The Latest Breaking News from DFAT

Australia yet to eye Sino-Solomon pact

Australia doesn't have any more information about the Sino-Solomons pact after its "initialling" last week, the government's top foreign affairs official says.

AAP · Apr 6, 2022

Shanghai residents face food shortages as lockdown extended due to rising COVID-19 cases

The Chinese megacity where 26 million people are in an extended lockdown is facing a food supply shortage and residents' frustration is growing.

ABC News · Apr 6, 2022

Do you toss biodegradable plastic in the compost bin? Here’s why it might not break down

Over one-fifth of all plastic produced worldwide is tossed into uncontrolled dumpsites, burned in open pits or leaked into the environment. In Australia, 1.1 million tonnes of plastic is placed in the market, yet just 16% (179,000 tonnes) is recovered.

The Conversation · Apr 5, 2022

Shane Warne: Thai police say woman allowed into ambulance with Australian cricketer's body did nothing against the law

Footage captured by the ABC on the ferry from Koh Samui exposes a startling lack of security surrounding the transportation of Shane Warne's body, but police say the woman who took flowers to the ambulance did not do anything against the law.

ABC News · Mar 7, 2022

Agriculture visa for foreign workers could be capped at 1,000 per country, DFAT says

Australia's new agriculture visa could initially be capped at 1,000 foreign workers despite expectations that it would recruit at least 10 times that number.

ABC News · Feb 17, 2022

Parliament debates character test bill – as it happened

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The Guardian - AU · Feb 15, 2022

Ex-Australian embassy staff member charged by Thai police after cameras found in women's bathrooms in Bangkok mission

A former locally engaged staff member at Australia's embassy in Bangkok is charged by Thai police after spy cameras were discovered directed at women's showers and toilets inside the secure government building.

ABC News · Feb 4, 2022

Australians in Ukraine describe 'two different realities' as life continues amid threat of Russian invasion

For many people in Ukraine, life is continuing as normal, with some believing the West is "overreacting" to Russia's mobilisation of troops on its border. But analysts warn the threat of an invasion is real.

ABC News · Jan 26, 2022