Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes Australia’s business activity remaining strong, despite low consumer confidence, Australia and the Philippines to hold joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea, US President Biden revealing Australia’s purchase of nuclear submarines, the Philippine Air Force getting a new training facility from Australia, and the Capella Sydney, Australia’s newest luxury hotel opens its doors today!
National
US President Biden reveals Australia’s purchase of nuclear-powered submarines
US President Joe Biden and the leaders of Australia and the United Kingdom announced that Australia will be purchasing nuclear-powered attack submarines from the US to modernize its fleet amid growing concern about China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific, the Manila Times has reported. The AUKUS partnership enables Australia to access nuclear-powered submarines, which are stealthier and more capable than conventionally powered vessels, as a counterweight to China’s military buildup.
Economy
Australia’s business activity remains strong, despite low confidence
Australian business conditions remained resilient in February with sales and employment strong, even as confidence took a turn for the worse amid high inflation and rising interest rates, Yahoo Finance reported. The National Bank of Australia said its index of business conditions dipped one point to +17 in January, still well above its long-run average. However, the measure of confidence fell back to -4, erasing January’s bounce to +6.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/australia-business-activity-strong-feb-003341498.html
Asia Pacific
Australia, Philippines to hold joint patrols in West Philippine Sea
Manila and Canberra are in discussions on holding joint patrols in the contested waters, following concerns over Beijing’s increasing assertiveness in the area, Asia News Network has reported. Australia is the only other country that has a visiting forces agreement with the Philippines aside from the United States. Australia was also one of the first countries to recognize the 2016 arbitral ruling which favoured the Philippines’ rights over its 370-kilometre exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. The two countries would build upon previous patrols with Australia in Mindanao which focused on piracy and terrorism.
Defence
Australia provides training facility to Philippines’ air force
The PAF on Monday received from Australia a close-air support part task trainer, a classroom, and a debriefing facility, ABS-CBN News has reported. The facility will address the technical training gaps of its personnel who will have more time and training opportunities such as the use of a simulator and actual flight events. The donation of facilities was facilitated through the Philippines-Australia Enhanced Defense Cooperation Program, which was signed in December 2019.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/14/23/australia-donates-training-facility-to-ph-air-force
Lifestyle
Australia’s opens newest luxury hotel in Sydney
The Capella Sydney, slated to open March 15, celebrates the heritage of Australia’s First Nations in a meaningful way. Australia is home to 500 Indigenous groups or “nations” that are collectively recognized as the First Nations. The 192-room hotel sits in the Sandstone Precinct, just minutes from the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Rooms start at $750 a night and you can book at www.capellahotels.com, Travel and Leisure.com has reported. Capella Sydney’s long-awaited debut raises the bar when it comes to high-end hospitality committing to honouring Indigenous culture.
https://www.travelandleisure.com/capella-sydney-australia-hotel-review-7254492
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