POLITICS & POLICY

Kiwis on Special Category Visa Already Have Enough in Australia, Say Abbott and Bishop

If the 300,000 Kiwis living on special category visa in Australia were hoping for some good news on welfare benefits to come their way, this news will leave them disheartened. The sweet-talking Australian government feels New Zealanders in Australia already have enough benefits. Shredding hope that the policy would change anytime soon, the Australian position was reiterated not once, but twice on Wednesday - by Prime Minister Tony Abbott in Canberra and by his senior colleague Foreign Minister J...

With Annual General Assembly Debates Over, UN Begins Search for Common Ground for Post-2015 Development Agenda

With the 68th General Assembly Debates at the United Nations in New York coming to an end, the UN General Assembly President John Ashe called upon member states to “find the common ground as a basis for moving forward with decisive action.” The General Assembly president said the outcome of the week-long debates is the need to draw up a new global development agenda integrating economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection.

No Respite in the Middle-East; Blurred Battlelines Resurface at UN as Israel Calls Iranian President Hassan Rouhani a 'Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing' and 'Loyal Servant'

The Middle East seems to give no respite to the international community. Just days after the world celebrated the Obama-Rouhani telephone call, as what could be the beginning of a new era in Middle East geopolitics, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used the United Nations (UN) General Assembly (GA) platform to take tight-fisted potshots at the new Iranian President. His move was calculated and his effort obvious. Attempting to shred though the conciliatory approach of the Iranian Pres.....
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India Builds World’s First Baby Factory; Mulls Over Regulating Flourishing 'Rent-a-Womb' Industry [VIDEOS]

It has been a known fact for childless couples around the world that they can opt to have children birthed for a fee by a surrogate from India. Many from Canada and the UK have done it and actually have been thankful in doing it. Thus, India's "rent-a-womb" industry has flourished so much that a local doctor has spearheaded the construction of the world's first baby factory, while the Indian government mulls over regulating the sector.

US Government Shutdown Threatens Panda-monium

All hell broke loose last night. The government shutdown in the US suddenly 'got real' and there was uproar across the country. One commentator suggested releasing giant pandas 'into congress, let them maul [the politicians] out of office and then [the bears] shall run our government.'

The US Government Shutdown: A Stumbling Empire in Decline

It's the end of another empire. The US government, once the most trusted creditor in the world, is nearing a 'government shutdown'. Zero hour is supposedly tomorrow US time, so tonight our time. The media is having a field day with this one.

Julia Gillard Talks Sexism in Politics, Murderous Rage, Disloyalty of Kevin Rudd

First female prime minister and former leader of the Australian Labour Party Julia Gillard has broken her silence over the party leadership, sexism in politics and losing power to Kevin Rudd. In a talk with Anne Summers at the Sydney Opera House, Ms Gillard threw a thinly-veiled barb at former prime minister Kevin Rudd for destabilising her government and turning against her despite being in the same party.

Syria Civil War: UN Chemical Weapons Investigators Leave after Six-Day Mission

The United Nations (UN) team of chemical weapon investigators in Syria left the country after a six-day mission. Led by Swedish scientist Ake Sellström, the UN team is evaluating available information related to all allegations of chemical weapons, for the purpose of preparing its final report before the upcoming Geneva Peace Conference in mid-November.

New Zealand MP Withdraws Euthanasia Bill, Pro-Life Groups Rejoice

New Zealand lawmaker, Maryan Street withdrew her End of Life Choices Bill from the ballot in an unprecedented move. The New Zealand Parliament member said she was concerned about the debate and controversy the euthanasia bill might bring during the election year.

Canada Launches Database of Stolen, Lost Smartphones

Canada and its network of mobile service providers has launched a database of stolen and lost smartphones to curb the rising incidences of theft in the country. Essentially, any wireless device including cellphones and tablets that was reported lost or stolen may no longer be activated or reconnected.

UN Security Council Adopts Australian Resolution to Restrict Illicit Small Arms Trade

The United Nations Security Council, on Thursday, passed an Australia-sponsored landmark resolution seeking to restrict trade and distribution of illicit small arms and weapons. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop presided over the debate on the resolution. The resolution got an overwhelming 14 yes votes with no country voting against and the lone dissenter, Russia deciding to abstain.

Australia and Indonesia: What is Tony Abbott Going to Talk?

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s decision to visit Indonesia is his first trip abroad after assuming office is clear indication where the stakes lie for the new government. Unlike his predecessor, Kevin Rudd, who sought opportunities to align with the West on key international issues like Syria, Mr Abbott is more focused on sorting problems at home and in the immediate neighbourhood.

Reserve Bank of Australia's Saddam Hussein Dealings Exposed, Australia Greens Call for Probe

The Australian Greens are demanding a full judicial inquiry with the authority of the Royal Commission to investigate the alleged "dirty deals" of the Reserve Bank of Australia including its subsidiaries. The Reserve Bank of Australia is currently under fire for using a front man to deal with the brother-in-law of Saddam Hussein. The front man was trying to close a deal involving the sale of plastic banknotes to the Iraqi government at the height of the sanctions imposed by the United Nat...

UN General Assembly Debate: Probe the Alleged Human Rights Abuses by Indonesia in Papua Provinces, Urges Vanuatu

Speaking at the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Vanuatu, on Saturday, called up the world body not to ignore the rights of the people of West Papua. Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Moana Carcasses Kalosil urged the United Nations to appoint a Special Representative to investigate alleged human rights abuses in the Papuan provinces of Indonesia. He also called upon the UN to discuss the political status of the province and rectify some historical errors.

Refugees in Australia: Protest Rally Against Deportation Decision

Australia’s West Papuan refugee community and supporters of refugee rights will hold a protest rally outside the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on Monday from 8 am till 5 pm against the department’s decision to deport seven West Papuan asylum seekers to Papua New Guinea, in spite of well grounded fears of their continued persecution.

Syria Civil War: Syrian Opposition Told to Forge Unity for Geneva Peace Conference; Iran May Participate in Talks

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday urged the National Coalition for the Syrian opposition forces to reach out to other groups and agree on a united delegation for an upcoming peace conference in Geneva. Reports suggest that the peace conference will be held in mid-November. Hectic parleys are on in New York, to firm up the exact date, which is expected to be finalised this week. Meanwhile, it was known that Iran may also participate in the peace talks.

LNG Fires Flaring Over Australia

Today's Weekend Daily Reckoning will wade into the shifty and dangerous swirls of Australia's oil and gas politics. Up for grabs are billions in royalties and earnings. But it may also be a tale of price spikes and lost jobs. In other words, it could get ugly.

Aussie Rich Kids to Meet Bill Gates for A Cause

Children of Australia's richest families will meet Microsoft founder Bill Gates in the U.S. Sep. 30-Oct. 3, 2013 as part of Philanthropy Australia's New Generation of Giving (New Gen) Program.

Australian Dollar Outlook - 30 September 2013

Bell FX Currency Outlook: The Australian Dollar is softer this morning as the brinkmanship between the Republicans and Democrats continues as a otential government shutdown on October 1 becomes more of a possibility.

Syrian Civil War: Key Role for Opposition Groups to Make Peace Work, Avert Chaos

The Syrian National Coalition, a major opposition group, has critical roles and responsibilities in negotiating peace and fostering democracy, and helping to preserve the unity of their strife-torn country. This message was conveyed to the Syrian opposition group at the Ministerial Meeting of the Friends of the Syrian People at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Thursday.

UN: Officials Urge Renewed Efforts for Nuclear Weapon Free World

The United Nations Secretary-General and General Assembly President urged Member-States to take renewed steps to rid the world of nuclear weapons. At the first high-level meeting on the subject, held by the UN General Assembly, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the world cannot ignore the very tangible benefits, disarmament would bring for all humankind.

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