This Month
US orders collection of Australian immigrant crime data
America’s State Department said it would name and shame Western governments whose policies “punish citizens” who object to mass immigration.
‘We clearly have momentum’: EU-Australia trade deal edges closer
The EU’s trade commissioner is optimistic the bloc could reach final negotiations with Australia by March.
Trump wants a Nobel. His new peace plan hands Putin the prize
The US president’s confidential 28-point scheme to end the invasion has been branded a capitulation of war-weary Ukraine to the Russian leader.
Trump urged to punish Australia over social media ban, digital rules
Lobby groups representing US publishing and technology giants want the president to act against Canberra’s new television production and child protection laws.
Albanese creates ‘mixed messages’ on climate summit bid
Industry figures urged Canberra to keep going with its campaign to host and stop boosting Turkey’s otherwise weak attempt to nab next year’s COP event.
Australia and Turkey’s bids (literally) bump each other in Brazil
A coalition of employer, investor, civil society and union groups used a smart backdrop to urge the Albanese government to keep trying in its bid to host COP31.
Game of chicken fires up as Turkey rejects Australia’s deal
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has rejected the federal government’s offer to split hosting duties for next year’s UN climate summit.
Australia and Indonesia unveil new defence treaty
The treaty marks the latest in a string of foreign policy victories for Anthony Albanese, including a smooth White House visit and a web of Pacific agreements.
Gas will be needed for decades to come, Japan tells Australia
Japanese ambassador Kazuhiro Suzuki also urged the Albanese government to offer taxpayer-funded incentives for carbon capture and storage.
Can Donald Trump really sue the BBC?
The president’s threat to take the public broadcaster to court could become an irritant in the “special relationship” between the US and UK.
Ex Labor premier Weatherill named top diplomat in London
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said former South Australian leader Jay Weatherill’s defence credentials made him the best pick for the job.
‘Serious risk’: Arbs funds cry foul on Chalmers’ Mayne call
Harvest Lane Asset Management has implored the Treasurer to reconsider, saying it has “precarious implications that extend far beyond this transaction”.
October
Trump and Xi’s truce papers over permanent rivalry
Despite Trump’s “12 out of 10” boast, the meeting was a temporary Band-Aid, ignoring Beijing’s long-term plan for self-sufficient supply chains and dominance.
COP bid fraught with risk, warns former climate diplomat
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas has bought a refundable ticket and says he will travel to Brazil “in a heartbeat” if it helps secure Adelaide’s attempt to host COP31.
Anthony Albanese is on a diplomatic hot streak
Foreign policy may not be Albanese’s passion – he is better known for his interest in the infrastructure portfolio – but it is increasingly looking like his thing.
Beyond the theatre, Trump and Xi are hostages to their economies
Their trade war is not over and both sides are negotiating from positions of weakness. China’s export machine is faltering and Donald Trump’s tariffs remain an economic risk.
The Trump-Xi truce shows who really holds the leverage
The US retains formidable advantages such as frontier AI capabilities and wealthy allies. Yet, the Trump administration repeatedly undermines these strengths.
PM’s COP Brazil snub won’t hurt summit bid, says Labor
The Albanese government says its decision to send a junior minister to next week’s COP30 leaders summit will not affect its bid to host next year’s event.
Learn from Spain on gas pricing
Readers’ letters on gas pricing distortions, renewable and nuclear energy, Abbott’s lack of vision, Ley’s T-shirt tantrum and the need for a letter writers’ cabinet.
Albanese lands the hottest seat at APEC’s festival of Trump
The prime minister had not met the president until last week, but he was seated directly to his right at a dinner designed to stroke the US leader’s ego.