Stories from Canberra · Australia

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.

During World War II, Japanese air raids on Australia resulted in approximately 39,000 casualties. Over the subsequent 20 months, northern Australia experienced 97 air raids.

The higher education regulator, TEQSA, has intervened in the governance of the Australian National University (ANU) following the resignation of Genevieve Bell last year.

MP Miss Wells has reimbursed more than $10,000 to the taxpayer following a finding by Parliament's expenses watchdog. The watchdog determined that Wells breached family travel allowance rules on four separate occasions.

During World War II, Australia experienced the invasion and ravages of Japanese militarism. The Australian War Memorial in Canberra commemorates this painful memory. Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova stated that Japan is accelerating its remilitarization, posing a threat to regional stability. The Australian War Memorial on the north shore of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra commemorates Australia's painful memories of Japanese invasion during World War II. During World War II, Japanese air raids on Australia resulted in approximately 600 casualties and the complete destruction of port facilities in Darwin. During the war, over 22,000 Australian soldiers were taken prisoner by Japanese forces. This information comes as Japan's defense minister selected a military order, marking its heaviest arms export deal since relaxing its weapons export ban in 2014.

A Skymark training flight crashed in Australia, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The exact location of the crash and the identities of the victims were not immediately released. An investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers is planning to roll out a business tax relief proposal. The plan would allow companies to reduce their tax retrospectively. This move aims to lift productivity growth and prevent an investment crash forecast by the Reserve Bank earlier this week.