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Australia lends a helping hand to fleeing Afghan para-athletes

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Australia steps up in solidarity as Afghan paralympians Zakia Khudadadi and Hossain Rasouli are invited to seek refuge in the country.

Afghanistan flag at 2020 Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony

There are reports that two afghan paralympians who have landed in Tokyo to compete in the 2020 Paralympics, will soon resettle in Australia.

Afghanistan athletes Zakia Khudadadi and Hossain Rasouli have received humanitarian visas to stay in Australia, after fleeing Kabul following the Taliban takeover. 

Former Socceroo and refugee advocate Craig Foster told the Nine Network on Sunday that efforts were made to grant both athletes safe asylum. 

https://twitter.com/wwos/status/1431797645014564867

He thanked all those involved which included Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne, Immigration Minister Alex Hawke and Independent MP Zali Steggall.

“We must stand up for all the humane treatment of all refugees, all people, especially and immediately, but not only Afghanistan.”

Foster said on Twitter. 

It comes as welcome news to many advocates who worked tirelessly to help both paralympians flee the country. 

Human Rights for All lawyer Alison Battisson was involved in the efforts to evacuate scores of Afghan athletes out of the war-torn country.

She told SBS news that it was the efforts of a mainly female-dominated team of lawyers and an intern which helped the Paralympian pair escape.

“I have this amazing legal intern … Eric Zhang, [who] did [Zakia’s] application,” Battisson says.

“[He] stayed with those two for days, translating and pushing for their evacuation. He risked his life to get them over the line.”

Uncertainty surrounded the team’s attendance

Many didn’t think the Afghan paralympian team would make the games due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Consequently, the team wasn’t at the opening ceremony to carry their flag, with an Olympic volunteer carrying out it on their behalf as a way of representing solidarity. 

“Twelve days ago we were informed that the Afghan Paralympic Team could not travel to Tokyo, a move that broke the hearts of all involved in the Paralympic movement and left both athletes devastated,” IPC president Andrew Parsons said. 

“That announcement kick-started a major global operation that led to their safe evacuation from Afghanistan, their recuperation by France, and now their safe arrival in Tokyo.” 

The first female Afghan athlete since 2005

Zakia will be the first female Afghan to compete at the Olympics in 17 years, taking part in the women’s taekwondo K44-49kg category on Thursday. 

The Australian Government and Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne are yet to comment on the situation.

Written by Rebecca Borg

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U.S. strikes Houthis in Yemen for shipping attacks

U.S. military strikes in Yemen target Houthi rebels following threats to maritime security and attacks on shipping.

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U.S. military strikes in Yemen target Houthi rebels following threats to maritime security and attacks on shipping.

In Short

The U.S. has launched military strikes in Yemen against Houthi rebels following their attacks on commercial vessels, with President Trump stating the goal is to protect American shipping. The strikes have resulted in civilian casualties and are part of a broader campaign to deter aggression and ensure navigational freedom.

The U.S. has initiated military strikes in Yemen against the Houthi rebels, following their attacks on commercial vessels.

President Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that these aerial attacks aim to protect American shipping and restore navigational freedom. He stated that the Houthis will be held fully accountable for their actions.

Local sources report significant explosions in San’a, with civilian casualties reaching 31 dead and 101 injured. Yemen’s Houthi Health Ministry condemned the strikes, labelling them a war crime.

The U.S. strikes targeted Houthi leaders’ residences and their strongholds, alongside missile systems positioned along the coast. U.S. military officials have indicated that this is part of a larger campaign against the group.

The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group is involved in the operation, which seeks to deter aggression from Iran-backed Houthi forces and protect American interests.

Tensions escalated after the Houthis announced their intent to resume attacks on Israeli ships, claiming the lapse of ceasefire agreements.

In retaliation, Trump ordered these military actions, which aim to target Houthi leadership and missile launchers, while also signaling a warning to Iran.

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Norris wins Australian GP as Piastri’s hopes dashed

Lando Norris triumphs at the Australian Grand Prix as Oscar Piastri faces heartbreak in his home race.

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Lando Norris triumphs at the Australian Grand Prix as Oscar Piastri faces heartbreak in his home race.

In Short

Lando Norris won the 2025 Australian Grand Prix amid chaotic weather conditions, while Oscar Piastri struggled at his home race, finishing far behind expectations. Despite scoring some points, Piastri and his supporters were disappointed with his performance.

Lando Norris achieved victory at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, marking a strong start to his season. The race featured significant chaos, largely due to rain, affecting many drivers.

Oscar Piastri, competing in his home Grand Prix, faced disappointment as his race was derailed. Piastri’s team McLaren celebrated Norris’s success while he struggled on the track.

Aussie rookie Jack Doohan’s race ended prematurely after a crash in the early laps.

Piastri was positioned close to Norris when he lost control and spun onto the grass, dropping to the back of the pack.

Despite a determined effort to regain positions, Piastri’s race did not meet the expectations of him or his supporters.

In the final moments, he managed to score some points but it was not the outcome he desired.

Fans had hoped for a better performance from their local hero, but the race results proved challenging. The event highlighted the unpredictable nature of Formula 1, especially under adverse weather conditions.

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Trump’s tariffs threaten Australia’s pharmaceutical industry prices

Trump’s tariffs may jeopardise Australia’s $1.1 billion pharmaceutical exports, risking essential medicine prices and healthcare quality.

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Trump’s tariffs may jeopardise Australia’s $1.1 billion pharmaceutical exports, risking essential medicine prices and healthcare quality.

In Short

Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminium raise fears they could increase medicine prices in Australia, threatening its $1.1 billion pharmaceutical export industry. Prime Minister Albanese criticises the tariffs as unjustified but has ruled out retaliation, while industry experts warn against using health policies as trading leverage.

Fears have emerged that President Trump’s tariffs could adversely affect Australia’s pharmaceutical export industry, potentially raising medicine prices.

The Trump administration recently announced 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, sparking concern that Australia’s pharmaceutical exports, valued at approximately $1.1 billion in 2024, could face similar tariffs.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the US tariff actions as unjustified and detrimental, indicating he would not retaliate with similar measures.

The pharmaceutical industry is a significant part of Australia’s economy and is critical to the $18 billion federal scheme that reduces essential medicine costs.

The US aims to protect its declining steel industry amidst increasing competition from Asia, particularly Canada, Brazil, and the EU.

US companies claim that Australia’s medicine pricing policies affect their earnings, raising concerns that they might push to reconsider the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The PBS was instrumental in lowering the costs of 930 medications last year.

The Trump administration previously blamed the high costs of US medicines partly on foreign nations benefitting from US investment without contributing fairly.

Calls have been made for the Australian government to maintain a strong stance against US influence over its domestic health policies.

Albanese has ruled out retaliatory tariffs, highlighting the negative impact of trade wars on consumers.

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