Yet another CFMEU royal commission won't solve much until we learn from the past

Victoria's new Premier Ben Carroll has announced yet another royal commission into allegations of corruption in the construction industry. This latest inquiry will focus on the construction division of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), the main union representing building workers.

The Trump Report: Latest Updates

Progressive U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has defeated moderate U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic primary, which became a proxy battle for the party’s direction. Tuesday’s elections also included a Democratic primary victory by Missouri Rep. Wesley Bell in his rematch against Rep. Cori Bush.

Spy boss shifted resources from counterterrorism before Hanukkah attack

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) – An Australian spy agency boss told an inquiry on Monday he had pivoted resources away from counterterrorism to espionage and foreign interference investigations a few years before two gunmen massacred 15 people at a Sydney Hanukkah celebration.

Ebola outbreak is outpacing response as aid workers strike over pay

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) – The world’s fastest-growing Ebola outbreak is spreading faster than efforts to fight it, the head of the World Health Organization said on Wednesday during a visit to Congo where some health workers are striking over a lack of pay.

Taiwan kicks off annual military drills to counter a potential Chinese attack

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) – Taiwan kicked off annual military exercises Wednesday aimed at simulating a response to a potential Chinese invasion of the self-governed island Beijing claims as its own. The live-fire exercises will test the Taiwanese army’s ability to sustain 24-hour defense operations as well as counter China’s “gray-zone tactics.”

Sydney Harbour Set for First Australian-Made Electric Ferry Trial

Sydney Harbour is set to host the trial of Australia's first locally designed and manufactured electric ferry, after contracts were signed to begin construction on the landmark vessel. Tasmanian shipbuilder Richardson Devine Marine will commence work on the new ferry later this year, marking another step in the NSW Government's push toward cleaner public transport.

US stocks hold near records on hopes of Iran agreement

NEW YORK (AP) - Stocks meandered to a mixed finish on Wall Street Wednesday and remained close to their records, while oil prices held steady. The uncertain trading on Wall Street followed two days of big gains that gave the week and August a strong start. Several big technology companies slumped, though, ultimately weighing down the market.

 

Judge criticizes Justice Department as he dismisses Jan. 6 seditious conspiracy case

WASHINGTON (AP) – A federal judge decried efforts to rewrite the history of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol as he reluctantly dismissed the seditious conspiracy case against members of the far-right Oath Keepers extremist group at the Trump administration’s request.

High-Tech Biosecurity Hub to Strengthen Australia's Agricultural Defences

A new $10.7 million national biosecurity platform will help scientists and researchers across Australia identify pest and disease threats faster, strengthening protections for the country's vital primary industries. The NSW Government is spearheading the development of Biosecurity Trakka, a five-year partnership that aims to modernise Australia's plant biosecurity systems.