In Australia, a series of significant events unfolded, including a neo-Nazi protest in New South Wales, the 50th anniversary of Gough Whitlam's dismissal, and a new leadership in the ACT Liberal party. Additionally, severe weather impacted Queensland, a grandmother reunited with her family after years apart, and environmental activism gained momentum.

Neo-Nazi Protest in New South Wales
Greg Piper, the speaker of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, faced challenges regarding a planned neo-Nazi protest scheduled for Saturday. After learning about the protest late Friday, Piper requested that parliamentary security relocate the rally away from the front of the building. However, his request was denied, leading to concerns about the protest's proximity to the parliament.

Gough Whitlam's Dismissal Anniversary
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese marked the upcoming 50th anniversary of Gough Whitlam's dismissal by calling it "a calculated plot" rather than a constitutional crisis. Speaking at Old Parliament House, Albanese criticized the actions of then-opposition leader Malcolm Fraser, asserting that the Coalition's maneuvers were devoid of any legitimate justification. This reflection comes as the nation prepares to remember the significant historical event that saw a democratically elected government removed.

Leadership Changes in ACT Liberal Party
Mark Parton, a former radio host, has been elected as the new leader of the ACT Liberal opposition following the abrupt resignations of Leanne Castley and deputy Jeremy Hanson. Parton emphasized the need to move past the recent turmoil within the party, stating, “It is time to leave shit behind.” His election marks a shift in leadership during a challenging period for the territory's opposition.

Severe Weather in Queensland
Queensland experienced severe storms over the weekend, with large hailstones reported in Esk and warnings issued for flash floods, destructive winds, and tornadoes. The weather bureau indicated that hailstones reached sizes up to 8 centimeters in diameter. Thousands of residents were left without power, and Victoria also faced strong winds following what has been described as the wettest day of the year.

Reunion at Sydney Airport
Fatma Badra, a 79-year-old grandmother from Gaza, was reunited with her family at Sydney Airport after an 11-year separation. This reunion was part of the first group of Palestinians allowed to enter Australia since the recent ceasefire. Her son, Shamikh, had been trying to bring her to safety since late 2023, and during that time, she lost significant weight due to the stress of her situation.

Climate Activism in Newcastle
In Newcastle, environmental activists from Rising Tide painted "Tax Me" on a coal ship, calling for the federal government to impose a 78% tax on fossil fuel export profits. The group aims for the revenue generated to support community transitions away from fossil fuels. This act of protest highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Australia's reliance on coal and the push for more sustainable practices.

Humpback Whale Entanglement
A juvenile humpback whale was found dead off the coast of New South Wales after becoming entangled in shark nets. The whale, measuring 8 meters, is the first confirmed death among 14 whales entangled this year. The incident has reignited debates over the use of shark nets, which are intended to protect swimmers but have raised concerns about their impact on marine life.

Legislative Proposals on Lobbying
Independent MP Monique Ryan has proposed a private member's bill aimed at instituting a three-year ban on former ministers and senior advisers from working as lobbyists in their previous government areas. This initiative seeks to address the potential conflicts of interest and ensure a clear separation between public service and private lobbying activities.

US-Australia Relations Strengthened
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with US President Donald Trump, marking their first in-person meeting. The two leaders signed an $8.5 billion agreement focused on rare earths and critical minerals, which Albanese described as a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations. The meeting also included discussions on the Aukus submarine deal, underscoring the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Wrap-up
The recent events in Australia reflect a complex interplay of political, environmental, and social issues. From the challenges posed by protests and severe weather to significant political anniversaries and international agreements, these stories highlight the dynamic nature of current affairs in the country.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team