Displaying items by tag: Australasia

Two beaches in South Australia have been closed after dead fish and an off-white foam appeared onshore, while surfers reported feeling unwell. Authorities suspect that a microalgal bloom, fuelled by unusual weather, has caused these problems. Environmental scientist Sam Gaylard called the event ‘concerning’ due to its scale. The two beaches, south of Adelaide, were shut down on 17 March. Surfers reported symptoms like sore eyes, throats, and coughing. Marine scientists have collected foam samples, though identifying the organism may take days. It is not certain how long this situation will last: the algae, probably triggered by extended hot, dry weather and calm seas, might be dispersed by increasing swells.

A medical milestone has been achieved: the first patient implanted with a durable artificial heart has been discharged from hospital. BiVACOR, a titanium mechanical blood pump, was successfully implanted in a man suffering from severe heart failure. Performed at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, the six-hour surgery marked a breakthrough in cardiac care. Designed to function indefinitely, BiVACOR operates using magnets to eliminate mechanical wear. Queensland-born inventor Daniel Timms spent years developing the device, inspired by childhood experiences working with his father, who later died of heart failure. The patient, previously too weak to walk, lived with the device for over 100 days before receiving a human heart transplant. Doctors anticipate BiVACOR could eventually replace the need for human donors. With more implants planned, this innovation offers new hope to those awaiting transplants.

A court has sentenced Jason and Elizabeth Struhs, members of a sect called The Saints, to 14 years in prison for manslaughter after they denied their eight-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, lifesaving insulin. This resulted in her painful death from diabetic ketoacidosis in January 2022. The sect, led by Brendan Stevens - who received a 13-year sentence - believed in divine healing and rejected modern medicine. Instead of seeking treatment, members prayed and sang as the child suffered. The authorities were only notified 36 hours after her death. Eleven others received six-to-nine-year sentences for their role in the tragedy. Although they claimed religious persecution, the court ruled their faith-based negligence was criminal. Elizabeth’s sister, Jayde, had left the sect years before, condemning its extreme beliefs. The case highlights the dangers of religious extremism and the necessity of medical care in preserving life.

Authorities plan to euthanise around ninety false killer whales after a mass stranding on a remote Tasmanian beach. A total of 157 whales beached near Arthur River; many died soon  afterwards. Rescuers attempted to refloat two survivors, but rough conditions and strong currents prevented their return to the ocean. False killer whales, one of the world's largest dolphin species, have not stranded in Tasmania for over fifty years. The extremely difficult terrain and treacherous conditions made large-scale rescue efforts impossible, leading to the heartbreaking decision to euthanise the remaining survivors. Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrific, with stranded whales calling out for help. Authorities are now considering how to dispose of the carcasses, respecting the cultural heritage of the site. Experts believe that whales can become disoriented while hunting fish or following a leader into shallow waters. Over 80% of Australian whale strandings occur in Tasmania.

Australia is investigating allegations that foreign funding is fuelling a rise in anti-Semitic crimes. Prime minister Anthony Albanese revealed suspicions that criminals-for-hire who lack ideological motives are being paid to commit these acts. The authorities are working to trace the sources of funding, whether domestic or international. Anti-Semitic incidents have surged since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023. In Melbourne, arsonists firebombed a synagogue, while in Sydney, vandals targeted Jewish neighbourhoods and institutions, including a childcare centre. The police strike force tasked with investigating these crimes has doubled its manpower. Arrests have been made, and one man has been charged with attempting to burn down a synagogue in Sydney. The police are also investigating the involvement of young people in recent incidents, to see if they had been radicalised online.

Australia, which currently has one of the biggest international student markets in the world, is to introduce a cap on new enrolments, limiting them to 270,000 in 2025, as part of efforts to reduce overall migration to pre-pandemic levels. Each educational institution will face specific restrictions, with vocational and training providers seeing the largest cuts. The move has sparked outrage among tertiary education providers, who argue it could damage the sector and economy. Education minister Jason Clare defended the policy, citing the need to improve the quality of education and address issues of unethical practices among some providers. The cap aims to alleviate pressures on housing and infrastructure, with additional reforms including tougher English-language requirements and incentives for universities to build student housing.

When Luca was born in Perth two years ago, his parents were devastated by his diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. Australia's strict immigration policies then compounded their distress by denying their permanent residency, deeming Luca a potential financial burden due to his medical condition. Australia, which prides itself as a ‘migration nation’, routinely rejects visas if medical costs exceed A$86,000 (£45,000) over ten years. Despite having lived in Australia for eight years and filling crucial job roles, Luca’s parents face the possibility of deportation – an example of the policy’s harshness. The government has defended the law, but it is surprising that its own immigration act is treated as exempt from its disability discrimination act. The immigration minister has mentioned the possibility of ministerial intervention for affected children, yet the process is often gruelling. Campaigners argue this policy is discriminatory and outdated, and are pushing for reform.

A visit to New Zealand and Australia by China's PM Li Qiang, starting on 13 June, will be marked by regional security concerns overshadowing trade ties. China is Australia's largest trading partner, particularly for iron ore, while New Zealand's significant trade involves milk and agriculture. NZ prime minister Christopher Luxon views the visit as an opportunity for business deals, but acknowledges the need to address differences, especially since his country has taken a tougher stance on China in recent months due to security concerns. In Australia, Li will visit Adelaide, engaging in ‘panda diplomacy‘ and meeting wine exporters to ease political tensions which had previously led to a suspension in their exports. A recent poll shows significant public mistrust in Australia towards China, with many viewing Beijing as a security threat. Despite these concerns, prime minister Anthony Albanese believes Li's visit shows that ties had stabilised, even as the two nations compete for influence in the Pacific and defence force encounters are tense.

Sydney is reeling after two knife attacks within three days. At Bondi Junction, Joel Cauchi, who had a history of mental illness, killed six people and injured others. At a church in Wakeley, a teenager injured a bishop and several others, but there were no fatalities. Despite both incidents causing fear, they have been treated differently by authorities. The Wakeley stabbing was declared a terror incident, while the Bondi Junction attack was not. This has caused puzzlement: the local Islamic Council ‘found it bewildering’, and said, ‘The signal this sends to the Australian community is that terrorism is solely reserved for Muslims.’ The investigation into the Bondi Junction attack continues, focusing on the perpetrator's motives and actions. One of the men who confronted Cauchi has been promised a renewal of his temporary visa: see

Responding to concerns over the rapid rise in youth vaping, prime minister Christopher Luxon’s government plans to ban the use of disposable e-cigarettes by minors and increase penalties for anyone selling them to under-18s. Announcing this decision, the associate health minister stressed that e-cigarettes remain ‘a key smoking cessation device’. Retailers will face fines up to 100,000 NZ dollars (£47,000) for selling vapes to minors, and individuals up to 1,000 NZD. Regulations will also prevent e-cigarettes from being sold with images or enticing names that might appeal to young people. This move follows the recent decision to repeal the world’s first smoking ban, passed by the previous government, which aimed to pave the way for a smoke-free generation, after backlash from researchers and campaigners over its risk to indigenous people.