Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes pro-Palestine protesters march following the assassination of Hezbollah leader, Foreign Minister Wong calls for Lebanon cease-fire, inflation figures may influence a rate cut in 2025, new app streamlines Visa process for Australia, and Australia’s mpox case surge.
Politics
Pro-Palestine protestors march following assassination of Hezbollah leader
Thousands of demonstrators supporting Palestine gathered in Sydney and Melbourne this Sunday, reacting to the killing of a key Hezbollah figure, Sky News reported. The crowds, displaying Palestinian, Lebanese, and Hezbollah flags, were protesting against Israeli military actions targeting the militant organization along its northern frontier. Following an announcement by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) regarding a targeted airstrike on Hezbollah’s main base in Beirut, which resulted in the death of Hassan Nasrallah, one of its founding members and leaders, Hezbollah confirmed his passing.
Foreign affairs
Foreign Minister Wong calls for Lebanon cease-fire
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has once more urged a halt to hostilities in Lebanon amid intensifying Israeli strikes on Beirut, BNN Bloomberg has reported. Wong’s comments came after she used a speech to the UN General Assembly on Friday to urge the UN Security Council to help set a clear timeline for the international declaration of Palestinian statehood. “We’ve joined with the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and many other countries to call for a cease-fire in Lebanon. I would say to Israel, you know, we want you to listen to the international community.”
Business
Inflation figures may influence a rate cut in 2025
SkyNews has reported that inflation numbers will impact potential rate cuts next year, according to REA Group director of economic research Cameron Kusher. Mr Kusher has predicted when the Reserve Bank could cut interest rates. A rate cut for 2024 appears “increasingly unlikely,” with the market expecting a cut in February, he said. “A lot of that will really depend on inflation.”
Technology
New application streamlines Visa process for Australia
FBC News reported that the Australian Department of Home Affairs has launched a new mobile app to streamline visa application processes and reduce costs. Visa applicants will no longer need to travel to an Australian Biometrics Collection Center in Suva or Lautoka to provide their details each time they apply for a new visa. The app allows applicants to scan the biographic page of their passport, read their passport e-chip, and capture a facial image. After submitting their visa application, eligible applicants will receive correspondence providing the option to use the app. Children under five can submit their facial biometrics and passport details through the app.
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/new-app-for-easier-visa-applications-to-australia/
Health
Australia’s mpox case surge
SBS News reported more than 600 cases in the current quarter, up from only six at the start of 2024. Experts say Australians should not panic but “remain vigilant” and get vaccinated if eligible. Mpox is rising in Australia, with more than 275 cases recorded in September as of Friday last week. The World Health Organization declared the virus a public health emergency in August. NSW and Victoria have had the most cases, with 407 and 255 respectively. Queensland has reported 61 cases, while the ACT has reported 15. South Australia and Western Australia have reported seven and two cases, respectively, while the Northern Territory has had one. Tasmania is the only jurisdiction with no cases.
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