Australian researchers are launching a&nbsp;koala&nbsp;"facial recognition"&nbsp;study that aims to better monitor the marsupials' behaviour and ultimately aid in their conservation.

The team from Griffith University&nbsp;is attempting to use artificial intelligence (AI) to recognise individual furry mammals&nbsp;when they use wildlife road crossings in Queensland state.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-gears-up-for-the-great-koala-count-using-drones-droppings-and-dogs-348189">Australia gears up for the great Koala count, using drones, droppings and dogs</a>

The underground pathways and bridges are installed at busy roads near&nbsp;koala&nbsp;habitats to offer them a safer route away from cars.&nbsp;

Associate professor Jun Zhou, who is leading the pilot study, said it was hoped AI would end the need for manual camera checks to determine which species were using the crossings.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/habitat-loss-in-an-australian-state-may-drive-koalas-to-extinction-by-2050-309664">Habitat loss in an Australian state may drive koalas to extinction by 2050</a>

"Now, with artificial intelligence developing very quickly over the past 10 years, the technology is powerful enough to help recognise not only koalas generally, but which individual koalas are using the crossings," he said.

Researchers have previously also used identification tags and GPS to track koalas.

Griffith University said the team would work with conservation groups on training AI to distinguish between individual animals based on their appearance and movements.

They hope the data will offer a greater understanding of how koalas use the wildlife crossings and if the crossings could be better located to protect the animals from getting injured by cars.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thing-of-the-past-experts-fear-australias-iconic-koala-could-go-extinct-by-2050-309749">Thing of the past? Experts fear Australia's iconic koala could go extinct by 2050</a>

he government-funded project is set to get underway at 20 camera sites near Brisbane in July.

Koalas live along Australia's eastern coast, but are considered vulnerable to extinction and face a raft of threats including habitat loss from logging, development and bushfires which destroyed swathes of forests in 2019-2020.

Australian researchers are launching a koala "facial recognition" study that aims to better monitor the marsupials' behaviour and ultimately aid in their conservation.

Australian researchers are launching a koala "facial recognition" study that aims to better monitor the marsupials' behaviour and ultimately aid in their conservation. The team from Griffith University is attempting to use artificial intelligence (AI) to recognise individual furry mammals when they use wildlife road crossings in Queensland state. Also Read | Australia gears up for the great Koala count, using drones, droppings and dogs The underground pathways and bridges are installed at busy roads near koala habitats to offer them a safer route away from cars. Associate professor Jun Zhou, who is leading the pilot study, said it was hoped AI would end the need for manual camera checks to determine which species were using the crossings. Also Read | Habitat loss in an Australian state may drive koalas to extinction by 2050 "Now, with artificial intelligence developing very quickly over the past 10 years, the technology is powerful enough to help recognise not only koalas generally, but which individual koalas are using the crossings," he said. Researchers have previously also used identification tags and GPS to track koalas. Griffith University said the team would work with conservation groups on training AI to distinguish between individual animals based on their appearance and movements. They hope the data will offer a greater understanding of how koalas use the wildlife crossings and if the crossings could be better located to protect the animals from getting injured by cars. Also Read | Thing of the past? Experts fear Australia's iconic koala could go extinct by 2050 he government-funded project is set to get underway at 20 camera sites near Brisbane in July. Koalas live along Australia's eastern coast, but are considered vulnerable to extinction and face a raft of threats including habitat loss from logging, development and bushfires which destroyed swathes of forests in 2019-2020.

Artificial Intelligence for conservation: Australian researchers to test koala 'facial recognition'

Citing the mismatch between Australia’s supply of coronavirus vaccine and the explosion demand, Melbourne GPs say that they are being forced to turn away vaccine seeking citizens, including vulnerable residents from care facilities.

The latest outbreak in the country has created a public panic with droves of people looking to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In the state of Victoria, where earlier only 2,300 doses were administered on 24 May, merely ten days later daily recorded vaccination numbers are up to 20,000 in primary care. &nbsp;

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>

This sudden rise in demand has overwhelmed local GPs, who say that their vaccine supplies are evaporating almost immediately. Some clinics claim that they have made urgent requests for higher vaccine dose allocations to the federal government, only to be rejected.

Brunswick based Inner North Medical Clinic, currently has a meagre allocation of 300 doses per fortnight, which owing to the current demand, is exhausted in a single day. This has resulted in the clinic turning away thousands of residents seeking inoculation ever since the latest outbreak started.

“Our books are overflowing with people trying to get the vaccine that we don’t have doses for. The vaccine supply is still a really critical problem for us,”, said Dr Shea Wilcox of The Inner North Medical Clinic.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-ends-covid-19-vaccine-trials-after-participants-develop-antibodies-for-hiv-349006">Australia ends COVID-19 vaccine trials after participants develop antibodies for HIV</a>

Talking to the Guardian, Wilcox said that the vaccine undersupplies situation was so severe that the clinic was forced to turn away two local supported living facilities, one of which caters to residents suffering from mental health issues.

“We’ve had to say ‘sorry, we can’t do that’,” he said.

Local GPs say that the commonwealth’s system was not agile enough to respond to the kind of demand surge seen in Melbourne.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cut-off-from-the-world-again-australia-now-finds-silver-linings-339420">Cut off from the world again, Australia now finds silver linings</a>

While requests for doses allocation increases take more than a fortnight to process, appointment slots fill up within fifteen minutes of opening. Due to the COVID-19 vaccination funding model followed there, billing is done through individual GPs rather than the clinic itself, which means that the doctors or GPs must be present for all vaccinations, rather than simply using nurses. This has further led to a shortage of available vaccine appointments thereby restricting the ability to administer vaccines at large volumes.

The health department says that on May 26, it had released an additional 130,000 vaccines to support&nbsp;Victoria.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-victorias-lockdown-extended-by-7-days-as-cases-surge-388887">Australia: Victoria's lockdown extended by 7 days as cases surge</a>

“To date, 787,780 Covid vaccines have been delivered to the Victorian state government with 513,375 vaccines administered through Victorian government vaccine clinics. 958,540 vaccines have been delivered to primary care sites in Victoria with 624,875 vaccines administered through primary care sites in Victoria,” a department spokeswoman said.

“A further 71,370 Pfizer and 101,100 AstraZeneca vaccines will be delivered to the Victorian state government this week and approximately 92,000 AstraZeneca vaccines will be delivered to primary care sites in Victoria by the end of the week.”

&nbsp;

Citing the mismatch between Australia’s supply of coronavirus vaccine and the explosion demand, Melbourne GPs say that they are being forced to turn away vaccine seeking citizens, including vulnerable residents from care facilities.

Citing the mismatch between Australia’s supply of coronavirus vaccine and the explosion demand, Melbourne GPs say that they are being forced to turn away vaccine seeking citizens, including vulnerable residents from care facilities. The latest outbreak in the country has created a public panic with droves of people looking to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In the state of Victoria, where earlier only 2,300 doses were administered on 24 May, merely ten days later daily recorded vaccination numbers are up to 20,000 in primary care. Also Read | Australia: Victoria state lockdown end date in doubt after new COVID-19 cases This sudden rise in demand has overwhelmed local GPs, who say that their vaccine supplies are evaporating almost immediately. Some clinics claim that they have made urgent requests for higher vaccine dose allocations to the federal government, only to be rejected. Brunswick based Inner North Medical Clinic, currently has a meagre allocation of 300 doses per fortnight, which owing to the current demand, is exhausted in a single day. This has resulted in the clinic turning away thousands of residents seeking inoculation ever since the latest outbreak started. “Our books are overflowing with people trying to get the vaccine that we don’t have doses for. The vaccine supply is still a really critical problem for us,”, said Dr Shea Wilcox of The Inner North Medical Clinic. Also Read | Australia ends COVID-19 vaccine trials after participants develop antibodies for HIV Talking to the Guardian, Wilcox said that the vaccine undersupplies situation was so severe that the clinic was forced to turn away two local supported living facilities, one of which caters to residents suffering from mental health issues. “We’ve had to say ‘sorry, we can’t do that’,” he said. Local GPs say that the commonwealth’s system was not agile enough to respond to the kind of demand surge seen in Melbourne. Also Read | Cut off from the world again, Australia now finds silver linings While requests for doses allocation increases take more than a fortnight to process, appointment slots fill up within fifteen minutes of opening. Due to the COVID-19 vaccination funding model followed there, billing is done through individual GPs rather than the clinic itself, which means that the doctors or GPs must be present for all vaccinations, rather than simply using nurses. This has further led to a shortage of available vaccine appointments thereby restricting the ability to administer vaccines at large volumes. The health department says that on May 26, it had released an additional 130,000 vaccines to support Victoria. Also Read | Australia: Victoria's lockdown extended by 7 days as cases surge “To date, 787,780 Covid vaccines have been delivered to the Victorian state government with 513,375 vaccines administered through Victorian government vaccine clinics. 958,540 vaccines have been delivered to primary care sites in Victoria with 624,875 vaccines administered through primary care sites in Victoria,” a department spokeswoman said. “A further 71,370 Pfizer and 101,100 AstraZeneca vaccines will be delivered to the Victorian state government this week and approximately 92,000 AstraZeneca vaccines will be delivered to primary care sites in Victoria by the end of the week.”

Coronavirus: Amid vaccine shortage, Melbourne GPs forced to turn away vaccine seekers

China has reacted sharply to statements by Australia and New Zealand where they express grave concern over developments in Hong Kong and the Human Rights situation in Xinjiang.

China rejects Australia, New Zealand concerns about Human Rights

Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd said on Tuesday, it had signed multi-year content-supply deals with Google and Facebook under Australia's news media bargaining code. 
 
The agreement, terms of which were not disclosed, comes after rival Seven West Media Ltd and News Corp signed similar deals following the enactment of tough laws to make US&nbsp;tech giants pay for displaying news on their platforms. 
 
The multi-media firm said it would supply content for Google's News Showcase platform for five years and to a similar Facebook product for three. 
 
Google would also expand its marketing ventures across Nine's platforms, the publisher of the Australian Financial Review, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald newspapers added. 
 
After considering these new deals and ongoing subscription revenue for Nine's mastheads, the Sydney-based company said it expected growth of A$30 million to A$40 million ($23.2 million to $31 million) in its publishing unit's fiscal 2022 core earnings.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd said on Tuesday, it had signed multi-year content-supply deals with Google and Facebook under Australia's news media bargaining code.

Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd said on Tuesday, it had signed multi-year content-supply deals with Google and Facebook under Australia's news media bargaining code. The agreement, terms of which were not disclosed, comes after rival Seven West Media Ltd and News Corp signed similar deals following the enactment of tough laws to make US tech giants pay for displaying news on their platforms. The multi-media firm said it would supply content for Google's News Showcase platform for five years and to a similar Facebook product for three. Google would also expand its marketing ventures across Nine's platforms, the publisher of the Australian Financial Review, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald newspapers added. After considering these new deals and ongoing subscription revenue for Nine's mastheads, the Sydney-based company said it expected growth of A$30 million to A$40 million ($23.2 million to $31 million) in its publishing unit's fiscal 2022 core earnings. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia's Nine Entertainment signs content deal with Facebook, Google

Leading thousands of protest marchers through central Sydney and joining a landmark class action lawsuit aren’t the usual activities for most 14-year-olds. 
 
But Australian student Izzy Raj-Seppings has abandoned more frivolous extracurricular activities in favour of stepping up pressure on the country`s leadership to battle climate change. 
 
Raj-Seppings has become one of the country's most prominent environmental activists since her tear-stained face made global headlines in late 2019 when she stared down riot police threatening to arrest her outside the prime minister's home. 
 
"I think a lot of people look at us and just say, 'oh, they're kids, they don't know what they're talking about," she said in an interview on April 6. 
 
"But I think they are underestimating us and they don't realise how powerful we are and how much work we're putting in. We're listening to scientists who have been trying to get people's attentions for generations and people haven't been listening to them about climate change." 
 
Australia is the highest per capita carbon emitter among the world's richest nations and, according to Raj-Seppings, Prime Minister Scott Morrison's inaction on climate change shows the need for a change in leadership. 
 
Her brush with police in 2019 came when the then 13-year-old joined angry protestors outside Morrison's official residence in Sydney in the wake of devastating bushfires - her first protest. The incident saw Raj-Seppings dubbed "Australia's Greta Thunberg" by local media. 
 
She stepped further into the spotlight this month, leading thousands of fellow students in 'School Strike 4 Climate' protest march through central Sydney. 
 
She was also one of eight teenagers,&nbsp;who brought a class action lawsuit against the federal government, arguing that the expansion of a coal mine in New South Wales state would contribute to climate change and endanger their future. 
 
The case resulted in a landmark ruling last week that the country's environment minister has so-called duty of care, or moral obligation to children to consider the harm caused by climate change. 
 
Raj-Seppings had her own message for Morrison, should she have the opportunity to meet him one day. 
 
"I'd definitely tell him that he does need to wake up, that the time is coming for action and we need it now," she said in the April 6 interview. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Leading thousands of protest marchers through central Sydney and joining a landmark class action lawsuit aren’t the usual activities for most 14-year-olds. But Australian student Izzy Raj-Seppings has abandoned more frivolous extracurricular activities in favour of stepping up pressure on the country`s leadership to battle climate change.

Leading thousands of protest marchers through central Sydney and joining a landmark class action lawsuit aren’t the usual activities for most 14-year-olds. But Australian student Izzy Raj-Seppings has abandoned more frivolous extracurricular activities in favour of stepping up pressure on the country`s leadership to battle climate change. Raj-Seppings has become one of the country's most prominent environmental activists since her tear-stained face made global headlines in late 2019 when she stared down riot police threatening to arrest her outside the prime minister's home. "I think a lot of people look at us and just say, 'oh, they're kids, they don't know what they're talking about," she said in an interview on April 6. "But I think they are underestimating us and they don't realise how powerful we are and how much work we're putting in. We're listening to scientists who have been trying to get people's attentions for generations and people haven't been listening to them about climate change." Australia is the highest per capita carbon emitter among the world's richest nations and, according to Raj-Seppings, Prime Minister Scott Morrison's inaction on climate change shows the need for a change in leadership. Her brush with police in 2019 came when the then 13-year-old joined angry protestors outside Morrison's official residence in Sydney in the wake of devastating bushfires - her first protest. The incident saw Raj-Seppings dubbed "Australia's Greta Thunberg" by local media. She stepped further into the spotlight this month, leading thousands of fellow students in 'School Strike 4 Climate' protest march through central Sydney. She was also one of eight teenagers, who brought a class action lawsuit against the federal government, arguing that the expansion of a coal mine in New South Wales state would contribute to climate change and endanger their future. The case resulted in a landmark ruling last week that the country's environment minister has so-called duty of care, or moral obligation to children to consider the harm caused by climate change. Raj-Seppings had her own message for Morrison, should she have the opportunity to meet him one day. "I'd definitely tell him that he does need to wake up, that the time is coming for action and we need it now," she said in the April 6 interview. (With inputs from agencies)

'Australia's Greta Thunberg' steps up climate change activism

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison arrived in New Zealand for annual talks with Jacinda Ardern. New Zealand PM welcomed Morrison is a traditional Powhiri welcome ceremony. Both delegations greeted each other with a traditional Maori greeting.

Australian PM Scott Morrison attends welcome ceremony in New Zealand

New Zealand and Australia downplayed policy differences on China Monday, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern denying Wellington was taking a soft stance on human rights to avoid offending its largest trading partner. 
 
Ardern's government has taken flak over its meek criticisms of China's rights record, while Australia's more outspoken position has drawn punitive trade measures from Beijing. 
 
The centre-left New Zealand leader insisted the trans-Tasman allies were lock-step on attitudes towards China after holding talks with her Australian counterpart Scott Morrison in the South Island mountain retreat of Queenstown. 
 
The pair issued a joint statement expressing "deep concern" at the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong and the treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority in China's Xinjiang province. 
 
"You'll see that Australia and New Zealand have broadly been positioned in exactly the same place on these issues consistently," Ardern told reporters. 
 
"So I really push back on any suggestion that we are not taking a strong stance on these incredibly important issues." 
 
Ardern and Morrison also backed a push to further investigate the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic, which remains a sensitive topic for China. 
 
The New Zealand government declined to sign a statement from the Five Eyes intelligence network last year condemning developments in Hong Kong, and this month insisted on removing the word "genocide" from a parliamentary motion about the plight of the Uyghurs. 
 
Australia has fully backed the Five Eyes statements, sparking fiery rhetoric from Beijing along with import levies on a range of Australian products. 
 
Morrison said he did not believe New Zealand was a weak link in the spy network, which also includes the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. 
 
"Neither of us will ever trade our sovereignty or our values, we have stood side by side to defend those values," he said. 
 
Morrison said both Australia and New Zealand wanted a free and peaceful Indo-Pacific region and would work to ensure that goal was not threatened by rising China-US tensions. 
 
"The world is being characterised by increased strategic competition between the United States and China, that is a self-evident fact," he said. 
 
"I would say our shared view is that such strategic competition does not need to lead to increased likelihood of conflict." 
 
Ardern also glossed over other irritants in the trans-Tasman relationship, including Canberra's policy of deporting New Zealand-born criminals even if they have been in Australia for most of their lives. 
 
"As with any family, we will have our disagreements from time to time but... we are much bigger than our differences," she said.

New Zealand and Australia downplayed policy differences on China Monday, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern denying Wellington was taking a soft stance on human rights to avoid offending its largest trading partner.

New Zealand and Australia downplayed policy differences on China Monday, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern denying Wellington was taking a soft stance on human rights to avoid offending its largest trading partner. Ardern's government has taken flak over its meek criticisms of China's rights record, while Australia's more outspoken position has drawn punitive trade measures from Beijing. The centre-left New Zealand leader insisted the trans-Tasman allies were lock-step on attitudes towards China after holding talks with her Australian counterpart Scott Morrison in the South Island mountain retreat of Queenstown. The pair issued a joint statement expressing "deep concern" at the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong and the treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority in China's Xinjiang province. "You'll see that Australia and New Zealand have broadly been positioned in exactly the same place on these issues consistently," Ardern told reporters. "So I really push back on any suggestion that we are not taking a strong stance on these incredibly important issues." Ardern and Morrison also backed a push to further investigate the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic, which remains a sensitive topic for China. The New Zealand government declined to sign a statement from the Five Eyes intelligence network last year condemning developments in Hong Kong, and this month insisted on removing the word "genocide" from a parliamentary motion about the plight of the Uyghurs. Australia has fully backed the Five Eyes statements, sparking fiery rhetoric from Beijing along with import levies on a range of Australian products. Morrison said he did not believe New Zealand was a weak link in the spy network, which also includes the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. "Neither of us will ever trade our sovereignty or our values, we have stood side by side to defend those values," he said. Morrison said both Australia and New Zealand wanted a free and peaceful Indo-Pacific region and would work to ensure that goal was not threatened by rising China-US tensions. "The world is being characterised by increased strategic competition between the United States and China, that is a self-evident fact," he said. "I would say our shared view is that such strategic competition does not need to lead to increased likelihood of conflict." Ardern also glossed over other irritants in the trans-Tasman relationship, including Canberra's policy of deporting New Zealand-born criminals even if they have been in Australia for most of their lives. "As with any family, we will have our disagreements from time to time but... we are much bigger than our differences," she said.

New Zealand, Australia play down differences on China

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison arrived in New Zealand on Sunday for high-level talks hours after the country's government chose to support Canberra in its dispute with China on barley tariffs, signalling goodwill to work on differences in how to approach Beijing.

Quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand began last month after both nations controlled the spread of COVID-19, allowing Morrison and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to meet face to face for the first time in 15 months.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealands-ardern-says-differences-with-china-becoming-harder-to-reconcile-382404">New Zealand's Ardern says differences with China becoming harder to reconcile</a>

The talks were likely to be challenged by differences over China, the biggest trading partner of both countries, with Australia at loggerheads with Beijing and New Zealand taking a more accommodating approach.

China has in recent months moved to restrict imports of Australian products such as barley, wine and beef, with the World Trade Organisation saying on Friday it would establish a dispute settlement panel to resolve the barley row.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-australia-moves-wto-over-chinas-tariff-war-388119/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ahead of Morrison's visit, New Zealand Trade Minister Damien O'Connor said his government was backing Canberra in the spat.

"New Zealand is participating in this dispute as a third party because it raises systemic issues of importance to the effective functioning of the multilateral rules-based trading system," local media cited O'Connor as saying.

"New Zealand was not asked to join as a third party, however we have been a third party in over 60 WTO cases since 1995 and it's not unusual for us to join actions disputes when we see challenges to international trade rules."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-storm-may-be-coming-warns-new-zealands-foreign-minister-387250">China ‘storm’ may be coming, warns New Zealand’s foreign minister</a>

Australia's ties with China have sunk to their lowest point in decades in the past 18 months after Morrison led calls for a global enquiry into the origins of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> and Australia barred Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies Co from its 5G network.

New Zealand's economic ties with China have been strengthening, with the two countries this year upgrading their free trade agreement.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-says-it-will-not-let-five-eyes-intelligence-alliance-set-china-policy-378582">New Zealand says it will not let 'Five Eyes' intelligence alliance set China policy</a>

New Zealand also said last month it was "uncomfortable" with expanding the role of the Five Eyes, a post-war intelligence grouping that also includes the United States, Britain, Australia and Canada. This raised speculation that Wellington did not back the group's recent criticisms of Beijing.

China has accused the Five Eyes of ganging up on it with statements on Hong Kong and the treatment of Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

Formal talks between Ardern and Morrison, expected to be dominated by China and its growing influence in the region, are to take place on Monday.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison arrived in New Zealand on Sunday for high-level talks hours after the country's government chose to support Canberra in its dispute with China on barley tariffs, signalling goodwill to work on differences in how to approach Beijing.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison arrived in New Zealand on Sunday for high-level talks hours after the country's government chose to support Canberra in its dispute with China on barley tariffs, signalling goodwill to work on differences in how to approach Beijing. Quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand began last month after both nations controlled the spread of COVID-19, allowing Morrison and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to meet face to face for the first time in 15 months. Also Read | New Zealand's Ardern says differences with China becoming harder to reconcile The talks were likely to be challenged by differences over China, the biggest trading partner of both countries, with Australia at loggerheads with Beijing and New Zealand taking a more accommodating approach. China has in recent months moved to restrict imports of Australian products such as barley, wine and beef, with the World Trade Organisation saying on Friday it would establish a dispute settlement panel to resolve the barley row. Ahead of Morrison's visit, New Zealand Trade Minister Damien O'Connor said his government was backing Canberra in the spat. "New Zealand is participating in this dispute as a third party because it raises systemic issues of importance to the effective functioning of the multilateral rules-based trading system," local media cited O'Connor as saying. "New Zealand was not asked to join as a third party, however we have been a third party in over 60 WTO cases since 1995 and it's not unusual for us to join actions disputes when we see challenges to international trade rules." Also Read | China ‘storm’ may be coming, warns New Zealand’s foreign minister Australia's ties with China have sunk to their lowest point in decades in the past 18 months after Morrison led calls for a global enquiry into the origins of COVID-19 and Australia barred Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies Co from its 5G network. New Zealand's economic ties with China have been strengthening, with the two countries this year upgrading their free trade agreement. Also Read | New Zealand says it will not let 'Five Eyes' intelligence alliance set China policy New Zealand also said last month it was "uncomfortable" with expanding the role of the Five Eyes, a post-war intelligence grouping that also includes the United States, Britain, Australia and Canada. This raised speculation that Wellington did not back the group's recent criticisms of Beijing. China has accused the Five Eyes of ganging up on it with statements on Hong Kong and the treatment of Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Formal talks between Ardern and Morrison, expected to be dominated by China and its growing influence in the region, are to take place on Monday.

New Zealand backs Australia in trade spat with China ahead of Ardern-Morrison meeting

Australia is witnessing a crisis involving mice as rural communities in New South Wales are&nbsp;bombarded by rodents, forcing Australian farmers to seek&nbsp;a banned poison from India in hopes of eliminating mice populations.

This has led to the worst plague outbreak in decades with&nbsp;clips on social media depicting mice overtaking rural life in Australia while farmers struggle to contain them.

The government of New South Wales is now seeking 5,000 litres of Bromadiolone from India.&nbsp;According to the state’s Agriculture Minister, Adam Marshall, Bromadiolone, a banned poison is “the strongest mouse poison” on Earth and can kill mice in less than 24 hours.

In addition to this, the state government has also released $39 million to curb the infestation, which experts believe is now making inlays in Queensland. But not everyone is onboard using the lethal poison, for it may also cause inadvertent deaths of other animals and family pets without supervision.

Locals are also backing on nature to limit their mice woes. Many hope that rain would drown the mice in their burrows, effectively ridding of them. Local media reports show mice flooding Australian homes and infesting water tanks, spreading fear of potential outbreaks. Many reports also refer to mice bites among human beings.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/scientists-from-germany-made-paralysed-mice-walk-again-how-did-they-do-it-358925" hreflang="en">Scientists from Germany made paralysed mice walk again. How did they do it?</a>

&nbsp;

A report by Associated Press claims that the influx in mice population has led to the gradual contamination of sorghum exports. The crop has witnessed a downgrade in quality due to mice droppings, causing buyers to cancel shipments of the grain.

Plagues are common and appear randomly, but also disappear as quickly as they make gains.&nbsp;Soon after a population explosion, a resource scarcity kicks in forcing mice populations to crash. In some occasions, they feed on each other. This, in turn regulates mice populations naturally.

Australia is witnessing a crisis involving mice as rural communities in New South Wales are bombarded by rodents, forcing Australian farmers to seek a banned poison from India in hopes of eliminating mice populations.

Australia is witnessing a crisis involving mice as rural communities in New South Wales are bombarded by rodents, forcing Australian farmers to seek a banned poison from India in hopes of eliminating mice populations. This has led to the worst plague outbreak in decades with clips on social media depicting mice overtaking rural life in Australia while farmers struggle to contain them. The government of New South Wales is now seeking 5,000 litres of Bromadiolone from India. According to the state’s Agriculture Minister, Adam Marshall, Bromadiolone, a banned poison is “the strongest mouse poison” on Earth and can kill mice in less than 24 hours. In addition to this, the state government has also released $39 million to curb the infestation, which experts believe is now making inlays in Queensland. But not everyone is onboard using the lethal poison, for it may also cause inadvertent deaths of other animals and family pets without supervision. Locals are also backing on nature to limit their mice woes. Many hope that rain would drown the mice in their burrows, effectively ridding of them. Local media reports show mice flooding Australian homes and infesting water tanks, spreading fear of potential outbreaks. Many reports also refer to mice bites among human beings. Also read: Scientists from Germany made paralysed mice walk again. How did they do it? A report by Associated Press claims that the influx in mice population has led to the gradual contamination of sorghum exports. The crop has witnessed a downgrade in quality due to mice droppings, causing buyers to cancel shipments of the grain. Plagues are common and appear randomly, but also disappear as quickly as they make gains. Soon after a population explosion, a resource scarcity kicks in forcing mice populations to crash. In some occasions, they feed on each other. This, in turn regulates mice populations naturally.

Australia's 'mice war' intensifies: Country seeks banned poison from India to fight plague

Australia has moved the WTO over China's politically-charged trade war. Canberra's first appeal was blocked by the Chinese. Will the second effort be successful? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Australia moves WTO over China's tariff war

Taliban has publically threatened Afghan security guards who have worked for Australian embassy. The embassy has been shut by Australia. Taliban has circulated pictures of Afghan security guards who have worked for the embassy.

Australia shut its embassy on Friday highlighting security fears as US-led international forces withdraw from Afghanistan.

With President Joe Biden's September 11 deadline looming, nations are weighing how they might operate without the security blanket provided by US and NATO forces, while scrambling to decide what to do with thousands of Afghan staff.

Taliban have openly said that anyone working alongside foreign governments will be treated as collaborators and will be targetted.

Kabul-based political analyst Sayed Nasir Musawi told AFP he expected more foreign missions to close shop in coming months.

"Western countries are not fully sure about the continuation and survival of the incumbent government," he said.

The Afghan government insists it can keep the Taliban at bay, but the insurgents have made huge gains in the countryside in recent months and engage daily with local security forces.

The Taliban are now present in almost every Afghan province, have full or partial control of thousands of districts, and have effectively encircled several cities -- a similar situation to 1996, when they took over most of the country.

(With agency inputs)

Taliban has publically threatened Afghan security guards who have worked for Australian embassy. The embassy has been shut by Australia. Taliban has circulated pictures of Afghan security guards who have worked for the embassy.

Taliban has publically threatened Afghan security guards who have worked for Australian embassy. The embassy has been shut by Australia. Taliban has circulated pictures of Afghan security guards who have worked for the embassy. Australia shut its embassy on Friday highlighting security fears as US-led international forces withdraw from Afghanistan. With President Joe Biden's September 11 deadline looming, nations are weighing how they might operate without the security blanket provided by US and NATO forces, while scrambling to decide what to do with thousands of Afghan staff. Taliban have openly said that anyone working alongside foreign governments will be treated as collaborators and will be targetted. Kabul-based political analyst Sayed Nasir Musawi told AFP he expected more foreign missions to close shop in coming months. "Western countries are not fully sure about the continuation and survival of the incumbent government," he said. The Afghan government insists it can keep the Taliban at bay, but the insurgents have made huge gains in the countryside in recent months and engage daily with local security forces. The Taliban are now present in almost every Afghan province, have full or partial control of thousands of districts, and have effectively encircled several cities -- a similar situation to 1996, when they took over most of the country. (With agency inputs)

Taliban threatens Afghan security guards at Australian embassy

An Australian court held that the environment minister is morally responsible to the next generation for the effects of climate change. Is climate litigation the only way to hold governments accountable? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Australian court pulls up government for climate change

Australia&nbsp;was due Friday to shut its embassy in Afghanistan, highlighting the security fears for foreign missions and their local workers as US-led troops pull out of the war-torn country.

With President Joe Biden's September 11 deadline looming, nations are weighing how they might operate without the security blanket provided by US and NATO forces while scrambling to work out what to do with thousands of Afghan staff who fear being marked as collaborators by the Taliban.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-troop-pullout-proceeding-slightly-ahead-of-schedule-in-afghanistan-us-defence-secretary-austin-informs-congress-388017">US troop pullout proceeding 'slightly' ahead of schedule in Afghanistan, US defence secretary Austin informs Congress</a>

Kabul-based political analyst Sayed Nasir Musawi told AFP he expected more foreign missions to close shop in coming months.

"Western countries are not fully sure about the continuation and survival of the incumbent government," he said.

The Afghan government insists it can keep the Taliban at bay, but the insurgents have made huge gains in the countryside over the past months and engage daily with local security forces.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-warn-afghan-neighbours-against-allowing-us-bases-387551">Taliban warn Afghan neighbours against allowing US bases</a>&nbsp;

The Taliban are now present in almost every Afghan province, have full or partial control of thousands of districts, and have effectively encircled several cities, a similar situation to 1996 when they took over most of the country.

Their tactics have spurred speculation they are waiting for the last US troops to leave before launching all-out attacks to retake power by force.

Announcing the embassy closure earlier this week, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said there was an "increasingly uncertain security environment".

'Abandoned once again'

The Taliban tried to calm foreign missions, telling AFP earlier this week they can "continue their operations as usual", but their track record is still fresh in the memory.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-vows-to-ensure-security-of-foreign-missions-387267">Afghanistan vows to ensure security of foreign missions</a>

When the Islamist hardliners seized control of Kabul in 1996 they entered the United Nations compound and abducted the country's former leader, Najibullah Ahmadzai, who they brutally tortured and murdered.

Two years later the Taliban oversaw the killing of 10 Iranian diplomats at their consulate in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif.

Still, Musawi had some hope.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hasty-us-withdrawal-a-blow-to-afghan-peace-process-says-china-385452">Hasty US withdrawal a blow to Afghan peace process, says China</a>

"I think&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;will not close their embassy forever in Afghanistan," he said.

"After the peace talks become clear between the government and the Taliban, or the current government might agree to power sharing with the Taliban,&nbsp;in that case&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;will re-open its embassy."

The Telegraph newspaper, meanwhile, reported Friday that Britain was preparing to relocate hundreds of embassy workers and their families to avoid a "Saigon moment", the panicked 1975 helicopter evacuation of the US embassy in South Vietnam as the Viet Cong and communist forces seized the city.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-us-begins-withdrawing-troops-from-the-forever-war-381935">Afghanistan: US begins withdrawing troops from the 'forever war'</a>

The UK has expanded its scheme giving military interpreters asylum, the newspaper said and was offering residency to embassy staff who might be at risk.

Washington said late Thursday it was "rapidly" formulating plans to evacuate potentially thousands who worked for coalition forces in Afghanistan over the past two decades.

"We recognize that there are a significant amount of Afghans that supported the United States and supported the coalition, and that they could be at risk," said Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley.

"We recognize that a very important task is to ensure that we remain faithful to them, and that we do what is necessary to ensure their protection and, if necessary, get them out of the country if that is what they want to do."

Still, thousands of Afghans are scrambling for visas or asylum, and one group was due to hold a demonstration near the fortified green zone in the capital later Friday to press their claims.

"The closure of Australian embassy in Kabul is not good news for Afghans," said Ahmad Rashed, 25, a bank employee.

"I believe, more embassies and NGOs might stop their operations in Afghanistan and I feel we will be abandoned once again," he told AFP.

Australia was due Friday to shut its embassy in Afghanistan, highlighting the security fears for foreign missions and their local workers as US-led troops pull out of the war-torn country.

Australia was due Friday to shut its embassy in Afghanistan, highlighting the security fears for foreign missions and their local workers as US-led troops pull out of the war-torn country. With President Joe Biden's September 11 deadline looming, nations are weighing how they might operate without the security blanket provided by US and NATO forces while scrambling to work out what to do with thousands of Afghan staff who fear being marked as collaborators by the Taliban. Also Read | US troop pullout proceeding 'slightly' ahead of schedule in Afghanistan, US defence secretary Austin informs Congress Kabul-based political analyst Sayed Nasir Musawi told AFP he expected more foreign missions to close shop in coming months. "Western countries are not fully sure about the continuation and survival of the incumbent government," he said. The Afghan government insists it can keep the Taliban at bay, but the insurgents have made huge gains in the countryside over the past months and engage daily with local security forces. Also Read | Taliban warn Afghan neighbours against allowing US bases The Taliban are now present in almost every Afghan province, have full or partial control of thousands of districts, and have effectively encircled several cities, a similar situation to 1996 when they took over most of the country. Their tactics have spurred speculation they are waiting for the last US troops to leave before launching all-out attacks to retake power by force. Announcing the embassy closure earlier this week, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said there was an "increasingly uncertain security environment". 'Abandoned once again' The Taliban tried to calm foreign missions, telling AFP earlier this week they can "continue their operations as usual", but their track record is still fresh in the memory. Also Read | Afghanistan vows to ensure security of foreign missions When the Islamist hardliners seized control of Kabul in 1996 they entered the United Nations compound and abducted the country's former leader, Najibullah Ahmadzai, who they brutally tortured and murdered. Two years later the Taliban oversaw the killing of 10 Iranian diplomats at their consulate in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif. Still, Musawi had some hope. Also Read | Hasty US withdrawal a blow to Afghan peace process, says China "I think Australia will not close their embassy forever in Afghanistan," he said. "After the peace talks become clear between the government and the Taliban, or the current government might agree to power sharing with the Taliban, in that case Australia will re-open its embassy." The Telegraph newspaper, meanwhile, reported Friday that Britain was preparing to relocate hundreds of embassy workers and their families to avoid a "Saigon moment", the panicked 1975 helicopter evacuation of the US embassy in South Vietnam as the Viet Cong and communist forces seized the city. Also Read | Afghanistan: US begins withdrawing troops from the 'forever war' The UK has expanded its scheme giving military interpreters asylum, the newspaper said and was offering residency to embassy staff who might be at risk. Washington said late Thursday it was "rapidly" formulating plans to evacuate potentially thousands who worked for coalition forces in Afghanistan over the past two decades. "We recognize that there are a significant amount of Afghans that supported the United States and supported the coalition, and that they could be at risk," said Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley. "We recognize that a very important task is to ensure that we remain faithful to them, and that we do what is necessary to ensure their protection and, if necessary, get them out of the country if that is what they want to do." Still, thousands of Afghans are scrambling for visas or asylum, and one group was due to hold a demonstration near the fortified green zone in the capital later Friday to press their claims. "The closure of Australian embassy in Kabul is not good news for Afghans," said Ahmad Rashed, 25, a bank employee. "I believe, more embassies and NGOs might stop their operations in Afghanistan and I feel we will be abandoned once again," he told AFP.

Australia shutters embassy in Afghanistan, sparking exodus fears

Stay-at-home orders have been passed for all locals and current residents of Australia’s city of Melbourne and the rest of Victoria as the region went into a snap lockdown to control the widespread of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.

The orders of a snap lockdown came on Thursday and the authorities have given a few hours to the locals to reach their houses and get essentials.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-aide-brands-uks-johnson-unfit-to-be-pm-over-covid-failures-387601" hreflang="en">Ex-aide brands UK's Johnson 'unfit' to be PM over Covid failures</a>

However, locals have also been advised not to move around too much and stay at the place they are currently residing for at least another week.

The lockdown will come into force from midnight and will continue at least for the next seven days.

This decision was taken as the number of coronavirus cases nearly doubled up in a matter of few hours. The authorities are hoping to break the chain of transmission by imposing this lockdown.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/45-of-covid-patients-left-hospital-in-worse-physical-state-study-387503" hreflang="en">45% of Covid patients left hospital in worse physical state: Study</a>

Authorities believe the circuit breaker lockdown is the only way to break the cycle of infections. "Given the circumstances, more than 10,000 primary and secondary contacts, more than 150 exposure sites right across the state of Victoria, Bendigo,&nbsp;on our border, right across metropolitan&nbsp;Melbourne,&nbsp;we need to have this circuit-breaker lockdown. We know it works," acting Premier James Merlino told local media. "We know it makes a difference. We’ve done this before."

He also cautioned people against the new variant which he believes is spreading at a rapid pace. Merlino also asked people to get vaccinated as soon as possible, as the state opened vaccines to anyone above the age of 40. The snap lockdown is to avoid the third wave of coronavirus at all costs, he said.

Merlino also blamed the Commonwealth for the lack of vaccines in the country and claimed there have been a few issues from the Commonwealth in terms of delivery of vaccines. "These are supply issues the commonwealth is responsible for, securing, procuring, and then delivering the supply, so that's been one of problems," he said.

However, he also added that the vaccines are completely safe and the locals should trust the experts and get jabbed as soon as possible to avoid getting infected by the deadly virus.

(With inputs from agencies)

Stay-at-home orders have been passed for all locals and current residents of Australia’s city of Melbourne and the rest of Victoria as the region went into a snap lockdown to control the widespread of the coronavirus.

Stay-at-home orders have been passed for all locals and current residents of Australia’s city of Melbourne and the rest of Victoria as the region went into a snap lockdown to control the widespread of the coronavirus. The orders of a snap lockdown came on Thursday and the authorities have given a few hours to the locals to reach their houses and get essentials. Also read | Ex-aide brands UK's Johnson 'unfit' to be PM over Covid failures However, locals have also been advised not to move around too much and stay at the place they are currently residing for at least another week. The lockdown will come into force from midnight and will continue at least for the next seven days. This decision was taken as the number of coronavirus cases nearly doubled up in a matter of few hours. The authorities are hoping to break the chain of transmission by imposing this lockdown. Also read | 45% of Covid patients left hospital in worse physical state: Study Authorities believe the circuit breaker lockdown is the only way to break the cycle of infections. "Given the circumstances, more than 10,000 primary and secondary contacts, more than 150 exposure sites right across the state of Victoria, Bendigo, on our border, right across metropolitan Melbourne, we need to have this circuit-breaker lockdown. We know it works," acting Premier James Merlino told local media. "We know it makes a difference. We’ve done this before." He also cautioned people against the new variant which he believes is spreading at a rapid pace. Merlino also asked people to get vaccinated as soon as possible, as the state opened vaccines to anyone above the age of 40. The snap lockdown is to avoid the third wave of coronavirus at all costs, he said. Merlino also blamed the Commonwealth for the lack of vaccines in the country and claimed there have been a few issues from the Commonwealth in terms of delivery of vaccines. "These are supply issues the commonwealth is responsible for, securing, procuring, and then delivering the supply, so that's been one of problems," he said. However, he also added that the vaccines are completely safe and the locals should trust the experts and get jabbed as soon as possible to avoid getting infected by the deadly virus. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia: Victoria orders snap lockdown for 7 days as Covid cases double

'Blood Moon' rising: Harbinger of Doom or a beautiful celestial event?

At a time of worsening ties between Australia and China, Australia's ambassador to China was denied entry to a heavily guarded Beijing court during closed door hearing of an espionage case against Australian blogger Yang Hengjun.

China keeps diplomats out of espionage trial of Australian blogger

Millions of mice have entered homes in Australia. They are on the walls, roofs, inside containers and in water tanks. Mice have also attacked hotels and are biting patients in hospitals. How did this happen? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Mouse plague in Australia

More than five million people in Australia's second-biggest city of Melbourne were ordered into a snap week-long lockdown Thursday over an another Coronavirus outbreak in the city.

Melbourne goes under 7-days long snap lockdown

Chinese-born Australian academic and author Yang Jun will go on trial in China on espionage charges next week, after spending more than two years in detention, Canberra's foreign minister has confirmed.

Yang is one of two high-profile Australians detained in China on spying allegations amid escalating tensions between Canberra and Beijing.

The trial for Yang, who also goes by his pen name Yang Hengjun, will begin on Thursday, Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement late Friday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-eus-confrontational-approach-after-it-freezes-investments-386498" hreflang="en">China slams EU's 'confrontational approach' after it freezes investments</a>

"Despite repeated requests by Australian officials, Chinese authorities have not provided any explanation or evidence for the charges facing Dr Yang," Payne said.

"We have conveyed to Chinese authorities, in clear terms, the concerns we have about Dr Yang's treatment and the lack of procedural fairness in how his case has been managed."

Payne also called for Australian officials to be granted access to the trial, criticising a process that she said had so far been "closed and opaque".

Yang, who denies the charges, was arrested on a rare return to China from his home in the United States in January 2019.&nbsp;

Another Australian, TV anchor Cheng Lei has been held since August accused of "supplying state secrets overseas".&nbsp;

Diplomatic relations between the two countries have plummeted since Canberra called for an independent probe into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic and banned telecoms giant Huawei from building Australia's 5G network.

China has already imposed tariffs or disrupted more than a dozen key industries, including wine, barley and coal, decimating exports.

In September, two Australian journalists were rushed out of China after police sought to question them. Beijing has accused Canberra of raiding its journalists' homes as it investigates an alleged campaign of covert influence.

Chinese-born Australian academic and author Yang Jun will go on trial in China on espionage charges next week, after spending more than two years in detention, Canberra's foreign minister has confirmed.

Chinese-born Australian academic and author Yang Jun will go on trial in China on espionage charges next week, after spending more than two years in detention, Canberra's foreign minister has confirmed. Yang is one of two high-profile Australians detained in China on spying allegations amid escalating tensions between Canberra and Beijing. The trial for Yang, who also goes by his pen name Yang Hengjun, will begin on Thursday, Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement late Friday. Also read | China slams EU's 'confrontational approach' after it freezes investments "Despite repeated requests by Australian officials, Chinese authorities have not provided any explanation or evidence for the charges facing Dr Yang," Payne said. "We have conveyed to Chinese authorities, in clear terms, the concerns we have about Dr Yang's treatment and the lack of procedural fairness in how his case has been managed." Payne also called for Australian officials to be granted access to the trial, criticising a process that she said had so far been "closed and opaque". Yang, who denies the charges, was arrested on a rare return to China from his home in the United States in January 2019. Another Australian, TV anchor Cheng Lei has been held since August accused of "supplying state secrets overseas". Diplomatic relations between the two countries have plummeted since Canberra called for an independent probe into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic and banned telecoms giant Huawei from building Australia's 5G network. China has already imposed tariffs or disrupted more than a dozen key industries, including wine, barley and coal, decimating exports. In September, two Australian journalists were rushed out of China after police sought to question them. Beijing has accused Canberra of raiding its journalists' homes as it investigates an alleged campaign of covert influence.

Australian academic to face spying trial in China

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-nearly-50-passengers-of-australias-repatriation-flight-grounded-385050">Australia's</a> medical body has warned that citizens in the country were "sitting ducks" for coronavirus due to virus variants amid the slow vaccination process.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-resumes-repatriation-flights-from-india-for-stranded-citizens-385553/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Australian Medical Association (AMA) said many citizens were delaying getting vaccinated as it urged authorities to ramp up the vaccination drive.

AMA Vice President Chris Moy talking to a local radio station said that a significant portion of the population needs to get vaccinated especially those over 50 with the threat of the virus variant after "seeing what is happening overseas where there is a tsunami of COVID-19".

Australia has successfully fought the virus so far with less than 300,000 cases and just 910 deaths since the pandemic hit last year after it closed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-contingent-and-mike-hussey-set-to-fly-back-home-on-monday-reports-385453">borders</a> early in March and barred people from entering the country including permanent residents.

The authorities also imposed a strict quarantine system for travellers, however, AMA said vaccine hesitancy could spell trouble for the country even as industry bodies urged the government to reopen quickly in order to boost trade.

The country has witnessed almost no community transmission although the government has said the border restrictions will continue for the next one year, however, the government has defended its action.

PM Morrison has asserted that he won't take "risks with Australians' lives" even as various industries called for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-to-keep-international-borders-closed-till-middle-of-2022-officials-385445">border</a> closures to end.

Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said: "Some people may die, but it will be way smaller than with the flu."

PM Morrison called the remarks "insensitive" as he vowed to keep the borders under watch a move which is reportedly backed by the public in various opinion polls.

Australia's medical body has warned that citizens in the country were "sitting ducks" for coronavirus due to virus variants amid the slow vaccination process. Watch: Australian Medical Association (AMA) said many citizens were delaying getting vaccinated as it urged authorities to ramp up the vaccination drive.

Australia's medical body has warned that citizens in the country were "sitting ducks" for coronavirus due to virus variants amid the slow vaccination process. Watch: Australian Medical Association (AMA) said many citizens were delaying getting vaccinated as it urged authorities to ramp up the vaccination drive. AMA Vice President Chris Moy talking to a local radio station said that a significant portion of the population needs to get vaccinated especially those over 50 with the threat of the virus variant after "seeing what is happening overseas where there is a tsunami of COVID-19". Australia has successfully fought the virus so far with less than 300,000 cases and just 910 deaths since the pandemic hit last year after it closed the borders early in March and barred people from entering the country including permanent residents. The authorities also imposed a strict quarantine system for travellers, however, AMA said vaccine hesitancy could spell trouble for the country even as industry bodies urged the government to reopen quickly in order to boost trade. The country has witnessed almost no community transmission although the government has said the border restrictions will continue for the next one year, however, the government has defended its action. PM Morrison has asserted that he won't take "risks with Australians' lives" even as various industries called for border closures to end. Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said: "Some people may die, but it will be way smaller than with the flu." PM Morrison called the remarks "insensitive" as he vowed to keep the borders under watch a move which is reportedly backed by the public in various opinion polls.

Australian citizens 'sitting ducks' due to vaccine hesitancy, says medical body

A surfer has died after being bitten by a shark at a beach north of Sydney, Australian authorities said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Paramedics were called to Tuncurry Beach, about three hours' drive from Australia's most populous city following reports of the attack on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

"Despite the best efforts of paramedics and bystanders at the scene, the man could not be resuscitated," New South Wales Ambulance tweeted.&nbsp;

The man, believed to be in his 50s, went into cardiac arrest after being bitten on his thigh, a spokesman said. Police said he was surfing when the attack occurred.&nbsp;

The New South Wales state government's SharkSmart organisation said beaches in the area had been closed until further notice following the incident.&nbsp;

It was the first fatal shark attack recorded in Australian waters this year, according to the Taronga Conservation Society Australia.&nbsp;

There were 26 maulings in 2020, eight of them fatal, data from the government agency shows.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A surfer has died after being bitten by a shark at a beach north of Sydney, Australian authorities said on Tuesday. Paramedics were called to Tuncurry Beach, about three hours' drive from Australia's most populous city following reports of the attack on Tuesday morning.

A surfer has died after being bitten by a shark at a beach north of Sydney, Australian authorities said on Tuesday. Paramedics were called to Tuncurry Beach, about three hours' drive from Australia's most populous city following reports of the attack on Tuesday morning. "Despite the best efforts of paramedics and bystanders at the scene, the man could not be resuscitated," New South Wales Ambulance tweeted. The man, believed to be in his 50s, went into cardiac arrest after being bitten on his thigh, a spokesman said. Police said he was surfing when the attack occurred. The New South Wales state government's SharkSmart organisation said beaches in the area had been closed until further notice following the incident. It was the first fatal shark attack recorded in Australian waters this year, according to the Taronga Conservation Society Australia. There were 26 maulings in 2020, eight of them fatal, data from the government agency shows. (With inputs from agencies)

Surfer dies after shark attack in Australia 

A new extinct crocodile species dating back to millions of years ago has been discovered in the sparesely-populated Australian Outback. 
 
A team from the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (NT) on Monday announced that they have identified the new species belonging to the Baru genus but have not yet named it, reports Xinhua news agency.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="Sharks have in-built navigation system similar to GPS. Here's how it works">Sharks have in-built navigation system similar to GPS. Here's how it works</a> 
 
Adam Yates, the senior earth science curator at the museum, said the best example of the crocodile's skull was found north-east of Alice Springs in central Australia in 2009.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="'Talkative' dinosaur? Mexican paleontologists make unique discovery">'Talkative' dinosaur? Mexican paleontologists make unique discovery</a> 
 
Based on the skull, which is 8 million years old, Yates said the Baru was comparable in size to a saltwater crocodile but significantly heavier. 
 
"This particular specimen is one of the last of its kind. It is by far the nicest and most complete skull of a Baru crocodile tha'`s ever been found," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). 
 
He said the crocodile probably weighed more than an equivalent length to a saltwater crocodile, or probably hundreds of kilos. 
 
"Its really strongly built thick, heavy, deep jaws, and really massive teeth all indicate that this was a crocodile that was specialized in taking megafauna," he said. 
 
"(Modern crocodiles) subsist mostly on small fish and small prey. This guy didn't subsist on small things. It was specialized for taking big things all the time." 
 
Baru crocodiles have inhabited Australia for up to 25 million years while modern crocodiles arrived on the continent from Africa a few million years ago. 
 
"The Australian crocodiles are actually recent arrivals on the Australian continent. They belong to the genus Crocodylus, which probably has an origin in Africa," Yates said. 
 
"Whereas Australia's original endemic crocodiles like this one, have gone extinct completely." 
 
The name of the new species will be announced in 2022.

A new extinct crocodile species dating back to millions of years ago has been discovered in the sparesely-populated Australian Outback. A team from the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (NT) on Monday announced that they have identified the new species belonging to the Baru genus but have not yet named it, reports Xinhua news agency.

A new extinct crocodile species dating back to millions of years ago has been discovered in the sparesely-populated Australian Outback. A team from the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (NT) on Monday announced that they have identified the new species belonging to the Baru genus but have not yet named it, reports Xinhua news agency. Also read- Sharks have in-built navigation system similar to GPS. Here's how it works Adam Yates, the senior earth science curator at the museum, said the best example of the crocodile's skull was found north-east of Alice Springs in central Australia in 2009. Also read- 'Talkative' dinosaur? Mexican paleontologists make unique discovery Based on the skull, which is 8 million years old, Yates said the Baru was comparable in size to a saltwater crocodile but significantly heavier. "This particular specimen is one of the last of its kind. It is by far the nicest and most complete skull of a Baru crocodile tha'`s ever been found," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). He said the crocodile probably weighed more than an equivalent length to a saltwater crocodile, or probably hundreds of kilos. "Its really strongly built thick, heavy, deep jaws, and really massive teeth all indicate that this was a crocodile that was specialized in taking megafauna," he said. "(Modern crocodiles) subsist mostly on small fish and small prey. This guy didn't subsist on small things. It was specialized for taking big things all the time." Baru crocodiles have inhabited Australia for up to 25 million years while modern crocodiles arrived on the continent from Africa a few million years ago. "The Australian crocodiles are actually recent arrivals on the Australian continent. They belong to the genus Crocodylus, which probably has an origin in Africa," Yates said. "Whereas Australia's original endemic crocodiles like this one, have gone extinct completely." The name of the new species will be announced in 2022.

New extinct crocodile species found in Australia

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

Australia resumes repatriation flights from India for stranded citizens

Australia&nbsp;carried&nbsp;out&nbsp;its&nbsp;first&nbsp;repatriation&nbsp;flight&nbsp;from&nbsp;India&nbsp;after&nbsp;temporarily&nbsp;banning all&nbsp;travel&nbsp;from&nbsp;the COVID-ravaged country last month, the government said, with 80 passengers arriving in Darwin on Saturday&nbsp;from&nbsp;New Delhi.

Passengers had to show two negative COVID-19 tests before boarding the government-backed Qantas&nbsp;flight&nbsp;and were taken upon arrival to a converted mining camp in Howard Springs in the Northern Territory for a two-week quarantine.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="COVID-19: Nearly 50% passengers of Australia's repatriation flight grounded">COVID-19: Nearly 50% passengers of Australia's repatriation flight grounded</a>

The&nbsp;Australian government came under fire for temporarily barring all&nbsp;travel&nbsp;to and&nbsp;from&nbsp;India&nbsp;last month, a policy that drew heavy criticism&nbsp;from&nbsp;lawmakers, expatriates and the&nbsp;Indian diaspora.

A total of 70 passengers were barred&nbsp;from&nbsp;boarding the&nbsp;flight&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;after&nbsp;they or their close contacts tested positive for the coronavirus.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="Watch: Australia faces worst mouse plague — Rats 'raining' from the sky">Watch: Australia faces worst mouse plague — Rats 'raining' from the sky</a>

"We are following the medical advice and ensuring that we protect&nbsp;Australians here and I'm pleased that that&nbsp;first&nbsp;flight&nbsp;has arrived, and obviously there will be more&nbsp;flights to come," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in a televised briefing.

"It's important to do the testing that we are doing right now, before people come on those planes to&nbsp;Australia. That's the process we are following, and we will continue to follow."

Two more Royal&nbsp;Australian Air Force&nbsp;repatriation&nbsp;flights to the Northern Territory are scheduled this month, with about&nbsp;1,000 people planned to return by the end of June. About&nbsp;9,000&nbsp;Australians in&nbsp;India&nbsp;have registered with the federal government, requesting to return home.

The government aims to more than double the capacity of the quarantine facility in Howard Springs, 25 km (16 miles) southeast of the city of Darwin, so that it can cope with the arrival of 2,000 people every two weeks&nbsp;from&nbsp;June.

India&nbsp;has reported more than 300,000 infections a day over the past three weeks, overwhelming its health care system and leaving many without&nbsp;hospital beds, oxygen and adequate treatment.

By contrast,&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;has been one of the world's most successful countries in curbing the pandemic, with snap lockdowns, border closures and swift contact-tracing. It has reported just under 29,950 coronavirus infections and 910 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic started.

Australia carried out its first repatriation flight from India after temporarily banning all travel from the COVID-ravaged country last month, the government said, with 80 passengers arriving in Darwin on Saturday from New Delhi.

Australia carried out its first repatriation flight from India after temporarily banning all travel from the COVID-ravaged country last month, the government said, with 80 passengers arriving in Darwin on Saturday from New Delhi. Passengers had to show two negative COVID-19 tests before boarding the government-backed Qantas flight and were taken upon arrival to a converted mining camp in Howard Springs in the Northern Territory for a two-week quarantine. Also read- COVID-19: Nearly 50% passengers of Australia's repatriation flight grounded The Australian government came under fire for temporarily barring all travel to and from India last month, a policy that drew heavy criticism from lawmakers, expatriates and the Indian diaspora. A total of 70 passengers were barred from boarding the flight on Friday after they or their close contacts tested positive for the coronavirus. Also read- Watch: Australia faces worst mouse plague — Rats 'raining' from the sky "We are following the medical advice and ensuring that we protect Australians here and I'm pleased that that first flight has arrived, and obviously there will be more flights to come," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in a televised briefing. "It's important to do the testing that we are doing right now, before people come on those planes to Australia. That's the process we are following, and we will continue to follow." Two more Royal Australian Air Force repatriation flights to the Northern Territory are scheduled this month, with about 1,000 people planned to return by the end of June. About 9,000 Australians in India have registered with the federal government, requesting to return home. The government aims to more than double the capacity of the quarantine facility in Howard Springs, 25 km (16 miles) southeast of the city of Darwin, so that it can cope with the arrival of 2,000 people every two weeks from June. India has reported more than 300,000 infections a day over the past three weeks, overwhelming its health care system and leaving many without hospital beds, oxygen and adequate treatment. By contrast, Australia has been one of the world's most successful countries in curbing the pandemic, with snap lockdowns, border closures and swift contact-tracing. It has reported just under 29,950 coronavirus infections and 910 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic started.

Australia carries out first repatriation flight from India after travel ban

Head coach Steve Corica is confident Sydney FC`s foreign strike force can give the defending champions a boost when action in the A-League continues through the up-coming international window. 
 
Australia`s national team, the Socceroos, will play four World Cup qualifiers in Kuwait from June 3 to June 15, with coach Graham Arnold expected to name his squad for the trip to the Middle East on May 25. 
 
A-League matches are scheduled to continue following the squad`s departure for Kuwait, and Sydney are expected to be among clubs affected by the call-ups. 
 
But with Englishman Adam Le Fondre recently returning after a spell with Mumbai City to join Brazilian Bobo and New Zealander Kosta Barbarouses, Corica is hoping his side`s inconsistency up front can be overcome. 
 
"That`s a very positive sign, that we`ll keep all the attacking players, which is good because that`s one area where we`ve probably lacked this year," said Corica. 
 
"We`re not scoring enough goals, as much as we were last year, free scoring. It`s a bit of a problem this year." 
 
Le Fondre was on target from the penalty spot on Saturday as Sydney edged Western United to sit in third place in the current standings, nine points behind leaders Melbourne City, as the battle for places in the post-season finals intensifies. 
 
"You see how tight it is from second to eighth or ninth at the minute, so you need to start picking up three points," said Corica. 
 
"That helps to take a bit of pressure off and it puts pressure on other teams to do it. 
 
"City are well out in front at the minute and it would be hard to peg them back but you want to finish in second spot if you can`t finish top so that`s the plan."

Head coach Steve Corica is confident Sydney FC`s foreign strike force can give the defending champions a boost when action in the A-League continues through the up-coming international window.

Head coach Steve Corica is confident Sydney FC`s foreign strike force can give the defending champions a boost when action in the A-League continues through the up-coming international window. Australia`s national team, the Socceroos, will play four World Cup qualifiers in Kuwait from June 3 to June 15, with coach Graham Arnold expected to name his squad for the trip to the Middle East on May 25. A-League matches are scheduled to continue following the squad`s departure for Kuwait, and Sydney are expected to be among clubs affected by the call-ups. But with Englishman Adam Le Fondre recently returning after a spell with Mumbai City to join Brazilian Bobo and New Zealander Kosta Barbarouses, Corica is hoping his side`s inconsistency up front can be overcome. "That`s a very positive sign, that we`ll keep all the attacking players, which is good because that`s one area where we`ve probably lacked this year," said Corica. "We`re not scoring enough goals, as much as we were last year, free scoring. It`s a bit of a problem this year." Le Fondre was on target from the penalty spot on Saturday as Sydney edged Western United to sit in third place in the current standings, nine points behind leaders Melbourne City, as the battle for places in the post-season finals intensifies. "You see how tight it is from second to eighth or ninth at the minute, so you need to start picking up three points," said Corica. "That helps to take a bit of pressure off and it puts pressure on other teams to do it. "City are well out in front at the minute and it would be hard to peg them back but you want to finish in second spot if you can`t finish top so that`s the plan."

Corica relieved to retain strike force for A-League battle

While the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">covid</a> cases have been constantly on decline, the Australian government has decided to stick to its plan of reopening its borders to the rest of the world only from the middle of next year.

The Scott Morrison government has been facing increasing pressure from international leaders and groups about reopening the country's border and let residents return.

However,&nbsp;the Australian government has resisted the pressure citing 'safety of citizens first' as a reason to keeping borders closed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-carries-out-first-repatriation-flight-from-india-after-travel-ban-385348" hreflang="en">Australia carries out first repatriation flight from India after travel ban</a>

Morrison closed international borders for all non-nationals and non-residents in March 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic took over the world. Since then, the country has only allowed limited international travellers, in addition to citizens living abroad.

"All the way through we will be guided by the medical advice," said Morrison in a televised briefing. "We will be guided by the economic advice."

The officials have also supported the policy of border closure as they believe this has 'served us very well through this crisis,' Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told the local media.

These statements have come a few hours after Australia welcomed citizens and permanent residents from India back to the country. The flight was an initiative taken by the Australian government after the government was criticised for imposing strict restrictions including monetary penalty and months behind jail for people entering Australia from India.

While the covid cases have been constantly on decline, the Australian government has decided to stick to its plan of reopening its borders to the rest of the world only from the middle of next year.

While the covid cases have been constantly on decline, the Australian government has decided to stick to its plan of reopening its borders to the rest of the world only from the middle of next year. The Scott Morrison government has been facing increasing pressure from international leaders and groups about reopening the country's border and let residents return. However, the Australian government has resisted the pressure citing 'safety of citizens first' as a reason to keeping borders closed. Also read | Australia carries out first repatriation flight from India after travel ban Morrison closed international borders for all non-nationals and non-residents in March 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic took over the world. Since then, the country has only allowed limited international travellers, in addition to citizens living abroad. "All the way through we will be guided by the medical advice," said Morrison in a televised briefing. "We will be guided by the economic advice." The officials have also supported the policy of border closure as they believe this has 'served us very well through this crisis,' Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told the local media. These statements have come a few hours after Australia welcomed citizens and permanent residents from India back to the country. The flight was an initiative taken by the Australian government after the government was criticised for imposing strict restrictions including monetary penalty and months behind jail for people entering Australia from India.

Australia to keep international borders closed till middle of 2022: Officials

The goals have flowed for Matt Derbyshire since the Englishman arrived at A-League debutants Macarthur FC, but it has been his impact beyond his scoring that has most impressed coach Ante Milicic.

The 35-year-old netted twice on Friday in a 3-1 win over Melbourne Victory to take his season's tally to 13 in 22 games since joining from Omonia in Cyprus, and Milicic has been delighted with the performance of the ex-Blackburn Rovers forward.

"He's been excellent," said Milicic, whose side moved up to second in the standings with the win.

"Everyone talks about his goals but his numbers are phenomenal. He works constantly, he starts our press, he's vocal in the change room, he always wants to score.

"He helps the young boys, he's excellent for the young boys who have been given opportunities around our football club.

"He got what he deserved tonight, two well taken goals and he's pleased, but we expect that and he expects that from himself. He's a quality striker and his career has shown that."

Despite his scoring record, Derbyshire rarely receives the praise afforded to other overseas arrivals, although Milicic stressed the 35-year-old is well respected within the Macarthur set-up.

"We all appreciate the work that he does for us, on and off the field and we're very fortunate to have him in the A-League I believe," he said.

Macarthur, who joined the A-League at the start of the current campaign, trail leaders Melbourne City by nine points but are continuing to push to be one of the six clubs who qualify for the end-of-season finals.

"What we've done now is we've put ourselves in a position where we don't need to rely on others," said Milicic.

"We just need to focus on ourselves. There's four games to go and we'll take it one game at a time. Everything's in our hands and I'm just pleased for the boys tonight that they got the win."

The goals have flowed for Matt Derbyshire since the Englishman arrived at A-League debutants Macarthur FC, but it has been his impact beyond his scoring that has most impressed coach Ante Milicic.

The goals have flowed for Matt Derbyshire since the Englishman arrived at A-League debutants Macarthur FC, but it has been his impact beyond his scoring that has most impressed coach Ante Milicic. The 35-year-old netted twice on Friday in a 3-1 win over Melbourne Victory to take his season's tally to 13 in 22 games since joining from Omonia in Cyprus, and Milicic has been delighted with the performance of the ex-Blackburn Rovers forward. "He's been excellent," said Milicic, whose side moved up to second in the standings with the win. "Everyone talks about his goals but his numbers are phenomenal. He works constantly, he starts our press, he's vocal in the change room, he always wants to score. "He helps the young boys, he's excellent for the young boys who have been given opportunities around our football club. "He got what he deserved tonight, two well taken goals and he's pleased, but we expect that and he expects that from himself. He's a quality striker and his career has shown that." Despite his scoring record, Derbyshire rarely receives the praise afforded to other overseas arrivals, although Milicic stressed the 35-year-old is well respected within the Macarthur set-up. "We all appreciate the work that he does for us, on and off the field and we're very fortunate to have him in the A-League I believe," he said. Macarthur, who joined the A-League at the start of the current campaign, trail leaders Melbourne City by nine points but are continuing to push to be one of the six clubs who qualify for the end-of-season finals. "What we've done now is we've put ourselves in a position where we don't need to rely on others," said Milicic. "We just need to focus on ourselves. There's four games to go and we'll take it one game at a time. Everything's in our hands and I'm just pleased for the boys tonight that they got the win."

A-League fortunate to have striker Derbyshire, says Milicic

Nearly half of the people who were due to land in Australia from India have been grounded as they had either tested positive for coronavirus or had been in close contact with someone else who was infected.

The Qantas flight is operating repatriation flights from India to Australia on behalf of the government and can bring nearly 150 people who are either Australian citizens or are on permanent resident visas. This was the first flight between the two countries since the day the Scott Morrison-led government imposed a strict travel ban from India on April 30.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/extended-gap-between-two-doses-of-covishield-reasonable-approach-says-anthony-fauci-384926" hreflang="en">Extended gap between two doses of Covishield reasonable approach, says Anthony Fauci</a>

After a two-week travel ban, nearly half of the passengers on the flight have been denied to board the flight.

"I'm disappointed, as are those Australians who will not be on today’s flight," said Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O'Farrell. "My team across India has worked hard to assist them, to get bookings on this flight, because they are vulnerable."

Nearly 40 passengers of this flight had tested positive for coronavirus and 30 had come in contact with people who had been infected, an Australian official told news agency AP. Majority of these passengers were categorised as 'vulnerable'.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/boris-johnson-says-uk-anxious-about-coronavirus-variant-first-detected-in-india-384924" hreflang="en">Boris Johnson says UK anxious about coronavirus variant first detected in India</a>

The Australian government had received applications of nearly 10,000 citizens and permanent residents who are wanting to fly back to Australia and out of them, nearly 1,000 people were classified as vulnerable who were being flown back on priority.

Unfortunately, the now empty seats on the airplane will not be filled by other passengers as the time frame will not be suitable with respect to the covid tests.

"We're in the middle of a COVID crisis here in India and it takes at least 24 hours if not longer to get the results of a test," O'Farrell said. "So the idea of being able to have people that could quickly take the place is a bit harder than it seems."

He also assured that these passengers who had been grounded right now will be eligible for any future flight, once they are medically fit and cleared.

Nearly half of the people who were due to land in Australia from India have been grounded as they had either tested positive for coronavirus or had been in close contact with someone else who was infected.

Nearly half of the people who were due to land in Australia from India have been grounded as they had either tested positive for coronavirus or had been in close contact with someone else who was infected. The Qantas flight is operating repatriation flights from India to Australia on behalf of the government and can bring nearly 150 people who are either Australian citizens or are on permanent resident visas. This was the first flight between the two countries since the day the Scott Morrison-led government imposed a strict travel ban from India on April 30. Also read | Extended gap between two doses of Covishield reasonable approach, says Anthony Fauci After a two-week travel ban, nearly half of the passengers on the flight have been denied to board the flight. "I'm disappointed, as are those Australians who will not be on today’s flight," said Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O'Farrell. "My team across India has worked hard to assist them, to get bookings on this flight, because they are vulnerable." Nearly 40 passengers of this flight had tested positive for coronavirus and 30 had come in contact with people who had been infected, an Australian official told news agency AP. Majority of these passengers were categorised as 'vulnerable'. Also read | Boris Johnson says UK anxious about coronavirus variant first detected in India The Australian government had received applications of nearly 10,000 citizens and permanent residents who are wanting to fly back to Australia and out of them, nearly 1,000 people were classified as vulnerable who were being flown back on priority. Unfortunately, the now empty seats on the airplane will not be filled by other passengers as the time frame will not be suitable with respect to the covid tests. "We're in the middle of a COVID crisis here in India and it takes at least 24 hours if not longer to get the results of a test," O'Farrell said. "So the idea of being able to have people that could quickly take the place is a bit harder than it seems." He also assured that these passengers who had been grounded right now will be eligible for any future flight, once they are medically fit and cleared.

COVID-19: Nearly 50% passengers of Australia's repatriation flight grounded

Australian farmers and factories are facing a severe attack by millions of mice, as farmers struggle to protect their crops from the worst rodent invasion in decades.

In recent months, millions of mice have been causing massive destruction to crops and stored cereals in eastern Australia. Not only that, some have even made their way into rural hospitals and bit patients.

Images and clips showed carpets of mice scurrying across barn floors, crowded around machinery, and entering thick grain silos made of steel.

Desperate farmers are begging the government for assistance as a mouse plague across the NSW Central-West continues to rage on. Millions of rodents are invading schosols, homes, and farms - and wiping outcrops.

Australian journalist Lucy Thackray shared a video, which shows both dead and live mice falling to the ground in the Australian state of New South Wales.&nbsp;

“Even if grain’s in silos, mice can get to it. Like Tyler Jones discovered in Tullamore when cleaning out the auger and it started raining mice,” Thackray wrote on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Even if grain’s in silos, mice can get to it. Like Tyler Jones discovered in Tullamore when cleaning out the auger and it started raining mice <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mouseplague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mouseplague</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/australia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#australia</a> <a href="https://t.co/mWOHNWAMPv">pic.twitter.com/mWOHNWAMPv</a>
— Lucy Thackray (@LucyThack) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucyThack/status/1392315030012522497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

“It is disgusting that the government is not contributing to the costs as we live amid a plague ravaging all surfaces of our homes, our clothes and our food.”

Meanwhile, there are many other videos have emerged on social media and people were horrified to see the clip.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Meanwhile in Australia 😳 
 
Oh good god. I can’t deal with mice. At all, not even one! 
 
The rodent plague in Australia would have me seeking asylum immediately *shudder* 
 
<a href="https://t.co/6jSC5yIvwr">pic.twitter.com/6jSC5yIvwr</a>
— Bernie's Tweets (@BernieSpofforth) <a href="https://twitter.com/BernieSpofforth/status/1392725578340515840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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🇦🇺Alors que les foyers épargnés par les <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/inondations?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#inondations</a> pourraient connaître une invasion de mygales, des régions entières de l’est de l’<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Australie?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Australie</a> luttent contre une invasion de souris qui ravagent les cultures et envahissent les habitations. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mouseplague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mouseplague</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y8fB5ao1UI">pic.twitter.com/Y8fB5ao1UI</a>
— PacifiqueInfo (@PacifiqueInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/PacifiqueInfo/status/1375296147619606529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Tonnes of grain cannot be sold because it's been contaminated by mice droppings and truckloads of hay will be burnt because of the damage.

As&nbsp;hundreds of mice 'rain down' from machine in&nbsp;the worst mouse plague in years, the government is&nbsp;looking to deploy normally outlawed high-grade poison to fight it.

New South Wales government will release A$50 million ($39 million) in funding to tackle the mice problem to help farmers struggling to protect their crops from the worst rodent invasion in decades.

 
(With inputs from agencies)

Australian farmers and factories are facing a severe attack by millions of mice, as farmers struggle to protect their crops from the worst rodent invasion in decades.

Australian farmers and factories are facing a severe attack by millions of mice, as farmers struggle to protect their crops from the worst rodent invasion in decades. In recent months, millions of mice have been causing massive destruction to crops and stored cereals in eastern Australia. Not only that, some have even made their way into rural hospitals and bit patients. Images and clips showed carpets of mice scurrying across barn floors, crowded around machinery, and entering thick grain silos made of steel. Desperate farmers are begging the government for assistance as a mouse plague across the NSW Central-West continues to rage on. Millions of rodents are invading schosols, homes, and farms - and wiping outcrops. Australian journalist Lucy Thackray shared a video, which shows both dead and live mice falling to the ground in the Australian state of New South Wales. “Even if grain’s in silos, mice can get to it. Like Tyler Jones discovered in Tullamore when cleaning out the auger and it started raining mice,” Thackray wrote on Twitter. Even if grain’s in silos, mice can get to it. Like Tyler Jones discovered in Tullamore when cleaning out the auger and it started raining mice #mouseplague #mice #australia pic.twitter.com/mWOHNWAMPv — Lucy Thackray (@LucyThack) May 12, 2021 × “It is disgusting that the government is not contributing to the costs as we live amid a plague ravaging all surfaces of our homes, our clothes and our food.” Meanwhile, there are many other videos have emerged on social media and people were horrified to see the clip. Meanwhile in Australia 😳 Oh good god. I can’t deal with mice. At all, not even one! The rodent plague in Australia would have me seeking asylum immediately *shudder* pic.twitter.com/6jSC5yIvwr — Bernie's Tweets (@BernieSpofforth) May 13, 2021 × 🇦🇺Alors que les foyers épargnés par les #inondations pourraient connaître une invasion de mygales, des régions entières de l’est de l’#Australie luttent contre une invasion de souris qui ravagent les cultures et envahissent les habitations. #mouseplague pic.twitter.com/Y8fB5ao1UI — PacifiqueInfo (@PacifiqueInfo) March 26, 2021 × Tonnes of grain cannot be sold because it's been contaminated by mice droppings and truckloads of hay will be burnt because of the damage. As hundreds of mice 'rain down' from machine in the worst mouse plague in years, the government is looking to deploy normally outlawed high-grade poison to fight it. New South Wales government will release A$50 million ($39 million) in funding to tackle the mice problem to help farmers struggling to protect their crops from the worst rodent invasion in decades. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Australia faces worst mouse plague — Rats 'raining' from the sky

Australia's New South Wales (NSW) state has reported zero COVID-19 cases for a fifth straight day. This comes as authorities continue their hunt for a missing link in new infection chain reported last week.

Australia's New South Wales reports zero COVID-19 cases for fifth straight day

Former Australian Test cricketer Stuart MacGill was kidnapped by an alleged criminal group in an attack on Syndey's north shore and held for ransom. However, now the reports have surfaced claiming that one of those four attackers was the brother of MacGill’s ex-wife, Marino Sotiropoulos.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/too-early-to-say-australian-pacer-pat-cummins-on-t20-world-cup-venue-talks-383407" hreflang="en">'Too early to say': Australian pacer Pat Cummins on T20 World Cup venue talks</a>

Marino had allegedly confronted the 50-year-old cricketer on the corner of Parraween and Winnie streets in Cremorne at 8 pm on April 14.

MacGill was forced into a vehicle by two other men and then drove to Bringelly, which is situated in Sydney’s southwest. The police later alleged that the cricketer was assaulted and threatened with a firearm before being driven to the Belmore area and released around an hour later.

"Everyone experiences trauma differently — to be dragged into a car, driven to a remote location, physically assaulted, threatened with a firearm —I think you would be pretty worried about your own personal safety. He was seen as someone that they could get money from, although no money was paid prior to him being released.", said Detective Acting Superintendent Anthony Holton.

The kidnapping was reported to the police two days later after which detectives from the NSW Robbery and Serious Cime Squad are investigating the matter. The police have raided a number of homes in relation to kidnapping.&nbsp;

“Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives, with assistance from Raptor Squad and the Public Order and Riot Squad, arrested four men – aged 27, 29, 42 and 46 – from 6am today (Wednesday 5 May 2021),” police said in a statement.

“The men were taken to local police stations where charges are expected to be laid.

“Officers are currently in the process of executing search warrants at homes at Sutherland, Caringbah, Brighton Le-Sands, Banksia and Marrickville.”

However, it is unclear if MacGill was known to the men who kidnapped him.&nbsp;

MacGill featured in 44 Test matches and three ODIs for Australia.

Former Australian Test cricketer Stuart MacGill was kidnapped by an alleged criminal group in an attack on Syndey's north shore and held for ransom. However, now the reports have surfaced claiming that one of those four attackers was the brother of MacGill’s ex-wife, Marino Sotiropoulos.

Former Australian Test cricketer Stuart MacGill was kidnapped by an alleged criminal group in an attack on Syndey's north shore and held for ransom. However, now the reports have surfaced claiming that one of those four attackers was the brother of MacGill’s ex-wife, Marino Sotiropoulos. ALSO READ: 'Too early to say': Australian pacer Pat Cummins on T20 World Cup venue talks Marino had allegedly confronted the 50-year-old cricketer on the corner of Parraween and Winnie streets in Cremorne at 8 pm on April 14. MacGill was forced into a vehicle by two other men and then drove to Bringelly, which is situated in Sydney’s southwest. The police later alleged that the cricketer was assaulted and threatened with a firearm before being driven to the Belmore area and released around an hour later. "Everyone experiences trauma differently — to be dragged into a car, driven to a remote location, physically assaulted, threatened with a firearm —I think you would be pretty worried about your own personal safety. He was seen as someone that they could get money from, although no money was paid prior to him being released.", said Detective Acting Superintendent Anthony Holton. The kidnapping was reported to the police two days later after which detectives from the NSW Robbery and Serious Cime Squad are investigating the matter. The police have raided a number of homes in relation to kidnapping. “Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives, with assistance from Raptor Squad and the Public Order and Riot Squad, arrested four men – aged 27, 29, 42 and 46 – from 6am today (Wednesday 5 May 2021),” police said in a statement. “The men were taken to local police stations where charges are expected to be laid. “Officers are currently in the process of executing search warrants at homes at Sutherland, Caringbah, Brighton Le-Sands, Banksia and Marrickville.” However, it is unclear if MacGill was known to the men who kidnapped him. MacGill featured in 44 Test matches and three ODIs for Australia.

Brother of former cricketer Stuart MacGill's ex-wife among those accused in his kidnapping

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