Australia wildfire rages on; Temperature in Sydney set to soar over 37 degrees. 5 million Sydney residents at risk.

WION Fineprint: Australia wildfire rages on; 5 million Sydney residents at risk

Australia catastrophic fire: Sydney, New South Wales on high-alert. Watch video to know more.

Australia catastrophic fire: Sydney, New South Wales on high-alert

Deadly Australian bushfires haze Sydney

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stay-alert-millions-of-australians-brace-for-catastrophic-bushfires-261487">Bushfires&nbsp;reached</a> within kilometres (miles) of&nbsp;Sydney's city centre Tuesday prompting firefighting planes to spray red retardant over trees and houses in a northern suburb.

Authorities said they had one fire in the&nbsp;suburbs&nbsp;of&nbsp;Sydney,&nbsp;Australia's biggest city, under control though another one was out of control.

Aerial footage showed flames burning through a eucalypt forest in Turramurra on&nbsp;Sydney's north shore, around 15 kilometres (nine miles) from the centre of the city.

Firefighters were deployed in the area to protect houses.

"The fire is spreading quickly," New South Wales Rural Fire Service warned residents. "Properties are under threat."

There were no immediate reports of properties in the area being burnt.

Bushfires reached within kilometres (miles) of Sydney's city centre Tuesday prompting firefighting planes to spray red retardant over trees and houses in a northern suburb.

Bushfires reached within kilometres (miles) of Sydney's city centre Tuesday prompting firefighting planes to spray red retardant over trees and houses in a northern suburb. Authorities said they had one fire in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia's biggest city, under control though another one was out of control. Aerial footage showed flames burning through a eucalypt forest in Turramurra on Sydney's north shore, around 15 kilometres (nine miles) from the centre of the city. Firefighters were deployed in the area to protect houses. "The fire is spreading quickly," New South Wales Rural Fire Service warned residents. "Properties are under threat." There were no immediate reports of properties in the area being burnt.

Australia bushfires hit Sydney suburbs

Australia Bushfires: Over 150 houses burned down; At least 3 dead. Watch video to know more.

Australia Bushfires: Over 150 houses burned down; At least 3 dead

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - November 11th, 2019

Authorities in Australia's New South Wales and Queensland on Monday declared a state of emergency as the country's eastern region prepared for calamitous fire conditions.

Authorities in Australian asked for evacuation ahead of calamitous fire threat

The United Kingdom fell into silence on Monday as the nation gathered to mark Remembrance Day. Whereas, French President Emmanuel Macron marked Remembrance Day Monday by relighting the flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under Paris' Arc de Triomphe, below a spectacular giant Tricolor. Also, Australians across the country attended Remembrance Day services to pay tribute to those who died and suffered in all wars and conflicts.

Armistice Day marked across the United Kingdom, France and Australia

Authorities in Australia's Queensland and New South Wales states declared a state of emergency on Monday as the country's eastern region prepared for "catastrophic" fire conditions.

People in areas deemed at the greatest risk were urged to evacuate before forecast unprecedented hot and windy conditions on Tuesday, which officials fear will fan fires already burning.

Three people were killed and more than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-bushfires-over-150-houses-burned-down-at-least-3-dead-261253">150 homes were destroyed</a> over the weekend by bushfires in northern New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland.

Lawmakers said the state of emergency - giving firefighters broad powers to control government resources, force evacuations, close roads and shut down utilities - would remain in place for seven days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australians-warned-worst-bushfires-may-be-yet-to-come-261097">Bushfires</a> are a common and deadly threat in Australia’s hot, dry summers but the current severe outbreak, well before the summer peak, has caught many by surprise.

"Everybody has to be on alert no matter where you are and everybody has to be assume the worst and we cannot allow complacency to creep in," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney.

Australia's most populous city avoided the worst of the weekend conditions, but authorities have raised the forecast for greater Sydney region to catastrophic fire danger for Tuesday. It is the first time the city has been rated at that level since new fire danger ratings were introduced in 2009.

Temperatures in greater Sydney are set to soar on Tuesday to more than 34 degrees Celsius, with strong, dry winds.

"Tomorrow is about protecting life, protecting property and ensuring everybody is safe as possible," Berejiklian said.

Home to more than 5 million people, Sydney is ringed by large areas of bushland, much of which remains tinder dry following little rain across the country's east coast in recent months.

NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons urged people to evacuate before conditions worsened, warning that new fires can begin up to 20km&nbsp;ahead of established fires.

"Relocate while things are calm without the pressure or

anxiety of fires bearing down the back door," he said on Monday.

Authorities stressed that even fireproofed homes will not be able to withstand catastrophic conditions, which Fitzsimmons described as "when lives are lost, it's where people die".

Fitzsimmons said an additional 400 firefighters on 50 trucks are heading to NSW from the neighbouring state of Victoria to assist local authorities in tackling the 18 fires across the state, two of which are deemed out of control by authorities.

In February 2009, Australia's worst bushfires on record destroyed thousands of homes in Victoria, killing 173 people and injuring 414 on a day the media dubbed "Black Saturday".

The current fires, however, come weeks ahead of the Southern hemisphere summer, sharpening attention on the policies of Australia's conservative government to address climate change.

Environmental activists and opposition lawmakers have used the fires to call on Prime Minister Scott Morrison, a supporter of the coal industry, to strengthen the country's emissions targets.

Morrison declined to answer questions about whether the fires were linked to climate change as he visited fire-hit areas in the north of NSW over the weekend.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack on Monday accused climate activists of politicising a tragedy.

"What we are doing is taking real and meaningful action to reduce global emissions without shutting down all our industries," McCormack told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio.

"They don't need the ravings of some pure, enlightened and woke capital city greenies at this time, when they're trying to save their homes, when in fact they're going out in many cases saving other peoples' homes and leaving their own homes at risk."

Authorities in Australia's Queensland and New South Wales states declared a state of emergency on Monday as the country's eastern region prepared for "catastrophic" fire conditions.

Authorities in Australia's Queensland and New South Wales states declared a state of emergency on Monday as the country's eastern region prepared for "catastrophic" fire conditions. People in areas deemed at the greatest risk were urged to evacuate before forecast unprecedented hot and windy conditions on Tuesday, which officials fear will fan fires already burning. Three people were killed and more than 150 homes were destroyed over the weekend by bushfires in northern New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland. Lawmakers said the state of emergency - giving firefighters broad powers to control government resources, force evacuations, close roads and shut down utilities - would remain in place for seven days. Bushfires are a common and deadly threat in Australia’s hot, dry summers but the current severe outbreak, well before the summer peak, has caught many by surprise. "Everybody has to be on alert no matter where you are and everybody has to be assume the worst and we cannot allow complacency to creep in," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney. Australia's most populous city avoided the worst of the weekend conditions, but authorities have raised the forecast for greater Sydney region to catastrophic fire danger for Tuesday. It is the first time the city has been rated at that level since new fire danger ratings were introduced in 2009. Temperatures in greater Sydney are set to soar on Tuesday to more than 34 degrees Celsius, with strong, dry winds. "Tomorrow is about protecting life, protecting property and ensuring everybody is safe as possible," Berejiklian said. Home to more than 5 million people, Sydney is ringed by large areas of bushland, much of which remains tinder dry following little rain across the country's east coast in recent months. NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons urged people to evacuate before conditions worsened, warning that new fires can begin up to 20km ahead of established fires. "Relocate while things are calm without the pressure or anxiety of fires bearing down the back door," he said on Monday. Authorities stressed that even fireproofed homes will not be able to withstand catastrophic conditions, which Fitzsimmons described as "when lives are lost, it's where people die". Fitzsimmons said an additional 400 firefighters on 50 trucks are heading to NSW from the neighbouring state of Victoria to assist local authorities in tackling the 18 fires across the state, two of which are deemed out of control by authorities. In February 2009, Australia's worst bushfires on record destroyed thousands of homes in Victoria, killing 173 people and injuring 414 on a day the media dubbed "Black Saturday". The current fires, however, come weeks ahead of the Southern hemisphere summer, sharpening attention on the policies of Australia's conservative government to address climate change. Environmental activists and opposition lawmakers have used the fires to call on Prime Minister Scott Morrison, a supporter of the coal industry, to strengthen the country's emissions targets. Morrison declined to answer questions about whether the fires were linked to climate change as he visited fire-hit areas in the north of NSW over the weekend. Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack on Monday accused climate activists of politicising a tragedy. "What we are doing is taking real and meaningful action to reduce global emissions without shutting down all our industries," McCormack told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio. "They don't need the ravings of some pure, enlightened and woke capital city greenies at this time, when they're trying to save their homes, when in fact they're going out in many cases saving other peoples' homes and leaving their own homes at risk."

Australian authorities in Queensland, New South Wales urge evacuations ahead of 'catastrophic' fire threat

Catastrophic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-people-found-dead-and-100-homes-destroyed-in-australian-bushfires-260923">bushfires in eastern Australia</a> have killed at least three people and forced thousands from their homes, with the death toll expected to rise as firefighters struggle towards hard-to-reach communities.

In the normally picturesque coastal town of Forster,&nbsp;one among dozens hit along the eastern seaboard,&nbsp;vast plumes of smoke shot out from multiple blazes as water bombers swooped in overhead.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that, if needed, the military could be called on to help some 1,300 firefighters who are tackling around 100 separate blazes.

Several people are still unaccounted for and 30 more have been injured,&nbsp;mostly firefighters working for hours on end in smoky, smouldering scrubland and blazing forests of towering eucalyptus.

"My only thoughts today are with&nbsp;those who have lost their lives and&nbsp;their families," Morrison said, as hundreds of civilians also volunteered to help their hard-hit neighbours.

A body was found in a burnt-out building near the east-coast town of Taree, police said, while another victim was found in a car and a woman died despite medics trying for several hours to save her.

As hot and windy weather eased slightly on Saturday, the number of most serious fires fell to just a handful from an unprecedented 17 on Friday.

But within an area spanning almost 1,000 kilometres, schools were burned and at least 150 homes were destroyed, while authorities were forced to evacuate detention centres and old people's homes.

It was a narrow escape for&nbsp;Don&nbsp;Russell, with the fire coming within meters of his home in Taree.

"They've done a top job them fellas,"&nbsp;Russell told AFP after a crew of six firefighters brought the blaze under control.

His next-door neighbours were not so lucky, however,&nbsp;their home&nbsp;went&nbsp;up in flames Saturday afternoon. No one was home.

"It used to be God's country, but it ain't anymore," said another neighbour, 72-year-old&nbsp;Dave Scott.

New South Wales's rural fire service said an emergency warning was in place for four fires among the dozens raging across the state.

Tinderbox

Bushfires are common in Australia and a vast corps of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uncharted-territory-as-bushfires-rage-across-australias-east-260711">firefighters</a> had already been tackling sporadic blazes for months in the lead-up to the southern hemisphere summer.

But this was a dramatic start to what scientists predict will be a tough fire season, with climate change and weather cycles contributing to the dangerous combination of strong winds, high temperatures and dry conditions.

"We're experiencing tinderbox-like conditions across much of the state and all it takes is one spark to start a fire that may burn for days," said Queensland's acting fire commissioner Mike Wassing.

Queensland declared a "fire emergency" on Saturday and banned the lighting of all outdoor fires.

Meanwhile New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian warned that next week's weather forecast "could mean we're not through the worst of it".

Morrison, whose government has played down the threat of climate change, sought to deflect questions about what impact it may have had.

"Australia has&nbsp;been battling ferocious fires for as&nbsp;long as Australia has been a nation,&nbsp;and well before. And we will&nbsp;continue to do so," he said.

'Too late to leave'

Firefighters had described the conditions Friday as "difficult" and "dangerous". In some areas, residents were stuck and told to simply "seek shelter as it is too late to leave".

Local radio stopped normal programming and provided instructions about how to try to survive fires if trapped at home or in a vehicle.

Across the central coast, smoke billowed high into the sky and residents posted images online of tangerine skies and storey-high trees ablaze.

Authorities said some of the fires were creating their own weather conditions,&nbsp;pyrocumulus clouds that enveloped entire towns.

Despite easing conditions, prolonged drought and high aridity levels will continue to make circumstances combustible.

Earlier this month, some of the same fires cloaked Sydney in hazardous smoke for days.&nbsp;On Saturday it was Brisbane's turn, with the fires enveloping the city centre in a veil of acrid fog.

Swathes of Australia have gone months without adequate rainfall, forcing farmers to truck in water, sell off livestock or leave their land to lie fallow.

Jim McLennan of La Trobe University said the bushfires were "unprecedented", coming so early in the season and in areas that usually have moist soils and vegetation.

"However, the fire situation is consistent with our new world of bushfire threat associated with climate change".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/extensive-evacuation-underway-as-bushfires-rage-in-australia-260878">In pictures:&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/extensive-evacuation-underway-as-bushfires-rage-in-australia-260878" hreflang="en">Extensive evacuation underway as bushfires rage in Australia</a>

Catastrophic bushfires in eastern Australia have killed at least three people and forced thousands from their homes, with the death toll expected to rise as firefighters struggle towards hard-to-reach communities.

Catastrophic bushfires in eastern Australia have killed at least three people and forced thousands from their homes, with the death toll expected to rise as firefighters struggle towards hard-to-reach communities. In the normally picturesque coastal town of Forster, one among dozens hit along the eastern seaboard, vast plumes of smoke shot out from multiple blazes as water bombers swooped in overhead. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that, if needed, the military could be called on to help some 1,300 firefighters who are tackling around 100 separate blazes. Several people are still unaccounted for and 30 more have been injured, mostly firefighters working for hours on end in smoky, smouldering scrubland and blazing forests of towering eucalyptus. "My only thoughts today are with those who have lost their lives and their families," Morrison said, as hundreds of civilians also volunteered to help their hard-hit neighbours. A body was found in a burnt-out building near the east-coast town of Taree, police said, while another victim was found in a car and a woman died despite medics trying for several hours to save her. As hot and windy weather eased slightly on Saturday, the number of most serious fires fell to just a handful from an unprecedented 17 on Friday. But within an area spanning almost 1,000 kilometres, schools were burned and at least 150 homes were destroyed, while authorities were forced to evacuate detention centres and old people's homes. It was a narrow escape for Don Russell, with the fire coming within meters of his home in Taree. "They've done a top job them fellas," Russell told AFP after a crew of six firefighters brought the blaze under control. His next-door neighbours were not so lucky, however, their home went up in flames Saturday afternoon. No one was home. "It used to be God's country, but it ain't anymore," said another neighbour, 72-year-old Dave Scott. New South Wales's rural fire service said an emergency warning was in place for four fires among the dozens raging across the state. Tinderbox Bushfires are common in Australia and a vast corps of firefighters had already been tackling sporadic blazes for months in the lead-up to the southern hemisphere summer. But this was a dramatic start to what scientists predict will be a tough fire season, with climate change and weather cycles contributing to the dangerous combination of strong winds, high temperatures and dry conditions. "We're experiencing tinderbox-like conditions across much of the state and all it takes is one spark to start a fire that may burn for days," said Queensland's acting fire commissioner Mike Wassing. Queensland declared a "fire emergency" on Saturday and banned the lighting of all outdoor fires. Meanwhile New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian warned that next week's weather forecast "could mean we're not through the worst of it". Morrison, whose government has played down the threat of climate change, sought to deflect questions about what impact it may have had. "Australia has been battling ferocious fires for as long as Australia has been a nation, and well before. And we will continue to do so," he said. 'Too late to leave' Firefighters had described the conditions Friday as "difficult" and "dangerous". In some areas, residents were stuck and told to simply "seek shelter as it is too late to leave". Local radio stopped normal programming and provided instructions about how to try to survive fires if trapped at home or in a vehicle. Across the central coast, smoke billowed high into the sky and residents posted images online of tangerine skies and storey-high trees ablaze. Authorities said some of the fires were creating their own weather conditions, pyrocumulus clouds that enveloped entire towns. Despite easing conditions, prolonged drought and high aridity levels will continue to make circumstances combustible. Earlier this month, some of the same fires cloaked Sydney in hazardous smoke for days. On Saturday it was Brisbane's turn, with the fires enveloping the city centre in a veil of acrid fog. Swathes of Australia have gone months without adequate rainfall, forcing farmers to truck in water, sell off livestock or leave their land to lie fallow. Jim McLennan of La Trobe University said the bushfires were "unprecedented", coming so early in the season and in areas that usually have moist soils and vegetation. "However, the fire situation is consistent with our new world of bushfire threat associated with climate change". In pictures: Extensive evacuation underway as bushfires rage in Australia

Australia bushfires leave three dead, at least 150 homes lost

Dozens of bushfires raged out of control across eastern Australia on Friday, blocking escape routes for residents and shuttering the main highway linking major cities on the country's Pacific coast.

More than 90 blazes pockmarked the New South Wales countryside, 50 of them uncontained, tearing through tens of thousands of hectares.

"We are in uncharted territory," New South Wales Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons told public broadcaster ABC. "We have never seen this many fires concurrently at emergency warning level."

Authorities said fires had breached containment lines and forced the closure of the Pacific Highway linking Sydney and Brisbane in two places.

Emergency warnings were introduced for 14 flashpoints, bringing warnings to evacuate immediately.

In some areas, residents were told to simply "seek shelter as it is too late to leave".

Local radio stopped normal programming and provided instructions about how to try to survive fires if trapped at home or in a vehicle.

A prolonged drought, strong winds, low humidity and high temperatures have conspired to make the landscape a tinderbox.

"It's a very dynamic, volatile and dangerous set of circumstances," said Fitzsimmons.

Bushfires are common in Australia, but the country is gearing up for busy bushfire season with record temperatures predicted for the summer months.

Dozens of bushfires raged out of control across eastern Australia on Friday, blocking escape routes for residents and shuttering the main highway linking major cities on the country's Pacific coast.

Dozens of bushfires raged out of control across eastern Australia on Friday, blocking escape routes for residents and shuttering the main highway linking major cities on the country's Pacific coast. More than 90 blazes pockmarked the New South Wales countryside, 50 of them uncontained, tearing through tens of thousands of hectares. "We are in uncharted territory," New South Wales Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons told public broadcaster ABC. "We have never seen this many fires concurrently at emergency warning level." Authorities said fires had breached containment lines and forced the closure of the Pacific Highway linking Sydney and Brisbane in two places. Emergency warnings were introduced for 14 flashpoints, bringing warnings to evacuate immediately. In some areas, residents were told to simply "seek shelter as it is too late to leave". Local radio stopped normal programming and provided instructions about how to try to survive fires if trapped at home or in a vehicle. A prolonged drought, strong winds, low humidity and high temperatures have conspired to make the landscape a tinderbox. "It's a very dynamic, volatile and dangerous set of circumstances," said Fitzsimmons. Bushfires are common in Australia, but the country is gearing up for busy bushfire season with record temperatures predicted for the summer months.

'Uncharted territory' as bushfires rage across Australia's east

As fires flared in the Australian state of New South Wales on Friday (November 8), carers at the mid-north coast Port Macquarie Koala Hospital continued to nurse koalas rescued from the fire zone.

Rescuers tend to burnt koalas in Australia

Australia are throwing debutant Ajla Tomljanovic into the Fed Cup cauldron against France, dropping veteran Sam Stosur in favour of the Croatia-born debutant for the singles just weeks after she became eligible to represent the nation.

World number 51 Tomljanovic will play French number one Kristina Mladenovic in the first singles at Perth Arena on Saturday, with Ash Barty to take on Caroline Garcia in the second.

World number one Barty will meet 40th-ranked Mladenovic in the opener of the reverse singles on Sunday, with Tomljanovic to play world number 45 Garcia.

Barty and Stosur are slated to play Mladenovic and Garcia in the doubles, though all of Sunday's matches may be changed.

Stosur, 35, holds Australia's Fed Cup record for most singles wins, with 29 from her 49 rubbers, but she lost both her singles matches in the semi-finals against Belarus.

In selecting the 26-year-old Tomljanovic, Australia captain Alicia Molik may also have been mindful of Stosur's record of stage-fright when playing in front of home crowds.

Despite winning the 2011 US&nbsp;Open and making the French Open semi-finals four times, Stosur has long struggled to deal with the limelight in Australia.

She has never gone further than the fourth round at the Australian Open and has been knocked out of the first round at Melbourne Park for the last four tournaments in succession.

Australia are bidding for their eighth title and first since 1974, with France going for a third after last winning the team tournament in 2003.

Australia are throwing debutant Ajla Tomljanovic into the Fed Cup cauldron against France, dropping veteran Sam Stosur in favour of the Croatia-born debutant for the singles just weeks after she became eligible to represent the nation.

Australia are throwing debutant Ajla Tomljanovic into the Fed Cup cauldron against France, dropping veteran Sam Stosur in favour of the Croatia-born debutant for the singles just weeks after she became eligible to represent the nation. World number 51 Tomljanovic will play French number one Kristina Mladenovic in the first singles at Perth Arena on Saturday, with Ash Barty to take on Caroline Garcia in the second. World number one Barty will meet 40th-ranked Mladenovic in the opener of the reverse singles on Sunday, with Tomljanovic to play world number 45 Garcia. Barty and Stosur are slated to play Mladenovic and Garcia in the doubles, though all of Sunday's matches may be changed. Stosur, 35, holds Australia's Fed Cup record for most singles wins, with 29 from her 49 rubbers, but she lost both her singles matches in the semi-finals against Belarus. In selecting the 26-year-old Tomljanovic, Australia captain Alicia Molik may also have been mindful of Stosur's record of stage-fright when playing in front of home crowds. Despite winning the 2011 US Open and making the French Open semi-finals four times, Stosur has long struggled to deal with the limelight in Australia. She has never gone further than the fourth round at the Australian Open and has been knocked out of the first round at Melbourne Park for the last four tournaments in succession. Australia are bidding for their eighth title and first since 1974, with France going for a third after last winning the team tournament in 2003.

Tennis: Australia snub Stosur for Fed Cup singles, pick Tomljanovic

Australia will offer farmers hurt by drought up to A$1 billion ($688.10 million) in cheap loans, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday (November 7), as the government seeks to curb rising discontent from rural voters.

Australia offers drought ravaged farmers up to $688 million in cheap loans

Women footballers playing for Australia's national team will earn the same as their male counterparts under a deal unveiled Wednesday and hailed as a landmark for gender equality in sport.

Under a new centralised contract system announced by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-federation-australia-to-announce-gender-parity-pay-deal-report-259994">Football Federation Australia</a> (FFA), Matildas stars such as Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter will be paid an equal amount as big-name Socceroos like Aaron Mooy and Mat Ryan.

They will also be afforded business class flights to international fixtures and tournaments, like the men.

The breakthrough will be a big boost for America's women footballers, who have filed an equal-pay lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation due to be heard in May next year.

The United States triumphed at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usa-win-womens-world-cup-after-beating-netherlands-2-0-in-final-233834">Women's World Cup</a> in France this year with chants of "equal pay" ringing out after they defeated the Netherlands in the final.

"Football is the game for everyone, and this new collective bargaining agreement is another huge step toward ensuring that we live the values of equality, inclusivity and opportunity," said FFA chairman Chris Nikou.

Under the four-year deal, through the next World Cup cycles, the Socceroos and Matildas will receive a 24 per cent share of national team revenues, rising by one per cent each year.

In other words, the better they do, the more they get paid.&nbsp;

FFA chief David Gallop said it was the "Socceroos' choice to share the revenue", and national captain Mark Milligan said women were getting "what they deserve".

"It's been clear for everybody how much the women's game has grown over the past few years and how well our Matildas have been doing," he said, adding that the success of the World Cup in France, where the Matildas were knocked out on penalties in the last 16, underscored this.

"It really drove home for me in these negotiations that they got what they deserved. Going forward, what a value they are to the Australian football community."

From the national revenues, the players have agreed to plough five per cent back into Australian youth national teams, guaranteeing a minimum level of investment for future generations.

There has also been an increase from 30 to 40 per cent in players' share of prize money earned on qualifying for a World Cup.

Matildas midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight said the deal showed "respect" towards women.

"As a female footballer, it's kind of what we always dreamed of," she said.

It follows a more general deal struck earlier this year that will see all professional female footballers in Australia receive the same minimum wage as their male counterparts.

Professional Footballers Australia chief John Didulica called the agreement "unique" in world football.

"We believe it sets the model for where all federations and players -- male and female -- can take the game to unlock the incredible social and commercial opportunity that, in particular, women's football presents," he said.

Australia has emerged as a champion for equality in the sports arena with netballers and women cricketers also winning better pay deals in recent years.

Earlier this year, 17 sporting chief executives in Australia all threw their weight behind a drive to close the pay gap and advance all aspects of women's sport.

Only last month, the International Cricket Council announced a 320 per cent increase in prize money for the women's Twenty20 World Cup in Australia next year.

It still left women earning less than men at a similar tournament, prompting Cricket Australia to pledge it would make up the difference to ensure parity with the men's winnings for its team.

A handful of other sports have also moved to address gender inequality, with the World Surf League for the first time this year paying equal prize money following a backlash on social media.

Tennis was a leader in introducing equal pay for women at the Grand Slams, with the Williams sisters among the most outspoken on pay parity.

Women footballers playing for Australia's national team will earn the same as their male counterparts under a deal unveiled Wednesday and hailed as a landmark for gender equality in sport.

Women footballers playing for Australia's national team will earn the same as their male counterparts under a deal unveiled Wednesday and hailed as a landmark for gender equality in sport. Under a new centralised contract system announced by Football Federation Australia (FFA), Matildas stars such as Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter will be paid an equal amount as big-name Socceroos like Aaron Mooy and Mat Ryan. They will also be afforded business class flights to international fixtures and tournaments, like the men. The breakthrough will be a big boost for America's women footballers, who have filed an equal-pay lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation due to be heard in May next year. The United States triumphed at the Women's World Cup in France this year with chants of "equal pay" ringing out after they defeated the Netherlands in the final. "Football is the game for everyone, and this new collective bargaining agreement is another huge step toward ensuring that we live the values of equality, inclusivity and opportunity," said FFA chairman Chris Nikou. Under the four-year deal, through the next World Cup cycles, the Socceroos and Matildas will receive a 24 per cent share of national team revenues, rising by one per cent each year. In other words, the better they do, the more they get paid. FFA chief David Gallop said it was the "Socceroos' choice to share the revenue", and national captain Mark Milligan said women were getting "what they deserve". "It's been clear for everybody how much the women's game has grown over the past few years and how well our Matildas have been doing," he said, adding that the success of the World Cup in France, where the Matildas were knocked out on penalties in the last 16, underscored this. "It really drove home for me in these negotiations that they got what they deserved. Going forward, what a value they are to the Australian football community." From the national revenues, the players have agreed to plough five per cent back into Australian youth national teams, guaranteeing a minimum level of investment for future generations. There has also been an increase from 30 to 40 per cent in players' share of prize money earned on qualifying for a World Cup. Matildas midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight said the deal showed "respect" towards women. "As a female footballer, it's kind of what we always dreamed of," she said. It follows a more general deal struck earlier this year that will see all professional female footballers in Australia receive the same minimum wage as their male counterparts. Professional Footballers Australia chief John Didulica called the agreement "unique" in world football. "We believe it sets the model for where all federations and players -- male and female -- can take the game to unlock the incredible social and commercial opportunity that, in particular, women's football presents," he said. Australia has emerged as a champion for equality in the sports arena with netballers and women cricketers also winning better pay deals in recent years. Earlier this year, 17 sporting chief executives in Australia all threw their weight behind a drive to close the pay gap and advance all aspects of women's sport. Only last month, the International Cricket Council announced a 320 per cent increase in prize money for the women's Twenty20 World Cup in Australia next year. It still left women earning less than men at a similar tournament, prompting Cricket Australia to pledge it would make up the difference to ensure parity with the men's winnings for its team. A handful of other sports have also moved to address gender inequality, with the World Surf League for the first time this year paying equal prize money following a backlash on social media. Tennis was a leader in introducing equal pay for women at the Grand Slams, with the Williams sisters among the most outspoken on pay parity.

Australia's women footballers get landmark equal pay deal

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/lawsuit-accuses-facebook-ad-targeting-of-abetting-bias-259200">Facebook</a>&nbsp;will outline on Wednesday plans to expand encryption across its Messenger platform, despite warnings from regulators and government officials that the enhanced security will help protect paedophiles and other criminals.

Executives told Reuters they will also detail safety measures, including stepped-up advisories for recipients of unwanted content.

The moves follow complaints by top law enforcement officials in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia that&nbsp;Facebook's plan to encrypt messaging on all its platforms would put child sex predators and pornographers beyond detection.

The changes, supported by civil rights groups and many technology experts, will be more fully described by company executives at a Lisbon tech conference later in the day.

Facebook&nbsp;messaging privacy chief Jay Sullivan and other executives said the company would press ahead with the changes while more carefully scrutinizing the data that it collects.

Sullivan plans to call attention to a little-publicized option for end-to-end encryption that already exists on Messenger. The firm hopes increased usage will give the company more data to craft additional safety measures before it makes private chats the default setting.

"This is a good testbed for us," Sullivan said. "It’s part of the overarching direction."

The company will also post more on its pages for users about how the Secret Conversations function works. The feature has been available since 2016 but is not easy to find and takes extra clicks to activate.

The company is also considering banning new Messenger accounts not linked to regular&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;profiles. The vast majority of Messenger accounts are associated with&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;profiles but a greater proportion of stand-alone accounts are used for crime and unwelcome communications, executives said.

"We’re considering a registration process where prospective Messenger users will only be able to sign up for Messenger by creating or logging into a&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;account,” a&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;spokesperson said.

Requiring a link to&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;would reduce the privacy protections of those Messenger users but give the company more information it could use to warn or block troublesome accounts or report suspected crimes to police.

The enhanced safety measures the company plans include sending reminders to users to report unwanted contacts and inviting recipients of unwanted content to send plain-text versions of the chats to&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;to ban senders or potentially report them to police.

Facebook&nbsp;might also send more prompts to users reached by people with no shared friends or who have had many messages or friend requests rejected.

Facebook&nbsp;had previously said it wanted to ease user reporting of misconduct as it gradually moves toward more encryption, but it has given few details.

Facebook will outline on Wednesday plans to expand encryption across its Messenger platform, despite warnings from regulators and government officials that the enhanced security will help protect paedophiles and other criminals.

Facebook will outline on Wednesday plans to expand encryption across its Messenger platform, despite warnings from regulators and government officials that the enhanced security will help protect paedophiles and other criminals. Executives told Reuters they will also detail safety measures, including stepped-up advisories for recipients of unwanted content. The moves follow complaints by top law enforcement officials in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia that Facebook's plan to encrypt messaging on all its platforms would put child sex predators and pornographers beyond detection. The changes, supported by civil rights groups and many technology experts, will be more fully described by company executives at a Lisbon tech conference later in the day. Facebook messaging privacy chief Jay Sullivan and other executives said the company would press ahead with the changes while more carefully scrutinizing the data that it collects. Sullivan plans to call attention to a little-publicized option for end-to-end encryption that already exists on Messenger. The firm hopes increased usage will give the company more data to craft additional safety measures before it makes private chats the default setting. "This is a good testbed for us," Sullivan said. "It’s part of the overarching direction." The company will also post more on its pages for users about how the Secret Conversations function works. The feature has been available since 2016 but is not easy to find and takes extra clicks to activate. The company is also considering banning new Messenger accounts not linked to regular Facebook profiles. The vast majority of Messenger accounts are associated with Facebook profiles but a greater proportion of stand-alone accounts are used for crime and unwelcome communications, executives said. "We’re considering a registration process where prospective Messenger users will only be able to sign up for Messenger by creating or logging into a Facebook account,” a Facebook spokesperson said. Requiring a link to Facebook would reduce the privacy protections of those Messenger users but give the company more information it could use to warn or block troublesome accounts or report suspected crimes to police. The enhanced safety measures the company plans include sending reminders to users to report unwanted contacts and inviting recipients of unwanted content to send plain-text versions of the chats to Facebook to ban senders or potentially report them to police. Facebook might also send more prompts to users reached by people with no shared friends or who have had many messages or friend requests rejected. Facebook had previously said it wanted to ease user reporting of misconduct as it gradually moves toward more encryption, but it has given few details.

Facebook to expand encryption drive despite warnings over crime

The Australian women's national soccer team will earn the same match pay as their male counterparts and have an equal split of commercial revenues for the first time under a new deal, local media reported on Tuesday.

The national men's "Socceroos" team have historically been paid more than the women's "Matildas" and earned a greater share of commercial revenues.

But players had agreed in principle with governing body Football Federation Australia to strike a deal to ensure pay parity, Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper said.

The players' union, Professional Footballers Australia, declined to comment on the detail of the deal but confirmed all parties were working toward the goal of gender parity in pay.

A PFA spokesperson said it hoped the deal would be announced in coming days.

Pay disparity between men's and women's professional footballers has been in the spotlight since the US&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-womens-team-fights-back-against-governing-bodys-pay-claims-254494">women's team sued </a>governing body US&nbsp;Soccer in March alleging gender discrimination in earnings and working conditions.

Australia's Matildas launched a campaign to pressure global soccer governing body FIFA to provide equal prize-money at World Cups ahead of the women's tournament in France earlier this year.

The US&nbsp;women's team received $4 million for winning the World Cup in France out of the tournament's total prize-money pool of $30 million.

In the 2018 men's tournament in Russia, winners France banked $38 million from a pool of $400 million.

The Australian women's national soccer team will earn the same match pay as their male counterparts and have an equal split of commercial revenues for the first time under a new deal, local media reported on Tuesday.

The Australian women's national soccer team will earn the same match pay as their male counterparts and have an equal split of commercial revenues for the first time under a new deal, local media reported on Tuesday. The national men's "Socceroos" team have historically been paid more than the women's "Matildas" and earned a greater share of commercial revenues. But players had agreed in principle with governing body Football Federation Australia to strike a deal to ensure pay parity, Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper said. The players' union, Professional Footballers Australia, declined to comment on the detail of the deal but confirmed all parties were working toward the goal of gender parity in pay. A PFA spokesperson said it hoped the deal would be announced in coming days. Pay disparity between men's and women's professional footballers has been in the spotlight since the US women's team sued governing body US Soccer in March alleging gender discrimination in earnings and working conditions. Australia's Matildas launched a campaign to pressure global soccer governing body FIFA to provide equal prize-money at World Cups ahead of the women's tournament in France earlier this year. The US women's team received $4 million for winning the World Cup in France out of the tournament's total prize-money pool of $30 million. In the 2018 men's tournament in Russia, winners France banked $38 million from a pool of $400 million.

Football Federation Australia to announce gender parity pay deal: Report

By Mallika Singh

India on Monday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/asean-summit-india-decides-not-to-join-rcep-259919">pulled out of</a> the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) stating that the agreement “does not satisfactorily address India's outstanding issues and concerns.” 
&nbsp; 
Prime Minister Modi, while speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Thailand said that “neither the Talisman of Gandhiji nor my own conscience permits me to join the RCEP.” 
&nbsp; 
RCEP is a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that was being negotiated between 16 countries - the 10 member states of ASEAN along with India, Australia, China, Korea, Japan, and New Zealand. 
&nbsp; 
While the exact details of what the agreement entails are yet to be released, its aim, as established in 2012 in Cambodia, was to increase trade by decreasing tariffs and barriers between member states, boost exports, and create an alternative market for investment. 
&nbsp; 
India chose to withhold from joining the trade agreement due to “significant outstanding issues, which remain unresolved”.

"The present form of the RCEP agreement does not fully reflect the basic spirit and the agreed guiding principles of RCEP,” Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-not-to-join-rcep-goes-against-countrys-core-interests-259904">Narendra Modi </a>said.

New Delhi’s stand on data localisation is one of the key issues at conflict as RCEP norms support the free flow of data which hampers India’s digital sovereignty. &nbsp;

According to NITI Aayog, the policy think tank of India, the country has a growing trade deficit with ASEAN member states and China. Participating in RCEP would have only widened these deficits. 
&nbsp; 
With the ongoing United States-China trade war, signing the trade agreement would have interfered with India's attempt to augment its ties with the United States.

China’s dumping policy also presented itself as a potential threat to India, where access to an open market might have lead China to dump its products in regional Indian markets. &nbsp;

India felt that there was “inadequate” protection provided to its domestic markets which would have had to suffer losses as cheaper products from China threatened to “flood” Indian markets.

The dairy industry was also expected to face the burden of the trade deal due to the introduction of competition from New Zealand and Australia.

India also failed to receive any assurance on its demand for greater market access and concerns over non-tariff barriers as China has in the past used these to curtail India’s exports to the country.

India expressed dismay at 2014 being set as the base year for tariff reductions instead of 2013. This would have gone against the country's interests as several import duties have gone up since 2014. 
&nbsp; 
RCEP is supposed to be one of the world’s largest trade pacts and the largest regional trading agreement yet. The member countries account for half of the world’s population and almost one-third of the Global Gross Domestic Product.

Becoming a member of the RCEP would have provided New Delhi with an alternative market, reducing its dependence on Western nation-states, an increase in export-oriented Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and a boost to its service sector.

Although India currently backed out of one of the biggest free trade deals in the world, the remaining 15 members agreed on the negotiated terms and will be signing it next year. 
&nbsp;

By Mallika Singh India on Monday pulled out of the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) stating that the agreement “does not satisfactorily address India's outstanding issues and concerns.

By Mallika Singh India on Monday pulled out of the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) stating that the agreement “does not satisfactorily address India's outstanding issues and concerns.” Prime Minister Modi, while speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Thailand said that “neither the Talisman of Gandhiji nor my own conscience permits me to join the RCEP.” RCEP is a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that was being negotiated between 16 countries - the 10 member states of ASEAN along with India, Australia, China, Korea, Japan, and New Zealand. While the exact details of what the agreement entails are yet to be released, its aim, as established in 2012 in Cambodia, was to increase trade by decreasing tariffs and barriers between member states, boost exports, and create an alternative market for investment. India chose to withhold from joining the trade agreement due to “significant outstanding issues, which remain unresolved”. "The present form of the RCEP agreement does not fully reflect the basic spirit and the agreed guiding principles of RCEP,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. New Delhi’s stand on data localisation is one of the key issues at conflict as RCEP norms support the free flow of data which hampers India’s digital sovereignty. According to NITI Aayog, the policy think tank of India, the country has a growing trade deficit with ASEAN member states and China. Participating in RCEP would have only widened these deficits. With the ongoing United States-China trade war, signing the trade agreement would have interfered with India's attempt to augment its ties with the United States. China’s dumping policy also presented itself as a potential threat to India, where access to an open market might have lead China to dump its products in regional Indian markets. India felt that there was “inadequate” protection provided to its domestic markets which would have had to suffer losses as cheaper products from China threatened to “flood” Indian markets. The dairy industry was also expected to face the burden of the trade deal due to the introduction of competition from New Zealand and Australia. India also failed to receive any assurance on its demand for greater market access and concerns over non-tariff barriers as China has in the past used these to curtail India’s exports to the country. India expressed dismay at 2014 being set as the base year for tariff reductions instead of 2013. This would have gone against the country's interests as several import duties have gone up since 2014. RCEP is supposed to be one of the world’s largest trade pacts and the largest regional trading agreement yet. The member countries account for half of the world’s population and almost one-third of the Global Gross Domestic Product. Becoming a member of the RCEP would have provided New Delhi with an alternative market, reducing its dependence on Western nation-states, an increase in export-oriented Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and a boost to its service sector. Although India currently backed out of one of the biggest free trade deals in the world, the remaining 15 members agreed on the negotiated terms and will be signing it next year.

RCEP pull-out: India stands by reduced trade deficits, data localisation, and enhancing domestic markets

World number one Ashleigh&nbsp;Barty&nbsp;spectacularly ended her jinx against defending champion Elina Svitolina to win the WTA Finals on Sunday and scoop the richest prize in tennis history.

Barty, who had never beaten Svitolina in five previous attempts, won 6-4, 6-3 in one hour and 26 minutes at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre.

The Australian claimed a record-setting US$4.42 million paycheque,&nbsp;the largest sum ever awarded in men's and women's tennis.

Barty's only loss was to late replacement Kiki Bertens and she became the fifth debutant to win the lucrative round-robin tournament.

"It's been the most incredible year for me,"&nbsp;Barty&nbsp;said after the match. "I took my opportunities when I got them tonight.''

"Pretty happy to play that kind of level in such a big match."

Svitolina has not won a trophy since claiming the WTA Finals in Singapore last year, which remains the biggest title of her career. She had lost just one set before the final to be on track to claim a maximum prize of $4.725 million before falling short in the decider.

The Ukrainian had taken a liking to the slow indoor hard court, which has been criticised by other players, with her methodical counterpunching overwhelming opponents -- but she was thwarted by an irresistible&nbsp;Barty.

The 25-year-old said she would use the off-season to recover from a nagging right knee injury, which forced her to withdraw from the Guangzhou Open in September.

"It's the priority for me to be healthy for next season," she said. "The pain is still there. It's on and off. I have to manage it."

Both players, who served strongly in Shenzhen, comfortably held service until&nbsp;Barty&nbsp;faced trouble in the ninth game, but she saved a breakpoint and dug deep when it mattered most to fend off Svitolina's relentless defensive prowess.

An increasingly confident&nbsp;Barty&nbsp;then attacked Svitolina's serve in the 10th game and claimed the set with a sizzling forehand winner.

The Ukrainian hit back early in the second set and was gifted a break in the third game through a&nbsp;Barty&nbsp;double fault but could not consolidate on serve.

Svitolina's title defence appeared in tatters when she double-faulted to lose serve in the sixth game but courageously broke back.

The see-saw continued when&nbsp;Barty&nbsp;captured another break in a gruelling eighth game before serving it out to cap off a momentous season, which also includes a French Open crown and the year-end number one ranking.

Barty's season is set to continue when she spearheads Australia's Fed Cup title hopes against France in the final on November 9-10.

It was the first WTA Finals played in Shenzhen after a five-year run in Singapore and the competition will be based in the southern Chinese city until 2028.

The event's move to China was highlighted by an eye-watering total prize pool of $14 million.

World number one Ashleigh Barty spectacularly ended her jinx against defending champion Elina Svitolina to win the WTA Finals on Sunday and scoop the richest prize in tennis history.

World number one Ashleigh Barty spectacularly ended her jinx against defending champion Elina Svitolina to win the WTA Finals on Sunday and scoop the richest prize in tennis history. Barty, who had never beaten Svitolina in five previous attempts, won 6-4, 6-3 in one hour and 26 minutes at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre. The Australian claimed a record-setting US$4.42 million paycheque, the largest sum ever awarded in men's and women's tennis. Barty's only loss was to late replacement Kiki Bertens and she became the fifth debutant to win the lucrative round-robin tournament. "It's been the most incredible year for me," Barty said after the match. "I took my opportunities when I got them tonight.'' "Pretty happy to play that kind of level in such a big match." Svitolina has not won a trophy since claiming the WTA Finals in Singapore last year, which remains the biggest title of her career. She had lost just one set before the final to be on track to claim a maximum prize of $4.725 million before falling short in the decider. The Ukrainian had taken a liking to the slow indoor hard court, which has been criticised by other players, with her methodical counterpunching overwhelming opponents -- but she was thwarted by an irresistible Barty. The 25-year-old said she would use the off-season to recover from a nagging right knee injury, which forced her to withdraw from the Guangzhou Open in September. "It's the priority for me to be healthy for next season," she said. "The pain is still there. It's on and off. I have to manage it." Both players, who served strongly in Shenzhen, comfortably held service until Barty faced trouble in the ninth game, but she saved a breakpoint and dug deep when it mattered most to fend off Svitolina's relentless defensive prowess. An increasingly confident Barty then attacked Svitolina's serve in the 10th game and claimed the set with a sizzling forehand winner. The Ukrainian hit back early in the second set and was gifted a break in the third game through a Barty double fault but could not consolidate on serve. Svitolina's title defence appeared in tatters when she double-faulted to lose serve in the sixth game but courageously broke back. The see-saw continued when Barty captured another break in a gruelling eighth game before serving it out to cap off a momentous season, which also includes a French Open crown and the year-end number one ranking. Barty's season is set to continue when she spearheads Australia's Fed Cup title hopes against France in the final on November 9-10. It was the first WTA Finals played in Shenzhen after a five-year run in Singapore and the competition will be based in the southern Chinese city until 2028. The event's move to China was highlighted by an eye-watering total prize pool of $14 million.

Australian Ashleigh Barty wins WTA Finals

The final fixtures for the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup were announced on Sunday as Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Oman, Papua New Guinea and Scotland qualified for the tournament after an impressive showing at the global qualifying event.

Papua New Guinea, Ireland and Oman will join Sri Lanka in Group A of the first round and the four teams will compete in Geelong from October 18-22, 2020.

On the other hand, Netherlands, Namibia and Scotland will join Bangladesh in Group B and their matches will take place from October 19-23, 2020 at Bellerive Oval in Hobart.

The opening match of the tournament will be played between Sri Lanka and Ireland at Kardinia Park Stadium.

"We are thrilled to be welcoming Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Oman, Papua New Guinea and Scotland to Australia for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2020. We know that all 16 men's teams will receive the warmest welcome and fantastic support from fans living here in Australia and those visiting from around the world," ICC T20 World Cup 2020 Local Organising Committee CEO, Nick Hockley said in an official statement.

It will be the first major global tournament for Papua New Guinea (PNG).

They finished as the runners-up in qualifying tournament. The side had narrowly missed out on qualification for 2014 and 2016 T20 World Cups.

Following the conclusion of first-round matches in Geelong and Hobart, the top-ranked team in Group A and the second-placed team in Group B will join Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand and West Indies in Group 1 of the Super 12s.

Hosts Australia will play their first match against Pakistan at Sydney on October 24, 2020.

India, England, South Africa and Afghanistan are placed in Group 2 of the Super 12s phase and they all will face the top-placed team in Group B and the second-placed team in Group A.

In the year 2020, both women's and men's T20 World Cup will be played in Australia. The ICC Women's T20 World Cup will take place first, from February 21- March 8.

The finals of the Women's T20 World Cup will be played on International Women's Day.

Defending champions Australia will play their opening match of the tournament against India on February 21.

Both the women's and men's finals will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground

The final fixtures for the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup were announced on Sunday as Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Oman, Papua New Guinea and Scotland qualified for the tournament after an impressive showing at the global qualifying event.

The final fixtures for the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup were announced on Sunday as Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Oman, Papua New Guinea and Scotland qualified for the tournament after an impressive showing at the global qualifying event. Papua New Guinea, Ireland and Oman will join Sri Lanka in Group A of the first round and the four teams will compete in Geelong from October 18-22, 2020. On the other hand, Netherlands, Namibia and Scotland will join Bangladesh in Group B and their matches will take place from October 19-23, 2020 at Bellerive Oval in Hobart. The opening match of the tournament will be played between Sri Lanka and Ireland at Kardinia Park Stadium. "We are thrilled to be welcoming Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Oman, Papua New Guinea and Scotland to Australia for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2020. We know that all 16 men's teams will receive the warmest welcome and fantastic support from fans living here in Australia and those visiting from around the world," ICC T20 World Cup 2020 Local Organising Committee CEO, Nick Hockley said in an official statement. It will be the first major global tournament for Papua New Guinea (PNG). They finished as the runners-up in qualifying tournament. The side had narrowly missed out on qualification for 2014 and 2016 T20 World Cups. Following the conclusion of first-round matches in Geelong and Hobart, the top-ranked team in Group A and the second-placed team in Group B will join Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand and West Indies in Group 1 of the Super 12s. Hosts Australia will play their first match against Pakistan at Sydney on October 24, 2020. India, England, South Africa and Afghanistan are placed in Group 2 of the Super 12s phase and they all will face the top-placed team in Group B and the second-placed team in Group A. In the year 2020, both women's and men's T20 World Cup will be played in Australia. The ICC Women's T20 World Cup will take place first, from February 21- March 8. The finals of the Women's T20 World Cup will be played on International Women's Day. Defending champions Australia will play their opening match of the tournament against India on February 21. Both the women's and men's finals will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground

Final fixtures for ICC Men's T20 World Cup announced

Bushfire Smoke Blankets Sydney, Hundreds Of Koalas Have Been Killed In Fire While California Battles Numerous Wildfires.

Gravitas: Australia, US battle raging wildfires

Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is taking an indefinite break from cricket with immediate effect as he undergoes treatment for mental health issues, coach Justin Langer said.

Maxwell, who played in Australia's two T20 wins against Sri Lanka in recent days and starred in the Adelaide series-opener, will be replaced by batsman D'Arcy Short for the third and final match in Melbourne on Friday.

Langer said he had spoken to Maxwell after sensing something was amiss with the hard-hitting 31-year-old before the Adelaide game, Australia's first international of the home summer.

"I'm not sure what prompted (it) just before Adelaide," Langer told reporters in Melbourne.

"But you just could tell it was not quite right and he probably wasn't going to say (anything).

"Even though in Adelaide he had that incredible innings and fielded like a genius like he can, I don't think he got much joy out of it, to be honest."

A fan favourite and one of Australia's most devastating batsmen in short-format cricket, Maxwell was in fine touch at Adelaide Oval where he blasted 62 off 29 balls to hasten his team to a 134-run victory.

He was also his usual energetic presence in the field, effecting a brilliant run-out and engaging in banter with broadcasters.

"They often put on a mask," Langer said of people suffering mental health problems.

"In public positions, they have to put on a mask all the time. That's his armour, his energy and the way he plays."

Maxwell, who has played 110 one-day internationals and 61 T20Is, will be assessed in Melbourne over the next "day or so", Langer said.

Melbourne man Maxwell ranks among Australia's top-earning athletes, enjoying global prestige as a coveted gun-for-hire in domestic T20 competitions.

But his goal of breaking into the test side, seen as the pinnacle of the sport in Australia, has largely been frustrated.

He has been dropped several times in his career of seven tests and was snubbed for the Ashes series played in England over August-September. The hosts retained the urn.

While a number of local pundits felt selectors had dealt with Maxwell harshly, the cricketer said he had moved on.

"You can't play cricket bitter, it detracts from yourself and makes you stop concentrating on what you need to do," Maxwell said in a recent interview with Espncricinfo.

A number of top Australian cricketers have battled mental health problems in recent years.

Much-hyped talent Will Pucovski took a break from domestic cricket a year ago and also withdrew from the test squad in January to undergo treatment.

Three-test batsman Nic Maddinson also took time off in 2017 after being dropped from the test side before returning to the game after treatment.

Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is taking an indefinite break from cricket with immediate effect as he undergoes treatment for mental health issues, coach Justin Langer said.

Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is taking an indefinite break from cricket with immediate effect as he undergoes treatment for mental health issues, coach Justin Langer said. Maxwell, who played in Australia's two T20 wins against Sri Lanka in recent days and starred in the Adelaide series-opener, will be replaced by batsman D'Arcy Short for the third and final match in Melbourne on Friday. Langer said he had spoken to Maxwell after sensing something was amiss with the hard-hitting 31-year-old before the Adelaide game, Australia's first international of the home summer. "I'm not sure what prompted (it) just before Adelaide," Langer told reporters in Melbourne. "But you just could tell it was not quite right and he probably wasn't going to say (anything). "Even though in Adelaide he had that incredible innings and fielded like a genius like he can, I don't think he got much joy out of it, to be honest." A fan favourite and one of Australia's most devastating batsmen in short-format cricket, Maxwell was in fine touch at Adelaide Oval where he blasted 62 off 29 balls to hasten his team to a 134-run victory. He was also his usual energetic presence in the field, effecting a brilliant run-out and engaging in banter with broadcasters. "They often put on a mask," Langer said of people suffering mental health problems. "In public positions, they have to put on a mask all the time. That's his armour, his energy and the way he plays." Maxwell, who has played 110 one-day internationals and 61 T20Is, will be assessed in Melbourne over the next "day or so", Langer said. Melbourne man Maxwell ranks among Australia's top-earning athletes, enjoying global prestige as a coveted gun-for-hire in domestic T20 competitions. But his goal of breaking into the test side, seen as the pinnacle of the sport in Australia, has largely been frustrated. He has been dropped several times in his career of seven tests and was snubbed for the Ashes series played in England over August-September. The hosts retained the urn. While a number of local pundits felt selectors had dealt with Maxwell harshly, the cricketer said he had moved on. "You can't play cricket bitter, it detracts from yourself and makes you stop concentrating on what you need to do," Maxwell said in a recent interview with Espncricinfo. A number of top Australian cricketers have battled mental health problems in recent years. Much-hyped talent Will Pucovski took a break from domestic cricket a year ago and also withdrew from the test squad in January to undergo treatment. Three-test batsman Nic Maddinson also took time off in 2017 after being dropped from the test side before returning to the game after treatment.

Cricket: Australia's Glenn Maxwell battling mental health problems, takes break

Dozens of protesters were arrested and several people injured Tuesday when police and demonstrators clashed outside an international mining conference in Melbourne.

Some 50 people were detained as mounted police forced back hundreds of protesters from the convention centre hosting the International Mining and Resources Conference.

Footage posted on social media showed police using pepper spray and batons to push back protesters, with one woman sent to hospital after allegedly being trampled or kicked by a horse.

Another protester was treated for head injuries at the scene while two police were also sent to the hospital for treatment, police said.

More than 300 police officers have been deployed.

"The actions (of police) have been more than justified," Victoria Police acting commander Tim Tully told reporters after the heated altercation.

"It is in line with the training. It is in line with trying to facilitate a peaceful process," he added.

Most of the arrests relate to obstruction, Tully said, but two people were detained for "slapping a police horse in the face".

The annual mining conference is promoted as Australia's largest industry event, with thousands of delegates from over 100 countries expected to attend.&nbsp;

Australia has been actively engaged in the recent wave of climate protests across the globe.

Hundreds of thousands of children, parents, and supporters rallied across the country in September for the global climate strike led by students.

The Extinction Rebellion protests also have drawn thousands into the streets this month, with regular smaller targeted demonstrations taking place over the last couple of weeks.

The climate change protesters accused police of heavy-handed tactics on Tuesday.

"There have been some incredibly aggressive and intimating tactics from the police," protest organiser Emma Black told Channel Nine TV.&nbsp;

"Some of my friends have been thrown to the ground,&nbsp;people that were just standing around doing nothing," she added.

Dozens of protesters were arrested and several people injured Tuesday when police and demonstrators clashed outside an international mining conference in Melbourne.

Dozens of protesters were arrested and several people injured Tuesday when police and demonstrators clashed outside an international mining conference in Melbourne. Some 50 people were detained as mounted police forced back hundreds of protesters from the convention centre hosting the International Mining and Resources Conference. Footage posted on social media showed police using pepper spray and batons to push back protesters, with one woman sent to hospital after allegedly being trampled or kicked by a horse. Another protester was treated for head injuries at the scene while two police were also sent to the hospital for treatment, police said. More than 300 police officers have been deployed. "The actions (of police) have been more than justified," Victoria Police acting commander Tim Tully told reporters after the heated altercation. "It is in line with the training. It is in line with trying to facilitate a peaceful process," he added. Most of the arrests relate to obstruction, Tully said, but two people were detained for "slapping a police horse in the face". The annual mining conference is promoted as Australia's largest industry event, with thousands of delegates from over 100 countries expected to attend. Australia has been actively engaged in the recent wave of climate protests across the globe. Hundreds of thousands of children, parents, and supporters rallied across the country in September for the global climate strike led by students. The Extinction Rebellion protests also have drawn thousands into the streets this month, with regular smaller targeted demonstrations taking place over the last couple of weeks. The climate change protesters accused police of heavy-handed tactics on Tuesday. "There have been some incredibly aggressive and intimating tactics from the police," protest organiser Emma Black told Channel Nine TV. "Some of my friends have been thrown to the ground, people that were just standing around doing nothing," she added.

Dozens arrested as Australia mining protest turns violent

The Foreign Ministry of China on Wednesday said that Beijing had asserted their dismay to Australia in view of the comments made by Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne's about the abuse of human rights in China.

"She [Payne is] commenting on Xinjiang issues for her political needs. This is not good and does not benefit the improvement and development of the two countries' relations. China has already lodged stern representations with Australia about this, to say that this way of doing things is very inappropriate", Geng Shuang, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said.

Payne during a speech in Sydney on Tuesday said that Australia expects accountability from China on pressing issues like human rights, further adding that silence on these issues goes against Australia's national interests.

"We hope that the Australian side can reflect on and learn the lessons of the recent disturbances in Sino-Australian relations, and meet China halfway. Don't do anything which is like taking one step forward and two steps back", Shuang said in Beijing.

Stressful relations between Australia and China have disrupted bilateral trade worth more than $123.48 billion last year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

The Foreign Ministry of China on Wednesday said that Beijing had asserted their dismay to Australia in view of the comments made by Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne's about the abuse of human rights in China.

The Foreign Ministry of China on Wednesday said that Beijing had asserted their dismay to Australia in view of the comments made by Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne's about the abuse of human rights in China. "She [Payne is] commenting on Xinjiang issues for her political needs. This is not good and does not benefit the improvement and development of the two countries' relations. China has already lodged stern representations with Australia about this, to say that this way of doing things is very inappropriate", Geng Shuang, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said. Payne during a speech in Sydney on Tuesday said that Australia expects accountability from China on pressing issues like human rights, further adding that silence on these issues goes against Australia's national interests. "We hope that the Australian side can reflect on and learn the lessons of the recent disturbances in Sino-Australian relations, and meet China halfway. Don't do anything which is like taking one step forward and two steps back", Shuang said in Beijing. Stressful relations between Australia and China have disrupted bilateral trade worth more than $123.48 billion last year. (With inputs from Reuters)

China lodges ''stern representations'' with Australia over human rights comment

An Australian regulator has filed a lawsuit against Alphabet Inc's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/google-unveils-quantum-computer-breakthrough-critics-say-wait-a-qubit-257805">Google</a>, accusing it of misleading smartphone users about how it collected and used personal location data, advancing a global crackdown on the world's biggest tech firms.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission&nbsp;said the local Google unit did not tell users of its Android operating system for almost two years that they needed to switch off two settings - not one - if they did not want the company to keep their information.

"Google's conduct caused users to understand that personal data about their location was not being obtained ... by Google when in fact personal data was being obtained," the ACCC wrote in a Federal Court filing on Tuesday, which it published on its website.

"The misleading information provided by Google meant that users were not able to make an informed choice."

The lawsuit is the first of several the ACCC said it would pursue against the local arms of global technology companies like Google and social media firm <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/facebooks-news-tab-seeks-to-reboot-its-role-within-media-258245">Facebook Inc</a>&nbsp;when it called for tougher laws concerning privacy and content-sharing.

Already European Union countries have seized on the bloc's new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules to rein in big technology companies. In January, a French regulator fined Google 50 million euros&nbsp;for breaches of privacy laws.

Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner is also investigating Google over a complaint alleging breach of privacy laws, while Facebook agreed in July to a record-breaking $5 billion fine in the United States to resolve privacy concerns dating back to its use of people's data in the 2016 presidential election.

The Australian lawsuit against Google is seeking unspecified penalties and orders requiring the publication of corrective notices by Google, the ACCC said.

The Australian regulator said in its lawsuit that Google failed to make clear that people should turn off two location-based settings, "Location History" and "Web &amp; App Activity", to stop the company collecting and using data from either.

Google further misled consumers - and breached Australian consumer law - by telling them the only way to prevent the company from collecting their location data was to stop using its main services like Google Search and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-offers-incognito-mode-for-maps-in-privacy-push-253314">Google Maps</a>, the regulator said.

"As a result of these on-screen representations, Google has collected, kept and used highly sensitive and valuable personal information about consumers' location without them making an informed choice," ACCC Chair Rod Sims said in a statement.

"Many consumers make a conscious decision to turn off settings to stop the collection of their location data, but we allege that Google's conduct may have prevented consumers from making that choice."

A representative for Google in Australia did not respond to an emailed request for comment.

The matter is scheduled for a case management hearing on November&nbsp;14, according to the Federal Court website.

An Australian regulator has filed a lawsuit against Alphabet Inc's Google, accusing it of misleading smartphone users about how it collected and used personal location data, advancing a global crackdown on the world's biggest tech firms.

An Australian regulator has filed a lawsuit against Alphabet Inc's Google, accusing it of misleading smartphone users about how it collected and used personal location data, advancing a global crackdown on the world's biggest tech firms. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said the local Google unit did not tell users of its Android operating system for almost two years that they needed to switch off two settings - not one - if they did not want the company to keep their information. "Google's conduct caused users to understand that personal data about their location was not being obtained ... by Google when in fact personal data was being obtained," the ACCC wrote in a Federal Court filing on Tuesday, which it published on its website. "The misleading information provided by Google meant that users were not able to make an informed choice." The lawsuit is the first of several the ACCC said it would pursue against the local arms of global technology companies like Google and social media firm Facebook Inc when it called for tougher laws concerning privacy and content-sharing. Already European Union countries have seized on the bloc's new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules to rein in big technology companies. In January, a French regulator fined Google 50 million euros for breaches of privacy laws. Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner is also investigating Google over a complaint alleging breach of privacy laws, while Facebook agreed in July to a record-breaking $5 billion fine in the United States to resolve privacy concerns dating back to its use of people's data in the 2016 presidential election. The Australian lawsuit against Google is seeking unspecified penalties and orders requiring the publication of corrective notices by Google, the ACCC said. The Australian regulator said in its lawsuit that Google failed to make clear that people should turn off two location-based settings, "Location History" and "Web & App Activity", to stop the company collecting and using data from either. Google further misled consumers - and breached Australian consumer law - by telling them the only way to prevent the company from collecting their location data was to stop using its main services like Google Search and Google Maps, the regulator said. "As a result of these on-screen representations, Google has collected, kept and used highly sensitive and valuable personal information about consumers' location without them making an informed choice," ACCC Chair Rod Sims said in a statement. "Many consumers make a conscious decision to turn off settings to stop the collection of their location data, but we allege that Google's conduct may have prevented consumers from making that choice." A representative for Google in Australia did not respond to an emailed request for comment. The matter is scheduled for a case management hearing on November 14, according to the Federal Court website.

Australian regulator files privacy suit against Google alleging location data misuse

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison's special invite to Indians encouraging them to visit Down Under for the T20 World Cup next year will surely resonate with all the countrymen.

Modi also took the opportunity to wish all Australians a happy Diwali.

"Lovely video. When my good friend and the PM of Australia @ScottMorrisonMP personally invites, I am sure many more tourists and cricket lovers will plan to visit Australia. And, our cricket fans are also the liveliest. Let me also wish the people of Australia a Happy Diwali," Modi tweeted.

Morrison had shared a video in which all the tourist destinations in Australia are shown.

What makes this interesting, is the commentary done by Harsha Bhogle and Shibani Dandekar to give the cricketing flavour in the video.

The Australian Prime Minister encouraged all Indian fans to visit the country to fill up the stadiums during the T20 World Cup.

"After last night's superb T20 match, really looking forward to Australia hosting the @T20WorldCup next year. @TourismAus have a great new advert, encouraging Indian cricket fans to consider a trip out here for it. What do you think @narendramodi," Morrison tweeted.

Australia will be hosting both Women's and Men's T20 World Cup next year. The women's T20 World Cup is slated to be played from February 21 to March 8 next year while the men's tournament will be played from October 18 to November 11.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison's special invite to Indians encouraging them to visit Down Under for the T20 World Cup next year will surely resonate with all the countrymen.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison's special invite to Indians encouraging them to visit Down Under for the T20 World Cup next year will surely resonate with all the countrymen. Modi also took the opportunity to wish all Australians a happy Diwali. "Lovely video. When my good friend and the PM of Australia @ScottMorrisonMP personally invites, I am sure many more tourists and cricket lovers will plan to visit Australia. And, our cricket fans are also the liveliest. Let me also wish the people of Australia a Happy Diwali," Modi tweeted. Morrison had shared a video in which all the tourist destinations in Australia are shown. What makes this interesting, is the commentary done by Harsha Bhogle and Shibani Dandekar to give the cricketing flavour in the video. The Australian Prime Minister encouraged all Indian fans to visit the country to fill up the stadiums during the T20 World Cup. "After last night's superb T20 match, really looking forward to Australia hosting the @T20WorldCup next year. @TourismAus have a great new advert, encouraging Indian cricket fans to consider a trip out here for it. What do you think @narendramodi," Morrison tweeted. Australia will be hosting both Women's and Men's T20 World Cup next year. The women's T20 World Cup is slated to be played from February 21 to March 8 next year while the men's tournament will be played from October 18 to November 11.

'Good friend' Scott Morrison's special invite will encourage Indians to plan visit to Australia: PM Modi

The Australian government said on Saturday it is increasing the number of visas for skilled workers willing to migrate to the country's regions in a bid to ease pressure on major cities, where populations are growing twice as fast as elsewhere.

The government will increase the intake under its regional migration programme to 25,000 from 23,000, according to a statement issued by Prime Minister Scott Morrison's office.

That does not mean, however, that Australia will be taking more immigrants.

Morrison's conservative government cut the annual immigration intake to 160,000 people as of July 1, versus 190,000 before. The 25,000 visas for those willing to live in smaller cities and regions are part of the annual migration cap.

Nearly a third of Australia's resident population were born overseas, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Australia, a highly urbanised country with one of the highest population growth rates in the OECD, has about two-thirds of its population living in the capitals of states and territories, according to the 2016 government census data.

Between 2017 and 2018 the number of people living in those cities increased at twice the rate the number of people living outside them, recent government data show. Capital city growth accounted for 79 per cent&nbsp;of Australia's total population growth.

"We're using our migration programme to back our regions to grow to take the population pressure off our major capital cities and by supporting strong regions we're creating an even stronger economy for Australia," Morrison said.

Migrants willing to live in locations outside of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane will have access to priority processing and international university graduates who live in these locations will be eligible to apply for more time in Australia on a post-study work visa.&nbsp;

The Australian government said on Saturday it is increasing the number of visas for skilled workers willing to migrate to the country's regions in a bid to ease pressure on major cities, where populations are growing twice as fast as elsewhere.

The Australian government said on Saturday it is increasing the number of visas for skilled workers willing to migrate to the country's regions in a bid to ease pressure on major cities, where populations are growing twice as fast as elsewhere. The government will increase the intake under its regional migration programme to 25,000 from 23,000, according to a statement issued by Prime Minister Scott Morrison's office. That does not mean, however, that Australia will be taking more immigrants. Morrison's conservative government cut the annual immigration intake to 160,000 people as of July 1, versus 190,000 before. The 25,000 visas for those willing to live in smaller cities and regions are part of the annual migration cap. Nearly a third of Australia's resident population were born overseas, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Australia, a highly urbanised country with one of the highest population growth rates in the OECD, has about two-thirds of its population living in the capitals of states and territories, according to the 2016 government census data. Between 2017 and 2018 the number of people living in those cities increased at twice the rate the number of people living outside them, recent government data show. Capital city growth accounted for 79 per cent of Australia's total population growth. "We're using our migration programme to back our regions to grow to take the population pressure off our major capital cities and by supporting strong regions we're creating an even stronger economy for Australia," Morrison said. Migrants willing to live in locations outside of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane will have access to priority processing and international university graduates who live in these locations will be eligible to apply for more time in Australia on a post-study work visa.

Australia to settle more immigrants outside major cities

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Thirst turns to anger as Australia's mighty river runs dry

Australian Media Is Protesting Against Government's Misuse Of Power To Silence Journalists.

Gravitas: Australia: Newspapers Black Out Front Pages

Newspapers across Australia ran heavily redacted front pages on Monday in protest against government secrecy and a crackdown on press freedom, a rare show of unity in a fractious media landscape.

National and regional mastheads including The Australian, The Sydney Morning Herald and the Australian Financial Review hit newsstands Monday with most of their front-page news stories blacked out.

Advertisements have also been rolled out across the country's television networks, asking viewers to consider the question: "When the government hides the truth from you, what are they covering up?"

The campaign by the Right to Know coalition was sparked by federal police raids on the national broadcaster ABC and a News Corp journalist's home earlier this year over two stories that had proved embarrassing for the government.

It centres on six demands, including exemptions for journalists from strict national security laws that have created a complex web of provisions critics say too easily ensnare reporters doing their jobs.

"The culture of secrecy that has descended through these legal provisions restricts every Australian's right to know and goes well beyond the original intent of national security," Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance union head Paul Murphy said.

"The police raids on the home of News Corp journalist Annika Smethurst and the headquarters of the ABC in Sydney were direct attacks on media freedom in Australia but they are just the tip of the iceberg," he said.

Three journalists are facing possible criminal charges in the wake of the raids — Smethurst for revealing the government was considering plans to spy on Australians — and two ABC reporters for exposing alleged war crimes by Australian special forces in Afghanistan.

The media groups are also calling for enhanced protections for public sector whistleblowers -- who have also faced charges for leaking to the press -- as well as improved freedom of information regime and defamation law reform.

Australia's defamation laws are notoriously complex and among the strictest in the world.

And unlike most liberal democracies, Australia does not have a bill of rights or constitutionally enshrined protections for freedom of speech.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his government would "always believe in the freedom of the press", but he also insisted that journalists were not above the law.

"The rule of law has to be applied evenly and fairly in the protection of our broader freedoms, and so I don't think anyone is, I hope, looking for a leave pass on any of those things," he told reporters during an official visit to Jakarta.

A press freedom inquiry is due to report its findings to parliament next year.

Newspapers across Australia ran heavily redacted front pages on Monday in protest against government secrecy and a crackdown on press freedom, a rare show of unity in a fractious media landscape.

Newspapers across Australia ran heavily redacted front pages on Monday in protest against government secrecy and a crackdown on press freedom, a rare show of unity in a fractious media landscape. National and regional mastheads including The Australian, The Sydney Morning Herald and the Australian Financial Review hit newsstands Monday with most of their front-page news stories blacked out. Advertisements have also been rolled out across the country's television networks, asking viewers to consider the question: "When the government hides the truth from you, what are they covering up?" The campaign by the Right to Know coalition was sparked by federal police raids on the national broadcaster ABC and a News Corp journalist's home earlier this year over two stories that had proved embarrassing for the government. It centres on six demands, including exemptions for journalists from strict national security laws that have created a complex web of provisions critics say too easily ensnare reporters doing their jobs. "The culture of secrecy that has descended through these legal provisions restricts every Australian's right to know and goes well beyond the original intent of national security," Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance union head Paul Murphy said. "The police raids on the home of News Corp journalist Annika Smethurst and the headquarters of the ABC in Sydney were direct attacks on media freedom in Australia but they are just the tip of the iceberg," he said. Three journalists are facing possible criminal charges in the wake of the raids — Smethurst for revealing the government was considering plans to spy on Australians — and two ABC reporters for exposing alleged war crimes by Australian special forces in Afghanistan. The media groups are also calling for enhanced protections for public sector whistleblowers -- who have also faced charges for leaking to the press -- as well as improved freedom of information regime and defamation law reform. Australia's defamation laws are notoriously complex and among the strictest in the world. And unlike most liberal democracies, Australia does not have a bill of rights or constitutionally enshrined protections for freedom of speech. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his government would "always believe in the freedom of the press", but he also insisted that journalists were not above the law. "The rule of law has to be applied evenly and fairly in the protection of our broader freedoms, and so I don't think anyone is, I hope, looking for a leave pass on any of those things," he told reporters during an official visit to Jakarta. A press freedom inquiry is due to report its findings to parliament next year.

Australian newspapers blackout front pages to fight back against crackdown on press freedom

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