Radio Free Asia (RFA) has announced the suspension of its news operations due to the ongoing US government shutdown and budget cuts implemented by the Trump administration. This marks the first time in RFA's 29-year history that it has halted all news content production. Bay Fang, RFA's president and CEO, stated that the organization is taking steps to conserve resources and may resume operations if funding becomes available. The closure is seen as a significant setback for independent journalism in Asia, particularly as RFA has reported on sensitive issues such as the repression of Uyghurs in China and the military coup in Myanmar.

In Australia, the state of Victoria has made a historic move by passing the nation's first formal treaty with Indigenous traditional owners. The treaty bill was approved by the upper house of Victoria's parliament after extensive debate, marking a significant step toward reconciliation. Ngarra Murray, co-chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly, expressed that this moment will be remembered for generations as a turning point in recognizing Aboriginal culture and knowledge. The treaty will empower Indigenous communities to influence policies affecting their lives and establish a permanent representative body to advise the government.

In another political development, former New South Wales MP Gareth Ward has been sentenced to five years and nine months in prison for sexually abusing two young men. The sentencing occurred after Ward was found guilty of multiple charges, including indecent assault. Judge Kara Shead noted Ward's "callous and predatory" behavior and emphasized that his political downfall was a consequence of his actions. Ward, who has appealed the convictions, resigned from parliament shortly before his sentencing.

Meanwhile, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves faced scrutiny over a licensing issue related to her rental property. The controversy arose when it was revealed that Reeves had not obtained the necessary council license before renting out her family home. The lettings agency involved took responsibility for the oversight, stating that it failed to apply for the license. Despite calls for an investigation, Prime Minister Keir Starmer deemed the breach as inadvertent and accepted Reeves's apology, allowing her to retain her position.

In the Australian financial sector, ANZ Bank announced a significant $1.1 billion hit to its bottom line due to job cuts and regulatory fines. The bank will incur substantial costs related to staff redundancies and a record settlement with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. The financial repercussions are expected to impact ANZ's upcoming profit announcements, as the bank grapples with the fallout from its operational challenges.

Wrap-up
These recent developments highlight significant political and social changes across the globe, from media shutdowns affecting independent journalism to landmark treaties aimed at reconciliation with Indigenous communities. The legal consequences faced by public figures and the challenges within the financial sector further underscore the complexities of governance and accountability in today's world.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team