Stories from Canberra · Australia

The federal government announced $187 million in funding today for CSIRO. This funding is in addition to an extra $278 million announced last year. CSIRO Chief Executive Doug Hilton stated that this commitment demonstrates the government's support for science, following cuts announced last November that are currently underway to ensure the organization's long-term sustainability. This funding comes after the CIA reportedly stated Iran can withstand four months of a US blockade.

Reforms in Australia include capping gun licenses to two years, a reduction from the previous five-year period.

Pauline Hanson and her team are reportedly building a powerful political party for Australia. A political party is reportedly seeking a course out of a crisis following recent election defeats, according to a report from BR24.

Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN) plans to move customers currently on copper connections to fiber. The source indicates that customers will not have a choice in this migration.

Federal authorities in Australia are reportedly struggling to police a fast-growing peptide market.

Early voting in an upcoming by-election suggests a collapse in support for the coalition, with much of it shifting to One Nation. If the coalition loses this heartland seat tomorrow, it will mark a serious blow. One Nation is expected to prove it can convert polls into federal seats, partly due to preferences from the Liberal and National parties, and Pauline Hanson may target regional seats. Support for the Labour and Conservative parties in Britain has reportedly collapsed. This has led to the emergence of a multi-party and multi-colored picture of local politics in the country.

The Australian parliament has approved an additional $25 billion in defense spending.

Australia's Coalition migration policy is said to link the number of migrants allowed into the country with the number of new homes built. The opposition has announced plans to introduce a lower cap on overseas migration and make an Australian values test a binding requirement for visa holders. Liberal leader Angus Taylor refused to provide further details on the policy ahead of Thursday's budget reply speech, stating that something must change. The federal budget is currently a topic of discussion, according to ABC NewsRadio AU. The Australian broadcaster highlighted the ongoing nature of the federal budget as a key event. A source expressed a desire for the national Cabinet to implement changes, urging them to take action. The statement said the necessity for the Cabinet to 'wake up' and initiate reforms.

Julie Bishop resigned today as Chancellor of the Australian National University (ANU).

Australia's upcoming 'big budget' is anticipated next week and is seen as a challenge for Treasurer Jim Chalmers. The source indicates that many are focused on the potential implications of this budget.