News

Cyclone Gabrielle leaves thousands without power

Published

3 years ago

February 13, 2023

ticker NEWS

Cyclone Gabrielle is lashing New Zealand as other nations are placed on high alert

Thousands are without power in New Zealand as a tropical cyclone hits part of the country.

Gabrielle was downgraded from a category two to a category one storm before it made landfall.

“It’s a one in 100 year weather event and we seem to be getting a lot of them at the moment,” said Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.

But New Zealand is bracing for even more severe weather.

The regions of Northland and Auckland are under a state of emergency.

Professor Ian Young from the University of Melbourne said climate change is prompting western countries to act.

“Right now, the annual impact of coastal flooding is about 0.3% of global GDP. And we estimate that if we do nothing that will rise to about 3% of GDP,” he said.

Air New Zealand has cancelled over 500 flights with services expected to resume on Tuesday.

The airline is adding 11 extra flights to help with the recovery effort.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Defence Force has located 150 staff throughout Auckland and neighbouring regions.

“This is part of a growing problem for low lying countries. Look at developed nations particularly those in Asia, places like Bangladesh, in particular areas in Egypt, in the Delta of the Nile, for instance.

“These are relatively low elevation areas, so they’re particularly vulnerable to sea level rise and to extreme coastal flooding,” Professor Young said.

News

Venezuela’s opposition leader vows return and calls for free elections

Maria Corina Machado plans return to Venezuela, urging fair elections and release of political prisoners amid political pressure.

Published

7 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Maria Corina Machado plans return to Venezuela, urging fair elections and release of political prisoners amid political pressure.

Venezuela’s opposition leader Maria Corina Machado says she plans to return home as she renews calls for a free and fair election, despite ongoing political pressure and legal threats against her. Her return would mark a major test for the country’s fragile democratic movement.

Machado is currently under investigation by authorities aligned with President Nicolas Maduro, accused of inciting insurrection. Meanwhile, loyalists from Maduro’s Socialist Party continue to hold key positions of power, complicating efforts to shift Venezuela’s political direction.

She is also calling for the immediate release of political prisoners, arguing it is a necessary first step towards restoring democracy and rebuilding trust in the country’s institutions.

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News

U.S. to lead ceasefire monitoring in Ukraine under new security commitments

US to lead ceasefire monitoring in Ukraine, coordinating international efforts and supporting European troops post-peace agreement.

Published

7 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Harvey Vargas

US to lead ceasefire monitoring in Ukraine, coordinating international efforts and supporting European troops post-peace agreement.

The United States has pledged to lead a continuous and reliable ceasefire monitoring system in Ukraine, following new binding security commitments finalised at a Paris summit.

Under the plan, Washington would coordinate international monitoring efforts after any peace agreement, ensuring compliance while providing intelligence and logistical support to European forces on the ground.

The US has also committed to backing European troops if they come under attack, signalling a deeper security role without deploying American combat forces directly into Ukraine.

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News

Albanese open to royal commission into Bondi attack

Albanese considers royal commission into Bondi terror attack amid calls for inquiry and focus on security review

Published

23 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Ahron Young

Albanese considers royal commission into Bondi terror attack amid calls for inquiry and focus on security review

In Short:
– Prime Minister Albanese has not ruled out a royal commission into the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.
– He prioritises a review of intelligence agencies while facing pressure for a national inquiry.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not dismissed the possibility of a royal commission regarding the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

He faces pressure from former Labor MPs and senators advocating for a Commonwealth-level inquiry.The prime minister indicated that his immediate focus is a review of intelligence and security agencies, led by former spy chief Dennis Richardson. During a visit to flood-affected north Queensland, Albanese acknowledged discussions with NSW regarding the inquiry’s operation.

He has resisted calls for a federal inquiry into the attack, where 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah event last month. Albanese prioritised the review of intelligence responses and stated discussions were ongoing to address community needs.

He outlined intentions to recall parliament once new legislation focused on hate speech and gun control is prepared. Consultations are planned over the coming days to ensure proper legislative formulation.

Albanese rejected opposition claims that parliament could have swiftly passed the necessary laws post-attack. Currently, MPs are scheduled to reconvene in February, but a session may be convened sooner to pass new laws and honour Bondi victims.

Ongoing Discussions

Former Labor figures have publicly called for a national royal commission, expressing concern over the limitations of a NSW-led inquiry. Mike Kelly suggested a “rolling” approach for the royal commission to address wider implications for security and democracy, highlighting the necessity of thorough examination given the unprecedented nature of the attack.

He asserted the need for this inquiry to explore broader social issues and assist the Jewish community in the healing process, urging the government to remain responsive to public sentiments.