Canberra, Australia’s capital, is home to powerful diplomats and government officials, but shocking instances of modern slavery have emerged within its borders. Sri Lankan domestic worker Priyanka Danaratna was held against her will for three years without a passport in the five-bedroom house of her employer Himalee Arunatilaka, the then-deputy high commissioner of Sri Lanka, just a stone’s throw away from Australia’s parliament. Arunatilaka paid Danaratna less than 65 Australian cents (44 US cents) an hour, in violation of labour laws, according to an August federal court ruling. Despite international condemnation, the Sri Lankan government claimed Arunatilaka had not broken…

Sarawak made a notable appearance at the Asean-Australia Business Forum this year, solidifying its commitment to becoming the leading green economy in Southeast Asia by 2030. With the goal of increasing household income while reducing emissions, Sarawak’s premier Abang Johari emphasized the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg and the delegation from Sarawak alongside their Australian counterparts at the Asean-Australia Business Forum. Photo: Sarawak Public Communication Unit & TVS Sarawak has proactively implemented state laws to advance its energy transition policies, demonstrating its autonomy in achieving sustainable development. Collaborating with Australia on green…

The controversial Aukus deal, involving the manufacture and supply of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, raised concerns due to the proposed use of nuclear power, high costs, and perceived anti-China motives. Former Australian prime minister Paul Keating criticized Aukus, warning it could make Australia “the 51st state of the United States” with increased American military presence. Australia is set to acquire Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines from the early 2030s. Photo: US Navy Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles defended the deal, emphasizing growing cooperation with the US for defense needs. He dismissed claims of Australia becoming an American base, stating the agreement…

Southeast Asia has emerged as a more attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) than China for the first time in a decade. Investors are shifting towards building “China + 1” supply chains due to increasing manufacturing costs and rising tariffs, reducing China’s competitiveness. A report by the Angsana Council, Bain & Company, and DBS Bank predicts that this trend will continue over the next 10 years, reversing the underinvestment in Southeast Asia in the past three decades. In 2023, FDI in Southeast Asia’s top six economies surpassed that of China, with significant growth expected in the region. The report…

As Australia grapples with a housing affordability crisis, prefab housing has emerged as a potential solution to increase housing supply. With experts predicting continued growth in the import of prefab components from Asia and elsewhere, the push towards prefab construction has gained momentum. This shift in focus comes amid a national housing shortage, with affordability becoming a key issue ahead of upcoming elections. Matthew Kandelaars from the Property Council of Australia highlighted the importance of prefab in addressing the housing deficit. A strong trading relationship with China and other Asian markets plays a crucial role in meeting Australia’s housing needs.…

Australian Senator Fatima Payman faced backlash and accusations of extremism after seeking “God’s guidance” on issues. Her support for a Palestinian state led to her suspension from the Labor party, highlighting the challenges faced by politicians who take principled stances on foreign policy. The media criticism of Payman’s treatment as dog-whistling to anti-Muslim sentiment and the concerns of the Islamophobia Register of Australia reflect a deeper issue of discrimination. Payman’s resignation sheds light on the double standards faced by Muslim politicians in Australia. While the government takes steps to combat discrimination, the opposition’s alarm over Muslim political voices reveals underlying…

The history of racially charged names in Australia is deeply rooted in the country’s colonial past, with derogatory terms like “Chinaman” and “Chinamen” emerging during the gold rush era. These names, often used in newspapers and publications, reflect a time of anti-Chinese sentiment and xenophobia. Despite the offensive nature of these terms, some argue that their usage can vary depending on cultural context. While efforts to rename places with racist names have been made in other countries like New Zealand and the United States, Australia has been slower to address this issue. Asian-Australians like writer Mabel Kwong have spoken out…

Australia must avoid turning “China” into a dirty word, as it would harm the Chinese Australians living there with family and business ties in China, warned Cheng Lei. This caution came after her imprisonment in Beijing for breaking a government-imposed embargo. She highlighted how extreme Australian views on China, fueled by fearmongering and lack of understanding, are concerning. Cheng emphasized that the Chinese know more about Australia than Australians do about China. The lack of nuance in Australian media coverage of China was criticized by Cheng and Nick Coyle, stressing the importance of not overreacting or scoring political points in…

The now famous Collateral Murder video released by WikiLeaks showing the US army shooting civilians, including children, in Baghdad and laughing about it was very difficult viewing. As Julian Assange stepped onto Australian soil as a free man, after enduring a battle for free speech and public interest, it highlighted the threats facing journalism today. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange (centre) hugs his wife Stella Assange after arriving at Canberra Airport in Australia on Wednesday. Photo: AFP The plea deal that Assange signed to secure his freedom was seen as a threat to journalism, as it criminalized him for exposing US…

In a recent development, immigration experts have noted that Australia’s current migration policy might deter potential migrants due to inflammatory rhetoric. Despite this, they predict that the policy, which prioritizes skilled workers and has already reduced numbers, will likely remain in place until the next year’s election. Abul Rizvi, a former senior official in Australia’s immigration department, described the current focus on immigration as the most intense in his 35 years of observing national policy. He also highlighted the mixture of substance and “smoke and mirrors” in the immigration debate, dominated by xenophobia and self-interest. Moreover, experts warn against using…