Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes the Luxury liner Queen Anne to set sail for Australia for the first time, Australia urged to be prepared for a war with China, Australia’s agriculture sector posts record-breaking output, top companies eyeing to acquire assets of Scott’s Refrigerated Logistics, and Aussie universities teaching students in China ‘offensive’ cyber hacking?
Nation
Australia should prepare for a potential war with China by 2026
Australia is unprepared for any conflict with China, which could come as early as 2026, with China invading Taiwan as a major potential flashpoint, national security experts warned, News 9 has reported. The report “Red Alert” said that an opportunistic grab for Taiwan could see 200,000 US troops pouring into Australia, resulting in Chinese missiles attacking Australian military facilities and cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure. The report points out an “absence of urgency” about what measures need to be taken now.
Economy
Farm sector posts record-breaking output despite flooding
Australia’s farming sector has posted a $90 billion output putting the industry’s $100 billion target within reach. This is despite the adverse weather conditions experienced nationwide, the National Farmers’ Federation reported. NFF said this is the government’s wake-up call to focus on widening growth opportunities in agriculture. “Now is the time for the government to pull out all stops to support the industry’s growth.” It stressed that government should resolve challenges like workforce shortages and biosecurity funding to protect that growth.
https://nff.org.au/media-release/farm-sector-overcomes-flooding-to-break-new-output-record/
Business
70 companies want to take over Scott’s assets
At least 70 business entities have expressed interest to acquire assets of Scott’s Refrigerated Logistics after it collapsed into liquidation last week, The Australian has reported. On offer is a fleet of 500-plus trucks and 1000-plus trailers plus 24 cold storage warehouses across Australia. Interested buyers included Ron Finemore, Coles, Linfox, Lindsay Australia, and Allegro’s Toll Global Express, among others. Scott’s is the largest refrigerated trucking company in Australia and it is a direct supplier to Coles and Aldi and delivers on behalf of vendors to Metcash IGA stores. McGrath Nicol was appointed as a voluntary administrator for the company.
Education
Aussie universities teaching students in China ‘offensive’ cyber hacking?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was asked to investigate Australian universities teaching “offensive” hacking skills to students from partner Chinese institutions, SkyNews reports. Shadow minister for cyber security and countering foreign interference Senator James Paterson warned that universities currently in partnership with China could be a national security breach, as those insights into tactics could be used against Australia. The concern comes after a recent crackdown on Chinese influences in Australia. Some universities that currently have partnerships in place with China include the Australian National University, the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland and the University of Melbourne.
Lifestyle and Travel
Queen Anne to set sail for Australia
Cunard said Queen Anne will set sail on her first-ever world journey for Australia in January 2025, visiting over 30 ports across five continents throughout 107 nights. From Auckland, the ship will head to Sydney before continuing to Brisbane, the Whitsunday Islands, Cairns, and finally Darwin on route to Hong Kong. There will also be nine overnight stops in ports, including San Francisco, Honolulu, and Singapore, providing passengers with even more opportunities for discovery, Travel daily media has reported.
https://www.traveldailymedia.com/cunard-announces-queen-anne-debut-sailings-to-australia/
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