Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday announced his new 22-member Cabinet which includes a record seven women.

The new Cabinet will be sworn in on Wednesday.

The ruling conservative coalition, led by Prime Minister Morrison, defied exit polls to deliver a shock defeat to the opposition Labor Party, forcing its leader Bill Shorten to resign.

Morrison announced Linda Reynolds to be the Defence Minister while Bridget McKenzie will become Australia's first-ever female Agriculture Minister.

"I have high expectations of my ministry and clear goals for each of their roles," Morrison was quoted as saying by media reports from Canberra.

"This will include congestion-busting on regulatory and bureaucratic roadblocks, making better use of technology and better-integrating service delivery across portfolios," he said.

Peter Dutton will remain in Home Affairs and Senator Arthur Sinodinos will be the new Ambassador to the United States, succeeding Joe Hockey when his finishes his term.

Sussan Ley was announced the environment minister, replacing Melissa Price.

He will also recommend Mitch Fifield to become Australia's Ambassador to the United Nations, with Paul Fletcher to take over his communications portfolio.

"They will both be exceptional representatives and our countries interests abroad will be well served in that role," Morrison said.

David Littleproud will now focus on the natural disaster and emergency management portfolio.

Ken Wyatt becomes the first Aboriginal person to hold the Indigenous Affairs portfolio.

"Incredibly honoured to be the first Aboriginal Minister for Indigenous Australians," Wyatt tweeted.

"Committed to working and walking together with our elders, families and communities to ensure the greatness of our many nations is reflected in the greatness of our Australian nation, now and forever".

Attorney-General Christian Porter will become the Leader of the House while frontbenchers continuing in their roles include Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, Health Minister Greg Hunt and Education Minister Dan Tehan.&nbsp;

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday announced his new 22-member Cabinet which includes a record seven women. The new Cabinet will be sworn in on Wednesday.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday announced his new 22-member Cabinet which includes a record seven women. The new Cabinet will be sworn in on Wednesday. The ruling conservative coalition, led by Prime Minister Morrison, defied exit polls to deliver a shock defeat to the opposition Labor Party, forcing its leader Bill Shorten to resign. Morrison announced Linda Reynolds to be the Defence Minister while Bridget McKenzie will become Australia's first-ever female Agriculture Minister. "I have high expectations of my ministry and clear goals for each of their roles," Morrison was quoted as saying by media reports from Canberra. "This will include congestion-busting on regulatory and bureaucratic roadblocks, making better use of technology and better-integrating service delivery across portfolios," he said. Peter Dutton will remain in Home Affairs and Senator Arthur Sinodinos will be the new Ambassador to the United States, succeeding Joe Hockey when his finishes his term. Sussan Ley was announced the environment minister, replacing Melissa Price. He will also recommend Mitch Fifield to become Australia's Ambassador to the United Nations, with Paul Fletcher to take over his communications portfolio. "They will both be exceptional representatives and our countries interests abroad will be well served in that role," Morrison said. David Littleproud will now focus on the natural disaster and emergency management portfolio. Ken Wyatt becomes the first Aboriginal person to hold the Indigenous Affairs portfolio. "Incredibly honoured to be the first Aboriginal Minister for Indigenous Australians," Wyatt tweeted. "Committed to working and walking together with our elders, families and communities to ensure the greatness of our many nations is reflected in the greatness of our Australian nation, now and forever". Attorney-General Christian Porter will become the Leader of the House while frontbenchers continuing in their roles include Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, Health Minister Greg Hunt and Education Minister Dan Tehan.

Australian PM Scott Morrison's new Cabinet includes a record seven women

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fear-of-change-negative-politics-wins-australia-election-219890">Australia's re-elected conservative government</a> might not meet a June deadline for tax breaks that policymakers had been counting on to give the slowing economy a much-needed boost, after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said parliament may be unable to convene in time.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) in particular would have welcomed the fillip to consumer demand as it wrestles with whether to cut interest rates from already record lows.

If the tax breaks are delayed, maybe for months or even a full year, it would add to the case for at least one cut in the current 1.5% cash rate, perhaps as early as next month.

The tax rebates were a much-touted pledge from Morrison during the election campaign and may have played a part in his surprise defeat of the opposition Labor party.

Morrison's Liberal-National coalition had promised tax rebates to around 10 million middle- and low-income earners from July 1 worth up to A$1,080 per person.

It was to be paid once they lodged their tax returns for the financial year to the end of June.

However, to take effect the tax package has to be passed by lawmakers by the end of June and parliament cannot be recalled until the official writs from Saturday's election are returned.

That turns out to be an extensive process of vote checking which might not finish until late June, giving little time to pass the laws.

"We obviously have to wait for the writs to be returned and there's a formal process for that," Morrison told Sky News. "At the moment, that's not looking until very late into the back end of June."

"So, that really does make very narrow that opportunity to do it before 30 June," he added. "I think that's very unlikely, with the advice I've received."

Any delay to the rebates would be badly timed for the economy given that annual growth in the March quarter likely slowed to its lowest since the global financial crisis at under 2%.

The first-quarter growth numbers will be released on June 5, a day after the RBA holds its next policy meeting where a cut in rates is certain to be discussed.

Economists had estimated the tax breaks would inject about A$7.5 billion ($5.18 billion) into the economy over 2019/20, lessening the need for a reduction in interest rates.

Australia's re-elected conservative government might not meet a June deadline for tax breaks that policymakers had been counting on to give the slowing economy a much-needed boost, after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said parliament may be unable to convene in time.

Australia's re-elected conservative government might not meet a June deadline for tax breaks that policymakers had been counting on to give the slowing economy a much-needed boost, after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said parliament may be unable to convene in time. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) in particular would have welcomed the fillip to consumer demand as it wrestles with whether to cut interest rates from already record lows. If the tax breaks are delayed, maybe for months or even a full year, it would add to the case for at least one cut in the current 1.5% cash rate, perhaps as early as next month. The tax rebates were a much-touted pledge from Morrison during the election campaign and may have played a part in his surprise defeat of the opposition Labor party. Morrison's Liberal-National coalition had promised tax rebates to around 10 million middle- and low-income earners from July 1 worth up to A$1,080 per person. It was to be paid once they lodged their tax returns for the financial year to the end of June. However, to take effect the tax package has to be passed by lawmakers by the end of June and parliament cannot be recalled until the official writs from Saturday's election are returned. That turns out to be an extensive process of vote checking which might not finish until late June, giving little time to pass the laws. "We obviously have to wait for the writs to be returned and there's a formal process for that," Morrison told Sky News. "At the moment, that's not looking until very late into the back end of June." "So, that really does make very narrow that opportunity to do it before 30 June," he added. "I think that's very unlikely, with the advice I've received." Any delay to the rebates would be badly timed for the economy given that annual growth in the March quarter likely slowed to its lowest since the global financial crisis at under 2%. The first-quarter growth numbers will be released on June 5, a day after the RBA holds its next policy meeting where a cut in rates is certain to be discussed. Economists had estimated the tax breaks would inject about A$7.5 billion ($5.18 billion) into the economy over 2019/20, lessening the need for a reduction in interest rates.

Australia's re-elected government may miss tax break deadline

Australia's conservative government held on to power at national elections thanks to a highly effective negative campaign warning voters against the centre-left <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-voters-tipped-to-elect-labour-government-219514">Labor Party's</a> large policy reform agenda, analysts said Sunday.

Labor led every opinion poll in the two years prior to Saturday's election but fell well short of a parliamentary majority after the vote, in a surprise result for the ruling Liberal-National coalition.

Analysts said opposition leader Bill Shorten's unpopularity with voters and his struggle to explain the party's complex tax policies were used by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to devastating effect.

Labor's failure also reflected a broader trend across Western societies of voter cynicism towards bold policy platforms, said Australian National University senior fellow Mark Kenny.

"I think we're in an age where it is very difficult to communicate big ideas and to sell imagery," Kenny told AFP, adding that right-wing populists around the world had been successful in invoking nostalgia and anxiety over the future to win elections.

"It's quite hard to run a change or proposed change and to inspire the imaginations of voters and hold that against a very spirited and surgical scare campaign."

Morrison successfully cast Labor's proposals -- particularly on removing tax concessions and tackling climate change -- as too risky and damaging to household finances at a time when the national economy was slowing down.

"He fought an absolutely masterful negative campaign against Shorten and Labor," La Trobe University fellow Tony Walker told AFP.

The government's anti-Shorten slogans focused on hip pocket issues, such as "The Bill Australia Can't Afford", which appeared to have resonated with voters while Labor failed to make the case for change.

Battleground state&nbsp;

Morrison's campaign was particularly effective in Queensland, a battleground state that swung in favour of the government and where Labor's perceived urban bias rankled with regional and rural voters.

Voters in the state's mining towns, already angry with delays in the approval of a major India-backed coal mine promising thousands of jobs, did not warm to Labor's big climate action plans and lukewarm commitment to the project.

"It seemed there was... sometimes mixed messaging about how much they supported it and I think that's come home to roost," University of Queensland politics expert Chris Salisbury told AFP.

"The regions in Queensland are desperate for economic and employment opportunities and (voters believed) that the coalition was better placed to secure those opportunities."

Labor blamed its Queensland collapse on mining magnate Clive Palmer's estimated Au$60 million ($41 million) spend on election advertising.

While Palmer himself failed to secure an upper house Senate seat, support for his party and the anti-immigration One Nation boosted the government's vote thanks to Australia's complex preferential voting system.

Unlike Labor, the coalition campaigned on almost no new policies. Analysts say the fallout from the shock outcome could lead future political campaigns to shun bold or big ideas.

"It'll be damaging if parties can only operate in a safe zone that they think isn't going to offend the electorate," Salisbury said.&nbsp;

Australia's conservative government held on to power at national elections thanks to a highly effective negative campaign warning voters against the centre-left Labor Party's large policy reform agenda, analysts said Sunday.

Australia's conservative government held on to power at national elections thanks to a highly effective negative campaign warning voters against the centre-left Labor Party's large policy reform agenda, analysts said Sunday. Labor led every opinion poll in the two years prior to Saturday's election but fell well short of a parliamentary majority after the vote, in a surprise result for the ruling Liberal-National coalition. Analysts said opposition leader Bill Shorten's unpopularity with voters and his struggle to explain the party's complex tax policies were used by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to devastating effect. Labor's failure also reflected a broader trend across Western societies of voter cynicism towards bold policy platforms, said Australian National University senior fellow Mark Kenny. "I think we're in an age where it is very difficult to communicate big ideas and to sell imagery," Kenny told AFP, adding that right-wing populists around the world had been successful in invoking nostalgia and anxiety over the future to win elections. "It's quite hard to run a change or proposed change and to inspire the imaginations of voters and hold that against a very spirited and surgical scare campaign." Morrison successfully cast Labor's proposals -- particularly on removing tax concessions and tackling climate change -- as too risky and damaging to household finances at a time when the national economy was slowing down. "He fought an absolutely masterful negative campaign against Shorten and Labor," La Trobe University fellow Tony Walker told AFP. The government's anti-Shorten slogans focused on hip pocket issues, such as "The Bill Australia Can't Afford", which appeared to have resonated with voters while Labor failed to make the case for change. Battleground state Morrison's campaign was particularly effective in Queensland, a battleground state that swung in favour of the government and where Labor's perceived urban bias rankled with regional and rural voters. Voters in the state's mining towns, already angry with delays in the approval of a major India-backed coal mine promising thousands of jobs, did not warm to Labor's big climate action plans and lukewarm commitment to the project. "It seemed there was... sometimes mixed messaging about how much they supported it and I think that's come home to roost," University of Queensland politics expert Chris Salisbury told AFP. "The regions in Queensland are desperate for economic and employment opportunities and (voters believed) that the coalition was better placed to secure those opportunities." Labor blamed its Queensland collapse on mining magnate Clive Palmer's estimated Au$60 million ($41 million) spend on election advertising. While Palmer himself failed to secure an upper house Senate seat, support for his party and the anti-immigration One Nation boosted the government's vote thanks to Australia's complex preferential voting system. Unlike Labor, the coalition campaigned on almost no new policies. Analysts say the fallout from the shock outcome could lead future political campaigns to shun bold or big ideas. "It'll be damaging if parties can only operate in a safe zone that they think isn't going to offend the electorate," Salisbury said.

Fear of change: Negative politics wins Australia election

Australia's ruling conservative coalition defied expectations to retain power in national elections Saturday, prompting Prime Minister Scott Morrison to declare, "I have always believed in miracles!"

"How good is Australia!", shouted a jubilant Morrison, who came to office just nine months ago in a party coup against his moderate predecessor, Malcolm Turnbull.

While it remained unclear if Morrison's Liberal party and their rural-based National party partners would win enough seats to form a majority government, the leader of the main opposition Labor party conceded defeat shortly before midnight.

"It is obvious that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/labor-leader-concedes-cannot-win-australian-election-219653">Labor will not be able to form the next government</a>", Bill Shorten told stunned supporters in Melbourne.

"In the national interest, a short while ago I called Scott Morrison to congratulate him," Shorten said, adding that he would also stand down as leader of his party in the wake of its shock defeat.

The result was a monumental upset and a failure by pollsters, who had for months predicted a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exit-polls-tip-labor-to-win-australia-election-219626">comfortable victory for Labor</a> after six years in the opposition.

Some bookies had paid out early expecting a coalition defeat and all but the most ardent partisans had thrown in the towel.&nbsp;

The results appeared to show a fractured electorate with minor populist and right-wing parties playing an outsized role in tipping the balance in favour of the conservatives in key districts in the northeast of the country.

They include Pauline Hanson, whose party shrugged off revelations her party solicited money from the US gun lobby and Clive Palmer -- dubbed Australia's Donald Trump -- who splashed tens of millions on a populist campaign.

Australia has compulsory voting and a complex system of ballots ranked by voter preference, with big political, economic and cultural differences from state to state on the vast island-continent.

'Snatched a win'

Many of the laurels for victory will go to Morrison, who just weeks ago looked set for an electoral drubbing, fated to enter the history books as one of the most short-lived prime ministers in Australian history.

But he closed the gap with a negative campaign and backing from the country's biggest media organisation -- owned by Rupert Murdoch -- mainly targeting older, wealthier voters concerned over Labor plans to cut various tax loopholes in order to fund spending on education, healthcare and climate initiatives.

"Labor campaigned hard on a big target strategy with a series of key tax concessions, that ultimately seem not to have resonated with voters," said Rob Manwaring, a political lecturer at Flinders University in Adelaide.

"Despite the wider fragmentation of the right in Australia, they have snatched a seeming win," he told AFP, calling the coalition victory "extraordinary and surprising".

Liberal supporters were ecstatic over the result.

"Unbelievable," gushed Anthony Ching at the Liberal party headquarters. "Everybody was expecting that we were not going to win."

Labor backers were disconsolate.

"I think Morrison campaigned on fear, and people have fallen for it," Julie Nelson, 67.

Climate change had featured prominently throughout the campaign.

Australia is one of the most vulnerable of all developed nations to climate change and a season of record floods, wildfires and droughts have brought the issue from the political fringes to front and centre of the campaign.

In traditionally more conservative rural areas, climate-hit farmers are increasingly demanding action, while in several rich suburbs, a generational shift has seen eco-minded candidates running Liberal party luminaries close.

In northern Sydney, former prime minister Tony Abbott -- who once described climate change as "crap" -- lost a seat he has held for a quarter century to independent challenger Zali Steggall, a lawyer and Olympic medallist in Alpine skiing.

While admitting his own defeat, mainly over the climate issue, Abbott claimed there had been a "realignment" in Australian politics with Liberals winning more of the working class vote, adding,&nbsp;"I'm not going to let one bad day spoil 25 years".

The national campaign has been an often ill-tempered pitched-battle. Candidates have been egged and abused, and a slew has resigned for racist, sexist and otherwise jaw-dropping social media posts.

Australia's ruling conservative coalition defied expectations to retain power in national elections Saturday, prompting Prime Minister Scott Morrison to declare, "I have always believed in miracles!

Australia's ruling conservative coalition defied expectations to retain power in national elections Saturday, prompting Prime Minister Scott Morrison to declare, "I have always believed in miracles!" "How good is Australia!", shouted a jubilant Morrison, who came to office just nine months ago in a party coup against his moderate predecessor, Malcolm Turnbull. While it remained unclear if Morrison's Liberal party and their rural-based National party partners would win enough seats to form a majority government, the leader of the main opposition Labor party conceded defeat shortly before midnight. "It is obvious that Labor will not be able to form the next government", Bill Shorten told stunned supporters in Melbourne. "In the national interest, a short while ago I called Scott Morrison to congratulate him," Shorten said, adding that he would also stand down as leader of his party in the wake of its shock defeat. The result was a monumental upset and a failure by pollsters, who had for months predicted a comfortable victory for Labor after six years in the opposition. Some bookies had paid out early expecting a coalition defeat and all but the most ardent partisans had thrown in the towel. The results appeared to show a fractured electorate with minor populist and right-wing parties playing an outsized role in tipping the balance in favour of the conservatives in key districts in the northeast of the country. They include Pauline Hanson, whose party shrugged off revelations her party solicited money from the US gun lobby and Clive Palmer -- dubbed Australia's Donald Trump -- who splashed tens of millions on a populist campaign. Australia has compulsory voting and a complex system of ballots ranked by voter preference, with big political, economic and cultural differences from state to state on the vast island-continent. 'Snatched a win' Many of the laurels for victory will go to Morrison, who just weeks ago looked set for an electoral drubbing, fated to enter the history books as one of the most short-lived prime ministers in Australian history. But he closed the gap with a negative campaign and backing from the country's biggest media organisation -- owned by Rupert Murdoch -- mainly targeting older, wealthier voters concerned over Labor plans to cut various tax loopholes in order to fund spending on education, healthcare and climate initiatives. "Labor campaigned hard on a big target strategy with a series of key tax concessions, that ultimately seem not to have resonated with voters," said Rob Manwaring, a political lecturer at Flinders University in Adelaide. "Despite the wider fragmentation of the right in Australia, they have snatched a seeming win," he told AFP, calling the coalition victory "extraordinary and surprising". Liberal supporters were ecstatic over the result. "Unbelievable," gushed Anthony Ching at the Liberal party headquarters. "Everybody was expecting that we were not going to win." Labor backers were disconsolate. "I think Morrison campaigned on fear, and people have fallen for it," Julie Nelson, 67. Climate change had featured prominently throughout the campaign. Australia is one of the most vulnerable of all developed nations to climate change and a season of record floods, wildfires and droughts have brought the issue from the political fringes to front and centre of the campaign. In traditionally more conservative rural areas, climate-hit farmers are increasingly demanding action, while in several rich suburbs, a generational shift has seen eco-minded candidates running Liberal party luminaries close. In northern Sydney, former prime minister Tony Abbott -- who once described climate change as "crap" -- lost a seat he has held for a quarter century to independent challenger Zali Steggall, a lawyer and Olympic medallist in Alpine skiing. While admitting his own defeat, mainly over the climate issue, Abbott claimed there had been a "realignment" in Australian politics with Liberals winning more of the working class vote, adding, "I'm not going to let one bad day spoil 25 years". The national campaign has been an often ill-tempered pitched-battle. Candidates have been egged and abused, and a slew has resigned for racist, sexist and otherwise jaw-dropping social media posts.

'Have always believed in miracles!' says jubilant PM Morrison as conservatives keep power in Australian election

Australians began voting in a federal election on Saturday, with bookies predicting a return to power for the Labour party after six years in the political wilderness and a campaign in which it has put climate change and tax reform at the top of its agenda.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has made <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-election-key-themes-and-contests-219317">economic management</a> the centrepiece of the campaign for his conservative Liberal-National coalition, which has held power since 2013.

Poll opened at 8 am (2200 GMT on Friday) and will close at 6 pm (0800 GMT). Voting is compulsory in Australia and the result should be known on Saturday evening.

The campaign ended on a sombre note, with the death on Thursday of the popular former prime minister and Labour stalwart Bob Hawke. Hawke, who was prime minister from 1983 to 1991, was 89.

While it seems unlikely that Hawke's death will have any impact on how <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-pm-launches-official-campaign-six-days-out-from-election-218014">voters cast </a>their ballots, Labour leader Bill Shorten said it had made him more determined than ever.

"I already feel a responsibility to millions of people to win. But sure, I want to do it for Bob as well. I don't want to let his memory down," Shorten told Channel Nine.

Shorten seems to have struck a chord with voters who feel financially left behind and are worried about the environment with his promise to cut both generous tax concessions enjoyed by the wealthy and greenhouse gases.

Morrison has criticised Labor's policy as an attack on people's aspirations.

A final opinion poll conducted by Newspoll for The Weekend Australian on Friday showed Labour's lead over the National-Liberal coalition at 51.5 per cent to 48.5 per cent.

"I am nervous because it's a big day, it's a very big deal," Shorten said on Saturday. "But I'm confident that we have done the homework."

Shorten will vote in Melbourne in his seat of Maribyrnong, while Morrison is spending the day visiting polling booths in Tasmania before heading home to Sydney to vote.

Opinion polls indicate that Morrison has narrowed Labor's lead during the campaign, but many voters are still angry about the ousting of his socially moderate predecessor, Malcolm Turnbull, in a backbench revolt last August.

Turnbull was the second prime minister to be ousted while in office by the ruling Liberal Party amid deep divisions over climate and energy policy.

While polls show most Australians support stronger action to tackle climate change, Morrison's coalition strongly supports the coal industry.

Morrison has said Australia would meet its commitment under the Paris Accord to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by between 26% and 28% on 2005 levels but says more ambitious targets would damage the economy.

Shorten said that, if elected, his government would aim to cut carbon emissions by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030, with net zero emissions by 2050.

With about 17 million eligible voters, the Electoral Commission is operating more than 7,000 polling stations in venues such as surf clubs, schools and public halls.

There will also be about 90 voting centres overseas.

A time difference of two hours between the east and west coasts means voting centres in Western Australia will still be open as the initial counts start coming on the populous east coast.

Australians began voting in a federal election on Saturday, with bookies predicting a return to power for the Labour party after six years in the political wilderness and a campaign in which it has put climate change and tax reform at the top of its agenda.

Australians began voting in a federal election on Saturday, with bookies predicting a return to power for the Labour party after six years in the political wilderness and a campaign in which it has put climate change and tax reform at the top of its agenda. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has made economic management the centrepiece of the campaign for his conservative Liberal-National coalition, which has held power since 2013. Poll opened at 8 am (2200 GMT on Friday) and will close at 6 pm (0800 GMT). Voting is compulsory in Australia and the result should be known on Saturday evening. The campaign ended on a sombre note, with the death on Thursday of the popular former prime minister and Labour stalwart Bob Hawke. Hawke, who was prime minister from 1983 to 1991, was 89. While it seems unlikely that Hawke's death will have any impact on how voters cast their ballots, Labour leader Bill Shorten said it had made him more determined than ever. "I already feel a responsibility to millions of people to win. But sure, I want to do it for Bob as well. I don't want to let his memory down," Shorten told Channel Nine. Shorten seems to have struck a chord with voters who feel financially left behind and are worried about the environment with his promise to cut both generous tax concessions enjoyed by the wealthy and greenhouse gases. Morrison has criticised Labor's policy as an attack on people's aspirations. A final opinion poll conducted by Newspoll for The Weekend Australian on Friday showed Labour's lead over the National-Liberal coalition at 51.5 per cent to 48.5 per cent. "I am nervous because it's a big day, it's a very big deal," Shorten said on Saturday. "But I'm confident that we have done the homework." Shorten will vote in Melbourne in his seat of Maribyrnong, while Morrison is spending the day visiting polling booths in Tasmania before heading home to Sydney to vote. Opinion polls indicate that Morrison has narrowed Labor's lead during the campaign, but many voters are still angry about the ousting of his socially moderate predecessor, Malcolm Turnbull, in a backbench revolt last August. Turnbull was the second prime minister to be ousted while in office by the ruling Liberal Party amid deep divisions over climate and energy policy. While polls show most Australians support stronger action to tackle climate change, Morrison's coalition strongly supports the coal industry. Morrison has said Australia would meet its commitment under the Paris Accord to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by between 26% and 28% on 2005 levels but says more ambitious targets would damage the economy. Shorten said that, if elected, his government would aim to cut carbon emissions by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030, with net zero emissions by 2050. With about 17 million eligible voters, the Electoral Commission is operating more than 7,000 polling stations in venues such as surf clubs, schools and public halls. There will also be about 90 voting centres overseas. A time difference of two hours between the east and west coasts means voting centres in Western Australia will still be open as the initial counts start coming on the populous east coast.

Labour Party expected to return to power after 6 years in political wilderness as Australia votes

Exit polls in Australia's climate-dominated election campaign pointed on Saturday to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-voters-tipped-to-elect-labour-government-219514">win for Labor after six years of conservative rule</a>.

Between 16 and 17 million people were expected to vote across the vast island-continent in a bitterly fought election that may be the first anywhere decided by climate policy.

As the first polls closed, a Nine-Galaxy exit poll showed Bill Shorten's Labor beating the governing Liberal coalition 52-48, which would signal a clear parliamentary majority for the opposition. A second poll for Ten networks showed a similar margin of victory.

The polls are still open in the west of the country.

Casting his ballot in Melbourne, would-be prime minister Shorten was bullish about forming a majority government after a final poll before the vote showed his lead increasing.

"Today is the people's day," he said. "Be it buying a 'democracy sausage', the kids having a bit of a sugar cake or what have you, and voting," he added, referring to the tradition of serving grilled sausages on <a href="JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Saturday that OPEC will be responsive to the oil market's needs, but that he was not sure there is an oil shortage with data, particularly from the United States, still showing inventories building. Speaking in Jeddah ahead of a ministerial panel gathering on Sunday by top OPEC and non-OPEC producers, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, Falih told Reuters OPEC will not decide on output until late June when the group is due to meet. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Russia and other non-OPEC producers have agreed to reduce output by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) from Jan. 1 for six months, a deal designed to stop inventories building up and weakening prices. &quot;We will be flexible. We are going to do the right thing as we always do,&quot; Falih said of any decision at the meeting in June on continuing the reductions. Falih said OPEC is guided by two main principles: &quot;One to keep the market in its direction towards balancing and inventories back to normal level. And two to be responsive to market needs. We will strike the right balance I am sure.&quot; OPEC's agreed share of the cuts is 800,000 bpd, but its actual reduction is far larger due to the production losses in Iran and Venezuela. Both are under U.S. sanctions and exempt from the voluntary reductions under the OPEC-led deal. U.S. President Donald Trump has called on OPEC and the group's de facto leader, Saudi Arabia, and asked them to lower oil prices. Riyadh, however, is reluctant to boost supply quickly and risk a price crash. Sunday's ministerial panel meeting, known as the JMMC, comes amid concerns of a tight market as Iran's oil exports are likely to drop further in May, and shipments from Venezuela could fall more in coming weeks due to the sanctions by Washington. [O/R] Oil contamination also forced Russia to halt flows along the Druzhba pipeline - a key conduit for crude into Eastern Europe and Germany - in April. The suspension, as yet">election day</a>.&nbsp;

"In the event that the people of Australia voted to stop the chaos and voted for action on climate change, we will be ready to hit the ground from tomorrow."

Weeks ago, Prime Minister Scott Morrison's conservative Liberals had been heading for an electoral drubbing.

But he has closed the gap with a negative campaign and backing from the country's biggest media organisation owned by Rupert Murdoch, mainly targeting older, wealthier voters who face fewer tax breaks under Labor.

After casting his vote in the Sydney suburbs, Morrison acknowledged the challenge his coalition faced, saying, "I don't take anyone's support in this country for granted."

"Australians know very well what it is we are saying in terms of keeping our economy strong, keeping our budget under control... keeping Australians safe and secure," he said, hitting the conservatives' key talking points against Labor.

But anger over his government's inaction on climate change may prove the real difference between the two parties.

Australia is one of the most vulnerable of all developed nations to climate change and a season of record floods, wildfires and droughts have brought the issue from the political fringes to front and centre of the campaign.

In traditionally more conservative rural areas, climate-hit farmers are demanding action. And in several rich suburbs, a generational shift has seen eco-minded candidates running Liberal party luminaries close.

In northern Sydney, former prime minister Tony Abbott -- who once described climate change as "crap" -- appears at risk of losing a seat he has held for more than two decades to independent challenger Zali Steggall, a lawyer and Olympic medallist in Alpine skiing.

Early rising voters in the constituency trickled into a beachside surf club to cast their ballots, as volunteers wearing bright orange "I'm a climate voter" t-shirts handed out pamphlets.

Shorten has pledged quick legislation to increase renewable energy, while the Liberals said they would not risk the coal-fuelled economy's health to make the air cleaner.

Australia is among the world's largest exporters of coal, providing thousands of jobs in the northeast of the country.

Candidates egged

The campaign has been an often ill-tempered pitched-battle. Candidates have been egged and abused, and a slew have resigned for racist, sexist and otherwise jaw-dropping social media posts.

In Abbott's battleground seat, a 62-year-old man was arrested and charged with thrusting a corkscrew into the stomach of someone putting up campaign banners on the eve of the election.

If Morrison wins, it would be a monumental comeback, having scraped for his political life in the hope of not entering the history books as one of the shortest-serving prime ministers in Australian history.

He took office last August after a party room coup by conservative hardliners that ousted moderate pro-climate leader Malcolm Turnbull -- the latest in a series of political fratricides that have made Canberra politics look like "Game of Thrones" meets "The Hunger Games".

Much of Morrison's cabinet has resigned or gone into virtual hiding during the campaign because of their unpopularity.

If Shorten is elected, he would become the sixth prime minister sworn into office in a decade.

The former union leader has struggled with low personal approval ratings but has become a more polished campaigner as the election has neared.

Still, his relative lack of charisma was underlined Thursday by the death of much-loved former prime minister Bob Hawke, an Oxford-educated lovable rogue, equally at home chugging a pint or debating Keynesian economics.

Voting in Australia is mandatory and due to a complex system where voters must rank all candidates in each electorate, officials said it could take hours after the polls close before the election outcome is known.

Exit polls in Australia's climate-dominated election campaign pointed on Saturday to a win for Labor after six years of conservative rule. Between 16 and 17 million people were expected to vote across the vast island-continent in a bitterly fought election that may be the first anywhere decided by climate policy.

Exit polls in Australia's climate-dominated election campaign pointed on Saturday to a win for Labor after six years of conservative rule. Between 16 and 17 million people were expected to vote across the vast island-continent in a bitterly fought election that may be the first anywhere decided by climate policy. As the first polls closed, a Nine-Galaxy exit poll showed Bill Shorten's Labor beating the governing Liberal coalition 52-48, which would signal a clear parliamentary majority for the opposition. A second poll for Ten networks showed a similar margin of victory. The polls are still open in the west of the country. Casting his ballot in Melbourne, would-be prime minister Shorten was bullish about forming a majority government after a final poll before the vote showed his lead increasing. "Today is the people's day," he said. "Be it buying a 'democracy sausage', the kids having a bit of a sugar cake or what have you, and voting," he added, referring to the tradition of serving grilled sausages on election day. "In the event that the people of Australia voted to stop the chaos and voted for action on climate change, we will be ready to hit the ground from tomorrow." Weeks ago, Prime Minister Scott Morrison's conservative Liberals had been heading for an electoral drubbing. But he has closed the gap with a negative campaign and backing from the country's biggest media organisation owned by Rupert Murdoch, mainly targeting older, wealthier voters who face fewer tax breaks under Labor. After casting his vote in the Sydney suburbs, Morrison acknowledged the challenge his coalition faced, saying, "I don't take anyone's support in this country for granted." "Australians know very well what it is we are saying in terms of keeping our economy strong, keeping our budget under control... keeping Australians safe and secure," he said, hitting the conservatives' key talking points against Labor. But anger over his government's inaction on climate change may prove the real difference between the two parties. Australia is one of the most vulnerable of all developed nations to climate change and a season of record floods, wildfires and droughts have brought the issue from the political fringes to front and centre of the campaign. In traditionally more conservative rural areas, climate-hit farmers are demanding action. And in several rich suburbs, a generational shift has seen eco-minded candidates running Liberal party luminaries close. In northern Sydney, former prime minister Tony Abbott -- who once described climate change as "crap" -- appears at risk of losing a seat he has held for more than two decades to independent challenger Zali Steggall, a lawyer and Olympic medallist in Alpine skiing. Early rising voters in the constituency trickled into a beachside surf club to cast their ballots, as volunteers wearing bright orange "I'm a climate voter" t-shirts handed out pamphlets. Shorten has pledged quick legislation to increase renewable energy, while the Liberals said they would not risk the coal-fuelled economy's health to make the air cleaner. Australia is among the world's largest exporters of coal, providing thousands of jobs in the northeast of the country. Candidates egged The campaign has been an often ill-tempered pitched-battle. Candidates have been egged and abused, and a slew have resigned for racist, sexist and otherwise jaw-dropping social media posts. In Abbott's battleground seat, a 62-year-old man was arrested and charged with thrusting a corkscrew into the stomach of someone putting up campaign banners on the eve of the election. If Morrison wins, it would be a monumental comeback, having scraped for his political life in the hope of not entering the history books as one of the shortest-serving prime ministers in Australian history. He took office last August after a party room coup by conservative hardliners that ousted moderate pro-climate leader Malcolm Turnbull -- the latest in a series of political fratricides that have made Canberra politics look like "Game of Thrones" meets "The Hunger Games". Much of Morrison's cabinet has resigned or gone into virtual hiding during the campaign because of their unpopularity. If Shorten is elected, he would become the sixth prime minister sworn into office in a decade. The former union leader has struggled with low personal approval ratings but has become a more polished campaigner as the election has neared. Still, his relative lack of charisma was underlined Thursday by the death of much-loved former prime minister Bob Hawke, an Oxford-educated lovable rogue, equally at home chugging a pint or debating Keynesian economics. Voting in Australia is mandatory and due to a complex system where voters must rank all candidates in each electorate, officials said it could take hours after the polls close before the election outcome is known.

Exit polls tip Labor Party to win Australia election

Australians go to the polls on Saturday in a contest to determine whether conservative<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-pm-launches-official-campaign-six-days-out-from-election-218014"> Prime Minister Scott Morrison</a> can maintain his shaky grip on power or whether the centre-left Labor party will return to office after six years in opposition.

Opinion polls show Morrison trailing Labor as voters turn on his coalition government after six years of tumultuous rule that has seen two leaders ousted while in office, although polls narrowed during the campaign.

The winner will need to claim at least 76 seats in the 151-seat lower House of Representatives.

Below are several prominent contests.

FORMER PM BATTLES MODERATE REVOLT

Former prime minister Tony Abbott is struggling to retain the affluent seat in Sydney he has held for 25 years. Polls show Abbott is in a close battle with independent Zali Steggall, a former Olympian turned lawyer who has won support with her calls for more action on climate change.

Abbott, who previously called on Australia to abandon its pledge to reduce greenhouse emissions, is widely seen as instrumental in the ousting of former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull last year.

He is one of a handful of prominent conservatives under pressure in traditional blue-ribbon seats. Analysts say a Labor victory is likely at a national level should he lose his seat.

VICTORIAN WOES

Conservative lawmakers are not the only ones under pressure. Socially moderate Treasurer Josh Frydenberg faces a stiff challenge from an independent, while Health Minister Greg Hunt also faces an uphill battle in southern Victoria state.

Both are struggling amid a wave of frustration in Victoria, home to Australia`s second-largest city, Melbourne.

The opposition Liberal party suffered a heavy defeat to the Labor government in state elections in November, a result seen as a rejection of conservative policies.

RURAL DISCONTENT

Climate change is also pressuring the Nationals, the rural-focused junior partner in the federal Liberal-National coalition government. With a drought wilting crops across Australia`s east, the Nationals have come under pressure over their support of Australia`s coal industry, a major contributor to greenhouse emissions.

This is expected to play out most acutely in Victoria and the western regions of New South Wales state.

Mallee in rural Victoria has long been considered one of the safest coalition seats but several independents are pushing the Nationals after incumbent Andrew Broad was forced to resign over a scandal.

QUEENSLAND APPEAL

While Morrison`s conservative politics may not be popular in some metropolitan areas of Australia, they are expected to resonate in the northeastern state of Queensland.

Rural voters in Queensland are a critical bloc in several marginal seats. Morrison`s coalition will need to carry seats such as Herbert in Queensland`s north if it is to retain power.

Labor`s Cathy O`Toole won Herbert in 2016 by just 37 votes and, with the coal industry a major employer in the electorate, Morrison`s candidate could win a seat away from the opposition.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE RIGHT?

Whoever wins power faces an anxious few weeks to determine the composition of the upper house Senate, where 76 seats will be contested.

Morrison`s legislative agenda was hampered throughout his short tenure by a hostile Senate, where independents held the balance of power.

Several right-wing candidates are trying to win Senate seats. The nationalist One Nation Party was once the dominant player in a crowded field but its standing has fallen amid a series of scandals.

However, voter frustration with the major parties remains and other right-wing parties are scrambling to step in.

Australians go to the polls on Saturday in a contest to determine whether conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison can maintain his shaky grip on power or whether the centre-left Labor party will return to office after six years in opposition.

Australians go to the polls on Saturday in a contest to determine whether conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison can maintain his shaky grip on power or whether the centre-left Labor party will return to office after six years in opposition. Opinion polls show Morrison trailing Labor as voters turn on his coalition government after six years of tumultuous rule that has seen two leaders ousted while in office, although polls narrowed during the campaign. The winner will need to claim at least 76 seats in the 151-seat lower House of Representatives. Below are several prominent contests. FORMER PM BATTLES MODERATE REVOLT Former prime minister Tony Abbott is struggling to retain the affluent seat in Sydney he has held for 25 years. Polls show Abbott is in a close battle with independent Zali Steggall, a former Olympian turned lawyer who has won support with her calls for more action on climate change. Abbott, who previously called on Australia to abandon its pledge to reduce greenhouse emissions, is widely seen as instrumental in the ousting of former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull last year. He is one of a handful of prominent conservatives under pressure in traditional blue-ribbon seats. Analysts say a Labor victory is likely at a national level should he lose his seat. VICTORIAN WOES Conservative lawmakers are not the only ones under pressure. Socially moderate Treasurer Josh Frydenberg faces a stiff challenge from an independent, while Health Minister Greg Hunt also faces an uphill battle in southern Victoria state. Both are struggling amid a wave of frustration in Victoria, home to Australia`s second-largest city, Melbourne. The opposition Liberal party suffered a heavy defeat to the Labor government in state elections in November, a result seen as a rejection of conservative policies. RURAL DISCONTENT Climate change is also pressuring the Nationals, the rural-focused junior partner in the federal Liberal-National coalition government. With a drought wilting crops across Australia`s east, the Nationals have come under pressure over their support of Australia`s coal industry, a major contributor to greenhouse emissions. This is expected to play out most acutely in Victoria and the western regions of New South Wales state. Mallee in rural Victoria has long been considered one of the safest coalition seats but several independents are pushing the Nationals after incumbent Andrew Broad was forced to resign over a scandal. QUEENSLAND APPEAL While Morrison`s conservative politics may not be popular in some metropolitan areas of Australia, they are expected to resonate in the northeastern state of Queensland. Rural voters in Queensland are a critical bloc in several marginal seats. Morrison`s coalition will need to carry seats such as Herbert in Queensland`s north if it is to retain power. Labor`s Cathy O`Toole won Herbert in 2016 by just 37 votes and, with the coal industry a major employer in the electorate, Morrison`s candidate could win a seat away from the opposition. WHAT NEXT FOR THE RIGHT? Whoever wins power faces an anxious few weeks to determine the composition of the upper house Senate, where 76 seats will be contested. Morrison`s legislative agenda was hampered throughout his short tenure by a hostile Senate, where independents held the balance of power. Several right-wing candidates are trying to win Senate seats. The nationalist One Nation Party was once the dominant player in a crowded field but its standing has fallen amid a series of scandals. However, voter frustration with the major parties remains and other right-wing parties are scrambling to step in.

Australia's election: Key themes and contests

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison officially launched his party's election campaign on Sunday, less than a week before the May 18 vote that opinion polls have consistently indicated he will lose.

At the campaign launch in Melbourne, Morrison's focus was on economic management and said his centre-right Liberal-National coalition would support the "decent, simple and honest aspirations" of Australians.

"A stronger economy where people have the confidence to invest more, to employ more, to invent more, to work hard," Morrison said.

The government has been trailing the centre-left Labor Party, led by Bill Shorten, in polls for years, though recent figures indicate the race is tightening.

Morrison's Liberal Party has been rocked by division in recent times, having had three different leaders in four years.

Neither of Morrison's two immediate predecessors as prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott, were present at the campaign launch. Former Prime Minister John Howard, who led Australia from 1996 to 2007, also did not show up.

Morrison previously dismissed questions about why the former prime ministers wouldn't be attending, saying the day was about speaking directly to the Australian people.

"It's not about party festivals and slapping backs and doing all that sort of stuff," Morrison told reporters on Saturday.

Morrison has been the dominant figure for the government in the campaign but members of his front bench attended the launch on Sunday, including Environment Minister Melissa Price, who has largely been unseen during a campaign in which climate change has been a prominent issue.

The coalition has had to focus its attention on many traditionally safe seats this election, which appear to be under threat from candidates running on platforms focused on more action on climate change.

The Age newspaper reported on Sunday the government was facing tight contests in Tony Abbott's seat of Warringah in Sydney and the seat of Higgins, in Melbourne's wealthy inner-east.

Labour leader Bill Shorten said there were a lot of disillusioned voters in Higgins, which the Liberal Party has held since the seat was created in 1949.

"There is a mood for change," Shorten told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Morrison also took aim at Shorten and said Labor had a history of poorly managing the economy.

"Reckless spending is not a vision ... it’s a burden on current and future generations," Morrison said.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison officially launched his party's election campaign on Sunday, less than a week before the May 18 vote that opinion polls have consistently indicated he will lose.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison officially launched his party's election campaign on Sunday, less than a week before the May 18 vote that opinion polls have consistently indicated he will lose. At the campaign launch in Melbourne, Morrison's focus was on economic management and said his centre-right Liberal-National coalition would support the "decent, simple and honest aspirations" of Australians. "A stronger economy where people have the confidence to invest more, to employ more, to invent more, to work hard," Morrison said. The government has been trailing the centre-left Labor Party, led by Bill Shorten, in polls for years, though recent figures indicate the race is tightening. Morrison's Liberal Party has been rocked by division in recent times, having had three different leaders in four years. Neither of Morrison's two immediate predecessors as prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott, were present at the campaign launch. Former Prime Minister John Howard, who led Australia from 1996 to 2007, also did not show up. Morrison previously dismissed questions about why the former prime ministers wouldn't be attending, saying the day was about speaking directly to the Australian people. "It's not about party festivals and slapping backs and doing all that sort of stuff," Morrison told reporters on Saturday. Morrison has been the dominant figure for the government in the campaign but members of his front bench attended the launch on Sunday, including Environment Minister Melissa Price, who has largely been unseen during a campaign in which climate change has been a prominent issue. The coalition has had to focus its attention on many traditionally safe seats this election, which appear to be under threat from candidates running on platforms focused on more action on climate change. The Age newspaper reported on Sunday the government was facing tight contests in Tony Abbott's seat of Warringah in Sydney and the seat of Higgins, in Melbourne's wealthy inner-east. Labour leader Bill Shorten said there were a lot of disillusioned voters in Higgins, which the Liberal Party has held since the seat was created in 1949. "There is a mood for change," Shorten told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Morrison also took aim at Shorten and said Labor had a history of poorly managing the economy. "Reckless spending is not a vision ... it’s a burden on current and future generations," Morrison said.

Australia's PM launches official campaign six days out from election

A 24-year-old woman who struck Australian<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-promises-migration-cut-refugee-freeze-if-re-elected-214043&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjvoNWf8YjiAhXEto8KHWq2BUUQFjAFegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0b2DyIGQ1h0yInY09Y352e"> Prime Minister Scott Morrison</a> with an egg on Tuesday as he campaigned for a May 18 general election has been charged with assault, police said.

Security guards pounced on the protester, who was wearing a beanie and casual clothes and dragged her away moments after the attack.

"The prime minister was attending an event at Albury Entertainment Centre when a woman approached him from behind and allegedly struck him with an egg to the back of his head," New South Wales police said in a statement.

Police, who initially said the woman was 25, said they had been arrested her but they did not identify her nor give any details about her motive.

The woman told reporters moments after the incident that her action "speaks for itself" and she referred to Manus Island, in Papua New Guinea, where Australia has long detained refugees, according to a reporter with the Australian newspaper.

She was charged with common assault and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wallet-ness-wadia-sentenced-to-2-year-jail-term-in-japan-for-drugs-possession-214822&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiE6dbC8YjiAhUHiXAKHUW3D7MQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3LI2qefQudR4M6FOkPZrtM">drug possession </a>after police found cannabis on her. The woman was released on bail and ordered to appear in court on May 27.

Morrison rubbed his head briefly after being grazed by the egg, which did not break, and then helped an elderly woman who was pushed to the floor in the scuffle, television images showed.&nbsp;

No injuries were reported, the police said."We will stand up to thuggery whether it`s these cowardly activists who have no respect for anyone, or militant unionists standing over small businesses and their employees on work sites," Morrison tweeted after the incident. Later, he joked when asked about it, saying he did not want to "over-egg" it.

"Just because you have a difference of view to someone, doesn`t mean you have to engage in these sorts of ugly types of protests ... We have to learn to disagree better," he told reporters, referring also to recent protests by vegans against farmers. Opposition Labor leader Bill Shorten called the protester`s action unacceptable. "This is appalling and disgraceful behaviour," he told reporters.

The incident occurred during a visit by the prime minister to Albury, a New South Wales constituency where an independent candidate is the bookmakers` favourite as rural voters desert the government.

In March, a teenager smashed an egg onto the head of a controversial right-wing Australian lawmaker who had blamed New Zealand`s mosque shootings on its immigration programme.

A 24-year-old woman who struck Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison with an egg on Tuesday as he campaigned for a May 18 general election has been charged with assault, police said.

A 24-year-old woman who struck Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison with an egg on Tuesday as he campaigned for a May 18 general election has been charged with assault, police said. Security guards pounced on the protester, who was wearing a beanie and casual clothes and dragged her away moments after the attack. "The prime minister was attending an event at Albury Entertainment Centre when a woman approached him from behind and allegedly struck him with an egg to the back of his head," New South Wales police said in a statement. Police, who initially said the woman was 25, said they had been arrested her but they did not identify her nor give any details about her motive. The woman told reporters moments after the incident that her action "speaks for itself" and she referred to Manus Island, in Papua New Guinea, where Australia has long detained refugees, according to a reporter with the Australian newspaper. She was charged with common assault and drug possession after police found cannabis on her. The woman was released on bail and ordered to appear in court on May 27. Morrison rubbed his head briefly after being grazed by the egg, which did not break, and then helped an elderly woman who was pushed to the floor in the scuffle, television images showed. No injuries were reported, the police said."We will stand up to thuggery whether it`s these cowardly activists who have no respect for anyone, or militant unionists standing over small businesses and their employees on work sites," Morrison tweeted after the incident. Later, he joked when asked about it, saying he did not want to "over-egg" it. "Just because you have a difference of view to someone, doesn`t mean you have to engage in these sorts of ugly types of protests ... We have to learn to disagree better," he told reporters, referring also to recent protests by vegans against farmers. Opposition Labor leader Bill Shorten called the protester`s action unacceptable. "This is appalling and disgraceful behaviour," he told reporters. The incident occurred during a visit by the prime minister to Albury, a New South Wales constituency where an independent candidate is the bookmakers` favourite as rural voters desert the government. In March, a teenager smashed an egg onto the head of a controversial right-wing Australian lawmaker who had blamed New Zealand`s mosque shootings on its immigration programme.

Protester charged in Australia for striking PM with an egg

A 24-year-old woman who struck Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison with an egg on Tuesday (May 7) as he campaigned for a May 18 general election has been charged with assault.

Australia: Protester charged for striking PM Scott Morrison with an egg

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

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

The two men vying to lead Australia for the next three years faced off over the economy and plummeting trust in politicians in a testy first televised election debate Monday.

As polls showed the race to the May 18 vote tightening, embattled conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison and frontrunner Bill Shorten of the centre-left opposition Labor party traded sometimes personal barbs as they debated the country's future.

Morrison -- who faces electoral defeat less than a year after coming to office in a party coup -- painted the opposition leader as a poor custodian of this G20 economy.

"Who do you trust to manage a $2 trillion economy?" asked Morrison, framing the debate as a choice between the Liberal party's continued stewardship and costly policy changes.

While Australia's economy has grown solidly for more than two decades, storm clouds are gathering and there is unease at the rising cost of living and vast income disparities.&nbsp;

Tapping into that sense of growing malaise, Shorten accused the Liberal government of looking after "the top end of town".

"There is a mood for change in Australia," he said, promising to improve incomes and put "middle and working class people back on top".

"Everything is going up in Australia except people's wages," he said.

Morrison accused the Labor leader of not being honest with voters about the cost of new emissions reduction targets and other policy changes.

For months the polls have shown the opposition headed for a sizeable victory, but ahead of the debate a Newspoll survey showed Labor's lead narrowing to two percentage points, well within the margin of error.

The campaign so far has been dominated by shrill attacks and hyperbolic accusations of impending doom if one side or the other wins.

That tension was on full display, with cries of "rubbish" and frequent interruptions from the candidates as moderators in Perth tried to keep the debate on track.&nbsp;

When asked to say what they admired about the other man, the pair could offer only tepid endorsements about public service in parliament and on a few specific issues.

Controversial tycoon

Monday's poll showed the election will be closely fought, but also underscored the complexities of Australia's election system -- which asks voters to rank parties by preferences and encourages voting pacts between major and minor parties.

The poll for the first time counted support for controversial mining mogul Clive Palmer, who has bought his way to five per cent of the vote with months of ad spending worth tens of millions of dollars.

His populist "Make Australia Great" message can be seen on billboards and TV screens across the country, echoing the campaign waged successfully by Donald Trump in his 2016 run for the White House.

The Newspoll predicted that 60 per cent of Palmer's supporters would preference Morrison's Liberal party, boosting its showing relative to Labor.

Morrison tried to distance himself from Palmer but insisted Labor and the Greens were a bigger risk to the Australian economy than the controversial millionaire.

The two men vying to lead Australia for the next three years faced off over the economy and plummeting trust in politicians in a testy first televised election debate Monday.

The two men vying to lead Australia for the next three years faced off over the economy and plummeting trust in politicians in a testy first televised election debate Monday. As polls showed the race to the May 18 vote tightening, embattled conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison and frontrunner Bill Shorten of the centre-left opposition Labor party traded sometimes personal barbs as they debated the country's future. Morrison -- who faces electoral defeat less than a year after coming to office in a party coup -- painted the opposition leader as a poor custodian of this G20 economy. "Who do you trust to manage a $2 trillion economy?" asked Morrison, framing the debate as a choice between the Liberal party's continued stewardship and costly policy changes. While Australia's economy has grown solidly for more than two decades, storm clouds are gathering and there is unease at the rising cost of living and vast income disparities. Tapping into that sense of growing malaise, Shorten accused the Liberal government of looking after "the top end of town". "There is a mood for change in Australia," he said, promising to improve incomes and put "middle and working class people back on top". "Everything is going up in Australia except people's wages," he said. Morrison accused the Labor leader of not being honest with voters about the cost of new emissions reduction targets and other policy changes. For months the polls have shown the opposition headed for a sizeable victory, but ahead of the debate a Newspoll survey showed Labor's lead narrowing to two percentage points, well within the margin of error. The campaign so far has been dominated by shrill attacks and hyperbolic accusations of impending doom if one side or the other wins. That tension was on full display, with cries of "rubbish" and frequent interruptions from the candidates as moderators in Perth tried to keep the debate on track. When asked to say what they admired about the other man, the pair could offer only tepid endorsements about public service in parliament and on a few specific issues. Controversial tycoon Monday's poll showed the election will be closely fought, but also underscored the complexities of Australia's election system -- which asks voters to rank parties by preferences and encourages voting pacts between major and minor parties. The poll for the first time counted support for controversial mining mogul Clive Palmer, who has bought his way to five per cent of the vote with months of ad spending worth tens of millions of dollars. His populist "Make Australia Great" message can be seen on billboards and TV screens across the country, echoing the campaign waged successfully by Donald Trump in his 2016 run for the White House. The Newspoll predicted that 60 per cent of Palmer's supporters would preference Morrison's Liberal party, boosting its showing relative to Labor. Morrison tried to distance himself from Palmer but insisted Labor and the Greens were a bigger risk to the Australian economy than the controversial millionaire.

Australia holds feisty first election debate as race tightens

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, trailing in opinion polls ahead of a May 18 election, on Sunday campaigned on the hot-button issue of immigration, promising to cut annual migrant numbers and freeze the country's refugee intake.

The pace of migration and the overcrowding of Australia's major cities is a sensitive issue amongst voters in a nation where 29 per cent of the 25.3 million people were born overseas and where migration levels now outstrip the birthrate.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics says net overseas migration in the year to September 2018 was 240,100. The prime minister said if his government was re-elected it would cap annual migrant numbers at 160,000 people per year for the next four years.

The restriction does not include more than 350,000 foreign students granted visas each year, the majority of whom end up staying and who pump millions of dollars through the nation's universities, according to Department of Home Affairs figures.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, trailing in opinion polls ahead of a May 18 election, on Sunday campaigned on the hot-button issue of immigration, promising to cut annual migrant numbers and freeze the country's refugee intake.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, trailing in opinion polls ahead of a May 18 election, on Sunday campaigned on the hot-button issue of immigration, promising to cut annual migrant numbers and freeze the country's refugee intake. The pace of migration and the overcrowding of Australia's major cities is a sensitive issue amongst voters in a nation where 29 per cent of the 25.3 million people were born overseas and where migration levels now outstrip the birthrate. The Australian Bureau of Statistics says net overseas migration in the year to September 2018 was 240,100. The prime minister said if his government was re-elected it would cap annual migrant numbers at 160,000 people per year for the next four years. The restriction does not include more than 350,000 foreign students granted visas each year, the majority of whom end up staying and who pump millions of dollars through the nation's universities, according to Department of Home Affairs figures.

Australian PM promises migration cut, refugee freeze if re-elected

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-watchdog-to-probe-broadcast-of-new-zealand-gunman-livestream-203993&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjywN-e8snhAhUMQo8KHc86DNAQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3xfOJVL4h54n1opEfRCrnO">Wikileaks </a>founder Julian Assange would receive the same consular support as any other citizen on Friday.

British police dragged Australian national Assange out of Ecuador's embassy on Thursday (April 11) after his seven-year asylum was revoked, paving the way for his extradition to the United States for one of the biggest ever leaks of classified information.

Assange made international headlines in 2010 when WikiLeaks published a classified US military video showing a 2007 attack by Apache helicopters in Baghdad that killed a dozen people, including two Reuters news staff.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZiTFm_VtF3c" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

"Julian Assange will get the same consular support and assistance that any other Australian would receive. People's fame doesn't make any difference in the impact of how these decisions are made. He's an Australian citizen, he'll have that support," PM Scott Morrison said.

To some, Australian-born Assange is a hero for exposing what supporters cast as an abuse of power and for championing free speech. To others, he is a dangerous figure who has undermined the security of the United States and has too many ties to Russia. Several dozen protesters in the centre of Sydney called for Assange's release on Friday, chanting "free the truth, free Assange, don't shoot the messenger".

"The extradition process itself is a matter between the United States and the United Kingdom. But we have also been provided with that advice from the United Kingdom," Australian foreign minister Marise Payne said, adding, "Australia is completely opposed to the death penalty and that is a bipartisan position."&nbsp;

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that Wikileaks founder Julian Assange would receive the same consular support as any other citizen on Friday. British police dragged Australian national Assange out of Ecuador's embassy on Thursday (April 11) after his seven-year asylum was revoked, paving the way for his extradition to the United States for one of the biggest ever leaks of classified information.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that Wikileaks founder Julian Assange would receive the same consular support as any other citizen on Friday. British police dragged Australian national Assange out of Ecuador's embassy on Thursday (April 11) after his seven-year asylum was revoked, paving the way for his extradition to the United States for one of the biggest ever leaks of classified information. Assange made international headlines in 2010 when WikiLeaks published a classified US military video showing a 2007 attack by Apache helicopters in Baghdad that killed a dozen people, including two Reuters news staff. "Julian Assange will get the same consular support and assistance that any other Australian would receive. People's fame doesn't make any difference in the impact of how these decisions are made. He's an Australian citizen, he'll have that support," PM Scott Morrison said. To some, Australian-born Assange is a hero for exposing what supporters cast as an abuse of power and for championing free speech. To others, he is a dangerous figure who has undermined the security of the United States and has too many ties to Russia. Several dozen protesters in the centre of Sydney called for Assange's release on Friday, chanting "free the truth, free Assange, don't shoot the messenger". "The extradition process itself is a matter between the United States and the United Kingdom. But we have also been provided with that advice from the United Kingdom," Australian foreign minister Marise Payne said, adding, "Australia is completely opposed to the death penalty and that is a bipartisan position."

Assange will receive same consular support as any other citizen: Australian PM Morrison

Australians react to the news that they will go to the polls in a general election on May 18 as Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the date on Thursday.

Australians react to the news that they will go to the polls May 18

Australians go to the polls in a general election on May 18, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday (April 11), firing the starting gun on a campaign expected to be fought over taxation, climate change and inequality.

Australia sets May 18 election with campaign expected on taxes, climate change

Australia continued a string of "hottest ever" months in March, the government said Monday, as global warming emerges as the hot button issue in national elections just weeks away.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said the country had experienced the warmest March on record, with mean maximum and minimum temperatures above average for nearly all of the vast continent nation.

BOM said the national mean temperature was 2.13 degrees centigrade (3.83 degrees Fahrenheit) above the long-term average for the month of March.

It was the fourth month in a row of record heat in the country, and January was Australia's hottest month ever, with mean temperatures across the continent exceeding 30 degrees Celsius for the first time.

There was some relief for regions suffering from prolonged drought, however, as two tropical cyclones that struck northern and western Australia in March bought badly needed rains.

"Unfortunately, the rain needed to reduce significant rainfall deficiencies in drought-affected areas is substantial and will require above average rainfall over a prolonged period to completely remove deficits at longer timescales," BOM said.

Meteorologists say weather patterns over the Indian and Pacific oceans have contributed to the higher temperatures, but that long-term climate change trends were also involved.

The problem of climate change has emerged as a key issue in national elections due to be held by mid-May.

The conservative coalition government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been reluctant to back steep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions blamed for contributing to global warming for fear this would hurt the country's huge coal industry and undermine economic growth.

The main opposition Labor Party, which leads the conservatives in opinion polls, on Monday unveiled a raft of proposals to cut greenhouse gas emissions, including through promotion of renewable energy sources and electric motor vehicles. &nbsp;

Australia continued a string of "hottest ever" months in March, the government said Monday, as global warming emerges as the hot button issue in national elections just weeks away.

Australia continued a string of "hottest ever" months in March, the government said Monday, as global warming emerges as the hot button issue in national elections just weeks away. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said the country had experienced the warmest March on record, with mean maximum and minimum temperatures above average for nearly all of the vast continent nation. BOM said the national mean temperature was 2.13 degrees centigrade (3.83 degrees Fahrenheit) above the long-term average for the month of March. It was the fourth month in a row of record heat in the country, and January was Australia's hottest month ever, with mean temperatures across the continent exceeding 30 degrees Celsius for the first time. There was some relief for regions suffering from prolonged drought, however, as two tropical cyclones that struck northern and western Australia in March bought badly needed rains. "Unfortunately, the rain needed to reduce significant rainfall deficiencies in drought-affected areas is substantial and will require above average rainfall over a prolonged period to completely remove deficits at longer timescales," BOM said. Meteorologists say weather patterns over the Indian and Pacific oceans have contributed to the higher temperatures, but that long-term climate change trends were also involved. The problem of climate change has emerged as a key issue in national elections due to be held by mid-May. The conservative coalition government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been reluctant to back steep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions blamed for contributing to global warming for fear this would hurt the country's huge coal industry and undermine economic growth. The main opposition Labor Party, which leads the conservatives in opinion polls, on Monday unveiled a raft of proposals to cut greenhouse gas emissions, including through promotion of renewable energy sources and electric motor vehicles.

Australia sees record temperatures for fourth month in a row

Australia on Wednesday cut its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abuse-rife-in-australian-immigration-centre-leaked-reports-4618">annual intake of immigrants</a> by nearly 15 per cent, and barred some new arrivals from living in its largest cities for three years, in a bid to ease urban congestion.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison —&nbsp;who is trailing badly in the polls ahead of a federal election in May —&nbsp;hopes to tap into rising voter frustration over house prices and congestion, which some see as a consequence of population growth.

"This is a practical problem that Australians wanted addressed," Morrison told reporters in Canberra, the capital, after announcing the annual immigration intake would be cut to 160,000 people, with effect from July 1, versus 190,000 before.

The policy change comes at a time of national reflection over Australia's attitude towards migrants after the shooting of at least 50 people at two mosques in New Zealand's city of Christchurch.

Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, a suspected white supremacist, was charged with murder on Saturday after a lone gunman opened fire at the two mosques during Friday prayers.

"My great frustration is that, in addressing these issues of population and immigration programs, these debates often get hijacked by those of competing views who seek to exploit them for other causes," Morrison added.

"I reject all of that absolutely."

A ReachTel poll published in September showed that 63 per cent of Sydney residents supported curbs on the number of migrants moving to Australia's biggest city.

Morrison said the cap would include places for up to 23,000 people who could migrate to Australia under a new skilled visa.

Such arrivals could gain permanent residency after living outside of Australia's largest cities for three years, he added.

They will be barred from living in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney or the Gold Coast, where infrastructure is overutilised, said immigration minister David Coleman.

Authorities will require proof of residential and work addresses in future applications for permanent residency, he added, as a way of enforcing the requirement.

Business welcomed the bid to alleviate regional skill shortages.

"While Australians in our major cities are frustrated by congestion, those in our regions have told us they need more people, skills, jobs and investment," said Jennifer Westacott, chief executive of the Australian Business Council.

There is no cap on temporary migration, such as students on temporary visas, who form the bulk of migrants to Australia, which issued 378,292 student visas in the year to June 30, 2018.

Australia on Wednesday cut its annual intake of immigrants by nearly 15 per cent, and barred some new arrivals from living in its largest cities for three years, in a bid to ease urban congestion.

Australia on Wednesday cut its annual intake of immigrants by nearly 15 per cent, and barred some new arrivals from living in its largest cities for three years, in a bid to ease urban congestion. Prime Minister Scott Morrison — who is trailing badly in the polls ahead of a federal election in May — hopes to tap into rising voter frustration over house prices and congestion, which some see as a consequence of population growth. "This is a practical problem that Australians wanted addressed," Morrison told reporters in Canberra, the capital, after announcing the annual immigration intake would be cut to 160,000 people, with effect from July 1, versus 190,000 before. The policy change comes at a time of national reflection over Australia's attitude towards migrants after the shooting of at least 50 people at two mosques in New Zealand's city of Christchurch. Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, a suspected white supremacist, was charged with murder on Saturday after a lone gunman opened fire at the two mosques during Friday prayers. "My great frustration is that, in addressing these issues of population and immigration programs, these debates often get hijacked by those of competing views who seek to exploit them for other causes," Morrison added. "I reject all of that absolutely." A ReachTel poll published in September showed that 63 per cent of Sydney residents supported curbs on the number of migrants moving to Australia's biggest city. Morrison said the cap would include places for up to 23,000 people who could migrate to Australia under a new skilled visa. Such arrivals could gain permanent residency after living outside of Australia's largest cities for three years, he added. They will be barred from living in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney or the Gold Coast, where infrastructure is overutilised, said immigration minister David Coleman. Authorities will require proof of residential and work addresses in future applications for permanent residency, he added, as a way of enforcing the requirement. Business welcomed the bid to alleviate regional skill shortages. "While Australians in our major cities are frustrated by congestion, those in our regions have told us they need more people, skills, jobs and investment," said Jennifer Westacott, chief executive of the Australian Business Council. There is no cap on temporary migration, such as students on temporary visas, who form the bulk of migrants to Australia, which issued 378,292 student visas in the year to June 30, 2018.

Australia says some new immigrants will not be allowed to live in its biggest cities

Indonesia summoned Canberra's ambassador Monday after an<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-made-a-decision-we-are-unified-pm-ardern-says-new-zealand-will-tighten-gun-laws-204011"> Australian senator blamed </a>last week's mosque attacks by a white supremacist in New Zealand on immigration.

Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi said she had called ambassador Gary Quinlan to her office to convey the Muslim majority country's "strong condemnation" of Queensland Senator Fraser Anning's controversial comments.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UdM1DVfcraE" width="560"></iframe>

The people killed in Friday's massacre in Christchurch included one Indonesian, while another was seriously injured.

"Ambassador Quinlan conveyed his reassurance that the statement made by Senator Anning does not reflect the position and sentiments of the government and the people of Australia," Marsudi said.

She added: "Indonesia strongly condemns this act of terrorism which has no place in New Zealand or anywhere else in this world."

On Friday, Anning said in a statement the attack in the southern New Zealand city was the result of Muslim immigration into the country.&nbsp;

Anning's remarks drew condemnation from across the political spectrum in Australia.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the comments as "appalling" and "ugly" with "no place in Australia", as he announced a bipartisan motion of censure would be launched.

Former PM Kevin Rudd dubbed Anning a "racist and a fascist", and encouraged Australians to sign a petition calling for him to be booted out of parliament.

On Saturday, Anning - elected in 2017 by a fluke of Australia's proportional voting system, having received only 19 first preference votes - had to be restrained after punching a teenager who threw an egg at him in protest over his comments.

Indonesia summoned Canberra's ambassador Monday after an Australian senator blamed last week's mosque attacks by a white supremacist in New Zealand on immigration.

Indonesia summoned Canberra's ambassador Monday after an Australian senator blamed last week's mosque attacks by a white supremacist in New Zealand on immigration. Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi said she had called ambassador Gary Quinlan to her office to convey the Muslim majority country's "strong condemnation" of Queensland Senator Fraser Anning's controversial comments. The people killed in Friday's massacre in Christchurch included one Indonesian, while another was seriously injured. "Ambassador Quinlan conveyed his reassurance that the statement made by Senator Anning does not reflect the position and sentiments of the government and the people of Australia," Marsudi said. She added: "Indonesia strongly condemns this act of terrorism which has no place in New Zealand or anywhere else in this world." On Friday, Anning said in a statement the attack in the southern New Zealand city was the result of Muslim immigration into the country. Anning's remarks drew condemnation from across the political spectrum in Australia. Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the comments as "appalling" and "ugly" with "no place in Australia", as he announced a bipartisan motion of censure would be launched. Former PM Kevin Rudd dubbed Anning a "racist and a fascist", and encouraged Australians to sign a petition calling for him to be booted out of parliament. On Saturday, Anning - elected in 2017 by a fluke of Australia's proportional voting system, having received only 19 first preference votes - had to be restrained after punching a teenager who threw an egg at him in protest over his comments.

Indonesia summons Australian foreign minister over Senator's remark

One Christchurch shooting suspect is Australian says Australian PM

Two more key Australian ministers Saturday announced their retirement from politics before elections in May, amid a huge exodus of politicians from the Liberal Party in recent weeks.

Defense Minister Christopher Pyne, considered one of the most moderate politicians in the administration of Prime Minister Scott Morrison, confirmed his retirement after 26 years in politics on Saturday morning.

Pyne, who had retained his South Australian seat since 1993, said he will not contest the May elections as he is planning to move into the private sector.

Minister of Defense Industry, Steven Ciobo, also resigned Saturday morning with immediate effect after 17 years in Parliament and said he, too, will not be contesting the upcoming elections.

Morrison appointed Linda Reynolds, Australia's first female brigadier in the Army Reserve, as the new Minister for Defence Industry, and said her appointment took the number of women ministers in his cabinet to seven, the highest number on record.

"Our Government has a plan to make Australia even stronger, Linda is part of my team that'll make that happen," Morrison tweeted.

Pyne, in charge of a $200 billion expansion of Australia's military capability, and Ciobo, join a growing number of Liberal ministers, who have quit ahead of the elections, including former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Minister for Jobs Kelly O'Dwyer, Human Services Minister Michael Keenan and Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion.

The centre-right government is not a favourite to win the May elections and the retirement of senior members of the cabinet just ahead of the elections have complicated its future even further.

Morrison will need to retain all the parliamentary seats held by his coalition government, but with senior ministers jumping ship just ahead of the elections it seems a tough battle.

Morrison confirmed the decisions of the two ministers in a televised speech while expressing confidence that public support will help them sail through the elections.

Although no dates have been confirmed as yet, Australia must elect before May 19 half of the 76 members of the Senate and will hold elections before November to elect the 151 members of the next House of Representatives.

Two more key Australian ministers Saturday announced their retirement from politics before elections in May, amid a huge exodus of politicians from the Liberal Party in recent weeks.

Two more key Australian ministers Saturday announced their retirement from politics before elections in May, amid a huge exodus of politicians from the Liberal Party in recent weeks. Defense Minister Christopher Pyne, considered one of the most moderate politicians in the administration of Prime Minister Scott Morrison, confirmed his retirement after 26 years in politics on Saturday morning. Pyne, who had retained his South Australian seat since 1993, said he will not contest the May elections as he is planning to move into the private sector. Minister of Defense Industry, Steven Ciobo, also resigned Saturday morning with immediate effect after 17 years in Parliament and said he, too, will not be contesting the upcoming elections. Morrison appointed Linda Reynolds, Australia's first female brigadier in the Army Reserve, as the new Minister for Defence Industry, and said her appointment took the number of women ministers in his cabinet to seven, the highest number on record. "Our Government has a plan to make Australia even stronger, Linda is part of my team that'll make that happen," Morrison tweeted. Pyne, in charge of a $200 billion expansion of Australia's military capability, and Ciobo, join a growing number of Liberal ministers, who have quit ahead of the elections, including former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Minister for Jobs Kelly O'Dwyer, Human Services Minister Michael Keenan and Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion. The centre-right government is not a favourite to win the May elections and the retirement of senior members of the cabinet just ahead of the elections have complicated its future even further. Morrison will need to retain all the parliamentary seats held by his coalition government, but with senior ministers jumping ship just ahead of the elections it seems a tough battle. Morrison confirmed the decisions of the two ministers in a televised speech while expressing confidence that public support will help them sail through the elections. Although no dates have been confirmed as yet, Australia must elect before May 19 half of the 76 members of the Senate and will hold elections before November to elect the 151 members of the next House of Representatives.

Australia's political crisis deepens as more ministers resign

The Australian government on Monday announced a climate change plan injection of $1.4 billion over 10 years to reduce the country’s emissions by 2030.

"My government acknowledges that we must accept the facts of climate change, address it, and we do so with cool heads not just impassioned hearts," said Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who insisted that Australians don’t have to choose between the economy and the environment.&nbsp;

The Climate Solutions Fund, which is an extension of the Emissions Reduction Fund created in 2014 by then-prime minister Tony Abbott when he abolished carbon tax, aims to reduce emissions by 26-28 per cent by 2030.

This fund will finance local governments, businesses and ranchers to implement vegetation projects to reduce fires or replace their lighting and cooling systems.

The measure was described as "too little, too late" by the Climate Council, an independent body created following the dissolution of a government climate commission ordered by Abbott, one of Australia's advocates of coal production.

"The Federal Government has failed to tackle climate change because it has not focused on reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, particularly in sectors like electricity and transport,” said the council's executive director, Amanda McKenzie in a statement.

"Australia continues to spew more and more pollution into the atmosphere," McKenzie said.

“Mr Morrison continues to use the same disingenuous language claiming that Australia will meet its Paris climate targets “at a canter."

“When it comes to dealing with climate change, we haven’t even saddled the horse. The government’s own projections show we are not on track to meet our targets,” said McKenzie.

Morrison made the announcement amid differences in the Liberal Party over energy policies and less than three months before the next elections, in which the high cost of electricity, largely generated with coal, is one of the major concerns of voters.

Differences over energy policies have been key in the fall of several prime ministers in the last decade, both Labor and Liberal, in a country that is one of the world's major polluters per capita and with a delay in the transition to clean energy.

The Australian government on Monday announced a climate change plan injection of $1.4 billion over 10 years to reduce the country’s emissions by 2030. "My government acknowledges that we must accept the facts of climate change, address it, and we do so with cool heads not just impassioned hearts," said Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who insisted that Australians don’t have to choose between the economy and the environment.

The Australian government on Monday announced a climate change plan injection of $1.4 billion over 10 years to reduce the country’s emissions by 2030. "My government acknowledges that we must accept the facts of climate change, address it, and we do so with cool heads not just impassioned hearts," said Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who insisted that Australians don’t have to choose between the economy and the environment. The Climate Solutions Fund, which is an extension of the Emissions Reduction Fund created in 2014 by then-prime minister Tony Abbott when he abolished carbon tax, aims to reduce emissions by 26-28 per cent by 2030. This fund will finance local governments, businesses and ranchers to implement vegetation projects to reduce fires or replace their lighting and cooling systems. The measure was described as "too little, too late" by the Climate Council, an independent body created following the dissolution of a government climate commission ordered by Abbott, one of Australia's advocates of coal production. "The Federal Government has failed to tackle climate change because it has not focused on reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, particularly in sectors like electricity and transport,” said the council's executive director, Amanda McKenzie in a statement. "Australia continues to spew more and more pollution into the atmosphere," McKenzie said. “Mr Morrison continues to use the same disingenuous language claiming that Australia will meet its Paris climate targets “at a canter." “When it comes to dealing with climate change, we haven’t even saddled the horse. The government’s own projections show we are not on track to meet our targets,” said McKenzie. Morrison made the announcement amid differences in the Liberal Party over energy policies and less than three months before the next elections, in which the high cost of electricity, largely generated with coal, is one of the major concerns of voters. Differences over energy policies have been key in the fall of several prime ministers in the last decade, both Labor and Liberal, in a country that is one of the world's major polluters per capita and with a delay in the transition to clean energy.

Australia pledges $1.4 billion injection against climate change

A cyber attack on Australian lawmakers that breached the networks of major political parties was probably carried out by a foreign government, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday, but did not name any suspects.

As Australia heads for an election due by May, lawmakers were told this month told to urgently change their passwords after the cyber intelligence agency detected an attack on the national parliament's computer network.

The hackers breached the networks of major political parties, Morrison said, as he issued an initial assessment by investigators.

"Our cyber experts believe that a sophisticated state actor is responsible for this malicious activity," he told parliament.

"We also became aware that the networks of some political parties, Liberal, Labor and Nationals have also been affected."

Morrison did not reveal what information was accessed, but he said there was no evidence of election interference.

Investors are still securing local networks, said Alastair MacGibbon, head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the government department responsible for online security.

"Our political institutions represent high-value targets," MacGibbon told reporters in the capital, Canberra.

"We will continue to work with our friends and colleagues, both here and overseas, to work out who is behind it and hopefully their intent."

Analysts have said China, Russia and Iran were the most likely culprits.

"When you consider motivation, you would have to say that China is the leading suspect, while you wouldn't rule out Russia either," said Fergus Hanson, head of the International Cyber Policy Centre at think-tank the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

"It is the honey pot of juicy political gossip that has been hoovered up. Emails showing everything from the dirty laundry of internal fights through to who supported a policy could be on display."

Ties with China have deteriorated since 2017, after Canberra accused Beijing of meddling in its domestic affairs. Both countries have since sought to mend relations, but Australia remains wary of China.

Tension rose this month after Australia rescinded the visa of a prominent Chinese businessman, just months after barring Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technologies from supplying equipment to its 5G broadband network.

Officers of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency covertly monitored computers of US Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and campaign committees, and stole large amounts of data, US investigators have concluded.

A cyber attack on Australian lawmakers that breached the networks of major political parties was probably carried out by a foreign government, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday, but did not name any suspects.

A cyber attack on Australian lawmakers that breached the networks of major political parties was probably carried out by a foreign government, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday, but did not name any suspects. As Australia heads for an election due by May, lawmakers were told this month told to urgently change their passwords after the cyber intelligence agency detected an attack on the national parliament's computer network. The hackers breached the networks of major political parties, Morrison said, as he issued an initial assessment by investigators. "Our cyber experts believe that a sophisticated state actor is responsible for this malicious activity," he told parliament. "We also became aware that the networks of some political parties, Liberal, Labor and Nationals have also been affected." Morrison did not reveal what information was accessed, but he said there was no evidence of election interference. Investors are still securing local networks, said Alastair MacGibbon, head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the government department responsible for online security. "Our political institutions represent high-value targets," MacGibbon told reporters in the capital, Canberra. "We will continue to work with our friends and colleagues, both here and overseas, to work out who is behind it and hopefully their intent." Analysts have said China, Russia and Iran were the most likely culprits. "When you consider motivation, you would have to say that China is the leading suspect, while you wouldn't rule out Russia either," said Fergus Hanson, head of the International Cyber Policy Centre at think-tank the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. "It is the honey pot of juicy political gossip that has been hoovered up. Emails showing everything from the dirty laundry of internal fights through to who supported a policy could be on display." Ties with China have deteriorated since 2017, after Canberra accused Beijing of meddling in its domestic affairs. Both countries have since sought to mend relations, but Australia remains wary of China. Tension rose this month after Australia rescinded the visa of a prominent Chinese businessman, just months after barring Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technologies from supplying equipment to its 5G broadband network. Officers of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency covertly monitored computers of US Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and campaign committees, and stole large amounts of data, US investigators have concluded.

Australia accuses foreign government of cyber attack on lawmakers

Australia formally signed a $50 billion contract with France to build 12 state of the art submarines Monday, a signal of the country's willingness to project power across the Pacific.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison hailed the "very audacious plan" at a ceremony in Canberra as "part of Australia's biggest ever peace-time investment in defence".

The contract for 12 attack-class submarines is with France's Naval Group, a consortium with state backing, and has been years in the making.

It is Australia's largest ever defence procurement project and the largest ever foreign sales deal by French shipbuilder Naval Group.

The first submarine is expected to be finished in the early 2030s.

Critics say that is too late: the waters to Australia's north and east are the scene of an intense struggle between the United States, China and regional powers, who are all vying for influence.

Beijing has made territorial claims to much of the South China Sea -- a marine thoroughfare that is vital to maintain the supply of ores, minerals and crude that fuel the Chinese economy.

Washington fears that China is becoming increasingly assertive over its territorial claims to display its dominance over smaller Asian nations and cement its role as the prime regional power.

Australian military analysts hope the subs will allow the country to maintain a credible deterrent against possible hostile actions.

Visiting French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly signed the agreement for Paris.

The ceremony took place in the shadow of a memorial to US forces in front of the Australian defence offices in Canberra.

"It takes a lot of confidence for Australia to bet on France and a lot of confidence for France to share with Australia the capability that is so close to the core of our sovereignty and our strategic autonomy and a result of immense investment over decades," Parly said.

Under the Strategic Partnership Agreement, 12 conventionally powered submarines derived from the Naval Group Barracuda nuclear design will be constructed in a new shipyard in South Australia.

Australia formally signed a $50 billion contract with France to build 12 state of the art submarines Monday, a signal of the country's willingness to project power across the Pacific.

Australia formally signed a $50 billion contract with France to build 12 state of the art submarines Monday, a signal of the country's willingness to project power across the Pacific. Prime Minister Scott Morrison hailed the "very audacious plan" at a ceremony in Canberra as "part of Australia's biggest ever peace-time investment in defence". The contract for 12 attack-class submarines is with France's Naval Group, a consortium with state backing, and has been years in the making. It is Australia's largest ever defence procurement project and the largest ever foreign sales deal by French shipbuilder Naval Group. The first submarine is expected to be finished in the early 2030s. Critics say that is too late: the waters to Australia's north and east are the scene of an intense struggle between the United States, China and regional powers, who are all vying for influence. Beijing has made territorial claims to much of the South China Sea -- a marine thoroughfare that is vital to maintain the supply of ores, minerals and crude that fuel the Chinese economy. Washington fears that China is becoming increasingly assertive over its territorial claims to display its dominance over smaller Asian nations and cement its role as the prime regional power. Australian military analysts hope the subs will allow the country to maintain a credible deterrent against possible hostile actions. Visiting French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly signed the agreement for Paris. The ceremony took place in the shadow of a memorial to US forces in front of the Australian defence offices in Canberra. "It takes a lot of confidence for Australia to bet on France and a lot of confidence for France to share with Australia the capability that is so close to the core of our sovereignty and our strategic autonomy and a result of immense investment over decades," Parly said. Under the Strategic Partnership Agreement, 12 conventionally powered submarines derived from the Naval Group Barracuda nuclear design will be constructed in a new shipyard in South Australia.

Australia signs massive submarines deal with French firm

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed that Thailand freed a jailed refugee Bahraini footballer Hakeem Al Araibi after prosecutors said they were <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/thailand-considers-dropping-bahraini-footballer-extradition-prosecution-source-196642">no longer seeking his extradition</a> to Bahrain.&nbsp;

"As a result of the decision of the Thai government not to pursue the extradition case that is before it, that Hakeem Al Araibi has left the jail," Scott Morrison said in a news briefing.&nbsp;

The immigration officials said he was immediately driven to the airport.&nbsp;

"He is on his way to the airport. Now, the next step is for him to return home," added Morrison.&nbsp;

The 25-year-old footballer fled Bahrain in 2014 and received refugee status in Australia.&nbsp;

The case had drawn worldwide attention when was arrested in November last year at a Bangkok airport while on a honeymoon trip, following an Interpol notice issued at Bahrain's request.&nbsp;

Morrison had in recent weeks spoken out strongly on behalf of al-Araibi's freedom. "What we would like to do tonight is to thank and show our appreciation to the Thai government for the decision that they've taken today," said Morrison.&nbsp;

"We greatly respect the process that they have had to work through and we greatly appreciate their listening to the issues that have been raised by our government and many others who have raised this case," he added.&nbsp;

Prosecutors on Monday submitted to the court a request to withdraw the case to extradite al-Araibi to Bahrain, where he faced a 10-year prison sentence for alleged involvement in an arson attack that damaged a police station - charges which he has denied, saying the case is politically motivated.&nbsp;

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed that Thailand freed a jailed refugee Bahraini footballer Hakeem Al Araibi after prosecutors said they were no longer seeking his extradition to Bahrain.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed that Thailand freed a jailed refugee Bahraini footballer Hakeem Al Araibi after prosecutors said they were no longer seeking his extradition to Bahrain. "As a result of the decision of the Thai government not to pursue the extradition case that is before it, that Hakeem Al Araibi has left the jail," Scott Morrison said in a news briefing. The immigration officials said he was immediately driven to the airport. "He is on his way to the airport. Now, the next step is for him to return home," added Morrison. The 25-year-old footballer fled Bahrain in 2014 and received refugee status in Australia. The case had drawn worldwide attention when was arrested in November last year at a Bangkok airport while on a honeymoon trip, following an Interpol notice issued at Bahrain's request. Morrison had in recent weeks spoken out strongly on behalf of al-Araibi's freedom. "What we would like to do tonight is to thank and show our appreciation to the Thai government for the decision that they've taken today," said Morrison. "We greatly respect the process that they have had to work through and we greatly appreciate their listening to the issues that have been raised by our government and many others who have raised this case," he added. Prosecutors on Monday submitted to the court a request to withdraw the case to extradite al-Araibi to Bahrain, where he faced a 10-year prison sentence for alleged involvement in an arson attack that damaged a police station - charges which he has denied, saying the case is politically motivated.

'Next step is for him to return home,' says Australian PM Scott Morrison on al Araibi's release

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Asian soccer chiefs called on the Thai government to release footballer Hakeem Al Araibi as prosecutors in Bangkok on Tuesday acknowledged receipt of an extradition request from Bahrain.

Bahraini Araibi, who fled to Australia from his homeland in 2014 and was later granted asylum, was arrested in November in Bangkok on an Interpol notice issued at Bahrain's request.

The Australian Prime Minister's office confirmed that Morrison had written a letter to his Thai counterpart Prayuth Chan-ocha asking that Araibi be allowed to return home.

"The PM reminded the Thai prime minister that he is a refugee that has been given permanent residency, he should be released," one source familiar with the details of the letter told Reuters.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also wrote to the Thai Prime Minister, a significant move because the regional governing body, which had been criticised for its silence on the case, is run by a leading Bahraini, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa.

Araibi was a vocal critic of Sheikh Salman, a member of Bahrain's ruling family and a cousin of the king, when the AFC President contested the FIFA presidential election in 2015.

The AFC said on Saturday that Sheikh Salman had been recused from matters relating to West Asia 18 months ago to ensure there were no accusations of a conflict of interest and that Vice President Praful Patel would oversee the Araibi case.

"I hereby respectfully request Your Excellency to take the necessary steps to ensure that Mr AI Araibi is returned safely to Australia, where he has been granted refugee status, at the earliest possible opportunity," Patel wrote to Prayuth.

Araibi was convicted of vandalising a police station in Bahrain and sentenced to 10 years in prison in absentia. He denies wrongdoing.

FIFA APPEAL

Thailand's Foreign Ministry have been consistent in saying the case was a matter for their justice system to decide and on Tuesday reiterated that stance.

Chatchom Akapin, Director-General at the International Affairs Department, Office of Attorney General of Thailand told Reuters that an extradition request had been received from the Bahrain government.

"We have to see whether the Bahrain request falls in line with Thailand’s Extradition Act of 2008," he said. "If it matches then we will make the request to the criminal court. It is the court who decides whether to sent Mr. Hakeem to Bahrain or not."

Chatchom said that if the request did not fall in line with Thai extradition law then no request would be made to the court and Araibi would be released when his 60-day detention order expires on Feb. 5.

"The Extradition Act of 2008 stated clearly that for a country with no extradition treaty with Thailand, like Bahrain, we have to see various factors including their government request to determine whether it falls in line with our laws," Chatchom said.

Bahrain has criticised "external interference" in Manama's internal affairs and said Araibi can return to appeal against the sentence, noting that others arrested with Araibi who have done so have been acquitted.

Soccer's world governing body FIFA also released a statement on Tuesday in which Secretary General Fatma Samoura called on the Thai and Bahraini authorities to ensure Araibi could "go back safely to Australia as a matter of urgency".

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Asian soccer chiefs called on the Thai government to release footballer Hakeem Al Araibi as prosecutors in Bangkok on Tuesday acknowledged receipt of an extradition request from Bahrain.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Asian soccer chiefs called on the Thai government to release footballer Hakeem Al Araibi as prosecutors in Bangkok on Tuesday acknowledged receipt of an extradition request from Bahrain. Bahraini Araibi, who fled to Australia from his homeland in 2014 and was later granted asylum, was arrested in November in Bangkok on an Interpol notice issued at Bahrain's request. The Australian Prime Minister's office confirmed that Morrison had written a letter to his Thai counterpart Prayuth Chan-ocha asking that Araibi be allowed to return home. "The PM reminded the Thai prime minister that he is a refugee that has been given permanent residency, he should be released," one source familiar with the details of the letter told Reuters. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also wrote to the Thai Prime Minister, a significant move because the regional governing body, which had been criticised for its silence on the case, is run by a leading Bahraini, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa. Araibi was a vocal critic of Sheikh Salman, a member of Bahrain's ruling family and a cousin of the king, when the AFC President contested the FIFA presidential election in 2015. The AFC said on Saturday that Sheikh Salman had been recused from matters relating to West Asia 18 months ago to ensure there were no accusations of a conflict of interest and that Vice President Praful Patel would oversee the Araibi case. "I hereby respectfully request Your Excellency to take the necessary steps to ensure that Mr AI Araibi is returned safely to Australia, where he has been granted refugee status, at the earliest possible opportunity," Patel wrote to Prayuth. Araibi was convicted of vandalising a police station in Bahrain and sentenced to 10 years in prison in absentia. He denies wrongdoing. FIFA APPEAL Thailand's Foreign Ministry have been consistent in saying the case was a matter for their justice system to decide and on Tuesday reiterated that stance. Chatchom Akapin, Director-General at the International Affairs Department, Office of Attorney General of Thailand told Reuters that an extradition request had been received from the Bahrain government. "We have to see whether the Bahrain request falls in line with Thailand’s Extradition Act of 2008," he said. "If it matches then we will make the request to the criminal court. It is the court who decides whether to sent Mr. Hakeem to Bahrain or not." Chatchom said that if the request did not fall in line with Thai extradition law then no request would be made to the court and Araibi would be released when his 60-day detention order expires on Feb. 5. "The Extradition Act of 2008 stated clearly that for a country with no extradition treaty with Thailand, like Bahrain, we have to see various factors including their government request to determine whether it falls in line with our laws," Chatchom said. Bahrain has criticised "external interference" in Manama's internal affairs and said Araibi can return to appeal against the sentence, noting that others arrested with Araibi who have done so have been acquitted. Soccer's world governing body FIFA also released a statement on Tuesday in which Secretary General Fatma Samoura called on the Thai and Bahraini authorities to ensure Araibi could "go back safely to Australia as a matter of urgency".

Australia PM urges Thailand not to extradite Bahraini player

Several thousand people marched through major Australia cities on Sunday calling for safety for women after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/horrific-attack-israeli-student-murdered-in-australia-while-on-phone-with-sister-190997">an Israeli exchange student was murdered</a> in Melbourne.

The marches, part of the Women's March rallies held around the world in support of women's rights, gathered some 3,000 people in Sydney, who in their chants demanded safe streets for women in Australian cities.

Aiia Maasarwe, 21, was killed when walking home after a night out with friends in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, earlier this week. A 20-year-old man was charged with her murder.

Maasarwe's death recharged outrage over violence against women after 22-year-old Eurydice Dixon was killed in Melbourne while walking home after performing at a comedy show in June.

Thousands of people gathered at vigils for Maasarwe on Friday and continued to lay flowers at the site of her death. A special tram carrying only flowers late on Friday followed the route of Maasarwe's final journey.

In Sydney on Sunday marchers held signs paying tribute to Maasarwe and other victims of violence. Television news showed women carrying signs: "For Aiia and for those who suffer silently" and "I wanna walk through the park in the dark".

"I don't want my daughter to grow up in a world where she's unsafe or she can't pursue the opportunities she wants and I march for my son because I don't want him to grow up in a world where toxic masculinity is acceptable," said Samantha Nolan-Smith, one of several hundred protesters in the Australian capital Canberra, reported Australian Broadcasting Corp.

In reaction to Maasarwe's death, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his government would announce another "action plan" to stem violence against women ahead of an election expected by May, on top of A$350 million ($252 million) that has already been committed.

Aiia Maasarwe, 21, was killed when walking home after a night out with friends in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, earlier this week.

Several thousand people marched through major Australia cities on Sunday calling for safety for women after an Israeli exchange student was murdered in Melbourne. The marches, part of the Women's March rallies held around the world in support of women's rights, gathered some 3,000 people in Sydney, who in their chants demanded safe streets for women in Australian cities. Aiia Maasarwe, 21, was killed when walking home after a night out with friends in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, earlier this week. A 20-year-old man was charged with her murder. Maasarwe's death recharged outrage over violence against women after 22-year-old Eurydice Dixon was killed in Melbourne while walking home after performing at a comedy show in June. Thousands of people gathered at vigils for Maasarwe on Friday and continued to lay flowers at the site of her death. A special tram carrying only flowers late on Friday followed the route of Maasarwe's final journey. In Sydney on Sunday marchers held signs paying tribute to Maasarwe and other victims of violence. Television news showed women carrying signs: "For Aiia and for those who suffer silently" and "I wanna walk through the park in the dark". "I don't want my daughter to grow up in a world where she's unsafe or she can't pursue the opportunities she wants and I march for my son because I don't want him to grow up in a world where toxic masculinity is acceptable," said Samantha Nolan-Smith, one of several hundred protesters in the Australian capital Canberra, reported Australian Broadcasting Corp. In reaction to Maasarwe's death, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his government would announce another "action plan" to stem violence against women ahead of an election expected by May, on top of A$350 million ($252 million) that has already been committed.

Australian rallies demand safe streets for women after Israeli student murder

Australia now recognises west Jerusalem as Israel's capital, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Saturday, but a contentious embassy shift from Tel Aviv will not occur until a peace settlement is achieved.

Morrison also committed to recognising a future state of Palestine with east Jerusalem as its capital when the city's status is determined in a peace deal.

"Australia now recognises west Jerusalem -- being the seat of the Knesset and many of the institutions of government -- is the capital of Israel," Morrison said in a speech in Sydney on Saturday.

"And we look forward to moving our embassy to west Jerusalem when practical, in support of and after final status of determination," he said, adding that work on a new site for the embassy was underway.

In the interim, Morrison said, Australia would establish a defence and trade office in the west of the holy city.

"Furthermore, recognising our commitment to a two-state solution, the Australian government is also resolved to acknowledge the aspirations of the Palestinian people for a future state with its capital in east Jerusalem," he added.

Both Israel and the Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital.

Most foreign nations have avoided moving embassies there to prevent inflaming peace talks on the city's final status -- until US President Trump unilaterally moved the US embassy there earlier this year.

Morrison first floated a shift in foreign policy in October, which angered Australia's immediate neighbour Indonesia -- the world's most populous Muslim nation.

The issue has put a halt on years-long negotiations on a bilateral trade deal.

Canberra on Friday told its citizens travelling to Indonesia to "exercise a high degree of caution", warning of protests in the Indonesian capital Jakarta and popular holiday hotspots, including Bali.

Morrison said it was in Australia's interests to support "liberal democracy" in the Middle East, and took aim at the United Nations he said was a place Israel is "bullied".

Australia now recognises west Jerusalem as Israel's capital, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Saturday, but a contentious embassy shift from Tel Aviv will not occur until a peace settlement is achieved.

Australia now recognises west Jerusalem as Israel's capital, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Saturday, but a contentious embassy shift from Tel Aviv will not occur until a peace settlement is achieved. Morrison also committed to recognising a future state of Palestine with east Jerusalem as its capital when the city's status is determined in a peace deal. "Australia now recognises west Jerusalem -- being the seat of the Knesset and many of the institutions of government -- is the capital of Israel," Morrison said in a speech in Sydney on Saturday. "And we look forward to moving our embassy to west Jerusalem when practical, in support of and after final status of determination," he said, adding that work on a new site for the embassy was underway. In the interim, Morrison said, Australia would establish a defence and trade office in the west of the holy city. "Furthermore, recognising our commitment to a two-state solution, the Australian government is also resolved to acknowledge the aspirations of the Palestinian people for a future state with its capital in east Jerusalem," he added. Both Israel and the Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital. Most foreign nations have avoided moving embassies there to prevent inflaming peace talks on the city's final status -- until US President Trump unilaterally moved the US embassy there earlier this year. Morrison first floated a shift in foreign policy in October, which angered Australia's immediate neighbour Indonesia -- the world's most populous Muslim nation. The issue has put a halt on years-long negotiations on a bilateral trade deal. Canberra on Friday told its citizens travelling to Indonesia to "exercise a high degree of caution", warning of protests in the Indonesian capital Jakarta and popular holiday hotspots, including Bali. Morrison said it was in Australia's interests to support "liberal democracy" in the Middle East, and took aim at the United Nations he said was a place Israel is "bullied".

Australia recognises west Jerusalem as capital of Israel

India and Australia signed five agreements on Thursday to boost investments and enhance cooperation in key sectors like disability, agricultural research and education as President Ram Nath Kovind met Australian Prime minister Scott Morrison in Sydney. Kovind, the first-ever Indian head of state to visit Australia, arrived in Sydney on Wednesday on the second leg of his two-nation trip.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that during the state visit of President Kovind to Australia, five agreements were exchanged in the presence of Marise Payne, Foreign Minister of Australia and Anantkumar Hegde, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, by High Commissioners of both countries.

The first agreement was for cooperation in the area of disability and to deliver services to the differently-abled. The second one was between Invest India and Austrade to facilitate bilateral investment. The third agreement was signed between the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute, Ranchi, and the Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organisation, Canberra, to foster scientific collaboration and innovation.

The fourth one between the Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, and the University of Western Australia, Perth, for cooperation in agricultural research and education while the last one was between the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, New Delhi, and the Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane for a joint PhD agreement.

Following the meeting with President Kovind, Prime Minister Morrison announced the release of Australia’s response to the India Economic Strategy, a blueprint to transform the economic engagement. “This report provides a roadmap for our economic future with India,” Morrison said.

India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy and offers more opportunity for Australian business over the next 20 years than any other single market, he said. The Australian government said it endorsed the report and provides in-principle support to its 20 priority recommendations. “Our work will focus on greater economic engagement targeting 10 Indian states and 10 key sectors while providing practical support for Australian businesses entering or expanding operations in India,” Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said.

Australia also pinpointed the initial implementation plan with key actions for next one year which will include agreements forged between Austrade and Invest India, the establishment of an Australia-India Food Partnership, opening up new opportunities for agri-tech and service companies and Australia-India Strategic Research Fund grants of up to Australian dollar 500,000.

The fund is designed to help researchers solve the challenges shared by both nations, including energy storage, marine science and plant genomics. Other actions include the expansion of the Australia-India Mining Partnership at the Indian School of Mines, connecting Australian companies to India’s mineral-rich northeastern states, supported by the new Consulate-General in Kolkata, engagement with airlines to increase direct flights through the Australia-India air services agreement.

Ministers across education, agribusiness, resources and tourism will oversee the progress of the government’s response and ongoing implementation of the India Economic Strategy. Morrison along with the ministers for trade and resources will join President Kovind at the launch of the Australian chapter of the Confederation of Indian Industry – India Business Forum, which will serve as a platform for networking and policy advocacy for Indian businesses in Australia.

“I look forward to continuing discussing the opportunities presented in the India Economic Strategy with President Kovind, and how we can continue to work together to develop enhanced economic ties,” Morrison said. “Today’s steps are only the first on a long journey that will see Australia and India grow together,” he said. 
Kovind, who was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour by Governor General Peter Cosgrove in Sydney, will be visiting Melbourne on Friday to address university students.

India and Australia signed five agreements on Thursday to boost investments and enhance cooperation in key sectors like disability, agricultural research and education as President Ram Nath Kovind met Australian Prime minister Scott Morrison in Sydney.

India and Australia signed five agreements on Thursday to boost investments and enhance cooperation in key sectors like disability, agricultural research and education as President Ram Nath Kovind met Australian Prime minister Scott Morrison in Sydney. Kovind, the first-ever Indian head of state to visit Australia, arrived in Sydney on Wednesday on the second leg of his two-nation trip. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that during the state visit of President Kovind to Australia, five agreements were exchanged in the presence of Marise Payne, Foreign Minister of Australia and Anantkumar Hegde, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, by High Commissioners of both countries. The first agreement was for cooperation in the area of disability and to deliver services to the differently-abled. The second one was between Invest India and Austrade to facilitate bilateral investment. The third agreement was signed between the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute, Ranchi, and the Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organisation, Canberra, to foster scientific collaboration and innovation. The fourth one between the Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, and the University of Western Australia, Perth, for cooperation in agricultural research and education while the last one was between the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, New Delhi, and the Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane for a joint PhD agreement. Following the meeting with President Kovind, Prime Minister Morrison announced the release of Australia’s response to the India Economic Strategy, a blueprint to transform the economic engagement. “This report provides a roadmap for our economic future with India,” Morrison said. India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy and offers more opportunity for Australian business over the next 20 years than any other single market, he said. The Australian government said it endorsed the report and provides in-principle support to its 20 priority recommendations. “Our work will focus on greater economic engagement targeting 10 Indian states and 10 key sectors while providing practical support for Australian businesses entering or expanding operations in India,” Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said. Australia also pinpointed the initial implementation plan with key actions for next one year which will include agreements forged between Austrade and Invest India, the establishment of an Australia-India Food Partnership, opening up new opportunities for agri-tech and service companies and Australia-India Strategic Research Fund grants of up to Australian dollar 500,000. The fund is designed to help researchers solve the challenges shared by both nations, including energy storage, marine science and plant genomics. Other actions include the expansion of the Australia-India Mining Partnership at the Indian School of Mines, connecting Australian companies to India’s mineral-rich northeastern states, supported by the new Consulate-General in Kolkata, engagement with airlines to increase direct flights through the Australia-India air services agreement. Ministers across education, agribusiness, resources and tourism will oversee the progress of the government’s response and ongoing implementation of the India Economic Strategy. Morrison along with the ministers for trade and resources will join President Kovind at the launch of the Australian chapter of the Confederation of Indian Industry – India Business Forum, which will serve as a platform for networking and policy advocacy for Indian businesses in Australia. “I look forward to continuing discussing the opportunities presented in the India Economic Strategy with President Kovind, and how we can continue to work together to develop enhanced economic ties,” Morrison said. “Today’s steps are only the first on a long journey that will see Australia and India grow together,” he said. Kovind, who was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour by Governor General Peter Cosgrove in Sydney, will be visiting Melbourne on Friday to address university students.

India, Australia ink 5 pacts as President Ram Nath Kovind meets PM Scott Morrison

&nbsp;Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's approval rating has turned negative for the first time since he became the country's leader in August, according to an opinion poll published on Monday.

His drop in popularity follows the Liberals' loss of its one-seat majority in a by-election in the seat of former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, which left the Liberal-National coalition as a minority government.

Despite Morrison's negative rating, the Newspoll found 58 per cent of voters want parliament to run to a full term, with an election due in May 2019.

The government has had a bad two weeks, after announcing a controversial plan to consider moving the Australian embassy in Israel to Jerusalem; mistakenly backing an "it's ok to be white" motion in parliament; and then losing the Wentworth by-election.

The seat was won by independent Kerryn Phelps in a huge swing against the Liberals, who had held the seat for more than a century.

The Newspoll found that the number dissatisfied with Morrison jumped six points to 44 per cent, which gave the prime minister a net negative approval rating for the first time.

Satisfaction with Morrison dropped from 7 on October&nbsp;15 to -3 on October&nbsp;28. However, he was still ahead of opposition Labor leader Bill Shorten, who had a satisfaction rating of -13.

Based on the results of the poll, the government would lose 19 seats in an election.

The federal Liberals are considered so tainted that Morrison did not even show up at the party's campaign launch on Sunday for a state election in Victoria, to be held on November&nbsp;24.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's approval rating has turned negative for the first time since he became the country's leader in August, according to an opinion poll published on Monday.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's approval rating has turned negative for the first time since he became the country's leader in August, according to an opinion poll published on Monday. His drop in popularity follows the Liberals' loss of its one-seat majority in a by-election in the seat of former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, which left the Liberal-National coalition as a minority government. Despite Morrison's negative rating, the Newspoll found 58 per cent of voters want parliament to run to a full term, with an election due in May 2019. The government has had a bad two weeks, after announcing a controversial plan to consider moving the Australian embassy in Israel to Jerusalem; mistakenly backing an "it's ok to be white" motion in parliament; and then losing the Wentworth by-election. The seat was won by independent Kerryn Phelps in a huge swing against the Liberals, who had held the seat for more than a century. The Newspoll found that the number dissatisfied with Morrison jumped six points to 44 per cent, which gave the prime minister a net negative approval rating for the first time. Satisfaction with Morrison dropped from 7 on October 15 to -3 on October 28. However, he was still ahead of opposition Labor leader Bill Shorten, who had a satisfaction rating of -13. Based on the results of the poll, the government would lose 19 seats in an election. The federal Liberals are considered so tainted that Morrison did not even show up at the party's campaign launch on Sunday for a state election in Victoria, to be held on November 24.

Australian prime minister's approval rating turns negative: Poll

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has delivered a historic national apology to child victims of institutional sexual abuse.

"This was done by Australians to Australians, enemies in our midst, enemies in our midst," Morrison told a parliamentary chamber in a televised speech, his voice trembling with emotion.

"As a nation, we failed them, we forsook them, and that will always be our shame," he added.

Morrison’s apology in parliament followed the release of last year’s report by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The inquiry received more than 40,000 phone calls, 25,000 letters and emails, and held about 8000 private sessions, resulting in 2575 referrals to authorities, including police.

The government has accepted 104 of the 122 recommendations handed down by the royal commission, with the other 18 being closely examined in consultation with states and territories. 
 
(With inputs from AFP)

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r9Ueosh8dH4" width="560"></iframe>

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has delivered a historic national apology to child victims of institutional sexual abuse. "This was done by Australians to Australians, enemies in our midst, enemies in our midst," Morrison told a parliamentary chamber in a televised speech, his voice trembling with emotion.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has delivered a historic national apology to child victims of institutional sexual abuse. "This was done by Australians to Australians, enemies in our midst, enemies in our midst," Morrison told a parliamentary chamber in a televised speech, his voice trembling with emotion. "As a nation, we failed them, we forsook them, and that will always be our shame," he added. Morrison’s apology in parliament followed the release of last year’s report by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The inquiry received more than 40,000 phone calls, 25,000 letters and emails, and held about 8000 private sessions, resulting in 2575 referrals to authorities, including police. The government has accepted 104 of the 122 recommendations handed down by the royal commission, with the other 18 being closely examined in consultation with states and territories. (With inputs from AFP)

Watch: Australian PM Scott Morrison apologises to victims of institutional child abuse

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