Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.

Today’s national news includes Australia rejecting a request from Ukraine for the troubled MRH-90 Taipan helicopter fleet, China wanting renewed defence ties with Australia, illegal tobacco turf war escalating, and Foreign Minister Wong telling Palestinians that aid should be used properly.

Nation

Australia’s illegal tobacco turf war escalates

Gangs are using youths to steal tobacco and firebomb stores and now the government is moving fast to crack down on the black market, Newshub reported. The government announced that a $188 million fund would be utilized to stop cigarettes being smuggled through the border. $1.7 billion worth of illegal cigarettes were seized at the border last year, plus almost 900 tonnes of loose-leaf tobacco.

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/world/2024/01/australia-s-illegal-tobacco-turf-war-escalates-government-announces-188-million-to-stop-smuggling.html

Foreign relations

Australia thumbs down a request from Ukraine for the troubled MRH-90 Taipan helicopter fleet

The federal government has formally rejected a request from Ukraine to access Australia’s fleet of the now-retired MHR-90 Taipan helicopters, ABC News has reported. The government says none of the aircraft are in “flying condition” and are being dismantled. The Taipans were retired in September 2023 following several incidents. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said there are no Taipans that are currently in “flying condition”.  Australia has already provided $910 million worth of assistance, including $730 million of military assistance.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-18/ukraine-taipan-request-denied-by-australia/103366034

China wants defence ties reboot with Australia amid Taiwan tensions

China’s ambassador to Australia called Wednesday for the two countries to “work harder” at resuming halted defence ties, even as he took a swipe at Canberra over its reaction to Taiwan’s weekend election, Nikkei Asia reported. Chinese-Australian military cooperation — including joint military exercises — has been on ice since 2020 when relations soured over calls by then-Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/China-eyes-defense-ties-reboot-with-Australia-despite-Taiwan-tensions

Politics

Aid should be used appropriately, Minister Wong tells Palestinians

International aid organisations have warned it will still be some time before Australian relief funds make it onto the ground in Gaza, as Foreign Minister Penny Wong told Palestinian officials the support must be used for vital services, the Australian Associated Press has reported. A good portion of the $6 million provided by the federal government would go towards female hygiene kits. Ms Wong’s Middle East visit included meetings with officials from Israel and Palestine. She will also travel to the United Arab Emirates.

https://www.aap.com.au/news/wong-meets-with-top-israeli-palestinian-officials/