Prince Harry and Meghan meet survivors of Bondi Beach shooting
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex met survivors and emergency responders of the Bondi Beach shooting during their visit to Sydney on April 17, 2026.The meeting took place at the Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club, near the site of the December attack that killed 15 people and injured 40.Prince Harry and Meghan spoke with survivors Jessica Chapnik Khan and Elon Zizer, who shielded their children during the shooting.They also engaged with volunteer lifeguards who were praised for protecting the public during the incident, as well as community leaders and representatives from the Sydney Jewish Museum.The museum is preparing an... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 Apr 2026 05:02 LONDON
Major fire at Geelong oil refinery reduces fuel production but no rationing planned
A major fire broke out at the Viva Energy Corio refinery near Geelong, Australia, burning for 13 hours from just before midnight on April 15 until noon the following day.The fire significantly reduced production of petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel at one of Australia's two remaining oil refineries.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed petrol production fell by 40%, with diesel and aviation fuel production continuing at about 80% capacity.Despite the disruption, Albanese ruled out imposing stage 3 fuel restrictions or rationing under the national fuel security plan.He noted that 60% of petrol production was ongoing and expected to increase in the... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 Apr 2026 05:00 LONDON
Australian decorated soldier Ben Roberts-Smith granted bail over war crime charges
Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's most decorated living soldier, has been granted bail after being charged with five counts of murder related to alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.The 47-year-old former corporal in the Australian Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment was arrested last week at Sydney Domestic Airport and has spent over ten nights in custody at Silverwater Prison in Sydney.The charges allege Roberts-Smith was involved in the unlawful killings of several unarmed Afghan detainees between 2009 and 2012, either by personally killing them or ordering subordinates to do so.He denies all allegations.Judge Greg Grogin granted bail under strict conditions, noting the case... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 Apr 2026 04:30 LONDON
Two Iranian footballers granted asylum in Australia express hope for safe future
Two Iranian footballers, Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh, who were granted asylum in Australia, have expressed gratitude and hope for a future where they can live and compete safely.They were among seven members of the Iranian team who received humanitarian visas while in Australia for the Women's Asian Cup.The other five members later returned to Iran.The asylum was granted amid concerns over potential repercussions in Iran after the players declined to sing the national anthem at their opening match, shortly after the outbreak of war involving Iran.Following the incident, the players were relocated to Brisbane and placed under the protection... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 Apr 2026 03:00 LONDON
Fire at Viva Energy refinery in Geelong raises fuel supply concerns
A fire broke out on Wednesday at the Viva Energy refinery in Geelong, Victoria, disrupting fuel production and raising concerns about supply amid global energy tensions.The fire occurred in the refinery's gasoline production unit, also known as the mogas plant, and was driven by a hydrocarbon leak.The refinery, located approximately 75 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, processes about 120,000 barrels of crude oil daily and supplies roughly 10% of Australia's gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel to the eastern states, including Victoria, Tasmania, and parts of New South Wales.Emergency services responded promptly, involving fire crews and hazardous materials specialists.Authorities confirmed that the... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 16 Apr 2026 09:31 LONDON
Harry and Meghan join Aboriginal cultural walking tour in Melbourne
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex participated in the Scar Tree Walk, an Aboriginal cultural heritage tour in Melbourne on April 16, 2026.The tour was led by Indigenous guides and took place along the Birrarung, the traditional name for Melbourne's Yarra River.Prince Harry and Meghan Markle explored the cultural significance of the land, learning about traditional uses such as fishing and hunting.They also handled a Marngrook, a traditional ball made of possum fur believed to be the origin of the Australian Rules Football's oval ball.The couple's visit was part of a private tour of Australia combining charitable causes with commercial... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 16 Apr 2026 06:03 LONDON
Major fire at Australian oil refinery threatens petrol supplies amid global fuel crunch
A major fire broke out at Viva Energy's Corio oil refinery in Geelong, Victoria, Australia, just before midnight on April 15, 2026.Emergency crews responded to reports of explosions and flames at the site, which produces about 120,000 barrels of oil per day.The refinery supplies 50% of Victoria's fuel and 10% of Australia's total fuel demand.No injuries have been reported, and all workers on site were safely evacuated.The fire continues to burn, prompting warnings about air quality in the surrounding area.The facility remains partially operational, with jet fuel and diesel production continuing at reduced levels as a safety precaution.However, petrol production... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 16 Apr 2026 02:30 LONDON
UK government summons social media leaders over children's safety
Top executives from major social media companies were called to Downing Street on Thursday to discuss measures to protect children online amid growing public and political pressure.The meeting was led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall.Representatives from Meta, Snap, YouTube, TikTok, and X attended the discussions, where they were questioned on their efforts to safeguard children and address parental concerns.The government is currently consulting on whether to ban social media use for under-16s, following similar policies introduced in Australia.Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of social media companies taking responsibility, stating that "the consequences of... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 16 Apr 2026 00:06 LONDON
Australia to increase defence spending by $53 billion over next decade
Australia has announced a significant increase in its defence budget, with plans to boost spending by $53 billion over the next ten years.The government aims to raise defence expenditure to approximately 3% of GDP by 2033, using NATO's measurement methodology.The announcement was made ahead of the release of the 2026 National Defence Strategy, which outlines the strategic risks facing the country and the funding required to address them.The plan includes a $14 billion increase in defence spending over the next four years.Defence Minister Richard Marles described the current strategic environment as the most complex and threatening since the end of... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Apr 2026 16:06 LONDON
Australian teenager pleads guilty in landmark deepfake pornography case
An Australian teenager has pleaded guilty to creating and distributing deepfake pornography, marking the first prosecution under a new national law criminalising manipulation of sexual images.William Hamish Yeates, 19, admitted to four offences including creating or altering sexual material without consent and distributing it across multiple social media accounts.Yeates faced 20 Commonwealth charges initially, but some were withdrawn after his guilty plea.The charges relate to the use of a carriage service in a harassing or offensive way and distribution of images without consent.The case is significant as it is the first prosecution under Australia's new law, which carries a maximum... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Apr 2026 10:39 LONDON
High Court Scraps Victorian Political Donation Laws Ahead of State Election
Australia's High Court has ruled Victoria's political donation laws unconstitutional, removing caps and disclosure requirements just months before the November state election.The unanimous decision struck down an entire section of the state's electoral act that capped individual donations at $4,970 per term but exempted major parties through "nominated entities".The ruling follows a legal challenge by two independent candidates, Paul Hopper and Melissa Lowe, who contested the 2022 state election and plan to run again.They argued the exemption for major parties created an unfair advantage and burdened the constitutionally implied freedom of political communication.The court invalidated not only the donation caps... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Apr 2026 06:39 LONDON
Australia Court rules Gina Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting must pay royalties to Wright Prospecting family
The Western Australian Supreme Court has ruled that Wright Prospecting is entitled to 50% of past and future royalties from the Hope Downs iron ore project.The decision was handed down on April 15, 2026, concluding a decade-long legal dispute.Justice Jennifer Smith found that Hancock Prospecting and Rio Tinto, joint operators of the Hope Downs mines, are jointly liable for royalty payments to Wright Prospecting.However, the court dismissed claims by Gina Rinehart's children and Wright descendants to ownership shares in the mines.The ruling means Wright Prospecting will receive potentially hundreds of millions of dollars in royalties from the lucrative Pilbara mining... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Apr 2026 04:36 LONDON
4.5-magnitude earthquake shakes central west New South Wales
A 4.5-magnitude earthquake struck near Orange in central west New South Wales on the evening of April 14, 2026.The quake occurred at 8:19 pm local time at a shallow depth of 5 kilometers.The epicenter was located approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Orange, close to the Cadia goldmine.Geoscience Australia received over 2,000 reports of tremors from the region.The earthquake was felt as far as hundreds of kilometers away, including areas southeast such as Batemans Bay.A senior seismologist described it as a "large earthquake for this area." No immediate reports of significant damage or casualties have been confirmed.Authorities expect aftershocks to follow... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 14 Apr 2026 22:33 LONDON
Palestinian groups launch legal bid over Australian arms exports to Israel
A coalition of Palestinian human rights organisations has initiated legal proceedings in Australia seeking disclosure of military export permits granted to Israel.The groups aim to compel Defence Minister Richard Marles to release documents that could clarify whether Australian arms exports to Israel comply with international law amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, Al-Haq, and Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, supported by the Australian Centre for International Justice, filed an affidavit in federal court last week.They seek to subpoena documents related to arms export permits, questioning if these were properly assessed for risks of facilitating serious... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 14 Apr 2026 06:12 LONDON
Australia to Boost Defence Spending on Drones and Autonomous Systems
Australia is set to increase its defence spending on drones and autonomous systems by an additional $2 billion to $5 billion over the next decade.This move will raise the total investment in uncrewed systems to between $12 billion and $15 billion, according to Defence Minister Richard Marles.The announcement comes ahead of the release of Australia's new Integrated Investment Program (IIP) and the 2026 National Defence Strategy, both scheduled for publication later this week.The increased funding will support the development and acquisition of a range of drone technologies, including large uncrewed systems such as the Ghost Bat and Ghost Shark, as... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 13 Apr 2026 22:06 LONDON
Bravery Awards to Honour Heroes of 2024 Bondi Junction Stabbing
Eight individuals will be recognised for their bravery during the deadly stabbing attack at Bondi Junction shopping centre in Sydney two years ago.The attack, which occurred in April 2024, resulted in six deaths and ten injuries.The assailant, Joel Cauchi, was shot dead by police after a psychotic episode.Among those to be honoured is New South Wales police inspector Amy Scott, who shot Cauchi after he lunged at her with a knife.Also receiving bravery medals are two French nationals and a security guard who attempted to disarm the attacker.Two victims will receive posthumous awards: a mother who saved her baby in... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 13 Apr 2026 02:03 LONDON
Ranger Fred Hunter survives helicopter crash in Kakadu National Park during feral animal control operations
In a dramatic incident, Fred Hunter, a ranger, narrowly survived a helicopter crash in Kakadu National Park while conducting feral animal control operations. The event, which occurred during the dry season, highlights the risks faced by rangers working in remote areas of Australia. On that fateful day, Hunter was in a helicopter near Gunlom Falls when the aircraft suffered a catastrophic failure. He recounted how the helicopter's motor cut out abruptly, transitioning from full revs to idle within seconds. This sudden malfunction resulted in the helicopter plummeting towards the ground, creating an alarming situation for Hunter and his fellow passengers,... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 11 Apr 2026 02:01 LONDON
Australian government revises relocation plans for Cocos (Keeling) Islands after community opposition
The Australian federal government has made significant adjustments to its plans regarding potential relocation for residents of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Following strong opposition from the local community, the government has opted for a revised approach focused on enhancing community consultation. The changes are necessary as the original plan, which included a recommendation for a long-term managed retreat due to rising sea levels, faced considerable criticism from island residents concerned about their future. As the final plan unfolds, residents of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands have tentatively welcomed the outcome, indicating a preference for greater involvement in decisions that affect their... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 10 Apr 2026 23:52 LONDON
Artemis II mission prepares for re-entry and splashdown after historic crewed moon voyage
The Artemis II mission is nearing its conclusion as the crew prepares for a critical moment in their historic journey, which marks the first crewed moon voyage in over half a century. On Friday, the astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft are organizing for a fiery re-entry through Earth’s atmosphere and a planned splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, just off the coast of Southern California. After a celebrated ten-day mission, the crew is expected to safely return to Earth following a series of vital maneuvers. Earlier today, the Orion crew capsule performed an essential eight-second thruster firing, a maneuver designed to... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 10 Apr 2026 23:52 LONDON
British man in his 80s avoids deportation from Australia after tribunal reinstates his visa despite sexual abuse conviction
A British man in his 80s, who was jailed for sexually abusing a nine-year-old girl, has avoided deportation from Australia after a tribunal reinstated his visa. The tribunal’s decision came amid claims the offender suffers from ill health and has strong ties to Australia. This controversial ruling has once again sparked significant public outcry regarding the adequacy of current tribunal guidelines in handling cases involving serious criminal offenses. According to reports from the ABC, the individual in question was incarcerated in 2024 after being convicted for his offenses, which occurred in the presence of another child. Critics are raising concerns... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 10 Apr 2026 22:22 LONDON
Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz nearly halted amid rising threat of Iranian sea mines and tensions with the IRGC
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has reached a critical juncture as shipping traffic remains nearly at a standstill due to the rising threat of Iranian sea mines. The tensions have escalated following recent actions by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which issued a map showing a so-called "danger zone" where these mines are purportedly deployed. This strategic maneuver appears aimed at consolidating Tehran's influence over this vital maritime passageway, crucial for global oil shipments. The Iranian assertion of the sea mine threat follows a series of negotiations meant to facilitate the reopening of the strait for shipping.... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 10 Apr 2026 19:23 LONDON
Australia and Singapore reaffirm commitment to uninterrupted fuel supply during Prime Minister Albanese's visit
In a significant development for international energy cooperation, Australia and Singapore have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining an uninterrupted fuel supply amidst ongoing global energy shocks. This commitment was articulated during Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's recent visit to Singapore, where he engaged in discussions focused on the importance of Australia's liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply to the Southeast Asian nation. The visit, which began on Thursday, highlights the deepening economic ties and resilience agreements between the two countries. During his media address, Albanese asserted the reliability of Australia as a pivotal supplier of LNG, stating, "Australia has been a... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 10 Apr 2026 14:20 LONDON
Human bones found on Rottnest Island likely to be historic Indigenous remains, prompting police investigation
Authorities in Western Australia have confirmed that human bones discovered on Rottnest Island this week are likely to be historic Indigenous remains. The bones were unearthed during construction work near the grounds of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, prompting a police investigation that began on Wednesday. Local anthropologists are involved in examining the remains, although police have stated there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding their discovery. Rottnest Island, located approximately 19 kilometres off the coast of Fremantle, is a popular holiday destination known for its pristine white-sand beaches, shipwrecks, and the native quokka population. The island, historically, served as a... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 10 Apr 2026 10:08 LONDON
Kimberley man ordered to remain in custody for life after Supreme Court ruling on mental impairment in foster brother's death
A Kimberley man, Ian Brooke, has been ordered to remain in custody for life after a Supreme Court ruling found him not guilty of murdering his foster brother due to mental impairment. The court's decision has sparked discussions about the adequacy of mental health facilities in Western Australia, as authorities have reported difficulties in providing appropriate care options for individuals with mental health issues. Brooke, who lived in a family home in Broome, was placed on a custody order as the court determined that he poses a continued risk. During a special Supreme Court hearing, it was revealed that limited... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 10 Apr 2026 09:34 LONDON
Australia and Singapore pledge to enhance energy cooperation amid Middle East conflict
Australia and Singapore have formally pledged to enhance their energy cooperation in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. During a joint press conference in Singapore, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that both nations will make "maximum efforts" to meet each other's fuel and gas needs. This agreement is seen as a critical move as Australia looks to secure its energy supplies in a turbulent global landscape. The joint statement from Albanese and Wong comes amid escalating tensions in the region following a war involving the United States and Israel against Iran.... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 10 Apr 2026 07:24 LONDON
The Madness of Power, From Balfour to the Edge of World War Three
A Voice in the Wilderness of War: Who Still Dares to Speak Truth While Empires March There are moments in history when the world suddenly accelerates toward disaster, moments when anyone who has studied history can feel the temperature rising even before the explosions reach their peak. The current escalation in the Middle East is one of those moments. According to the facts we now see unfolding, the United States and Israel made the unilateral decision to attack Iran without the approval of the United Nations, without a global coalition mandate, and without the support of most of the international... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews-Opinion | 06 Mar 2026 17:20 LONDON
