Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes Turkish Airlines debuts in Australia, the Philippine President visits Australia to strengthen ties, WA becomes the first state to ban non-compostable takeaway coffee cups, and Australia approves a record low number of student visas.
Politics
Philippine President visits Australia to strengthen ties
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his two-day visit to Canberra is a “significant step” in strengthening the Philippines’ relations with Australia, “one of our closest friends,” amid the “complexities” of global geopolitics, The Manila Times reports. Mr Marcos, who returned from his state visit to Canberra, said the Philippines’ ties with Australia would continue to flourish as the two countries maximize the gains and potentials under their newly established Strategic Partnership. During his two-day visit, Marcos said he discussed with Albanese the need to improve cooperation in various areas, including trade, investment and security.
Regions
WA is the first state to ban non-compostable takeaway coffee cups
Western Australia has become the first state to ban single-use, non-compostable coffee cups, which authorities say will save millions of them from ending up in landfills, ABC News reports. There are fines of up to $5,000 for individuals or $25,000 for businesses that do not follow the new rules. South Australia has also committed to removing the cups from sale in September, but progress is slower in the more populous states of New South Wales and Victoria.
Travel
Turkish Airlines debuts in Australia
Turkish Airlines makes its debut in Australia with its first flight landing in Melbourne, News.com.au has reported. Aussies will now have access to 346 destinations in 130 countries after the national flag carrier of Turkiye debuted in the Australian market. Economy fares from Melbourne start from $1,499 return, valid for ticketing between January 19 and April 15, 2024, for travel from March 15 to May 15, 2024. Business fares from Melbourne will start with a $7,599 return for ticketing between February 24 and April 15 and travel from March 1 to May 15.
Education
Australia approves a record low number of student visas
Australian universities are witnessing a surge in international student applications but a government crackdown has led to record low student visa approval rates. The approval rate for student visa applications was consistently above 90% between 2006 and 2022, according to official data from the Australian government. However, it dropped to 86% for the 2021-2022 school year and then fell to the record level of 81.5 per cent for 2023-2024. The Australian government for the last few years has been rolling out more stringent study visa regulations to curb the entry of ‘non-genuine’ students into the country, Vnexpress reported.
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