump Australia for 2-0 lead in T20 series

The West Indies exploited a thrilling batting collapse by Australia to beat the guests by 18 runs in the first of five Twenty20 matches on Friday.&nbsp;Australia captain Aaron Finch won the toss and asked the Windies to bat.

Josh Hazlewood was remarkable with the new ball and dismissed&nbsp;Evin Lewis for a duck off his second ball. He additionally dismissed Chris Gayle for only four runs in his third over with Ashton Agar taking a decent catch at in backward point.&nbsp;

Andre Russell scored his maiden half-century in T20Is and crushed five sixes in his 28-ball innings. The all-rounder scored 51 to lead his team to a total of 145-6 out of 20 overs. Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the Australian bowlers with outstanding figures of 3-12.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-after-batting-coach-grant-flower-another-staff-member-tests-covid-positive-396983" hreflang="en">Cricket: After batting coach Grant Flower, another staff member tests COVID positive</a>

Australia lost their captain early in the pursuit. Fabien Allen dismissed him on the very first ball Aaron Finch was caught at extra-cover by Evin Lewis. Matthew Wade, who was elevated to open the batting, attacked the Windies from the beginning.&nbsp;

Australia was cruising to expected triumph at 70-3 when it lost six wickets for 19 runs and was all out for 127 out of 16 overs. Obed McCoy took 4-26 and Hayden Walsh added 3-23 for the West Indies.&nbsp;

Mitch Marsh top-scored with 51 runs and took two wickets and partner Josh Hazlewood had 3-12. Ben McDermott's dismissal begun the Aussies' collapse as he was bowled by Hayden Walsh. The West Indies spinner then, at that point dismissed the set batsman Mitch Marsh for 51 also to give his side a promising sign.&nbsp;

Australia lost their last six wickets for only 21 runs in 5.5 overs. Hayden Walsh and Obed McCoy were remarkable with the ball and West Indies grabbed triumph from the jaws of rout to start to lead the pack in the five-match series.&nbsp;

Australia skipper was in the post-match presentation accessed the performance and said: “When you lose six for 19, you're gonna struggle to win a T20 game. So we just needed somebody to take it upon themselves and get right through to the end. After the position that Marsh and Wade got us into, just a bit of game smarts would have got us over the line there but sort of panicked a little bit. There are no excuses for our batting display there. You've got to dust yourselves off and come again with the same attitude but just execute a little bit better under pressure.”

On the other hand, Obed Mcoy was announced as man of the match for his match-winning spell, he said: &nbsp; 
"I've been buckling down it was only about execution and adhering to the group plan. Typically on that surface, the ball has a pleasant bob and convey, however, I was simply attempting to stir up my speed however much I can. We were sure and realized we had the bowling to back it."&nbsp;

The West Indies exploited a thrilling batting collapse by Australia to beat the guests by 18 runs in the first of five Twenty20 matches on Friday. Australia captain Aaron Finch won the toss and asked the Windies to bat.

The West Indies exploited a thrilling batting collapse by Australia to beat the guests by 18 runs in the first of five Twenty20 matches on Friday. Australia captain Aaron Finch won the toss and asked the Windies to bat. Josh Hazlewood was remarkable with the new ball and dismissed Evin Lewis for a duck off his second ball. He additionally dismissed Chris Gayle for only four runs in his third over with Ashton Agar taking a decent catch at in backward point. Andre Russell scored his maiden half-century in T20Is and crushed five sixes in his 28-ball innings. The all-rounder scored 51 to lead his team to a total of 145-6 out of 20 overs. Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the Australian bowlers with outstanding figures of 3-12. ALSO READ: Cricket: After batting coach Grant Flower, another staff member tests COVID positive Australia lost their captain early in the pursuit. Fabien Allen dismissed him on the very first ball Aaron Finch was caught at extra-cover by Evin Lewis. Matthew Wade, who was elevated to open the batting, attacked the Windies from the beginning. Australia was cruising to expected triumph at 70-3 when it lost six wickets for 19 runs and was all out for 127 out of 16 overs. Obed McCoy took 4-26 and Hayden Walsh added 3-23 for the West Indies. Mitch Marsh top-scored with 51 runs and took two wickets and partner Josh Hazlewood had 3-12. Ben McDermott's dismissal begun the Aussies' collapse as he was bowled by Hayden Walsh. The West Indies spinner then, at that point dismissed the set batsman Mitch Marsh for 51 also to give his side a promising sign. Australia lost their last six wickets for only 21 runs in 5.5 overs. Hayden Walsh and Obed McCoy were remarkable with the ball and West Indies grabbed triumph from the jaws of rout to start to lead the pack in the five-match series. Australia skipper was in the post-match presentation accessed the performance and said: “When you lose six for 19, you're gonna struggle to win a T20 game. So we just needed somebody to take it upon themselves and get right through to the end. After the position that Marsh and Wade got us into, just a bit of game smarts would have got us over the line there but sort of panicked a little bit. There are no excuses for our batting display there. You've got to dust yourselves off and come again with the same attitude but just execute a little bit better under pressure.” On the other hand, Obed Mcoy was announced as man of the match for his match-winning spell, he said: "I've been buckling down it was only about execution and adhering to the group plan. Typically on that surface, the ball has a pleasant bob and convey, however, I was simply attempting to stir up my speed however much I can. We were sure and realized we had the bowling to back it."

Cricket: West Indies bowling attack shines as they beat Australia by 18 runs

The US coordinator for the Indo-Pacific region Kurt Campbell said that US President Joe Biden will host a Quad meeting with the leaders of Australia, India, and Japan this year. Campbell made the remarks at an event hosted by the Asia Society think tank.

Joe Biden to host Indian PM Modi & other Quad leaders this year

India's legendary cricket captain MS Dhoni turned 40 on Wednesday. Several cricketers wished the former cricketer on the occasion. Cricket Australia also took to social media to wish Dhoni and posted a compilation of his sixes in the Land Down Under.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/happy-birthday-ms-dhoni-checkout-some-of-his-coolest-records-396418" hreflang="en">Happy birthday MS Dhoni! Check out some of his coolest records</a>

Despite almost a year after his&nbsp;retirement, Dhoni is among the top six-hitters in cricket. The 40-year-old has 78 sixes in Tests, 229 in ODIs and 52 in T20Is. His mammoth six in the 2012 Commonwealth Bank series became a highlight of&nbsp;his cricketing career.&nbsp;

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📽 WATCH: MS Dhoni's best ever sixes in Australia. <a href="https://t.co/tRadt6XCkI">https://t.co/tRadt6XCkI</a>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1412589433388367875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He is the only captain in the history of Cricket to win all ICC trophies. Under his captaincy, India won the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.&nbsp;

Dhoni's behind the stumps magic is known to all. His lightning-fast speed earned him the wicketkeeper with most stumpings (120) in ODI cricket. He is the first Indian wicket-keeper to take 300 ODI catches and the fourth wicket-keeper in the world who achieved this milestone.

He also holds a record of most dismissals (87) as wicket-keeper in T20Is and Most catches (54) as wicket-keeper in T20Is.

MS Dhoni, with 294 dismissals in his Test career, ranks first in the all-time dismissals list by Indian wicket-keepers.

India's legendary cricket captain MS Dhoni turned 40 on Wednesday. Several cricketers wished the former cricketer on the occasion. Cricket Australia also took to social media to wish Dhoni and posted a compilation of his sixes in the Land Down Under.

India's legendary cricket captain MS Dhoni turned 40 on Wednesday. Several cricketers wished the former cricketer on the occasion. Cricket Australia also took to social media to wish Dhoni and posted a compilation of his sixes in the Land Down Under. ALSO READ: Happy birthday MS Dhoni! Check out some of his coolest records Despite almost a year after his retirement, Dhoni is among the top six-hitters in cricket. The 40-year-old has 78 sixes in Tests, 229 in ODIs and 52 in T20Is. His mammoth six in the 2012 Commonwealth Bank series became a highlight of his cricketing career. 📽 WATCH: MS Dhoni's best ever sixes in Australia. https://t.co/tRadt6XCkI — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) July 7, 2021 × He is the only captain in the history of Cricket to win all ICC trophies. Under his captaincy, India won the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. Dhoni's behind the stumps magic is known to all. His lightning-fast speed earned him the wicketkeeper with most stumpings (120) in ODI cricket. He is the first Indian wicket-keeper to take 300 ODI catches and the fourth wicket-keeper in the world who achieved this milestone. He also holds a record of most dismissals (87) as wicket-keeper in T20Is and Most catches (54) as wicket-keeper in T20Is. MS Dhoni, with 294 dismissals in his Test career, ranks first in the all-time dismissals list by Indian wicket-keepers.

Cricket Australia shares video of MS Dhoni's big sixes Down Under on his 40th birthday

The health minister of New South Wales, Australia's most populated state, likened receiving a vaccine in the country to the "Hunger Games."&nbsp;

"I fear...it is almost a sense now of The Hunger Games, of people chasing vaccines," New South Wales (NSW) Health Minister Brad Hazzard said in response to a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines.

"Until we obtain enough vaccines...the Hunger Games will continue to play out here in NSW," the Australian minister added.&nbsp;

The reference to the popular trilogy, which is set in a dystopian future in which a group of young people fight to the death in a televised battle, seems to be intended to highlight the desperation of many residents seeking appointments for the life-saving vaccines.&nbsp;

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NSW recorded 18 new locally acquired cases of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. 
 
Of these locally acquired cases, 16 are linked to a known case or cluster – nine are household contacts – and the source of infection for two cases remain under investigation. <a href="https://t.co/apOPenadHa">pic.twitter.com/apOPenadHa</a>
— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSWHealth/status/1412215220567560192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Australia has managed to vaccinate just 7% of its 25 million population — the lowest inoculation rate among industrialised nations.

Speedy contact tracing, lockdowns, tough social distancing rules and high community compliance have kept Australia’s COVID-19 numbers much lower among developed economies, with just over 30,800 cases and 910 deaths since the pandemic began.

(With inputs from agencies)

The health minister of New South Wales, Australia's most populated state, likened receiving a vaccine in the country to the "Hunger Games." "I fear...it is almost a sense now of The Hunger Games, of people chasing vaccines," New South Wales (NSW) Health Minister Brad Hazzard said in response to a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines.

The health minister of New South Wales, Australia's most populated state, likened receiving a vaccine in the country to the "Hunger Games." "I fear...it is almost a sense now of The Hunger Games, of people chasing vaccines," New South Wales (NSW) Health Minister Brad Hazzard said in response to a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines. "Until we obtain enough vaccines...the Hunger Games will continue to play out here in NSW," the Australian minister added. The reference to the popular trilogy, which is set in a dystopian future in which a group of young people fight to the death in a televised battle, seems to be intended to highlight the desperation of many residents seeking appointments for the life-saving vaccines. NSW recorded 18 new locally acquired cases of #COVID19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Of these locally acquired cases, 16 are linked to a known case or cluster – nine are household contacts – and the source of infection for two cases remain under investigation. pic.twitter.com/apOPenadHa — NSW Health (@NSWHealth) July 6, 2021 × Australia has managed to vaccinate just 7% of its 25 million population — the lowest inoculation rate among industrialised nations. Speedy contact tracing, lockdowns, tough social distancing rules and high community compliance have kept Australia’s COVID-19 numbers much lower among developed economies, with just over 30,800 cases and 910 deaths since the pandemic began. (With inputs from agencies)

Australians chasing COVID-19 vaccines like Hunger Games: Health minister amid low supply

Following the expansion to its event programme in the next cycle, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has commenced the process to identify the hosts for men’s white-ball events to be held post-2023. The hosting of the ICC World Test Championship Final, the ICC women's and under-19 events in the new cycle will be determined in a separate process that will get underway later this year.

Eight men’s ODI and T20 events, comprising two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups, four ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, and two ICC Champions Trophies, will be staged from 2024-2031 and ICC Members were invited to submit a preliminary technical proposal as a potential host. This included individual country submissions as well as joint proposals.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-mitchell-starc-unperturbed-by-quarantine-hurdle-amidst-australias-tight-scheduled-395874" hreflang="en">Cricket: Mitchell Starc unperturbed by quarantine hurdle amidst Australia’s tight scheduled</a>

Initial submissions have been received from Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Namibia, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, UAE, USA, and Zimbabwe.

ICC Acting Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “We are delighted with the response from our Members to hosting ICC men’s white-ball events post 2023. This process gives us an opportunity to extend our range of hosts and grow interest in cricket worldwide reaching more fans whilst creating a long-term legacy for the sport.

“Cricket has more than a billion fans around the world and ICC events have a proven track record of bringing significant economic and social benefits for host counties. These events provide hosts with a wonderful opportunity to work closely with local communities to grow the game whilst supporting economic and social development public policy goals.

“We will now move forward to the second phase of the process where Members will provide a more detailed proposal before the ICC Board takes decisions on our future hosts later this year.”

Following the expansion to its event programme in the next cycle, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has commenced the process to identify the hosts for men’s white-ball events to be held post-2023.

Following the expansion to its event programme in the next cycle, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has commenced the process to identify the hosts for men’s white-ball events to be held post-2023. The hosting of the ICC World Test Championship Final, the ICC women's and under-19 events in the new cycle will be determined in a separate process that will get underway later this year. Eight men’s ODI and T20 events, comprising two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups, four ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, and two ICC Champions Trophies, will be staged from 2024-2031 and ICC Members were invited to submit a preliminary technical proposal as a potential host. This included individual country submissions as well as joint proposals. ALSO READ: Cricket: Mitchell Starc unperturbed by quarantine hurdle amidst Australia’s tight scheduled Initial submissions have been received from Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Namibia, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, UAE, USA, and Zimbabwe. ICC Acting Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “We are delighted with the response from our Members to hosting ICC men’s white-ball events post 2023. This process gives us an opportunity to extend our range of hosts and grow interest in cricket worldwide reaching more fans whilst creating a long-term legacy for the sport. “Cricket has more than a billion fans around the world and ICC events have a proven track record of bringing significant economic and social benefits for host counties. These events provide hosts with a wonderful opportunity to work closely with local communities to grow the game whilst supporting economic and social development public policy goals. “We will now move forward to the second phase of the process where Members will provide a more detailed proposal before the ICC Board takes decisions on our future hosts later this year.”

Cricket: India, England, Australia, among 17 countries to signal interest for future ICC events

Australia&nbsp;will halve the number of arrivals from overseas as its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> hotel quarantine system creaks under pressure from outbreaks of the highly transmissible Delta variant, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday.

The new restrictions on travel come as&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;fights outbreaks of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kappa-delta-who-releases-greek-nomenclature-for-covid-variants-including-ones-found-in-india-388657">Delta variant</a> simultaneously in three state capital cities, meaning nearly half of all&nbsp;Australians are currently under strict orders to stay at home. Most recent outbreaks have been traced to leaks in hotel quarantine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-sydney-and-darwin-in-covid-19-lockdowns-394215">Australia's Sydney and Darwin in COVID-19 lockdowns</a>

Australia&nbsp;shut its international borders early last year largely to non-citizens. Permanent residents and returning&nbsp;Australian travellers, except those exiting New Zealand, have to quarantine in hotels for two weeks at their own expense.

Morrison said&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;will now only accept about 3,000 travellers from overseas per week. Lowering the cap will be finalised by July 14, he said, though some states can move earlier.

Speaking after a meeting of the country's national cabinet, Morrison also said a four-phase plan had been agreed to reopen&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;after lockdowns triggered by the latest outbreaks. He said this would be based on achieving vaccination levels aimed at suppressing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> to a stage where it would be managed like other infectious diseases like the flu.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-victoria-detects-two-cases-of-delta-covid-19-variant-for-first-time-in-latest-outbreak-389400">Australia's Victoria detects two cases of Delta Covid-19 variant for first time in latest outbreak</a>

"Our mind-set on managing COVID-19 has to change once you move from pre-vaccination to post-vaccination. That's the deal for&nbsp;Australians," Morrison told reporters in Canberra.

The four-phased approach could give fully vaccinated people more freedoms, he said, including a shorter quarantine period after arriving from overseas.

New South Wales (NSW) capital Sydney,&nbsp;Australia's largest city and home to a fifth of the country's 25 million population is halfway through a two-week lockdown imposed in a bid to contain the Delta variant.

On Friday it warned residents to brace for an increase in COVID-19 infections over the next few days as it reported the biggest daily rise in locally acquired cases recorded so far this year.

Thirty-one local cases were reported in NSW on Friday, so far the biggest daily rise in cases during the latest outbreak and for 2021. Total infections have grown to more than 200 since the first case was detected more than two weeks ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-victoria-state-lockdown-end-date-in-doubt-after-new-covid-19-cases-388785">Australia: Victoria state lockdown end date in doubt after new COVID-19 cases</a>

"We are anticipating there could be an increase in numbers over the next few days, then hopefully early next week we should see the impact of the lockdown really turning and having a positive impact," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters.

Queensland officials said lockdown rules will be eased in parts of Queensland from Friday, although they have been extended in state capital Brisbane and a neighbouring region for another day after three new cases were reported.

Lockdown in Darwin, the Northern Territory capital, will also be lifted on Friday. Restrictions in Perth will be reviewed later in the day.

Lockdowns, swift contact tracing and tough social distancing rules have helped&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;to suppress prior outbreaks, but the fast-moving Delta strain has alarmed authorities amid a sluggish nationwide vaccination drive.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-fears-of-blood-clots-australia-further-restricts-astrazeneca-vaccine-392218">Amid fears of blood clots, Australia further restricts AstraZeneca vaccine</a>

The rollout, mired in confusion and frustration due to frequent changes in medical advice for the AstraZeneca vaccine, has become a flashpoint in relations between the federal government and state leaders.

Australia will halve the number of arrivals from overseas as its coronavirus hotel quarantine system creaks under pressure from outbreaks of the highly transmissible Delta variant, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday.

Australia will halve the number of arrivals from overseas as its coronavirus hotel quarantine system creaks under pressure from outbreaks of the highly transmissible Delta variant, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday. The new restrictions on travel come as Australia fights outbreaks of the Delta variant simultaneously in three state capital cities, meaning nearly half of all Australians are currently under strict orders to stay at home. Most recent outbreaks have been traced to leaks in hotel quarantine. Also read | Australia's Sydney and Darwin in COVID-19 lockdowns Australia shut its international borders early last year largely to non-citizens. Permanent residents and returning Australian travellers, except those exiting New Zealand, have to quarantine in hotels for two weeks at their own expense. Morrison said Australia will now only accept about 3,000 travellers from overseas per week. Lowering the cap will be finalised by July 14, he said, though some states can move earlier. Speaking after a meeting of the country's national cabinet, Morrison also said a four-phase plan had been agreed to reopen Australia after lockdowns triggered by the latest outbreaks. He said this would be based on achieving vaccination levels aimed at suppressing COVID-19 to a stage where it would be managed like other infectious diseases like the flu. Also read | Australia's Victoria detects two cases of Delta Covid-19 variant for first time in latest outbreak "Our mind-set on managing COVID-19 has to change once you move from pre-vaccination to post-vaccination. That's the deal for Australians," Morrison told reporters in Canberra. The four-phased approach could give fully vaccinated people more freedoms, he said, including a shorter quarantine period after arriving from overseas. New South Wales (NSW) capital Sydney, Australia's largest city and home to a fifth of the country's 25 million population is halfway through a two-week lockdown imposed in a bid to contain the Delta variant. On Friday it warned residents to brace for an increase in COVID-19 infections over the next few days as it reported the biggest daily rise in locally acquired cases recorded so far this year. Thirty-one local cases were reported in NSW on Friday, so far the biggest daily rise in cases during the latest outbreak and for 2021. Total infections have grown to more than 200 since the first case was detected more than two weeks ago. Also read | Australia: Victoria state lockdown end date in doubt after new COVID-19 cases "We are anticipating there could be an increase in numbers over the next few days, then hopefully early next week we should see the impact of the lockdown really turning and having a positive impact," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters. Queensland officials said lockdown rules will be eased in parts of Queensland from Friday, although they have been extended in state capital Brisbane and a neighbouring region for another day after three new cases were reported. Lockdown in Darwin, the Northern Territory capital, will also be lifted on Friday. Restrictions in Perth will be reviewed later in the day. Lockdowns, swift contact tracing and tough social distancing rules have helped Australia to suppress prior outbreaks, but the fast-moving Delta strain has alarmed authorities amid a sluggish nationwide vaccination drive. Also read | Amid fears of blood clots, Australia further restricts AstraZeneca vaccine The rollout, mired in confusion and frustration due to frequent changes in medical advice for the AstraZeneca vaccine, has become a flashpoint in relations between the federal government and state leaders.

Australia to halve arrivals from overseas, offers COVID-19 exit roadmap

Australia's New South Wales state experienced a dip in new daily coronavirus cases on Sunday, July 4, following two days of record 2021 infections. Australia's most populous state recorded 16 new COVID-19 infections on Saturday, out of of which 13 were already in isolation.

Australia's New South Wales state experienced a dip in new daily coronavirus cases on Sunday, July 4, following two days of record 2021 infections. Australia's most populous state recorded 16 new COVID-19 infections on Saturday, out of of which 13 were already in isolation. During a press conference, NSW state premier Gladys Berejiklian said, "Whilst the numbers overnight are very encouraging, we know they have potential to bounce around. The next few days are absolutely critical". NSW recorded 16 new locally acquired cases of #COVID19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, 14 of which are linked to previously confirmed cases. No new overseas-acquired cases were recorded in the same period. pic.twitter.com/ICvpPvFFoZ — NSW Health (@NSWHealth) July 4, 2021 × Australia has managed the coronavirus pandemic better than many other nations. However, the situation has been alarming due to the outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant over the past few weeks. Sydney, the capital of New South Wales state has been hard hit by the latest outbreaks of the Delta variant. Residents are halfway through a two-week lockdown. Also read | Australia faces AstraZeneca vaccine chaos over PM Morrison's statement Three of the New South Wales cases were detected in SummitCare nursing home in Sydney's Baulkham Hills. However, the residents were fully vaccinated and showing only mild symptoms. Also, the residents of Queensland state capital Brisbane emerged from nearly a week of lockdown, as the state recorded only one new locally acquired case. State premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told a media briefing, "This is excellent news". She further said, "It appears that everything is under control at this time so we are very, very relieved about that." Melbourne has recorded zero cases for nearly a week following a three-week lockdown in June. Meanwhile, Australian PM Scott Morrison allowed citizens under 40 to get the AstraZeneca vaccine several state governments resisted the central governments call to vaccinate people. The country's health minister Greg Hunt said that "COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca can be used in adults aged under 60 years of age for whom Pfizer is not available," while adding, "The benefits are likely to outweigh the risks for that individual." However, Western Australia's Premier Mark McGowan on giving access to those under 40, said: "That shouldn’t happen. Clearly, We get different advice, I suppose, or have a different approach."

Australian state reports drop in new COVID-19 cases

According to a new report published by Human Rights Watch, the Xi Jinping regime is monitoring Chinese students living in Australia. If the students make statements critical of the CCP or in support of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, then their families back home are threatened with dire consequences.

Beijing monitors Chinese students at Universities in Australia

Australia has been ranked last out of nearly 200 countries in terms of climate action. &nbsp;

The Sustainable Development Report by Cambridge in&nbsp;its&nbsp;global assessment on&nbsp;achieving sustainable development goals&nbsp;has ranked Australia in&nbsp;the last position for climate action among 193 countries it evaluated.&nbsp;

Out of 193 UN countries, Australia has been ranked last for climate action taken to reduce global greenhouse gases.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-greta-thunberg-steps-up-climate-change-activism-388693">'Australia's Greta Thunberg' steps up climate change activism</a>

In the&nbsp;assessment on&nbsp;fossil fuel emissions, Australia received a low score of 10 out of 100. It&nbsp;also includes emissions associated with imports and exports and policies for pricing carbon. &nbsp;

At 192, second last was the small nation Brunei, ranked behind Qatar and Norway.

Australian climate expert Richie Merzian said&nbsp;that the results were expected and aren’t a surprise since the climate change performance index has also last year ranked Australia second last, besting only “Trump’s America”.&nbsp;

Talking about the federal government he said&nbsp;that they have cherry-picked technologies, which support the fossil fuel industry and that the government has no consistent climate and energy policy.&nbsp;

The report notes that the country has not committed to new&nbsp;zero carbon emissions by 2050, rather&nbsp;Australian PM Scott Morrison has signalled that Australia wants to achieve carbon neutrality "preferably"&nbsp;by 2050.

Also read |&nbsp;'<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-is-on-fire-australian-school-children-skip-school-to-protest-against-climate-change-386485">World is on fire': Australian school children skip school to protest against climate change</a>

Recent emissions data released in May shows that the country’s emissions were lowest in 30 years during the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Evaluating based on 17 SDG goals, this year's report ranks Australia at 35th position overall, with the country scoring well and performing strongly on some SDG goals like economic growth, health and well-being, education, clean water etc.&nbsp;

The report noted that while Australia has witnessed a moderate improvement in the field of clean energy, it still has “major challenges” ahead.&nbsp;

Speaking about global action, the report says that countries around the globe must not allow the pandemic to lead to a reversal in all the progress made towards achieving the 17 goals and instead international commitments must be “rapidly accompanied by transformative actions and investments”.&nbsp;

Australia has been ranked last out of nearly 200 countries in terms of climate action. The Sustainable Development Report by Cambridge in its global assessment on achieving sustainable development goals has ranked Australia in the last position for climate action among 193 countries it evaluated.

Australia has been ranked last out of nearly 200 countries in terms of climate action. The Sustainable Development Report by Cambridge in its global assessment on achieving sustainable development goals has ranked Australia in the last position for climate action among 193 countries it evaluated. Out of 193 UN countries, Australia has been ranked last for climate action taken to reduce global greenhouse gases. Also read | 'Australia's Greta Thunberg' steps up climate change activism In the assessment on fossil fuel emissions, Australia received a low score of 10 out of 100. It also includes emissions associated with imports and exports and policies for pricing carbon. At 192, second last was the small nation Brunei, ranked behind Qatar and Norway. Australian climate expert Richie Merzian said that the results were expected and aren’t a surprise since the climate change performance index has also last year ranked Australia second last, besting only “Trump’s America”. Talking about the federal government he said that they have cherry-picked technologies, which support the fossil fuel industry and that the government has no consistent climate and energy policy. The report notes that the country has not committed to new zero carbon emissions by 2050, rather Australian PM Scott Morrison has signalled that Australia wants to achieve carbon neutrality "preferably" by 2050. Also read | 'World is on fire': Australian school children skip school to protest against climate change Recent emissions data released in May shows that the country’s emissions were lowest in 30 years during the coronavirus pandemic. Evaluating based on 17 SDG goals, this year's report ranks Australia at 35th position overall, with the country scoring well and performing strongly on some SDG goals like economic growth, health and well-being, education, clean water etc. The report noted that while Australia has witnessed a moderate improvement in the field of clean energy, it still has “major challenges” ahead. Speaking about global action, the report says that countries around the globe must not allow the pandemic to lead to a reversal in all the progress made towards achieving the 17 goals and instead international commitments must be “rapidly accompanied by transformative actions and investments”.

Sustainable development report ranks Australia last on climate action

Australia said it has teamed up with the United States and Canada to launch an interactive map of deposits of rare earths and other critical minerals that are expected to be in hot demand as the world moves to cleaner forms of energy. 
 
The map contains the world’s largest dataset of minerals, such cobalt, lithium and rare earth elements and has more than 7,000 mineral samples from over 60 countries, which could help identify new areas of critical minerals. 
 
The data can be used by governments to identify options to diversify their critical minerals sources and by companies to better target their exploration strategies, Keith Pitt, the minister for resources, water and northern Australia, said in a statement. 
 
"While Australia is known across the world for its rich gold and iron ore deposits, our country also has an abundance of critical minerals, which are key to everything from iPhones to fighter jets," he added. 
 
China is the dominant supplier of rare earths, which are used in electric vehicle batteries, a wide range of consumer products as well as satellites and lasers. Western governments have been keen to diversify procurement amid trade and political tensions with Beijing. 
 
The United States said this month, it would work with allies to secure the minerals needed for electric vehicle batteries and process them domestically. 
 
The dataset was compiled by Geoscience Australia, the Geological Survey of Canada and the United States Geological Survey. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Australia said it has teamed up with the United States and Canada to launch an interactive map of deposits of rare earths and other critical minerals that are expected to be in hot demand as the world moves to cleaner forms of energy.

Australia said it has teamed up with the United States and Canada to launch an interactive map of deposits of rare earths and other critical minerals that are expected to be in hot demand as the world moves to cleaner forms of energy. The map contains the world’s largest dataset of minerals, such cobalt, lithium and rare earth elements and has more than 7,000 mineral samples from over 60 countries, which could help identify new areas of critical minerals. The data can be used by governments to identify options to diversify their critical minerals sources and by companies to better target their exploration strategies, Keith Pitt, the minister for resources, water and northern Australia, said in a statement. "While Australia is known across the world for its rich gold and iron ore deposits, our country also has an abundance of critical minerals, which are key to everything from iPhones to fighter jets," he added. China is the dominant supplier of rare earths, which are used in electric vehicle batteries, a wide range of consumer products as well as satellites and lasers. Western governments have been keen to diversify procurement amid trade and political tensions with Beijing. The United States said this month, it would work with allies to secure the minerals needed for electric vehicle batteries and process them domestically. The dataset was compiled by Geoscience Australia, the Geological Survey of Canada and the United States Geological Survey. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia, US and Canada launch interactive map for critical minerals

A mouse, whose species was&nbsp;believed to have been extinct more than 150 years ago, has been rediscovered in islands off Western Australia.

Researchers compared DNA samples of eight different species of native rodents and 42 of living rodents to observe the decline of native mice in the past 80-100 years. They found out that the Gould’s mouse was indistinguishable from the Shark Bay mouse famously spotted on several small islands in Western Australia.

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This rediscovery of the species of this mouse comes as a hope of resurrecting extinct wildlife species. “The resurrection of this species brings good news in the face of the disproportionally high rate of native rodent extinction,” said Emily Roycroft, Australian National University evolutionary biologist.

Gould’s mouse, also known as Pseudomys gouldii, was commonly found in eastern inland Australia years ago but quickly disappeared from the face of the earth after the 1840s, raising concern for the population of wildlife in the area. Although, it is also believed that this specific species might have disappeared due to the introduction of cats in the area.

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This species of the mouse was similar to a black mouse but slightly smaller and more social.

"It is exciting that Gould’s mouse is still around, but its disappearance from the mainland highlights how quickly this species went from being distributed across most of Australia to only surviving on offshore islands in Western Australia," Roycroft said.

A mouse, whose species was believed to have been extinct more than 150 years ago, has been rediscovered in islands off Western Australia. Researchers compared DNA samples of eight different species of native rodents and 42 of living rodents to observe the decline of native mice in the past 80-100 years.

A mouse, whose species was believed to have been extinct more than 150 years ago, has been rediscovered in islands off Western Australia. Researchers compared DNA samples of eight different species of native rodents and 42 of living rodents to observe the decline of native mice in the past 80-100 years. They found out that the Gould’s mouse was indistinguishable from the Shark Bay mouse famously spotted on several small islands in Western Australia. Also read | NASA administrator Bill Nelson hints at possibility of alien life in new interview This rediscovery of the species of this mouse comes as a hope of resurrecting extinct wildlife species. “The resurrection of this species brings good news in the face of the disproportionally high rate of native rodent extinction,” said Emily Roycroft, Australian National University evolutionary biologist. Gould’s mouse, also known as Pseudomys gouldii, was commonly found in eastern inland Australia years ago but quickly disappeared from the face of the earth after the 1840s, raising concern for the population of wildlife in the area. Although, it is also believed that this specific species might have disappeared due to the introduction of cats in the area. Also read | 'Polar dinosaurs' reproduced in Arctic over 70 million years ago: Study This species of the mouse was similar to a black mouse but slightly smaller and more social. "It is exciting that Gould’s mouse is still around, but its disappearance from the mainland highlights how quickly this species went from being distributed across most of Australia to only surviving on offshore islands in Western Australia," Roycroft said.

Species of 'extinct' mouse rediscovered after 150 years in Australia

The New Zealand government said it will resume quarantine-free travel with parts of Australia next week as it lifted COVID-19 curbs in Wellington on Tuesday.

New Zealand halted its "travel bubble" with Australia on Saturday as an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant took root in Sydney and several other Australian cities.

COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said quarantine-free travel will resume with South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria states and the Australian Capital Territory from Monday, although authorities would continue to review the situation until then.

"The cabinet agreed that partially lifting the pause was the appropriate course of action," Hipkins told a news conference. said. "The health advice is that the spread of COVID-19 in these parts of Australia has been contained at this point," he said.

Travellers will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test pre-departure and must not have visited the blocked states and territories in recent days, Hipkins said.

The pause in travel with Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland states and the Northern Territory will be reviewed on Tuesday, he added, to allow test results to be returned and a further assessment of the situation.

The Sydney outbreak also led officials to impose social distancing restrictions in Wellington a week ago after an Australian tourist who visited the city tested positive for COVID-19 after returning home.

Hipkins said those measures will be eased from midnight on Tuesday.

New Zealand is among only a handful of countries that has contained the spread of COVID-19 within its borders. Its last community case was in February.

No new cases were reported on Tuesday. New Zealand has so far had 2,385 confirmed cases and 26 deaths linked to the virus.

The New Zealand government said it will resume quarantine-free travel with parts of Australia next week as it lifted COVID-19 curbs in Wellington on Tuesday. New Zealand halted its "travel bubble" with Australia on Saturday as an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant took root in Sydney and several other Australian cities.

The New Zealand government said it will resume quarantine-free travel with parts of Australia next week as it lifted COVID-19 curbs in Wellington on Tuesday. New Zealand halted its "travel bubble" with Australia on Saturday as an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant took root in Sydney and several other Australian cities. COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said quarantine-free travel will resume with South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria states and the Australian Capital Territory from Monday, although authorities would continue to review the situation until then. "The cabinet agreed that partially lifting the pause was the appropriate course of action," Hipkins told a news conference. said. "The health advice is that the spread of COVID-19 in these parts of Australia has been contained at this point," he said. Travellers will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test pre-departure and must not have visited the blocked states and territories in recent days, Hipkins said. The pause in travel with Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland states and the Northern Territory will be reviewed on Tuesday, he added, to allow test results to be returned and a further assessment of the situation. The Sydney outbreak also led officials to impose social distancing restrictions in Wellington a week ago after an Australian tourist who visited the city tested positive for COVID-19 after returning home. Hipkins said those measures will be eased from midnight on Tuesday. New Zealand is among only a handful of countries that has contained the spread of COVID-19 within its borders. Its last community case was in February. No new cases were reported on Tuesday. New Zealand has so far had 2,385 confirmed cases and 26 deaths linked to the virus.

New Zealand to partially restart travel 'bubble' with Australia

Australia's deputy prime minister was fined for failing to wear a mask in a service station in violation of COVID-19 prevention orders, the authorities said on Tuesday, the country's most powerful person to face repercussions for non-compliance. 
 
Barnaby Joyce, who returned as leader of the Nationals coalition partner a week earlier, was spotted by a member of the public paying for fuel without a mask in his electorate about 500 km (310 miles) north of Sydney on Monday, the police said. 
 
The person called Crime Stoppers, an emergency hotline, and officers went to the service station where "inquiries revealed a 54-year-old man was not wearing a face mask while in the store", New South Wales state police said in a statement. 
 
Joyce, who was not identified in the police statement, was fined A$200 ($151) for breaching a public health order by not wearing a 'fitted face covering when in indoor area of retail/business premises'. 
 
A spokesman for Joyce was not immediately available for comment, but the outspoken country member confirmed the incident in an interview on Monday with News Corp-owned cable broadcaster Sky News. 
 
He said he was on his way to the airport, realised he had forgotten to buy fuel for his partner, "fuelled the car up with fuel, went in, 30 seconds later $200 it cost me because I didn't wear one of these (a mask)," he told the broadcaster, according to a report in News Corp newspapers. 
 
"That's life," Joyce added. 
 
The fine adds to a list of powerful public figures, who have received fines for breaching virus containment rules. 
 
In April 2020, the New South Wales arts minister resigned after being fined A$1000 for breaching stay-home orders in the initial days of the country's anti-coronavirus response. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Australia's deputy prime minister was fined for failing to wear a mask in a service station in violation of COVID-19 prevention orders, the authorities said on Tuesday, the country's most powerful person to face repercussions for non-compliance.

Australia's deputy prime minister was fined for failing to wear a mask in a service station in violation of COVID-19 prevention orders, the authorities said on Tuesday, the country's most powerful person to face repercussions for non-compliance. Barnaby Joyce, who returned as leader of the Nationals coalition partner a week earlier, was spotted by a member of the public paying for fuel without a mask in his electorate about 500 km (310 miles) north of Sydney on Monday, the police said. The person called Crime Stoppers, an emergency hotline, and officers went to the service station where "inquiries revealed a 54-year-old man was not wearing a face mask while in the store", New South Wales state police said in a statement. Joyce, who was not identified in the police statement, was fined A$200 ($151) for breaching a public health order by not wearing a 'fitted face covering when in indoor area of retail/business premises'. A spokesman for Joyce was not immediately available for comment, but the outspoken country member confirmed the incident in an interview on Monday with News Corp-owned cable broadcaster Sky News. He said he was on his way to the airport, realised he had forgotten to buy fuel for his partner, "fuelled the car up with fuel, went in, 30 seconds later $200 it cost me because I didn't wear one of these (a mask)," he told the broadcaster, according to a report in News Corp newspapers. "That's life," Joyce added. The fine adds to a list of powerful public figures, who have received fines for breaching virus containment rules. In April 2020, the New South Wales arts minister resigned after being fined A$1000 for breaching stay-home orders in the initial days of the country's anti-coronavirus response. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia deputy PM fined for not wearing mask in breach of COVID-19 rules

Authorities have been alarmed by instances of people passing on the virus during fleeting encounters in shops and then quickly infecting close family contacts.

Australia: Sydney extends COVID lockdown to entire city

Australia`s COVID-19 response committee is due to hold an emergency meeting on Monday as outbreaks of the highly contagious Delta variant across the country prompted a lockdown in Sydney and renewed restrictions elsewhere. 
 
Around 18 million Australians, or around 70% of the population, are now under some form of lockdown or COVID-related restrictions as officials grapple with COVID-19 flare-ups in almost every state or territory. 
 
"I think we are entering a new phase of this pandemic, with the more contagious Delta strain," federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told the Australian Broadcasting Corp on Monday, adding Australia was facing a "critical time" in its fight against COVID-19. 
 
The national security committee, chaired by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, will be briefed by the country`s chief medical officer later on Monday, Frydenberg said.&nbsp; 
 
Sydney, Australia`s most populous city and home to a fifth of Australia`s 25 million people, was plunged into a two-week lockdown over the weekend. 
 
Eighteen new local cases were reported in New South Wales state on Monday, compared with 30 a day earlier, taking the total infections in the latest outbreak to 130 since the first case was detected nearly two weeks ago in a limousine driver who transported an overseas airline crew. 
 
"We have to be prepared for the numbers to bounce around and we have to be prepared for the numbers to go up considerably," Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters in the state capital Sydney. 
 
"With this strain, we are seeing almost 100% transmission within households." 
 
The northern city of Darwin entered a two-day lockdown on Sunday, prompted by the detection of the Delta variant of the virus - unrelated to the Sydney outbreak - in a fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) gold mine worker after he had left the facility. 
 
Queensland state on Monday reintroduced mandatory masks and limited home gatherings in several areas, including state capital Brisbane, following a similar move by Western Australia officials for state capital Perth. Restrictions remain in place in Victoria state capital Melbourne and national capital Canberra. 
 
A health alert was issued over the weekend for hundreds of passengers after an infected Virgin Australia cabin crew member worked on five different flights covering Brisbane, Melbourne and Gold Coast. 
 
Australia has so far fared much better than many other developed countries in tackling the spread of the coronavirus, with just over 30,450 cases and 910 deaths. 
 
Lockdowns, tough social distancing rules and swift contact tracing have helped the country successfully suppress prior outbreaks but the fast moving Delta variant has alarmed health authorities.

Australia`s COVID-19 response committee is due to hold an emergency meeting on Monday as outbreaks of the highly contagious Delta variant across the country prompted a lockdown in Sydney and renewed restrictions elsewhere.

Australia`s COVID-19 response committee is due to hold an emergency meeting on Monday as outbreaks of the highly contagious Delta variant across the country prompted a lockdown in Sydney and renewed restrictions elsewhere. Around 18 million Australians, or around 70% of the population, are now under some form of lockdown or COVID-related restrictions as officials grapple with COVID-19 flare-ups in almost every state or territory. "I think we are entering a new phase of this pandemic, with the more contagious Delta strain," federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told the Australian Broadcasting Corp on Monday, adding Australia was facing a "critical time" in its fight against COVID-19. The national security committee, chaired by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, will be briefed by the country`s chief medical officer later on Monday, Frydenberg said. Sydney, Australia`s most populous city and home to a fifth of Australia`s 25 million people, was plunged into a two-week lockdown over the weekend. Eighteen new local cases were reported in New South Wales state on Monday, compared with 30 a day earlier, taking the total infections in the latest outbreak to 130 since the first case was detected nearly two weeks ago in a limousine driver who transported an overseas airline crew. "We have to be prepared for the numbers to bounce around and we have to be prepared for the numbers to go up considerably," Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters in the state capital Sydney. "With this strain, we are seeing almost 100% transmission within households." The northern city of Darwin entered a two-day lockdown on Sunday, prompted by the detection of the Delta variant of the virus - unrelated to the Sydney outbreak - in a fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) gold mine worker after he had left the facility. Queensland state on Monday reintroduced mandatory masks and limited home gatherings in several areas, including state capital Brisbane, following a similar move by Western Australia officials for state capital Perth. Restrictions remain in place in Victoria state capital Melbourne and national capital Canberra. A health alert was issued over the weekend for hundreds of passengers after an infected Virgin Australia cabin crew member worked on five different flights covering Brisbane, Melbourne and Gold Coast. Australia has so far fared much better than many other developed countries in tackling the spread of the coronavirus, with just over 30,450 cases and 910 deaths. Lockdowns, tough social distancing rules and swift contact tracing have helped the country successfully suppress prior outbreaks but the fast moving Delta variant has alarmed health authorities.

Australia's COVID-19 response team holds urgent meeting amid new outbreaks

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