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Australian PM Anthony Albanese sets date for Indigenous Voice referendum

Published

2 years ago

August 30, 2023

Australia is poised to engage in its first referendum vote in over two decades, as the Prime Minister officially kickstarted the campaign for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament on Wednesday.

The referendum is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 14, marking a significant step toward reshaping the country’s governance.

Speaking before an enthusiastic crowd of 400 people on the outskirts of Adelaide, Anthony Albanese, the prominent voice behind the campaign, called upon voters to rally behind the cause outlined in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and lend their support to the constitutional amendment.

“The idea for a Voice came from the people and it will be decided by the people,” he told a rapturous crowd.

“Now, my fellow Australians, you can vote for it.”

Highlighting the widespread backing within the community for the Indigenous Voice, Albanese emphasised the bipartisan commitment to the cause by both the federal and state governments.

“Our government along with every single state and territory government have committed to it,” he said.

“Faith groups and sporting codes and businesses and unions have embraced it. An army of volunteers are throwing all of their energy behind it.”

The event commenced with a poignant address by Uncle Major ‘Moogy’ Sumner AM, a highly regarded Ngarrindjeri Elder.

The choice of Elizabeth, an outer suburb of South Australia’s capital, as the rally’s venue, underscores the belief that the state could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the impending referendum.

This electoral process must overcome the historically challenging hurdle of a double majority for its passage: garnering over 50 percent of the total national votes and securing approval from at least four out of the six states (with the votes from the Territories contributing solely to the national tally).

As the Yes and No campaigns stake their claims, focusing on Victoria and New South Wales, and Queensland and Western Australia respectively, intense campaigning is expected to unfold in South Australia and Tasmania during the six-week lead-up to the referendum.

However, the path to victory for either side hinges on maintaining the competitive landscape across all states throughout the campaign.

Advocates for both the Yes and No campaigns sprang into action on Wednesday, articulating their positions on the Indigenous Voice issue.

“I am excited,” Senator Malarndirri McCarthy told the ABC.

“I think this is a significant step in our country if we can say yes.”

In contrast, the face of the No campaign, Nyunggai Warren Mundine, cautiously welcomed polls indicating robust opposition.

“I take them with a grain of salt,” he told RN Breakfast.

“We’ve virtually sewn up Queensland and Western Australia, and so all we need is one more state and that will defeat the Yes campaign.”

Another group opposing the Indigenous Voice initiative is the Blak Sovereign Movement. Fred Hooper, chairperson of the Murrawarri People’s Council and a movement member, challenged the frequently cited statistic of 80 percent support for the Voice within the First Nations community.

“I call it a Voice of no choice,” he told the ABC.

“We don’t have a choice on whether it gets up … and we don’t have a choice in the legislation if the Yes vote gets up.”

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Australian beef industry warns of major export losses under new China tariff

Published

7 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Harvey Vargas

China slaps 55% tariff on Australian beef as trade and geopolitical tensions rise

China has imposed a 55% tariff on Australian beef imports that exceed quota limits, a move that threatens more than $1 billion in annual trade and has reignited tensions between Canberra and Beijing. The restrictions, effective from January 1 for three years, cap Australia’s beef quota at 205,000 tonnes—below the volume China imported in 2024—prompting industry claims the decision undermines the spirit of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

Calm fears

Beef producers warn the impact could be severe, with exports to China potentially falling by as much as one-third compared to 2025 levels. Industry groups say the move advantages rival exporters, with Brazil and Argentina receiving far larger quotas, raising concerns Australia could permanently lose market share in a key global market. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has sought to calm fears, saying Australia is not being singled out and describing the beef sector as the strongest it has ever been.

The tariff decision comes against the backdrop of growing geopolitical strain, days after Australia criticised China’s “Justice Mission 2025” military drills near Taiwan as destabilising. Opposition figures are urging the government to leverage diplomatic ties with President Xi Jinping to ensure Australia is not swept up in broader trade retaliation, as industry calls mount for urgent talks to stabilise relations.

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Five global escapes executives are booking for 2026

Published

2 days ago

December 31, 2025

Ahron Young

Where to switch off, reset and travel well for a week

For executives in their 40s, travel has shifted. It is less about ticking off sights and more about space, comfort and coming back sharper than when you left.

In 2026, the most appealing one-week holidays are destinations that combine calm, quality and a sense of being ahead of the curve.

For executives, switching off from work is essential, but true rest comes from being gently engaged rather than completely idle.

The most rewarding breaks offer just enough stimulation, culture, nature or conversation, to quiet the mind without replacing one form of busyness with another.

Here are five global locations quietly rising to the top of travel wish lists.

East Coast Barbados

Barbados has long been associated with polished beach holidays, but the east coast offers something different.

Wild Atlantic surf, boutique retreats and fewer crowds create a slower rhythm that suits travellers who want proper rest without sacrificing style.

Days are spent between long coastal walks, ocean-facing spas and unhurried dinners, with just enough local culture to keep things interesting.

Barbados: Book a holiday package (flights + hotel) to Barbados here.

Phu Quoc

Vietnam’s largest island is emerging as a refined alternative to more established Asian beach destinations.

Phu Quoc blends thoughtful luxury with a grounded, local feel. Resorts are discreet rather than flashy, wellness is taken seriously, and the pace encourages doing very little very well.

It is an easy week of warm water swims, exceptional food and genuine mental downtime.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam: Find holiday packages and deals for Phu Quoc here.

Peloponnese

For travellers who want culture without crowds, the Peloponnese is becoming Greece’s most compelling region.

Ancient ruins sit alongside olive groves, quiet beaches and wellness-focused resorts designed for long lunches and early nights.

It offers the Mediterranean experience executives love, without the intensity of Santorini or Mykonos.

Peloponnese, Greece: Browse and book Peloponnese holiday packages with flights and hotels here.

The Red Sea

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast is one of the most ambitious luxury travel projects in the world.

Opening progressively through 2025 and 2026, it promises adults-focused resorts built around sustainability, privacy and high-end wellness.

For those seeking something genuinely new, this is a destination that feels exclusive, restorative and future-facing.

Red Sea Coast (gateway for Red Sea resorts): Book a Red Sea Coast holiday package (flight + hotel) here.

Margaret River

Margaret River continues to refine its appeal for travellers who value space and quality. World-class wineries, dramatic coastline and understated luxury accommodation make it ideal for a reset without jet lag.

It is a reminder that a great week away does not need excess. It needs good food, good wine and room to breathe.

In 2026, the best holidays for executives are not about escape in the dramatic sense. They are about intention. A change of pace, fewer decisions, and environments designed to help you slow down properly. These destinations understand that luxury is not about doing more, but about feeling better when you return.

Margaret River, Western Australia: Find Margaret River holiday packages (accommodation + flight) here.

News

Iran’s currency collapse sparks mass protests as inflation spirals

Iran president engages protesters amid economic crisis as currency tumbles and inflation surges

Published

2 days ago

December 31, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Iran’s president engages protesters amid economic crisis as currency tumbles and inflation surges

In Short:
– Iranian President Pezeshkian urged action to meet protesters’ demands amid economic crisis and currency devaluation.
– Protests intensified with shop closures in Tehran, following significant inflation and political unrest after Mahsa Amini’s death.

Iran is grappling with its most severe economic crisis in years. Mass protests erupted across Tehran following the dramatic collapse of the national currency. The rial plunged to 1.42 million against the U.S. dollar over the weekend, briefly recovering to 1.38 million. This marks a loss of more than two-thirds of its value since 2022.

Annual inflation soared to 42.2 percent in December, with food prices up 72 percent year-on-year. Many Iranians are struggling to make ends meet, fueling public anger and unrest.

In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered his government to engage directly with protest representatives. Calling the demonstrations “legitimate,” he emphasized the need for reforms in the monetary and banking sectors. Officials announced a dialogue framework to hear the voices of demonstrators.

The unrest coincided with the resignation of Central Bank Governor Mohammad Reza Farzin. Former Economy Minister Abdolnaser Hemmati is set to replace him, signaling possible shifts in economic policy.

Tehran’s commercial districts were paralyzed as shopkeepers in the Grand Bazaar and major streets closed businesses in solidarity. Videos on social media showed crowds chanting slogans as security forces used tear gas to disperse them.

International pressure is also rising. U.S. officials warned they would support action against Iran if the country resumes nuclear or missile development, following recent airstrikes on Iranian facilities.

The World Bank forecasts Iran’s GDP will contract 1.7 percent in 2025 and 2.8 percent in 2026, deepening economic concerns. How the government responds to these protests and reforms its economy may shape the country’s stability in the months ahead.