Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has apologised to a woman who alleged that she was raped in the countries Parliament. The woman alleged that an unnamed colleague had raped her in the minister's office in March 2019.

Australian PM apologises to women who alleged rape in Parliament

Australia has yet another problem at hand, a rape scandal, and the Prime Minister has had to issue an apology.

The apology came after a former Australian government staffer has said she was raped in a government minister's office in the parliament. She also accused that she was not helped by her bosses even after coming forward.

This has prompted an apology from the Prime Minister. "That should not have happened. And I do apologise," he told local reporters. "There should not be an environment where a young woman can find herself in such a vulnerable situation. That is not OK."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-wrong-new-zealand-australia-clash-over-responsibility-of-terrorist-with-dual-nationality-363934">NZ-Australia clash over responsibility of terrorist with dual nationality</a>

Brittany Higgins had alleged that after a night out drinking with conservative Liberal Party colleagues, she was sexually assaulted by one of her male colleagues in the now-Defence Minister Linda Reynolds' office. The incident which happened in 2019 was, as per Higgings, reported to her superior. However, she was then asked to attend a formal employment meeting in that very room.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-pm-scott-morrison-apologises-to-woman-who-was-raped-in-parliament-363982">WATCH|</a>

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She says she was forced to choose between filing a police complaint and her "dream job" at the age of 24.

Higgins' accusation has highlighted the mistreatment of women in the country's political environment, which is believed to be on an alarming rise. Women in politics are also increasingly being subjected to bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-and-facebook-close-to-deals-with-australian-media-363691" hreflang="en">Google and Facebook 'close' to deals with Australian media</a>

While the government, at first, tried to claim they had provided full support to the victim, an official later admitted that the choice of room for the meeting was a huge mistake. Higgins, on the other hand, claims she felt like a "political problem" that needed to be solved and claimed her bosses were highly "uncomfortable" if she brought up the tragedy.

Along with an apology, the Prime Minister also ordered an investigation into such inhumane treatment of women in Parliament in the country.&nbsp;

This was appreciated by Higgins. "The Prime Minister's announcement of an investigation into the culture in Parliament House is a welcomed first-step, though it is long overdue," she said.

Australia has yet another problem at hand, a rape scandal, and the Prime Minister has had to issue an apology. The apology came after a former Australian government staffer has said she was raped in a government minister's office in the parliament.

Australia has yet another problem at hand, a rape scandal, and the Prime Minister has had to issue an apology. The apology came after a former Australian government staffer has said she was raped in a government minister's office in the parliament. She also accused that she was not helped by her bosses even after coming forward. This has prompted an apology from the Prime Minister. "That should not have happened. And I do apologise," he told local reporters. "There should not be an environment where a young woman can find herself in such a vulnerable situation. That is not OK." Also read| NZ-Australia clash over responsibility of terrorist with dual nationality Brittany Higgins had alleged that after a night out drinking with conservative Liberal Party colleagues, she was sexually assaulted by one of her male colleagues in the now-Defence Minister Linda Reynolds' office. The incident which happened in 2019 was, as per Higgings, reported to her superior. However, she was then asked to attend a formal employment meeting in that very room. WATCH| She says she was forced to choose between filing a police complaint and her "dream job" at the age of 24. Higgins' accusation has highlighted the mistreatment of women in the country's political environment, which is believed to be on an alarming rise. Women in politics are also increasingly being subjected to bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct. Also read| Google and Facebook 'close' to deals with Australian media While the government, at first, tried to claim they had provided full support to the victim, an official later admitted that the choice of room for the meeting was a huge mistake. Higgins, on the other hand, claims she felt like a "political problem" that needed to be solved and claimed her bosses were highly "uncomfortable" if she brought up the tragedy. Along with an apology, the Prime Minister also ordered an investigation into such inhumane treatment of women in Parliament in the country. This was appreciated by Higgins. "The Prime Minister's announcement of an investigation into the culture in Parliament House is a welcomed first-step, though it is long overdue," she said.

Woman raped in Australian parliament, PM apologises

A former government staff member’s account of being raped in Australia’s Parliament building sent shock waves through the country’s halls of power Monday, with the governing conservative party coming under intense criticism for the way it had handled the case.

Women’s rights advocates called it an extreme example of what has long been described as a culture of misogyny that has pushed several women out of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s coalition government.

The former staff member, Brittany Higgins, now 26, said she was attacked nearly two years ago after a night out drinking with colleagues. Higgins, who came forward in an interview published on the news site news.com.au Monday, had been weeks into a new job as a media adviser for the defence minister, Linda Reynolds.

She said she had been offered a ride home by a male colleague widely regarded as a rising star within the Liberal Party. Instead, he redirected the taxi driver to Parliament House, where, she said, he assaulted her after she had fallen asleep on a couch in the defence minister’s office.

She has not publicly identified the man.

She said she had quickly informed Reynolds, along with more than a dozen others, including Parliament House staff members.

In response to a phone call from The New York Times, Higgins’ partner relayed comments from her by email. Higgins said that although she had initially pursued charges with the police, she later dropped them because of internal pressure from the party. She said she had been made to choose between going to the police and keeping her job.

The case remains open but is not under active investigation, given that there has been no formal complaint from Higgins, according to a statement from the police in the Australian Capital Territory.

The government, which called the allegations “deeply distressing,” said in a statement that it “regrets in any way if Ms. Higgins felt unsupported through this process.” But it maintained that she had been encouraged by Reynolds to speak with the police “in order to assess the options available to her.” The defense minister did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Higgins later quit her job.

A former government staff member’s account of being raped in Australia’s Parliament building sent shock waves through the country’s halls of power Monday, with the governing conservative party coming under intense criticism for the way it had handled the case.

A former government staff member’s account of being raped in Australia’s Parliament building sent shock waves through the country’s halls of power Monday, with the governing conservative party coming under intense criticism for the way it had handled the case. Women’s rights advocates called it an extreme example of what has long been described as a culture of misogyny that has pushed several women out of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s coalition government. The former staff member, Brittany Higgins, now 26, said she was attacked nearly two years ago after a night out drinking with colleagues. Higgins, who came forward in an interview published on the news site news.com.au Monday, had been weeks into a new job as a media adviser for the defence minister, Linda Reynolds. She said she had been offered a ride home by a male colleague widely regarded as a rising star within the Liberal Party. Instead, he redirected the taxi driver to Parliament House, where, she said, he assaulted her after she had fallen asleep on a couch in the defence minister’s office. She has not publicly identified the man. She said she had quickly informed Reynolds, along with more than a dozen others, including Parliament House staff members. In response to a phone call from The New York Times, Higgins’ partner relayed comments from her by email. Higgins said that although she had initially pursued charges with the police, she later dropped them because of internal pressure from the party. She said she had been made to choose between going to the police and keeping her job. The case remains open but is not under active investigation, given that there has been no formal complaint from Higgins, according to a statement from the police in the Australian Capital Territory. The government, which called the allegations “deeply distressing,” said in a statement that it “regrets in any way if Ms. Higgins felt unsupported through this process.” But it maintained that she had been encouraged by Reynolds to speak with the police “in order to assess the options available to her.” The defense minister did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Higgins later quit her job.

Parliament House rape claim roils Australian government

Microsoft&nbsp;Corp said on Wednesday it fully supported proposed new laws in Australia that would force internet giants Google and Facebook Inc to pay domestic media outlets for their content.

Microsoft has been positioning itself to increase market share for its search engine, Bing after a Google executive told a Senate hearing last month that it would likely make its search engine unavailable in Australia if the government goes ahead with a draft law that would make tech giants pay for news content.

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Microsoft President Brad Smith said in a statement that he and Microsoft Chief Executive Satya Nadella had told Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Communications Minister Paul Fletcher in an online meeting&nbsp; that&nbsp;"While&nbsp;Microsoft&nbsp;is not subject to the legislation currently pending, we'd be willing to live by these rules if the government designates us."

"The code reasonably attempts to address the bargaining power imbalance between digital platforms and Australian news businesses."

Both Alphabet Inc's Google and Facebook have called the laws unworkable and said last month they would withdraw some key services from Australia if the regulations went ahead.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday&nbsp;Microsoft&nbsp;was ready to step in and expand its search product Bing in Australia if Google pulls its search engine after he spoke with&nbsp;Microsoft&nbsp;Chief Executive Satya Nadella last week.

Although Bing is Australia's second most popular search engine, it has only a 3.6 per cent&nbsp;market share, according to web analytics service Statcounter.

Google's search engine has 94 per cent of&nbsp;the country's search market, according to industry data.

Microsoft&nbsp;in its statement said it will offer small firms a chance to transfer advertising business to Bing with no costs and that it would invest further in the product to ensure it is competitive.

The mandatory code proposed by the government aims to make Google and Facebook pay Australian media companies fairly for using news content the tech giants siphon from news sites.

There are no plans to make smaller search engines such as Bing pay for linking users to Australian news, but the government has not ruled that option out. 
Google has faced pressure from authorities elsewhere to pay for news.

Last month, it signed a deal with a group of French publishers paving the way for the company to make digital copyright payments. Under the agreement, Google will negotiate individual licensing deals with newspapers, with payments based on factors such as the amount published daily and monthly internet site traffic.

But Google is resisting the Australian plan because it would have less control over how much it would have to pay. Under the Australian system, if an online platform and a news business can't agree on a price for news, an arbitration panel will make a binding decision on payment.

Microsoft Corp said on Wednesday it fully supported proposed new laws in Australia that would force internet giants Google and Facebook Inc to pay domestic media outlets for their content.

Microsoft Corp said on Wednesday it fully supported proposed new laws in Australia that would force internet giants Google and Facebook Inc to pay domestic media outlets for their content. Microsoft has been positioning itself to increase market share for its search engine, Bing after a Google executive told a Senate hearing last month that it would likely make its search engine unavailable in Australia if the government goes ahead with a draft law that would make tech giants pay for news content. Microsoft President Brad Smith said in a statement that he and Microsoft Chief Executive Satya Nadella had told Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Communications Minister Paul Fletcher in an online meeting that "While Microsoft is not subject to the legislation currently pending, we'd be willing to live by these rules if the government designates us." "The code reasonably attempts to address the bargaining power imbalance between digital platforms and Australian news businesses." Both Alphabet Inc's Google and Facebook have called the laws unworkable and said last month they would withdraw some key services from Australia if the regulations went ahead. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday Microsoft was ready to step in and expand its search product Bing in Australia if Google pulls its search engine after he spoke with Microsoft Chief Executive Satya Nadella last week. Although Bing is Australia's second most popular search engine, it has only a 3.6 per cent market share, according to web analytics service Statcounter. Google's search engine has 94 per cent of the country's search market, according to industry data. Microsoft in its statement said it will offer small firms a chance to transfer advertising business to Bing with no costs and that it would invest further in the product to ensure it is competitive. The mandatory code proposed by the government aims to make Google and Facebook pay Australian media companies fairly for using news content the tech giants siphon from news sites. There are no plans to make smaller search engines such as Bing pay for linking users to Australian news, but the government has not ruled that option out. Google has faced pressure from authorities elsewhere to pay for news. Last month, it signed a deal with a group of French publishers paving the way for the company to make digital copyright payments. Under the agreement, Google will negotiate individual licensing deals with newspapers, with payments based on factors such as the amount published daily and monthly internet site traffic. But Google is resisting the Australian plan because it would have less control over how much it would have to pay. Under the Australian system, if an online platform and a news business can't agree on a price for news, an arbitration panel will make a binding decision on payment.

Microsoft says it supports Australia's plans to make Google pay for news

Software giant Microsoft Corp is confident its search product Bing can fill the gap in Australia if&nbsp;Google&nbsp;pulls its search over required payments to media outlets, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday.

Australia has introduced laws that would force internet giant&nbsp;Google&nbsp;and social media heavyweight Facebook Inc to negotiate payments to domestic media outlets whose content links drive traffic to their platforms.

However, the Big Tech firms have called the laws unworkable and said last month they would withdraw key services from Australia if the regulations went ahead. Those services include&nbsp;Google's search engine, which has 94 per cent&nbsp;of the country's search market, according to industry data.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has since spoken with Morrison about the new rules, the tech company told Reuters, and on Monday, Morrison said the software company was ready to grow the presence of its search tool Bing, the distant No. 2 player.

"I can tell you, Microsoft's pretty confident, when I spoke to Satya," Morrison told reporters in Canberra, without giving further detail of the conversation.

"We just want the rules in the digital world to be the same that exist in the real world, in the physical world," Morrison added.

A Microsoft spokeswoman confirmed the discussion took place but declined to comment, because the company was not directly involved in the laws.

"We recognise the importance of a vibrant media sector and public interest journalism in a democracy and we recognise the challenges the media sector has faced over many years through changing business models and consumer preferences," the spokeswoman said.

Google&nbsp;declined to comment.

A day earlier, Australian treasurer Josh Frydenberg said Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had requested a meeting over the law, and that they had talked, but that he would not back down on the change.

At a Senate hearing into the laws, Department of Treasury deputy secretary of markets Meghan Quinn said the Australian government would have limited ability to intervene if&nbsp;Google's departure hurt businesses which rely on its search function.

"The (media bargaining) code doesn't prevent the wholesale withdrawal of services, and there's difficulty in any of the legislative mechanisms we've got for someone to (be forced to) provide a service," Quinn said.

Software giant Microsoft Corp is confident its search product Bing can fill the gap in Australia if Google pulls its search over required payments to media outlets, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday.

Software giant Microsoft Corp is confident its search product Bing can fill the gap in Australia if Google pulls its search over required payments to media outlets, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday. Australia has introduced laws that would force internet giant Google and social media heavyweight Facebook Inc to negotiate payments to domestic media outlets whose content links drive traffic to their platforms. However, the Big Tech firms have called the laws unworkable and said last month they would withdraw key services from Australia if the regulations went ahead. Those services include Google's search engine, which has 94 per cent of the country's search market, according to industry data. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has since spoken with Morrison about the new rules, the tech company told Reuters, and on Monday, Morrison said the software company was ready to grow the presence of its search tool Bing, the distant No. 2 player. "I can tell you, Microsoft's pretty confident, when I spoke to Satya," Morrison told reporters in Canberra, without giving further detail of the conversation. "We just want the rules in the digital world to be the same that exist in the real world, in the physical world," Morrison added. A Microsoft spokeswoman confirmed the discussion took place but declined to comment, because the company was not directly involved in the laws. "We recognise the importance of a vibrant media sector and public interest journalism in a democracy and we recognise the challenges the media sector has faced over many years through changing business models and consumer preferences," the spokeswoman said. Google declined to comment. A day earlier, Australian treasurer Josh Frydenberg said Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had requested a meeting over the law, and that they had talked, but that he would not back down on the change. At a Senate hearing into the laws, Department of Treasury deputy secretary of markets Meghan Quinn said the Australian government would have limited ability to intervene if Google's departure hurt businesses which rely on its search function. "The (media bargaining) code doesn't prevent the wholesale withdrawal of services, and there's difficulty in any of the legislative mechanisms we've got for someone to (be forced to) provide a service," Quinn said.

As Google eyes Australia exit, Microsoft talks Bing with Prime Minister Scott Morrison

In a major escalation, Google threatened Friday to make its search engine unavailable in Australia if the government approved legislation that would force tech companies to pay for journalism shared on their platforms.

Facebook, which appeared with Google at an Australian Senate hearing, reaffirmed a threat of its own, vowing to block users in Australia from posting or sharing links to news if the bill passed.

In both cases, the dire warnings — which one senator called blackmail — revealed the apparent willingness of Facebook and Google to hide or erase reliable sources of information for millions of people at a time when social media platforms are under fire for helping misinformation spread worldwide.

The companies argue that they already help the media industry by sending it traffic and that the bill would open them up to “unmanageable levels of financial and operational risk.” The response by Google, which controls 95% of all queries in Australia in addition to owning YouTube, has grown particularly aggressive: The company recently buried major Australian news sites in search results in what it called an “experiment.”

But the precedent of paying for journalism does not, in itself, seem to be the issue.

A few hours before Google threatened to take away its search engine in Australia, the company agreed to pay news publications in France under an agreement that is likely to lead to more deals across Europe.

The battle in Australia centers on power: who gets to decide the payments, what prompts a charge for the tech companies and when do they have to reveal changes in their algorithms.

Australia’s assertive challenge to the online giants has placed it in the vanguard of a movement to bolster a traditional news media ecosystem that America’s trillion-dollar tech companies threaten with extinction. For Google and Facebook, their intense pushback has become a focal point of their global efforts to limit regulation, as governments around the world look to rein them in.

Here’s a summary of the fight:

Rapid vs. Prolonged Negotiations

Under Australia’s proposed legislation, if media companies and platforms like Google cannot agree on a price for news content, an independent arbitration body will resolve the dispute. That could amount to a first in the world.

The agreement in France lets Google negotiate with publishers using criteria the company has established, such as the contribution to general discussion, publication volume and audience size. Disputes would most likely go to court, where they could be bogged down for years, delaying payment.

Australia’s bill would streamline the process and strengthen the weaker side — the media.

As Rod Sims, chairman of Australia’s consumer protection regulator, explained: “The aim of the code is to address the uneven bargaining position between Australian news media businesses and the big digital platforms who have clear market power.”

The tech companies say it would create an incentive for media companies to jack up prices, sending cases to an arbiter who will determine final payment. They point to a government report estimating that 75% of the negotiations could end up with arbitrators.

Critics argue that Google and Facebook are simply trying to maintain their position as the ones who get to determine what news is worth.

“It’s about the external process being imposed on them by legislation, rather than by them just being able to dole out deals as they see fit,” said Peter Lewis, director of the Center for Responsible Technology at the Australia Institute, an independent research group. “It shifts the balance of power from their hands to a third party, and that’s what they can’t countenance.”

Links vs. Previews

The fight centers in part on a debate over the nature of search results and on the question of whether tech companies should pay for every article that Australians see on their platforms.

In a submission to Australia’s Senate inquiry about the proposal, Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, wrote that “the code risks breaching a fundamental principle of the web by requiring payment for linking between certain content online.”

“The ability to link freely,” he added, “meaning without limitations regarding the content of the linked site and without monetary fees, is fundamental to how the web operates.”

Melanie Silva, managing director of Google Australia and New Zealand, made the same argument Friday in the Senate and in a video posted to Twitter, where she asked people to imagine recommending a few cafes to a friend — and then getting a bill from the cafes for sharing that information.

“When you put a price on linking to certain information, you break the way search engines work,” she said. “And you no longer have a free and open web.”

Google and Facebook (along with Twitter and others), however, do not simply link. They frame the work in previews, with headlines, summaries and photos, and then curate and serve up the content while sprinkling in advertisements.

Tama Leaver, a professor of internet studies at Curtin University in Perth, noted in a recent essay that this added value lessens the likelihood of someone clicking into the article, hurting media companies while improving the tech companies’ bottom line.

“It is often in that reframing that advertisements appear, and this is where these platforms make money,” he wrote. He added that the code could be adjusted to charge the companies only when they create previews, not just links.

But Sims, the main architect of the code, said Friday in the Senate that Google and Berners-Lee were simply wrong on the details.

“The code does not require Google and Facebook to pay for linking news content,” he said. “Indeed, discussions we are aware of have focused on paying upfront lump sum amounts, not per click.”

More broadly, lawmakers and public policy experts have argued that the companies do not just share information like a friend. They harvest details about their users in order to make what they share profitable.

As Lewis at the Australia Institute put it, they don’t just give you information about where to get coffee — they follow you to the cafe, watch what you order and where you go next, then sell that knowledge to companies that want to market you something else.

Sen. Rex Patrick accused Google of pretending to be concerned about “technical precedence.” In fact, he said, it’s all about “commercial precedence” — money.

Google Australia collected roughly $3.3 billion from Australian advertisers in 2019 and paid about $77 million in taxes, with a reported profit of about $637 million.

Secret Algorithms vs. Transparency

One potentially groundbreaking element of the proposed legislation involves the secret sauce of Facebook, Google and subsidiaries like YouTube: the algorithms that determine what people see when they search or scroll through the platforms.

Early drafts of the bill would have required that tech companies give their news media partners 28 days’ notice before making any changes that would affect how users interact with their content.

Google and Facebook said that would be impossible because their algorithms are always changing in ways that can be difficult to measure for a subset like news, so in the latest draft, lawmakers limited the scope.

If the bill passes in one form or another, which seems likely, the digital platforms will have to give the media 14 days’ notice of deliberate algorithm changes that significantly affect their businesses. Even that, some critics argue, is not enough for Big Tech.

“I think Google and Facebook are seriously worried that other countries will join in Australia’s effort,” said Johan Lidberg, a professor of media at Monash University in Melbourne. “This could eventually cause substantial revenue losses globally and serious loss of control, exemplified by the algorithm issue.”

But, he added, using threats to bully lawmakers will not do them any good.

“Google’s overreaction perfectly illustrates why the code is needed,” he said, “and beyond that, the dire need for all governments, across the globe, to join in efforts in reining in and limiting the power of these companies that is completely out of hand.”

In a major escalation, Google threatened Friday to make its search engine unavailable in Australia if the government approved legislation that would force tech companies to pay for journalism shared on their platforms.

In a major escalation, Google threatened Friday to make its search engine unavailable in Australia if the government approved legislation that would force tech companies to pay for journalism shared on their platforms. Facebook, which appeared with Google at an Australian Senate hearing, reaffirmed a threat of its own, vowing to block users in Australia from posting or sharing links to news if the bill passed. In both cases, the dire warnings — which one senator called blackmail — revealed the apparent willingness of Facebook and Google to hide or erase reliable sources of information for millions of people at a time when social media platforms are under fire for helping misinformation spread worldwide. The companies argue that they already help the media industry by sending it traffic and that the bill would open them up to “unmanageable levels of financial and operational risk.” The response by Google, which controls 95% of all queries in Australia in addition to owning YouTube, has grown particularly aggressive: The company recently buried major Australian news sites in search results in what it called an “experiment.” But the precedent of paying for journalism does not, in itself, seem to be the issue. A few hours before Google threatened to take away its search engine in Australia, the company agreed to pay news publications in France under an agreement that is likely to lead to more deals across Europe. The battle in Australia centers on power: who gets to decide the payments, what prompts a charge for the tech companies and when do they have to reveal changes in their algorithms. Australia’s assertive challenge to the online giants has placed it in the vanguard of a movement to bolster a traditional news media ecosystem that America’s trillion-dollar tech companies threaten with extinction. For Google and Facebook, their intense pushback has become a focal point of their global efforts to limit regulation, as governments around the world look to rein them in. Here’s a summary of the fight: Rapid vs. Prolonged Negotiations Under Australia’s proposed legislation, if media companies and platforms like Google cannot agree on a price for news content, an independent arbitration body will resolve the dispute. That could amount to a first in the world. The agreement in France lets Google negotiate with publishers using criteria the company has established, such as the contribution to general discussion, publication volume and audience size. Disputes would most likely go to court, where they could be bogged down for years, delaying payment. Australia’s bill would streamline the process and strengthen the weaker side — the media. As Rod Sims, chairman of Australia’s consumer protection regulator, explained: “The aim of the code is to address the uneven bargaining position between Australian news media businesses and the big digital platforms who have clear market power.” The tech companies say it would create an incentive for media companies to jack up prices, sending cases to an arbiter who will determine final payment. They point to a government report estimating that 75% of the negotiations could end up with arbitrators. Critics argue that Google and Facebook are simply trying to maintain their position as the ones who get to determine what news is worth. “It’s about the external process being imposed on them by legislation, rather than by them just being able to dole out deals as they see fit,” said Peter Lewis, director of the Center for Responsible Technology at the Australia Institute, an independent research group. “It shifts the balance of power from their hands to a third party, and that’s what they can’t countenance.” Links vs. Previews The fight centers in part on a debate over the nature of search results and on the question of whether tech companies should pay for every article that Australians see on their platforms. In a submission to Australia’s Senate inquiry about the proposal, Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, wrote that “the code risks breaching a fundamental principle of the web by requiring payment for linking between certain content online.” “The ability to link freely,” he added, “meaning without limitations regarding the content of the linked site and without monetary fees, is fundamental to how the web operates.” Melanie Silva, managing director of Google Australia and New Zealand, made the same argument Friday in the Senate and in a video posted to Twitter, where she asked people to imagine recommending a few cafes to a friend — and then getting a bill from the cafes for sharing that information. “When you put a price on linking to certain information, you break the way search engines work,” she said. “And you no longer have a free and open web.” Google and Facebook (along with Twitter and others), however, do not simply link. They frame the work in previews, with headlines, summaries and photos, and then curate and serve up the content while sprinkling in advertisements. Tama Leaver, a professor of internet studies at Curtin University in Perth, noted in a recent essay that this added value lessens the likelihood of someone clicking into the article, hurting media companies while improving the tech companies’ bottom line. “It is often in that reframing that advertisements appear, and this is where these platforms make money,” he wrote. He added that the code could be adjusted to charge the companies only when they create previews, not just links. But Sims, the main architect of the code, said Friday in the Senate that Google and Berners-Lee were simply wrong on the details. “The code does not require Google and Facebook to pay for linking news content,” he said. “Indeed, discussions we are aware of have focused on paying upfront lump sum amounts, not per click.” More broadly, lawmakers and public policy experts have argued that the companies do not just share information like a friend. They harvest details about their users in order to make what they share profitable. As Lewis at the Australia Institute put it, they don’t just give you information about where to get coffee — they follow you to the cafe, watch what you order and where you go next, then sell that knowledge to companies that want to market you something else. Sen. Rex Patrick accused Google of pretending to be concerned about “technical precedence.” In fact, he said, it’s all about “commercial precedence” — money. Google Australia collected roughly $3.3 billion from Australian advertisers in 2019 and paid about $77 million in taxes, with a reported profit of about $637 million. Secret Algorithms vs. Transparency One potentially groundbreaking element of the proposed legislation involves the secret sauce of Facebook, Google and subsidiaries like YouTube: the algorithms that determine what people see when they search or scroll through the platforms. Early drafts of the bill would have required that tech companies give their news media partners 28 days’ notice before making any changes that would affect how users interact with their content. Google and Facebook said that would be impossible because their algorithms are always changing in ways that can be difficult to measure for a subset like news, so in the latest draft, lawmakers limited the scope. If the bill passes in one form or another, which seems likely, the digital platforms will have to give the media 14 days’ notice of deliberate algorithm changes that significantly affect their businesses. Even that, some critics argue, is not enough for Big Tech. “I think Google and Facebook are seriously worried that other countries will join in Australia’s effort,” said Johan Lidberg, a professor of media at Monash University in Melbourne. “This could eventually cause substantial revenue losses globally and serious loss of control, exemplified by the algorithm issue.” But, he added, using threats to bully lawmakers will not do them any good. “Google’s overreaction perfectly illustrates why the code is needed,” he said, “and beyond that, the dire need for all governments, across the globe, to join in efforts in reining in and limiting the power of these companies that is completely out of hand.”

An Australia with no Google? The bitter fight behind a drastic threat

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

Gravitas: Scott Morrison draws fire

Australia Day is held annually on Jan. 26, the anniversary of the day in 1788 when Captain Arthur Phillip guided a fleet of 11 British ships carrying convicts into Botany Bay in what is now Sydney.

Aus PM Scott Morrison under fire for saying '26th January wasn't a flash day'

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is being criticised after he slammed a Cricket Australia initiative to promote inclusivity on January 26, and claimed the date in 1788 “wasn’t a particularly flash day” for those on the first fleet.

Australia Day is held annually on January 26, the anniversary of the day in 1788 when Captain Arthur Phillip guided a fleet of 11 British ships carrying convicts into Botany Bay in what is now Sydney.

The game’s governing body on Wednesday announced it would drop references to “Australia Day” in promotional material for Big Bash League games in the lead-up to the public holiday considered by some as a day of mourning.

The day, referred to as “Invasion Day” by many Indigenous people and others, will instead be referred to simply as January 26.

But Morrison on Thursday said he disagreed with the push and said January 26 was “all about acknowledging how far we’ve come”.

“When those 12 ships turned up in Sydney, all those years ago, it wasn’t a particularly flash day for the people on those vessels either,” he said at a press conference in Queensland.&nbsp;

“What that day, to this, demonstrates is how far we’ve come as a country and I think that’s why it’s important to mark it in that way.”

Kevin Rudd, a former prime minister, to this end, branded him “gutless”.

“So afraid of offending the far right, he lets them spread dangerous coronavirus myths. He won’t criticise Trump’s incitement of insurrection against US Congress. Instead he bashes Cricket Australia for honouring the first Australians,” Rudd tweeted.

Sarah Hanson-Young, the senator for South Australia, told Morrison to “read the room” while the prominent barrister, Julian Burnside QC, called the nation’s prime minister a “numbskull”. “What bit doesn’t he understand?” Burnside tweeted.

Morrison had earlier told Cricket Australia there should be “a bit more focus on cricket, and a little less focus on politics”.

Earlier this year, Morrison also weighed in on an NRL plan to scrap the national anthem from the State of Origin series – after the prime minister spoke with Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V’landys, the decision was reversed.

Morrison’s government has since changed the words of the anthem, removing a reference to the country being “young and free".

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is being criticised after he slammed a Cricket Australia initiative to promote inclusivity on January 26, and claimed the date in 1788 “wasn’t a particularly flash day” for those on the first fleet.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is being criticised after he slammed a Cricket Australia initiative to promote inclusivity on January 26, and claimed the date in 1788 “wasn’t a particularly flash day” for those on the first fleet. Australia Day is held annually on January 26, the anniversary of the day in 1788 when Captain Arthur Phillip guided a fleet of 11 British ships carrying convicts into Botany Bay in what is now Sydney. The game’s governing body on Wednesday announced it would drop references to “Australia Day” in promotional material for Big Bash League games in the lead-up to the public holiday considered by some as a day of mourning. The day, referred to as “Invasion Day” by many Indigenous people and others, will instead be referred to simply as January 26. But Morrison on Thursday said he disagreed with the push and said January 26 was “all about acknowledging how far we’ve come”. “When those 12 ships turned up in Sydney, all those years ago, it wasn’t a particularly flash day for the people on those vessels either,” he said at a press conference in Queensland. “What that day, to this, demonstrates is how far we’ve come as a country and I think that’s why it’s important to mark it in that way.” Kevin Rudd, a former prime minister, to this end, branded him “gutless”. “So afraid of offending the far right, he lets them spread dangerous coronavirus myths. He won’t criticise Trump’s incitement of insurrection against US Congress. Instead he bashes Cricket Australia for honouring the first Australians,” Rudd tweeted. Sarah Hanson-Young, the senator for South Australia, told Morrison to “read the room” while the prominent barrister, Julian Burnside QC, called the nation’s prime minister a “numbskull”. “What bit doesn’t he understand?” Burnside tweeted. Morrison had earlier told Cricket Australia there should be “a bit more focus on cricket, and a little less focus on politics”. Earlier this year, Morrison also weighed in on an NRL plan to scrap the national anthem from the State of Origin series – after the prime minister spoke with Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V’landys, the decision was reversed. Morrison’s government has since changed the words of the anthem, removing a reference to the country being “young and free".

Aussie PM criticised for saying Jan 26 'wasn't a flash day for those on first fleet vessels either'

Replying to a congratulatory message by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Indian PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India and Australia are formidable competitors on the field while being solid partners off it as the duo exchanged messages on social media&nbsp;platform&nbsp;Twitter after India's historic Test series triumph against the Baggy Greens.&nbsp;

Defying all the odds, Team India led by Ajinkya Rahane, defeated a full-strength Australia by three wickets at the Gabba in Brisbane to win Border-Gavaskar Trophy while ending Australia's 32-year unbeaten streak at the iconic&nbsp;venue.&nbsp;

"Congratulations&nbsp;@narendramodi and the Indian Cricket Team on a great win in the test series here in Australia. It was a&nbsp;hard fought&nbsp;contest between the game's best teams and players," Prime Minister Morrison tweeted.&nbsp;

Commiserations to Tim Paine and the Australian Men's Test Team, he said, adding, "They'll be back."&nbsp;

Replying to Prime Minister Morrison, PM Modi tweeted, "Thanks, @ScottMorrisonMP. It was a thrilling series with the best from both the teams on full display."&nbsp;

"India and Australia make for formidable competitors on the field, and solid partners off it," he said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-australia-thanks-bcci-on-successful-tour-salutes-team-indias-courage-and-skill-357897" hreflang="en">Cricket Australia thanks BCCI on successful tour, salutes Team India's 'courage and skill'</a>

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Thanks, <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScottMorrisonMP</a>. 
It was a thrilling series with the best from both the teams on full display. 
 
India and Australia make for formidable competitors on the field, and solid partners off it. <a href="https://t.co/6lndFvRP0U">https://t.co/6lndFvRP0U</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1351796975126118401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Showing grit and resilience, Indian team made comeback in a sensational fashion. After going down in Adelaide, the visitors fought back in Melbourne. While the Rahane-led side drew the Sydney Test, they exceeded all the expectations after defeating Australia at their&nbsp;'fortress' Gabba.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Even Cricket Australia thanked the BCCI through an open letter as the hosts lauded Team India's 'courage and skill' in what will be remembered as one of the best Test series of all-time.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-hailed-as-immortals-australia-under-fire-after-gabba-stunner-357893" hreflang="en">India hailed as 'Immortals', Australia under fire after Gabba stunner</a>

Congratulatory messages flooded social media platforms with fans, former players, current players, pundits wishing Team India after its historic triumph Down Under.&nbsp;

India's next immediate assignment will be a full-fledged home series against England starting from February 5.&nbsp;

Replying to a congratulatory message by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Indian PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India and Australia are formidable competitors on the field while being solid partners off it as the duo exchanged messages on social media platform Twitter after India's historic Test series triumph against the Baggy Greens.

Replying to a congratulatory message by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Indian PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India and Australia are formidable competitors on the field while being solid partners off it as the duo exchanged messages on social media platform Twitter after India's historic Test series triumph against the Baggy Greens. Defying all the odds, Team India led by Ajinkya Rahane, defeated a full-strength Australia by three wickets at the Gabba in Brisbane to win Border-Gavaskar Trophy while ending Australia's 32-year unbeaten streak at the iconic venue. "Congratulations @narendramodi and the Indian Cricket Team on a great win in the test series here in Australia. It was a hard fought contest between the game's best teams and players," Prime Minister Morrison tweeted. Commiserations to Tim Paine and the Australian Men's Test Team, he said, adding, "They'll be back." Replying to Prime Minister Morrison, PM Modi tweeted, "Thanks, @ScottMorrisonMP. It was a thrilling series with the best from both the teams on full display." "India and Australia make for formidable competitors on the field, and solid partners off it," he said. ALSO READ: Cricket Australia thanks BCCI on successful tour, salutes Team India's 'courage and skill' Thanks, @ScottMorrisonMP. It was a thrilling series with the best from both the teams on full display. India and Australia make for formidable competitors on the field, and solid partners off it. https://t.co/6lndFvRP0U — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2021 × Showing grit and resilience, Indian team made comeback in a sensational fashion. After going down in Adelaide, the visitors fought back in Melbourne. While the Rahane-led side drew the Sydney Test, they exceeded all the expectations after defeating Australia at their 'fortress' Gabba. Even Cricket Australia thanked the BCCI through an open letter as the hosts lauded Team India's 'courage and skill' in what will be remembered as one of the best Test series of all-time. ALSO READ: India hailed as 'Immortals', Australia under fire after Gabba stunner Congratulatory messages flooded social media platforms with fans, former players, current players, pundits wishing Team India after its historic triumph Down Under. India's next immediate assignment will be a full-fledged home series against England starting from February 5.

Formidable competitors on field, solid partners off it: PM Narendra Modi to Australian PM after Test series triumph

In a historic move, Australia changed a line in its national anthem to recognise the history of the Indigenous people in the country.

From January 1, 2021, the second line of Australia's national anthem will change from, 'For we are young and free' to 'For we are one and free'.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the second line in the national anthem, Advance Australia Fair, would change from "For we are young and free" to "For we are one and free".

"Australia as a modern nation may be relatively young, but our country’s story is ancient, as are the stories of the many First Nations peoples whose stewardship we rightly acknowledge and respect," Morrison wrote in The Age newspaper on New Year's Eve.

It picks up an idea floated earlier in the year by the New South Wales premier, Gladys Berejiklian, who said the current wording ignored Australia’s “proud First Nations culture” and made some people feel excluded.

Advance Australia Fair was composed by Peter Dodds McCormick and first performed in 1878.

It was adopted as the country's national anthem on April 19, 1984, replacing God Save the Queen which had been in place since the time of British settlement.

Prime Minister Bob Hawke last recommended a modification of the national anthem to the Governor-General in 1984.

The historic change to Advance Australia Fair has involved consultations with state premiers, state governors who have been advised by the Governor-General as well as the Speaker of Federal Parliament and the President of the Senate.

In recent times, leaders from all sides of politics have expressed public support for changing the anthem to better reflect modern Australia and its Indigenous heritage.

Australia is a country still reckoning with its colonial past and inequality facing its First Nations peoples, with&nbsp;Indigenous children twice as likely to die before their fifth birthday, according to official statistics.

Earlier this year, large protests were held in several cities around the country calling for an end to deaths in custody of Indigenous people -- which number more than 400 in the last three decades.

No prosecutions have been brought despite dozens of investigations, inquests and in some cases video evidence of abuse.

In a historic move, Australia changed a line in its national anthem to recognise the history of the Indigenous people in the country. From January 1, 2021, the second line of Australia's national anthem will change from, 'For we are young and free' to 'For we are one and free'.

In a historic move, Australia changed a line in its national anthem to recognise the history of the Indigenous people in the country. From January 1, 2021, the second line of Australia's national anthem will change from, 'For we are young and free' to 'For we are one and free'. Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the second line in the national anthem, Advance Australia Fair, would change from "For we are young and free" to "For we are one and free". "Australia as a modern nation may be relatively young, but our country’s story is ancient, as are the stories of the many First Nations peoples whose stewardship we rightly acknowledge and respect," Morrison wrote in The Age newspaper on New Year's Eve. It picks up an idea floated earlier in the year by the New South Wales premier, Gladys Berejiklian, who said the current wording ignored Australia’s “proud First Nations culture” and made some people feel excluded. Advance Australia Fair was composed by Peter Dodds McCormick and first performed in 1878. It was adopted as the country's national anthem on April 19, 1984, replacing God Save the Queen which had been in place since the time of British settlement. Prime Minister Bob Hawke last recommended a modification of the national anthem to the Governor-General in 1984. The historic change to Advance Australia Fair has involved consultations with state premiers, state governors who have been advised by the Governor-General as well as the Speaker of Federal Parliament and the President of the Senate. In recent times, leaders from all sides of politics have expressed public support for changing the anthem to better reflect modern Australia and its Indigenous heritage. Australia is a country still reckoning with its colonial past and inequality facing its First Nations peoples, with Indigenous children twice as likely to die before their fifth birthday, according to official statistics. Earlier this year, large protests were held in several cities around the country calling for an end to deaths in custody of Indigenous people -- which number more than 400 in the last three decades. No prosecutions have been brought despite dozens of investigations, inquests and in some cases video evidence of abuse.

'We are one and free': Australian anthem changed to recognise Indigenous people

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

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

Second Chinese diplomat Wang Xining in Australia blamed on Friday Prime Minister Scott Morrison for "overreacting" on a tweet by a Beijing official.

Earlier, Morrison described a tweet by Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian as "repugnant", "outrageous" and "appalling" which showed a digitally altered image of an Australian soldier holding a knife to the throat of an Afghan child.&nbsp;

Watch&nbsp;|

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"People wondered why a national leader would have such a strong opinion to an artwork by a normal young artist in China," said Wang, as reported by SCMP.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-global-allies-vow-to-drink-wine-to-choke-impact-of-chinese-sanctions-346941">Australia's global allies vow to drink wine to choke impact of Chinese sanctions</a>

He also accused Australian media of "randomly giving a name" to the Chinese embassy's listing of 14 issues that it said had "poisoned" ties between both the countries.&nbsp;

The issues included Canberra's proposal for an inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic and "antagonistic" media reports about China.

It has been widely seen in Australia that the 14 points of the lists are the demands made by China for removing restrictions on over a dozen Australian exports, including wine, beef and barley.&nbsp;

The senior Chinese diplomat said Australia needs to take "concrete steps" for a "better atmosphere on which we can build our relations".

"We would like to see concrete actions from the Australian side that would help to build a good atmosphere for the two countries’ governments to work together for the same aim," said Wang.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Second Chinese diplomat Wang Xining in Australia blamed on Friday Prime Minister Scott Morrison for "overreacting" on a tweet by a Beijing official. Earlier, Morrison described a tweet by Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian as "repugnant", "outrageous" and "appalling" which showed a digitally altered image of an Australian soldier holding a knife to the throat of an Afghan child.

Second Chinese diplomat Wang Xining in Australia blamed on Friday Prime Minister Scott Morrison for "overreacting" on a tweet by a Beijing official. Earlier, Morrison described a tweet by Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian as "repugnant", "outrageous" and "appalling" which showed a digitally altered image of an Australian soldier holding a knife to the throat of an Afghan child. Watch | "People wondered why a national leader would have such a strong opinion to an artwork by a normal young artist in China," said Wang, as reported by SCMP. Also read | Australia's global allies vow to drink wine to choke impact of Chinese sanctions He also accused Australian media of "randomly giving a name" to the Chinese embassy's listing of 14 issues that it said had "poisoned" ties between both the countries. The issues included Canberra's proposal for an inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic and "antagonistic" media reports about China. It has been widely seen in Australia that the 14 points of the lists are the demands made by China for removing restrictions on over a dozen Australian exports, including wine, beef and barley. The senior Chinese diplomat said Australia needs to take "concrete steps" for a "better atmosphere on which we can build our relations". "We would like to see concrete actions from the Australian side that would help to build a good atmosphere for the two countries’ governments to work together for the same aim," said Wang.

Senior Chinese diplomat blames Australian PM Morrison for 'overreacting' on Afghan tweet

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison took to Chinese social media platform WeChat to criticise a "false image" of an Australian soldier posted on Twitter by the Chinese government.

Twitter is blocked in China, but has been increasingly used by Chinese diplomats who have adopted combative "Wolf Warrior diplomacy" tactics this year.

In a WeChat message on Tuesday night, Morrison wrote that the diplomatic dispute over the image of the soldier "does not diminish respect and appreciation for the Chinese community in Australia". He defended Australia's handling of a war crimes investigation into the actions of special forces in Afghanistan, and said Australia is able to deal with "thorny issues" like this in a transparent manner.

Australia has previously said 19 soldiers would be referred for potential criminal prosecution for the killings of unarmed Afghan prisoners and civilians.

China has rebuffed Morrison's calls for an apology after its foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian posted the digitally manipulated image of an Australian soldier holding a bloodied knife to the throat of an Afghan child on Monday.

China's embassy said the "rage and roar" from Australian politicians and media over the image was an overreaction.

WeChat told an Australian government inquiry in October it had 690,000 active daily users in Australia. Morrison's message had been read by 50,000 WeChat users by Wednesday morning.

Zhao's tweet, pinned to the top of his Twitter account, had been "liked" by 54,000 followers, after Twitter labelled it as sensitive content but declined the Australian government's request to remove the image.

China on Friday imposed dumping tariffs of up to 200% on Australian wine imports, effectively shutting off the largest export market for the Australian wine industry, amid a worsening diplomatic dispute that has seen a serious of trade reprisals imposed by China.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison took to Chinese social media platform WeChat to criticise a "false image" of an Australian soldier posted on Twitter by the Chinese government.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison took to Chinese social media platform WeChat to criticise a "false image" of an Australian soldier posted on Twitter by the Chinese government. Twitter is blocked in China, but has been increasingly used by Chinese diplomats who have adopted combative "Wolf Warrior diplomacy" tactics this year. In a WeChat message on Tuesday night, Morrison wrote that the diplomatic dispute over the image of the soldier "does not diminish respect and appreciation for the Chinese community in Australia". He defended Australia's handling of a war crimes investigation into the actions of special forces in Afghanistan, and said Australia is able to deal with "thorny issues" like this in a transparent manner. Australia has previously said 19 soldiers would be referred for potential criminal prosecution for the killings of unarmed Afghan prisoners and civilians. China has rebuffed Morrison's calls for an apology after its foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian posted the digitally manipulated image of an Australian soldier holding a bloodied knife to the throat of an Afghan child on Monday. China's embassy said the "rage and roar" from Australian politicians and media over the image was an overreaction. WeChat told an Australian government inquiry in October it had 690,000 active daily users in Australia. Morrison's message had been read by 50,000 WeChat users by Wednesday morning. Zhao's tweet, pinned to the top of his Twitter account, had been "liked" by 54,000 followers, after Twitter labelled it as sensitive content but declined the Australian government's request to remove the image. China on Friday imposed dumping tariffs of up to 200% on Australian wine imports, effectively shutting off the largest export market for the Australian wine industry, amid a worsening diplomatic dispute that has seen a serious of trade reprisals imposed by China.

Aussie PM Scott Morrison takes to WeChat to make a direct appeal to Chinese citizens

China is provoking India, fighting the U.S, and Australia, but can Beijing afford to be so aggressive? Does it have the money? Reports say China is under severe financial stress.

Gravitas: China, Australia ties hit a new low

Australia's Prime Minister has demanded an apology from China, After an fake image of an Australian soldier was posted on Chinese official twitter account. Scott Morrison had said image is truly repugnant and to be taken down immediately.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison lashes out at China

Commenting for the first time publicly on the report that found that Australia's special forces killed 39 civilians in Afghanistan illegally, Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday said the findings are "terribly disturbing".&nbsp;

"This is a terrible, terribly disturbing and distressing report," Morrison said, as quoted by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-troops-unlawfully-killed-39-civilians-and-prisoners-in-afghanistan-says-top-official-343987#:~:text=On%20Thursday%2C%20Australia's%20top%20military,rules%20and%20unlawfully%20killed%20civilians.">Australian troops 'unlawfully killed' 39 civilians and prisoners in Afghanistan, says top official</a>

However, he said that Australia knows how to "deal with it", adding that action will be taken "under our law, under our systems, and our justice system."

A years-long internal probe found shocking revelations, including coercion of newly recruited military personnel to shoot, engaging in "body count competitions", among others.&nbsp;

The military's own inspector general released the 465-page official inquiry into events that took place between 2005 and 2016.&nbsp;

Morrison had also called his Afghan counterpart on Wednesday where he underscored "some disturbing allegations" and added that the government taking them "very seriously".

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's office said the Australian PM had "expressed his deepest sorrow over the misconduct".

Kabul has described the findings of the report as "unforgivable" but appreciated its release as an "important step towards justice".

There has been widespread criticism post the release of the report by the Australians, who greatly admire and take pride in their nation's military. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Commenting for the first time publicly on the report that found that Australia's special forces killed 39 civilians in Afghanistan illegally, Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday said the findings are "terribly disturbing".

Commenting for the first time publicly on the report that found that Australia's special forces killed 39 civilians in Afghanistan illegally, Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday said the findings are "terribly disturbing". "This is a terrible, terribly disturbing and distressing report," Morrison said, as quoted by news agency Reuters. Also read | Australian troops 'unlawfully killed' 39 civilians and prisoners in Afghanistan, says top official However, he said that Australia knows how to "deal with it", adding that action will be taken "under our law, under our systems, and our justice system." A years-long internal probe found shocking revelations, including coercion of newly recruited military personnel to shoot, engaging in "body count competitions", among others. The military's own inspector general released the 465-page official inquiry into events that took place between 2005 and 2016. Morrison had also called his Afghan counterpart on Wednesday where he underscored "some disturbing allegations" and added that the government taking them "very seriously". Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's office said the Australian PM had "expressed his deepest sorrow over the misconduct". Kabul has described the findings of the report as "unforgivable" but appreciated its release as an "important step towards justice". There has been widespread criticism post the release of the report by the Australians, who greatly admire and take pride in their nation's military.

'Terribly disturbing': Australian PM reacts publicly on 'unlawful' killings report

Australia will not bow to pressure from China, Prime Minister Scott Morrison insisted on Thursday after Beijing released a laundry list of complaints about the country.&nbsp;

A Chinese official gave a dossier to Australian media containing 14 grievances, highlighting the increasingly fractious relationship between the two nations.

"If you make China the enemy, China will be the enemy," a Chinese government official reportedly told three prominent outlets on Wednesday.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-troops-unlawfully-killed-39-civilians-and-prisoners-in-afghanistan-says-top-official-343987" hreflang="en">Australian troops 'unlawfully killed' 39 civilians and prisoners in Afghanistan, says top official</a>

Among the complaints are Australia's strict foreign interference laws, the country's ban on Huawei's involvement in its 5G network and decisions that blocked Chinese investment projects on "national security grounds".

Morrison said the "unofficial document" came from the Chinese embassy and would not stop Australia from setting "our own laws and our own rules according to our national interest".

"We won't be compromising on the fact that we will set what our foreign investment laws are or how we build our 5G telecommunications networks or how we run our systems of protecting against interference Australia's way we run our country," he told Channel Nine.&nbsp;

The document also claimed Canberra had engaged in "incessant wanton interference" in China's affairs while singling out Australia's call for an independent inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/australian-prime-minister-scott-morrison-appoints-afghanistan-war-crimes-prosecutor-342532">Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison appoints Afghanistan war crimes prosecutor</a>

It accused Australia of "siding with the US' anti-China campaign and spreading disinformation" about where the virus originated -- a particularly sore point for Beijing.&nbsp;

The United States weighed in on the diplomatic rift Thursday, with the White House National Security Council saying on Twitter that "Beijing is upset Australia took steps to expose and thwart Chinese espionage &amp; to protect Aussie sovereignty".

"It's encouraging to see a growing number of countries following Canberra's lead in taking such steps," the tweet continued.

Relations between Canberra and Beijing have reached a new low in recent months, leaving Australian government ministers unable to persuade Chinese counterparts to even accept their phone calls.

The rift has left Australian exporters exposed as their largest trading partner places a series of retaliatory bans on agricultural goods including beef, barley and timber.

The latest diplomatic salvo comes just days after Morrison reached an in-principle agreement on bolstering defence relations with Japan's leader Yoshihide Suga, a move widely viewed as aimed at countering Chinese influence in the region.

Australia will not bow to pressure from China, Prime Minister Scott Morrison insisted on Thursday after Beijing released a laundry list of complaints about the country.

Australia will not bow to pressure from China, Prime Minister Scott Morrison insisted on Thursday after Beijing released a laundry list of complaints about the country. A Chinese official gave a dossier to Australian media containing 14 grievances, highlighting the increasingly fractious relationship between the two nations. "If you make China the enemy, China will be the enemy," a Chinese government official reportedly told three prominent outlets on Wednesday. Also read| Australian troops 'unlawfully killed' 39 civilians and prisoners in Afghanistan, says top official Among the complaints are Australia's strict foreign interference laws, the country's ban on Huawei's involvement in its 5G network and decisions that blocked Chinese investment projects on "national security grounds". Morrison said the "unofficial document" came from the Chinese embassy and would not stop Australia from setting "our own laws and our own rules according to our national interest". "We won't be compromising on the fact that we will set what our foreign investment laws are or how we build our 5G telecommunications networks or how we run our systems of protecting against interference Australia's way we run our country," he told Channel Nine. The document also claimed Canberra had engaged in "incessant wanton interference" in China's affairs while singling out Australia's call for an independent inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus. Also read| Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison appoints Afghanistan war crimes prosecutor It accused Australia of "siding with the US' anti-China campaign and spreading disinformation" about where the virus originated -- a particularly sore point for Beijing. The United States weighed in on the diplomatic rift Thursday, with the White House National Security Council saying on Twitter that "Beijing is upset Australia took steps to expose and thwart Chinese espionage & to protect Aussie sovereignty". "It's encouraging to see a growing number of countries following Canberra's lead in taking such steps," the tweet continued. Relations between Canberra and Beijing have reached a new low in recent months, leaving Australian government ministers unable to persuade Chinese counterparts to even accept their phone calls. The rift has left Australian exporters exposed as their largest trading partner places a series of retaliatory bans on agricultural goods including beef, barley and timber. The latest diplomatic salvo comes just days after Morrison reached an in-principle agreement on bolstering defence relations with Japan's leader Yoshihide Suga, a move widely viewed as aimed at countering Chinese influence in the region.

Australian PM rebuffs Chinese grievance list

US President-elect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> dialled US allies, Australia, South Korea and Japan on Thursday as he delivered the message of reassurance to American commitments in the region.&nbsp;

Despite Donald Trump's refusal to accept defeat, the head of states of all the three nations earlier congratulated Biden on his victory.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-makes-first-white-house-appointment-names-klain-as-chief-of-staff-342522">Joe Biden makes first White House appointment, names Klain as Chief of Staff</a>

In his conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, the latter told Biden about the "increasingly severe" security situation in the region, as per various Japanese officials.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-of-america-is-back-in-the-game-joe-biden-tells-world-leaders-342283">United States of America is ‘back in the game’: Joe Biden tells world leaders</a>

Biden, in his response, spoke of America's "deep commitment to the defence of Japan" and to decades-old treaty obligations, as per his transition team.

In a move likely to invite Beijing's wrath, the president-elect reportedly confirmed this defence commitment extended to the Senkakus, an uninhabited island chain claimed by both Japan and China which has been a major conflicting issue for decades.

Biden, in his 14-minute-conversation with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, said to have called the US-South Korea partnership as "the linchpin of security and prosperity" in the region and vowed to work collectively on "shared challenges", including North Korea and climate change.

South Korea's presidential Blue House said both leaders had agreed to meet "as soon as possible" after Biden's swearing-in.&nbsp;

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In his call with Australian PM Scott Morrison, Biden reportedly highlighted the need of "confronting climate change", which the conservative government in Canberra has been criticised for severely in recent times.&nbsp;

However, describing the call as "very warm", Morrison said Biden did not speak on net-zero carbon targets, focussing instead on "emissions reduction technologies".

Biden was also invited to visit Australia next year for the 70th anniversary of a security treaty between both the nations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US President-elect Joe Biden dialled US allies, Australia, South Korea and Japan on Thursday as he delivered the message of reassurance to American commitments in the region.

US President-elect Joe Biden dialled US allies, Australia, South Korea and Japan on Thursday as he delivered the message of reassurance to American commitments in the region. Despite Donald Trump's refusal to accept defeat, the head of states of all the three nations earlier congratulated Biden on his victory. Also read | Joe Biden makes first White House appointment, names Klain as Chief of Staff In his conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, the latter told Biden about the "increasingly severe" security situation in the region, as per various Japanese officials. Also read | United States of America is ‘back in the game’: Joe Biden tells world leaders Biden, in his response, spoke of America's "deep commitment to the defence of Japan" and to decades-old treaty obligations, as per his transition team. In a move likely to invite Beijing's wrath, the president-elect reportedly confirmed this defence commitment extended to the Senkakus, an uninhabited island chain claimed by both Japan and China which has been a major conflicting issue for decades. Biden, in his 14-minute-conversation with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, said to have called the US-South Korea partnership as "the linchpin of security and prosperity" in the region and vowed to work collectively on "shared challenges", including North Korea and climate change. South Korea's presidential Blue House said both leaders had agreed to meet "as soon as possible" after Biden's swearing-in. × In his call with Australian PM Scott Morrison, Biden reportedly highlighted the need of "confronting climate change", which the conservative government in Canberra has been criticised for severely in recent times. However, describing the call as "very warm", Morrison said Biden did not speak on net-zero carbon targets, focussing instead on "emissions reduction technologies". Biden was also invited to visit Australia next year for the 70th anniversary of a security treaty between both the nations.

Joe Biden dials Asian Pacific allies, reassures American commitments

The Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has extended wishes to Indians across the globe for Diwali saying the festival carries&nbsp;"a special significance" this year as the world has been taken over by the coronavirus pandemic.

In a video recorded message, he talked about the idea behind the Indian festival and talked about every year the festival is celebrated to signify the spiritual victory of goodness and light over evil and darkness. However, this year the pandemic has taken the celebrations away as majoirty of the countries are struglling to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-sonias-beauty-to-manmohans-integrity-heres-what-barack-obama-wrote-on-congress-leaders-342800" hreflang="en">From Sonia's beauty to Manmohan's 'integrity': Here's what Barack Obama wrote on Congress leaders</a>

"Most years, we often think of this dispelling of darkness as a theoretical concept rather than something that is experienced and overcome. This year, Diwali's message has a special significance," Prime Minister Morrison said in a video message released recently.

"Every nation on earth is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lives and livelihoods have been lost as we have witnessed the most dramatic shock in generations. Despite this, we have a common hope. Throughout 2020, despite our own fears, we have supported each other, encouraged each other, and stood with each other," he said.

"We have drawn strength and inspiration from our medical professionals, teachers, cleaners, retail staff, police and defence force personnel and so many more who have responded to the crisis with compassion and professionalism," he added.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/australian-prime-minister-scott-morrison-appoints-afghanistan-war-crimes-prosecutor-342532">Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison appoints Afghanistan war crimes prosecutor</a>

Taking the same message further, he also added about how he is proud of all of his countrymen and others around the globe who have come forward to support each other in these tough times. Talking about the multi-culture in Australia, Scott Morrison talked sent across a message of positivity. "I pay tribute to all those who have brought this tradition to our shores," he said.

"Yes, we have seen darkness this year, but the light is overcoming that darkness. There is light ahead, and there is hope. Warmest greetings to everyone celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights. It's a special moment for people of many faiths," he added.

Asutralia has now come out of a second lockdown which was imposed after the Vitoria state and Melbourne failed to contain the spread of coronavirus in the last few months, hinting towards a second wave of the deadly virus.

The Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has extended wishes to Indians across the globe for Diwali saying the festival carries "a special significance" this year as the world has been taken over by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has extended wishes to Indians across the globe for Diwali saying the festival carries "a special significance" this year as the world has been taken over by the coronavirus pandemic. In a video recorded message, he talked about the idea behind the Indian festival and talked about every year the festival is celebrated to signify the spiritual victory of goodness and light over evil and darkness. However, this year the pandemic has taken the celebrations away as majoirty of the countries are struglling to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. Also read| From Sonia's beauty to Manmohan's 'integrity': Here's what Barack Obama wrote on Congress leaders "Most years, we often think of this dispelling of darkness as a theoretical concept rather than something that is experienced and overcome. This year, Diwali's message has a special significance," Prime Minister Morrison said in a video message released recently. "Every nation on earth is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lives and livelihoods have been lost as we have witnessed the most dramatic shock in generations. Despite this, we have a common hope. Throughout 2020, despite our own fears, we have supported each other, encouraged each other, and stood with each other," he said. "We have drawn strength and inspiration from our medical professionals, teachers, cleaners, retail staff, police and defence force personnel and so many more who have responded to the crisis with compassion and professionalism," he added. Also read| Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison appoints Afghanistan war crimes prosecutor Taking the same message further, he also added about how he is proud of all of his countrymen and others around the globe who have come forward to support each other in these tough times. Talking about the multi-culture in Australia, Scott Morrison talked sent across a message of positivity. "I pay tribute to all those who have brought this tradition to our shores," he said. "Yes, we have seen darkness this year, but the light is overcoming that darkness. There is light ahead, and there is hope. Warmest greetings to everyone celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights. It's a special moment for people of many faiths," he added. Asutralia has now come out of a second lockdown which was imposed after the Vitoria state and Melbourne failed to contain the spread of coronavirus in the last few months, hinting towards a second wave of the deadly virus.

Australian PM Scott Morrison sends Diwali message amid COVID-19 pandemic

Australia on Thursday announced the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate possible war crimes committed by Australian forces in Afghanistan, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison insisting standards must be upheld.

"Serving men and women and our defense forces, both past and present, share the expectations and aspirations of the Australian people for our defense forces, and how they engage in their conduct," Morrison said.

"This requires us to deal with honest and brutal truths, where expectations and standards may not have been met."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-authorises-sanctions-over-icc-afghanistan-war-crimes-case-305171">Trump authorises sanctions over ICC Afghanistan war crimes case</a>

At least 55 separate incidents have been probed as part of the exhaustive four-year probe that has interviewed more than 330 witnesses.

Australia&nbsp;in 2016 launched an inquiry into the conduct of the personnel of its special forces between 2005 and 2016 amid allegations by local media about the killing of unarmed men and children.

While Morrison did not reveal details of the report, which is set to be released next week, he said it will contain "difficult and hard news for&nbsp;Australians".

"Given the likely allegations of serious and possibly criminal misconduct, the matters raised in the inquiry must be assessed, investigated and, where allegations are substantiated, prosecuted in court," Morrison told reporters in Canberra.

Morrison said the special investigator was needed as the probe into the actions of some of&nbsp;Australia's military in Afghanistan was so complex that it would overwhelm and distract the country's normal criminal prosecutor.

The special prosecutor will be assisted by experienced investigators, legal counsel, and other support personnel, Morrison said.

Australia&nbsp;is a staunch&nbsp;ally of the United States and has had troops in Afghanistan since 2002.

Australia on Thursday announced the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate possible war crimes committed by Australian forces in Afghanistan, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison insisting standards must be upheld.

Australia on Thursday announced the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate possible war crimes committed by Australian forces in Afghanistan, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison insisting standards must be upheld. "Serving men and women and our defense forces, both past and present, share the expectations and aspirations of the Australian people for our defense forces, and how they engage in their conduct," Morrison said. "This requires us to deal with honest and brutal truths, where expectations and standards may not have been met." Also read: Trump authorises sanctions over ICC Afghanistan war crimes case At least 55 separate incidents have been probed as part of the exhaustive four-year probe that has interviewed more than 330 witnesses. Australia in 2016 launched an inquiry into the conduct of the personnel of its special forces between 2005 and 2016 amid allegations by local media about the killing of unarmed men and children. While Morrison did not reveal details of the report, which is set to be released next week, he said it will contain "difficult and hard news for Australians". "Given the likely allegations of serious and possibly criminal misconduct, the matters raised in the inquiry must be assessed, investigated and, where allegations are substantiated, prosecuted in court," Morrison told reporters in Canberra. Morrison said the special investigator was needed as the probe into the actions of some of Australia's military in Afghanistan was so complex that it would overwhelm and distract the country's normal criminal prosecutor. The special prosecutor will be assisted by experienced investigators, legal counsel, and other support personnel, Morrison said. Australia is a staunch ally of the United States and has had troops in Afghanistan since 2002.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison appoints Afghanistan war crimes prosecutor

Australian&nbsp;Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday that his country&nbsp;would welcome President-elect Joe Biden restoring the United States to the Paris climate accord and returning as a member of the&nbsp;World Health Organization.

"We would be welcoming the United States back into the Paris Agreement, somewhere we've always been," Morrison told reporters, saying a US&nbsp;return to other global organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) would also be welcome.

His statement came amid&nbsp;renewed pressure himself to boost efforts to cut Australia's carbon emissions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-and-team-spend-a-working-sunday-begin-transition-as-trump-refuses-to-concede-341759">Biden and team spend a working Sunday, begin transition as Trump refuses to concede</a>

The United States formally withdrew from the Paris climate agreement last week, but Biden has promised to rejoin the Paris pact, and also commit to net zero emissions by 2050.

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Although Australia state and territory governments have adopted the same 2050 target for net-zero emissions, Morrison's federal government has yet to do so. Australia is a major exporter of fossil fuels, particularly coal, and Morrison said many countries have made qualified climate commitments.

On Monday independent lawmaker Zali Steggall introduced a climate bill to federal parliament seeking a net-zero target, saying Australia would be "the pariah of the international community" if it didn't strengthen its climate commitments.

Meanwhile, underlining Australia's frustration with the outgoing President Donald Trump's "America First" policies, Morrison said Australia would welcome the US&nbsp;back to the WHO, and potentially the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, signed by Australia and 10 other countries in 2018.

On Sunday, Morrison said Australia would also welcome the US&nbsp;engaging with the World Trade Organization, because the way out of a global recession triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic is "market-based trade, fair trade, under the proper rules through the World Trade Organization".

Australia is currently embroiled in a worsening commercial and diplomatic relationship with China, its largest trading partner.

Australian exporters have expressed concern that Chinese importers were warned off buying seven categories of Australian products from November 6.

Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said Chinese authorities had denied an "outright ban across a sweeping range of product categories", and products appeared to be moving through Chinese ports at this stage.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday that his country would welcome President-elect Joe Biden restoring the United States to the Paris climate accord and returning as a member of the World Health Organization.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday that his country would welcome President-elect Joe Biden restoring the United States to the Paris climate accord and returning as a member of the World Health Organization. "We would be welcoming the United States back into the Paris Agreement, somewhere we've always been," Morrison told reporters, saying a US return to other global organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) would also be welcome. His statement came amid renewed pressure himself to boost efforts to cut Australia's carbon emissions. Also read: Biden and team spend a working Sunday, begin transition as Trump refuses to concede The United States formally withdrew from the Paris climate agreement last week, but Biden has promised to rejoin the Paris pact, and also commit to net zero emissions by 2050. Although Australia state and territory governments have adopted the same 2050 target for net-zero emissions, Morrison's federal government has yet to do so. Australia is a major exporter of fossil fuels, particularly coal, and Morrison said many countries have made qualified climate commitments. On Monday independent lawmaker Zali Steggall introduced a climate bill to federal parliament seeking a net-zero target, saying Australia would be "the pariah of the international community" if it didn't strengthen its climate commitments. Meanwhile, underlining Australia's frustration with the outgoing President Donald Trump's "America First" policies, Morrison said Australia would welcome the US back to the WHO, and potentially the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, signed by Australia and 10 other countries in 2018. On Sunday, Morrison said Australia would also welcome the US engaging with the World Trade Organization, because the way out of a global recession triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic is "market-based trade, fair trade, under the proper rules through the World Trade Organization". Australia is currently embroiled in a worsening commercial and diplomatic relationship with China, its largest trading partner. Australian exporters have expressed concern that Chinese importers were warned off buying seven categories of Australian products from November 6. Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said Chinese authorities had denied an "outright ban across a sweeping range of product categories", and products appeared to be moving through Chinese ports at this stage.

US return to WHO, Paris Agreement under Biden would be welcome, says Australia

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged the world leaders to ensure that the information about the COVID-19 vccine is shared with all countries, or the history will tell the tale.

"When it comes to a vaccine, Australia's view is very clear —&nbsp;whoever finds the vaccine must share it," Morrison said in a pre-recorded message to the virtual UN General Assembly.

"This is a global responsibility and it's a moral responsibility for a vaccine to be shared far and wide," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/enough-is-enough-china-lashes-out-at-us-during-un-meeting-330064">Also read|&nbsp;'Enough is enough': China lashes out at US during UN meeting</a>

"Some might see short-term advantage or even profit, but I assure you, to anyone who may think along those lines — humanity will have a very long memory and be a very, very severe judge."

It is believed that the appeal was made in reference to the US — an ally of Australia which has hinted towards a resistance towards global combined efforts towards developing a vaccine.

The US President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;had, few days ago, boasted about several American companies being in the race to develop the vaccine. So much so, the Trump administration has refused to promise to share the coronavirus-related research claiming it fears theft of research by China.

He&nbsp;has also advocated mandatory vaccinations once a vaccine is available.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-diplomat-walks-out-of-unga-hall-as-pak-pm-mentions-kashmir-in-speech-330306">Also read|&nbsp;Indian diplomat walks out of UNGA hall as Pak PM mentions Kashmir in speech</a>

Morrison also went against&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;accusations towards the World Health Organization (WHO) and applauded the organization for its efforts of containing the spread of the novel&nbsp;coronavirus.&nbsp;On the other hand,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has warned the United Nations (UN) that the US will pull out of the WHO if it keeps (allegedly) favouring and aiding China.

The PM has also promised support for Covax — a UN initiative that promises to have two billion doses of a vaccine ready by the second half of 2021. The initiative has been rubbished by the&nbsp;United States, China and Russia.

However, Morrison did not completely abandon its ally, and urged the UN to find the origin of the&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;— a topic that has strained China's relationship with Australia and the US.

Unlike Trump,&nbsp;Morrison did not blame China directly for the origin of the virus and said, "We must do all we can to understand what happened for no other purpose than to prevent it from happening again."

The Australian PM gained support from the developing countries for vaccine sharing. "I urge that COVID-19 vaccines and medicines be considered as global public goods that can be accessible to all," said Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha.

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez also advocated for global sharing and warned that "With the pandemic, as with poverty, nobody will be saved on their own."

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged the world leaders to ensure that the information about the COVID-19 vccine is shared with all countries, or the history will tell the tale.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged the world leaders to ensure that the information about the COVID-19 vccine is shared with all countries, or the history will tell the tale. "When it comes to a vaccine, Australia's view is very clear — whoever finds the vaccine must share it," Morrison said in a pre-recorded message to the virtual UN General Assembly. "This is a global responsibility and it's a moral responsibility for a vaccine to be shared far and wide," he said. Also read| 'Enough is enough': China lashes out at US during UN meeting "Some might see short-term advantage or even profit, but I assure you, to anyone who may think along those lines — humanity will have a very long memory and be a very, very severe judge." It is believed that the appeal was made in reference to the US — an ally of Australia which has hinted towards a resistance towards global combined efforts towards developing a vaccine. The US President Donald Trump had, few days ago, boasted about several American companies being in the race to develop the vaccine. So much so, the Trump administration has refused to promise to share the coronavirus-related research claiming it fears theft of research by China. He has also advocated mandatory vaccinations once a vaccine is available. Also read| Indian diplomat walks out of UNGA hall as Pak PM mentions Kashmir in speech Morrison also went against Trump's accusations towards the World Health Organization (WHO) and applauded the organization for its efforts of containing the spread of the novel coronavirus. On the other hand, Trump has warned the United Nations (UN) that the US will pull out of the WHO if it keeps (allegedly) favouring and aiding China. The PM has also promised support for Covax — a UN initiative that promises to have two billion doses of a vaccine ready by the second half of 2021. The initiative has been rubbished by the United States, China and Russia. However, Morrison did not completely abandon its ally, and urged the UN to find the origin of the coronavirus — a topic that has strained China's relationship with Australia and the US. Unlike Trump, Morrison did not blame China directly for the origin of the virus and said, "We must do all we can to understand what happened for no other purpose than to prevent it from happening again." The Australian PM gained support from the developing countries for vaccine sharing. "I urge that COVID-19 vaccines and medicines be considered as global public goods that can be accessible to all," said Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha. Argentine President Alberto Fernandez also advocated for global sharing and warned that "With the pandemic, as with poverty, nobody will be saved on their own."

Australian PM urges combined global efforts; takes indirect hit at Trump's secrecy

Australia on Thursday unveiled its biggest shakeup in bankruptcy laws in nearly three decades.

Australia to overhaul bankruptcy laws to help firms over COVID-19

Australia's Prime Minister&nbsp;Scott&nbsp;Morrison&nbsp;said on Friday he was open to discussions over whether Australian mass killer Brenton Tarrant, jailed for life without parole this week for the New Zealand mosque shootings, should serve his sentence in his home country.

He&nbsp;said he had received no request to transfer Tarrant but he was prepared to talk about the prospect with his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-should-thank-god-on-that-day-i-didnt-catch-you-christchurch-hero-confronts-killer-in-court-323343" hreflang="en">'You should thank God on that day I didn't catch you': Christchurch hero confronts killer in court</a>

''We'll have an open discussion and look at the issues around this,"&nbsp;Morrison&nbsp;said, adding that the views of the affected families would need to be considered first.

"I know all Australians and all New Zealanders would want to see this character locked up forever and never see the light of day again.&nbsp;And I agree with that. Whether he's held in New Zealand or Australia."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/survivors-family-members-of-victims-of-christchurch-shooting-share-their-pain-323512/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

White supremacist Brenton Tarrant was sentenced to life without parole on Thursday for the attacks on two mosques last year that killed 51 Muslim worshippers.

Tarrant, a former gym instructor from the rural New South Wales town of Grafton, moved to New Zealand in 2017 and immediately started planning an attack on the country's Muslim community.

While Australia and New Zealand have close visa arrangements, they do not have a prisoner transfer deal, creating a hurdle to any near-term change in Tarrant's imprisonment.

Special security measures for Tarrant are expected to cost taxpayers&nbsp;$2.4 million&nbsp;over two years, according to New Zealand government estimates.

Government documents&nbsp;say he is "likely to have needs and present risk at a level of severity beyond any" managed in New Zealand before.&nbsp;

The issue of Tarrant's nationality was raised several times during this week's sentencing hearings in Christchurch.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday he was open to discussions over whether Australian mass killer Brenton Tarrant, jailed for life without parole this week for the New Zealand mosque shootings, should serve his sentence in his home country.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday he was open to discussions over whether Australian mass killer Brenton Tarrant, jailed for life without parole this week for the New Zealand mosque shootings, should serve his sentence in his home country. He said he had received no request to transfer Tarrant but he was prepared to talk about the prospect with his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern. Also read: 'You should thank God on that day I didn't catch you': Christchurch hero confronts killer in court ''We'll have an open discussion and look at the issues around this," Morrison said, adding that the views of the affected families would need to be considered first. "I know all Australians and all New Zealanders would want to see this character locked up forever and never see the light of day again. And I agree with that. Whether he's held in New Zealand or Australia." White supremacist Brenton Tarrant was sentenced to life without parole on Thursday for the attacks on two mosques last year that killed 51 Muslim worshippers. Tarrant, a former gym instructor from the rural New South Wales town of Grafton, moved to New Zealand in 2017 and immediately started planning an attack on the country's Muslim community. While Australia and New Zealand have close visa arrangements, they do not have a prisoner transfer deal, creating a hurdle to any near-term change in Tarrant's imprisonment. Special security measures for Tarrant are expected to cost taxpayers $2.4 million over two years, according to New Zealand government estimates. Government documents say he is "likely to have needs and present risk at a level of severity beyond any" managed in New Zealand before. The issue of Tarrant's nationality was raised several times during this week's sentencing hearings in Christchurch.

Australian PM Scott Morrison 'open' to repatriating New Zealand mosque gunman

The Australian government has proposed a law&nbsp;&nbsp;that would give the federal government powers to cancel any agreements local authorities and public institutions make or have made with foreign governments.

While experts believe that the&nbsp;move aimed primarily at&nbsp;curbing infiltration by China. Australian Prime Minister said&nbsp;"These laws are about&nbsp;Australia's national sovereign interests."&nbsp;

The new legislation comes as Canberra seeks to curtail Beijing's influence in&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;amid concerns over issues including trade and security, but Morrison denied the new law was designed with China specifically in mind.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/the-intended-australia-and-china-decoupling-311882">The intended Australia and China decoupling</a>

Under the new law, the country's foreign minister would be able to cancel any agreements made by state and territory governments, local councils or public universities with foreign administrations if they "adversely affect&nbsp;Australia's foreign relations" or are "inconsistent with&nbsp;Australian foreign policy".

The legislation will also be retrospective, and Morrison said&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;is aware of 130 agreements that government entities have struck with 30 different countries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-warns-citizens-against-arbitrary-detention-risk-in-china-311511">Australia warns citizens against 'arbitrary detention' risk in China</a>

One of these deals includes&nbsp;Australia's second most populous state signing up to China's Belt and Road Initiative in 2018, a decision Morrison criticised at time.

Relations between&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;and its largest trading partner have become increasingly strained, with&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;angering China by calling for an international investigation into the origins of the coronavirus and blocking a recent agricultural deal.

China has targeted&nbsp;Australian exports of wine, barley and beef, and told its students and tourists to avoid travelling to&nbsp;Australia, citing racial discrimination.

China buys more than one-third of&nbsp;Australia's total exports, and sends more than a million tourists and students there each year.

On Wednesday, one of China's most senior diplomats in&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;said there was a "shadow" over the bilateral relationship.

The new legislation excludes commercial corporations and state-owned enterprises, although&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;has already given regulators and the treasurer additional powers to reject foreign takeovers of private companies.

The Australian government has proposed a law that would give the federal government powers to cancel any agreements local authorities and public institutions make or have made with foreign governments.

The Australian government has proposed a law that would give the federal government powers to cancel any agreements local authorities and public institutions make or have made with foreign governments. While experts believe that the move aimed primarily at curbing infiltration by China. Australian Prime Minister said "These laws are about Australia's national sovereign interests." The new legislation comes as Canberra seeks to curtail Beijing's influence in Australia amid concerns over issues including trade and security, but Morrison denied the new law was designed with China specifically in mind. Also read: The intended Australia and China decoupling Under the new law, the country's foreign minister would be able to cancel any agreements made by state and territory governments, local councils or public universities with foreign administrations if they "adversely affect Australia's foreign relations" or are "inconsistent with Australian foreign policy". The legislation will also be retrospective, and Morrison said Australia is aware of 130 agreements that government entities have struck with 30 different countries. Also read: Australia warns citizens against 'arbitrary detention' risk in China One of these deals includes Australia's second most populous state signing up to China's Belt and Road Initiative in 2018, a decision Morrison criticised at time. Relations between Australia and its largest trading partner have become increasingly strained, with Australia angering China by calling for an international investigation into the origins of the coronavirus and blocking a recent agricultural deal. China has targeted Australian exports of wine, barley and beef, and told its students and tourists to avoid travelling to Australia, citing racial discrimination. China buys more than one-third of Australia's total exports, and sends more than a million tourists and students there each year. On Wednesday, one of China's most senior diplomats in Australia said there was a "shadow" over the bilateral relationship. The new legislation excludes commercial corporations and state-owned enterprises, although Australia has already given regulators and the treasurer additional powers to reject foreign takeovers of private companies.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison seeking veto powers over China deals

Australia said Tuesday it "would be contrary to national interests" to allow a Chinese firm to buy a major dairy producer, the latest sign of souring relations between the two countries.

The $430 million sale of Lion Dairy and Drinks, currently owned by Japan's Kirin, to Mengniu Dairy had been awaiting regulatory approval since November, but the Chinese firm pulled out of the deal Tuesday.

"Given this approval is unlikely to be forthcoming at this time, Lion and Mengniu Dairy have mutually agreed to cease the current sale process," Lion said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-australia-has-more-to-lose-than-china-in-trade-row-301189">Why Australia has more to lose than China in trade row</a>

Although Australia's consumer watchdog had earlier cleared the deal, Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in a statement on Tuesday that the sale "would be contrary to the national interest".&nbsp;

The Australian Financial Review newspaper reported that Frydenberg's stance was against the advice of the Foreign Investment Review Board and his own department.&nbsp;

Earlier this year the Australian government moved to tighten rules covering foreign investment in the country, with temporary measures allowing increased oversight on takeovers of local firms during the pandemic.&nbsp;

Just last year, Inner Mongolia-headquartered Mengniu was given approval to purchase of one Australia's largest baby formula manufacturers, Bellamy's.&nbsp;

Relations between China and Australia continue to worsen since Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison joined US calls for an independent inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic, which was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan last year.&nbsp;

China, Australia's biggest trading partner, has since threatened economic blowback on Australian goods including barley and beef as well as tourism and higher education.&nbsp;

Most recently Beijing launched a probe into Australia wine, alleging the country was selling to China for less than it cost at home -- a claim rejected by the Australian government.&nbsp;

Australia said Tuesday it "would be contrary to national interests" to allow a Chinese firm to buy a major dairy producer, the latest sign of souring relations between the two countries.

Australia said Tuesday it "would be contrary to national interests" to allow a Chinese firm to buy a major dairy producer, the latest sign of souring relations between the two countries. The $430 million sale of Lion Dairy and Drinks, currently owned by Japan's Kirin, to Mengniu Dairy had been awaiting regulatory approval since November, but the Chinese firm pulled out of the deal Tuesday. "Given this approval is unlikely to be forthcoming at this time, Lion and Mengniu Dairy have mutually agreed to cease the current sale process," Lion said in a statement. Also read: Why Australia has more to lose than China in trade row Although Australia's consumer watchdog had earlier cleared the deal, Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in a statement on Tuesday that the sale "would be contrary to the national interest". The Australian Financial Review newspaper reported that Frydenberg's stance was against the advice of the Foreign Investment Review Board and his own department. Earlier this year the Australian government moved to tighten rules covering foreign investment in the country, with temporary measures allowing increased oversight on takeovers of local firms during the pandemic. Just last year, Inner Mongolia-headquartered Mengniu was given approval to purchase of one Australia's largest baby formula manufacturers, Bellamy's. Relations between China and Australia continue to worsen since Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison joined US calls for an independent inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic, which was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan last year. China, Australia's biggest trading partner, has since threatened economic blowback on Australian goods including barley and beef as well as tourism and higher education. Most recently Beijing launched a probe into Australia wine, alleging the country was selling to China for less than it cost at home -- a claim rejected by the Australian government.

Australia blocks Chinese firm's bid to buy major dairy firm

A fresh outbreak of infections in Australia's coronavirus hot zone of Victoria appeared to have eased on Wednesday, as the country signed a deal to secure a potential COVID-19 vaccine that it intends to roll out free of cost to its citizens.

Australia has signed a deal with British drugmaker AstraZeneca&nbsp;to produce and distribute enough doses of a potential coronavirus vaccine for its population of 25 million, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said late on Tuesday.

The Australian government estimates that up to 95 percent of the population would need to be immune to the virus for it to be irradicated.

All Australians will be offered doses but a medical panel will determine the priority list of vaccine recipients, Health Minister Greg Hunt said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-to-manufacture-coronavirus-vaccine-and-inoculate-people-for-free-says-pm-morrison-321505" hreflang="en">We will manufacture virus vaccine and inoculate people for free: Australian PM</a>

"Naturally you would be focusing on the most vulnerable, the elderly, health workers, people with disabilities in terms of the speed of roll out, but I think there would be widespread uptake in Australia," Hunt said.

AstraZeneca last month said good data was coming in so far on its vaccine for COVID-19, already in large-scale human trials and widely seen as the front-runner in the race for a shot against the novel coronavirus.

The vaccine, called AZD1222, was developed by Britain`s University of Oxford and licensed to AstraZeneca.

The coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 400 Australians, has coincided with a sharp uptick in online misinformation, speculation and opposition to vaccines, something experts have dubbed an "infodemic".&nbsp;

A flare up in infections in Australia`s second most populous state of Victoria forced authorities two weeks ago to impose a nightly curfew, tighten restrictions on people`s movements and order large parts of the state's economy to close.

The southeastern state has seen a slowdown in new cases in recent days, allaying fears of a nationwide second wave of infections. 
Victoria reported 216 new daily cases in the last 24 hours compared with 222 a day earlier. It reported 12 deaths compared with 17 on Tuesday.

Despite seeing a surge of new infections in the past month, Australia has largely avoided the high casualties of other nations with just under 24,000 infections and 450 deaths from the virus.

A fresh outbreak of infections in Australia's coronavirus hot zone of Victoria appeared to have eased on Wednesday, as the country signed a deal to secure a potential COVID-19 vaccine that it intends to roll out free of cost to its citizens.

A fresh outbreak of infections in Australia's coronavirus hot zone of Victoria appeared to have eased on Wednesday, as the country signed a deal to secure a potential COVID-19 vaccine that it intends to roll out free of cost to its citizens. Australia has signed a deal with British drugmaker AstraZeneca to produce and distribute enough doses of a potential coronavirus vaccine for its population of 25 million, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said late on Tuesday. The Australian government estimates that up to 95 percent of the population would need to be immune to the virus for it to be irradicated. All Australians will be offered doses but a medical panel will determine the priority list of vaccine recipients, Health Minister Greg Hunt said. Also read: We will manufacture virus vaccine and inoculate people for free: Australian PM "Naturally you would be focusing on the most vulnerable, the elderly, health workers, people with disabilities in terms of the speed of roll out, but I think there would be widespread uptake in Australia," Hunt said. AstraZeneca last month said good data was coming in so far on its vaccine for COVID-19, already in large-scale human trials and widely seen as the front-runner in the race for a shot against the novel coronavirus. The vaccine, called AZD1222, was developed by Britain`s University of Oxford and licensed to AstraZeneca. The coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 400 Australians, has coincided with a sharp uptick in online misinformation, speculation and opposition to vaccines, something experts have dubbed an "infodemic". A flare up in infections in Australia`s second most populous state of Victoria forced authorities two weeks ago to impose a nightly curfew, tighten restrictions on people`s movements and order large parts of the state's economy to close. The southeastern state has seen a slowdown in new cases in recent days, allaying fears of a nationwide second wave of infections. Victoria reported 216 new daily cases in the last 24 hours compared with 222 a day earlier. It reported 12 deaths compared with 17 on Tuesday. Despite seeing a surge of new infections in the past month, Australia has largely avoided the high casualties of other nations with just under 24,000 infections and 450 deaths from the virus.

Australia locks in coronavirus vaccine deal as new cases ease

As Australia recorded the highest single-day spike of coronavirus cases, the Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Monday that the internal city borders will stay sealed, until further notice.

Australia records biggest daily rise in COVID-19 deaths

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Tuesday there was no evidence that Chinese-owned TikTok had abused the data of its hundreds of millions of users.

"We have had a good look at this, and there is no evidence for us to suggest... that there is any misuse of any people's data," he told the Aspen Security Forum meeting in Aspen, Colorado.

"There are plenty of things that are on TikTok that are embarrassing enough in public, but it's that sort of social media device," he said via videoconference, chuckling.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-victoria-reports-deadliest-day-of-coronavirus-pandemic-318237" hreflang="en">Australia's Victoria reports deadliest day of coronavirus pandemic</a>

However, he said, Australians need to be "very aware" that TikTok and other social media platforms, including US-owned companies, reap enormous amounts of information on users and subscribers.

The difference with TikTok, he said, is "that information can be accessed at a sovereign state level," a reference to Chinese companies' legal obligation to share data with state intelligence services if they want it.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-says-unclear-whether-us-government-will-get-cut-of-tiktok-sale-318229" hreflang="en">White House says unclear whether US government will get cut of TikTok sale</a>

"But I think people should understand -- and there's a sort of buyer-beware process,&nbsp;there is nothing at this point that would suggest to us that security interests have been compromised."

Citing a national security threat, President Donald Trump on Monday gave TikTok's parent ByteDance six weeks to sell the app to an American company or find it shut down.

Microsoft is in talks with ByteDance, and any deal could include TikTok's Australia business. But Morrison downplayed the immediate threat.

"There is no reason for us to restrict those applications at this point. We'll obviously kep watching them."

Nevertheless, he stressed that people "need to understand where the extension cord goes back to."

Earlier, China's ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, told the Aspen Security Forum that the US move to force the sale of TikTok violated free market principles.

"There is such a degree of political intervention -- government intervention -- into the market, there is such discrimination against Chinese companies, and these companies are just private companies," he said.

"To accuse China of not giving American companies a level playing field while at the same time they themselves are denying Chinese companies such a level playing field, this is extremely unfair."

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Tuesday there was no evidence that Chinese-owned TikTok had abused the data of its hundreds of millions of users. "We have had a good look at this, and there is no evidence for us to suggest.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Tuesday there was no evidence that Chinese-owned TikTok had abused the data of its hundreds of millions of users. "We have had a good look at this, and there is no evidence for us to suggest... that there is any misuse of any people's data," he told the Aspen Security Forum meeting in Aspen, Colorado. "There are plenty of things that are on TikTok that are embarrassing enough in public, but it's that sort of social media device," he said via videoconference, chuckling. Also read: Australia's Victoria reports deadliest day of coronavirus pandemic However, he said, Australians need to be "very aware" that TikTok and other social media platforms, including US-owned companies, reap enormous amounts of information on users and subscribers. The difference with TikTok, he said, is "that information can be accessed at a sovereign state level," a reference to Chinese companies' legal obligation to share data with state intelligence services if they want it. Also read: White House says unclear whether US government will get cut of TikTok sale "But I think people should understand -- and there's a sort of buyer-beware process, there is nothing at this point that would suggest to us that security interests have been compromised." Citing a national security threat, President Donald Trump on Monday gave TikTok's parent ByteDance six weeks to sell the app to an American company or find it shut down. Microsoft is in talks with ByteDance, and any deal could include TikTok's Australia business. But Morrison downplayed the immediate threat. "There is no reason for us to restrict those applications at this point. We'll obviously kep watching them." Nevertheless, he stressed that people "need to understand where the extension cord goes back to." Earlier, China's ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, told the Aspen Security Forum that the US move to force the sale of TikTok violated free market principles. "There is such a degree of political intervention -- government intervention -- into the market, there is such discrimination against Chinese companies, and these companies are just private companies," he said. "To accuse China of not giving American companies a level playing field while at the same time they themselves are denying Chinese companies such a level playing field, this is extremely unfair."

No evidence of TikTok misusing data, says Australian PM Scott Morrison

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday delayed the opening of parliament for several weeks as the new coronavirus continued spreading through the country's two most populous states.

Morrison asked the speaker of the parliament to cancel a two-week session due to start on August&nbsp;4, out of concern about the COVID-19 pandemic.

The request was seen as a formality as the speaker is a member of Morrison's Liberal Party and the opposition Labor Party accepted the call. Lawmakers are expected to meet in the capital Canberra on August 24 instead of August&nbsp;4.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-researchers-invent-20-minute-coronavirus-blood-test-313975">Australian researchers invent 20-minute coronavirus blood test</a>

"The government cannot ignore the risk to parliamentarians, their staff, the staff within the parliament and the broader community," Morrison said, adding he acted based on the advice of medical authorities.

On Friday, Victoria state reported a record 428 new infections, while neighbouring New South Wales said it was banning dancing, singing and mingling at weddings as authorities struggle to contain a new wave of infections.&nbsp;

Victoria forced nearly five million people into a partial lockdown for six weeks on July 9 in the country's second most-populous state, as expectations of harsher social-distancing restrictions were growing with the virus continuing to spread.

In March, all parliamentary sittings were cancelled until August, but as the risks from the coronavirus decreased in the following months, special sessions and some sittings took place.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said his Labor party accepted the government's move to cancel the next sitting but said there should have been more opportunities for a discussion.

Australia's Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the government will issue further income support to tackle deteriorating confidence across the country, in addition to the already implemented A$70 billion ($49 billion) wage subsidy scheme.

"There's a lot of uncertainty in the economic environment and the Victorian situation is a significant setback," Frydenberg told The Age newspaper in an interview published on Saturday.

"It's diminished confidence beyond the Victorian border and the recovery is a confidence game. So, maintaining business and household confidence is going to be critical."

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday delayed the opening of parliament for several weeks as the new coronavirus continued spreading through the country's two most populous states.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday delayed the opening of parliament for several weeks as the new coronavirus continued spreading through the country's two most populous states. Morrison asked the speaker of the parliament to cancel a two-week session due to start on August 4, out of concern about the COVID-19 pandemic. The request was seen as a formality as the speaker is a member of Morrison's Liberal Party and the opposition Labor Party accepted the call. Lawmakers are expected to meet in the capital Canberra on August 24 instead of August 4. Also read: Australian researchers invent 20-minute coronavirus blood test "The government cannot ignore the risk to parliamentarians, their staff, the staff within the parliament and the broader community," Morrison said, adding he acted based on the advice of medical authorities. On Friday, Victoria state reported a record 428 new infections, while neighbouring New South Wales said it was banning dancing, singing and mingling at weddings as authorities struggle to contain a new wave of infections. Victoria forced nearly five million people into a partial lockdown for six weeks on July 9 in the country's second most-populous state, as expectations of harsher social-distancing restrictions were growing with the virus continuing to spread. In March, all parliamentary sittings were cancelled until August, but as the risks from the coronavirus decreased in the following months, special sessions and some sittings took place. Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said his Labor party accepted the government's move to cancel the next sitting but said there should have been more opportunities for a discussion. Australia's Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the government will issue further income support to tackle deteriorating confidence across the country, in addition to the already implemented A$70 billion ($49 billion) wage subsidy scheme. "There's a lot of uncertainty in the economic environment and the Victorian situation is a significant setback," Frydenberg told The Age newspaper in an interview published on Saturday. "It's diminished confidence beyond the Victorian border and the recovery is a confidence game. So, maintaining business and household confidence is going to be critical."

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison delays parliament due to COVID-19 spread

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