‘Need to be very careful': English test lowered for some Australian visas
'The story is really indicating the bar is being set quite low,' Mr Newman told Sky News host Steve Price.
'I also think we need to be really very careful about what we're doing here – we need to have people who can integrate.'
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Perth Now
4 minutes ago
- Perth Now
New era of trans-Tasman co-operation in turbulent world
Australia and New Zealand are entering a new era of co-operation as leaders from both nations embrace shared values in an increasingly turbulent world. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is in Queenstown for a two-day meeting with his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon, marking his second time crossing the Tasman as leader after last visiting in 2023. In a show of the bond between the two nations, Mr Luxon warmly embraced the Australian prime minister as they met on Saturday for leadership talks. The first day centred on unity between the two nations and how they can co-operate on various issues, including safeguarding security and prosperity in an increasingly uncertain geo-strategic environment. This included committing to further integrating the two nations' economies in the "most unpredictable and dangerous" strategic environment in decades. Foreign policy challenges relating to dealing with China, the United States and China's encroachment in the South Pacific region would be agenda-topping issues during the talks, University of Otago politics researcher Nicholas Khoo said. Both leaders agreed that competition between the world's superpowers, China and the US, needed to be managed, and continued dialogue was important to reduce risks of misunderstanding, miscalculation, escalation and conflict in the Pacific region. China was the main topic on everyone's lips, with the pair discussing their grave concerns over its increasingly "dangerous and provocative" behaviour in the South China Sea. Mr Luxon said the Asian superpower was a significant player in the world and a permanent feature of global affairs. "We have an approach which is about co-operating where we can ... We disagree where we must. We have different systems, different values," he said, which Mr Albanese echoed. Both leaders praised work to strengthen military co-operation, which Prof Khoo said was appropriate given the increasing uncertainty in international politics. "It's an area where we could legitimately expect to see very real progress," he told AAP. Prof Khoo said this meeting showed the two neighbours' "steady build-up" of co-operation, which he said didn't exist until two years ago. '"This is, in some aspects, a new era of co-operation, which is a positive development for both sides," he said. Prof Khoo said New Zealand only had one alliance partner in Australia, and this summit showed its investment in that relationship. "In these very turbulent times, this is one of the linchpins of regional security that deserves the attention," he said. The Australian and New Zealand standards bodies have also announced a new agreement to renew joint standards arrangements, which will streamline regulations for certain sectors, including construction, healthcare and manufacturing, to boost economic growth. In a sign of closer ties, Mr Albanese joked about going for a "cuddle" as both leaders sauntered off after the media conference arm-in-arm, laughing.
Sky News AU
5 hours ago
- Sky News AU
‘Absolutely disgraceful': Video captures attack on man holding Australian flag
Shadow Assistant Manufacturing Minister Andrew Willcox discusses the 'disgraceful' footage showing a man getting punched for holding the Australian flag. 'Absolutely disgraceful, I'm as patriotic as could possibly be, my blood boils when I see this,' Mr Willcox told Sky News host Rowan Dean. 'As the footage goes on, what I'm really concerned about is then the police actually take away the gentleman who was carrying the Australian flag. 'Arrest that coward that punched him from the side.'
The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Australia and New Zealand embrace in 'uncertain world'
Australia and New Zealand are promising to strengthen trade and security ties in an "increasingly fractious and uncertain" world. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has crossed the Tasman for annual talks with his Kiwi counterpart. "In a time of global uncertainty, the certainty and the strength of this bond has never been more important," Mr Albanese said in Queenstown on Saturday. Greeting the Australian prime minister with an enthusiastic full-body hug, Christopher Luxon said his nation had "no greater friend than Australia". "You are family," the New Zealand leader said. "There's nothing more certain than the bedrock of the relationship that we have between our two great countries." It is Mr Albanese's second time across the Tasman as Australia's leader and although he and Mr Luxon represent opposite ends of the political spectrum, both affirmed their nations "common outlook and deep trust". During an annual leaders' meeting, the pair discussed defence, the war in Gaza and trade deals amid what they described as "the most unpredictable and dangerous strategic environment in decades". Mr Albanese addressed attendees by noting the "uncertain world" the two nations faced with "geopolitical tension, issues with trade and conflict in the world". "But there is one thing that is certain and that is that Australia and New Zealand stand together," he said. The leaders committed to further advancing the trans-Tasman single economic market, established in 2009 to grow trade and deepen investment links between the two countries, as "an example for the world". "At a time when free and fair trade is being questioned, I think it's really important that we emphasise the opportunity that's there as well for both of our nations being located as we are," Mr Albanese said. "Just to our north is the fastest-growing region in the world in human history, and that represents opportunity." The "complicated" relationship between opportunities and challenges posed by China became a focus of talks behind the scenes "China is a massive and significant player in the world, and it's a permanent feature of global affairs," Mr Albanese told reporters shortly after the closed door meetings. "We have a approach which is about co-operating where we can (and) we disagree where we must. "We have different systems, different values ... We'll stand up for those at different times, and we'll have differences." The pair also discussed the impact of the US President Donald Trump's tariffs. While Mr Trump raised tariffs against dozens of nations, he showed mercy on Australia and kept levies against most products at 10 per cent. But New Zealand was not spared - hit with a 15 per cent "reciprocal" tariff. Mr Albanese and Mr Luxon said they stood for "rules-based trade" where businesses could be given certainty and predictability. They also agreed to work together to reform the World Trade Organisation as the foundation and enforcer of global trade rules. David Capie, from Victoria University of Wellington, said the Luxon government had leaned into its partnership with Australia since coming to power. "You've got a New Zealand government that wants to do more with Australia," the foreign and defence policy expert told AAP. "The up-ending of the economic order with the Trump tariffs, the Middle East - all of those things NZ and Australia are finding that they're very closely aligned." The meeting coincided with the release of a joint statement from the foreign ministers of Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, condemning Israel's plan to intensify the war on Gaza and assume full control of the territory. In it, the ministers said they "strongly reject" Israel's decision to launch a large-scale military operation in Gaza and warned the looming military operation risked violating international law and putting the lives of hostages and civilians in more danger. Mr Albanese's two-day trip to New Zealand continues on Sunday. Australia and New Zealand are promising to strengthen trade and security ties in an "increasingly fractious and uncertain" world. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has crossed the Tasman for annual talks with his Kiwi counterpart. "In a time of global uncertainty, the certainty and the strength of this bond has never been more important," Mr Albanese said in Queenstown on Saturday. Greeting the Australian prime minister with an enthusiastic full-body hug, Christopher Luxon said his nation had "no greater friend than Australia". "You are family," the New Zealand leader said. "There's nothing more certain than the bedrock of the relationship that we have between our two great countries." It is Mr Albanese's second time across the Tasman as Australia's leader and although he and Mr Luxon represent opposite ends of the political spectrum, both affirmed their nations "common outlook and deep trust". During an annual leaders' meeting, the pair discussed defence, the war in Gaza and trade deals amid what they described as "the most unpredictable and dangerous strategic environment in decades". Mr Albanese addressed attendees by noting the "uncertain world" the two nations faced with "geopolitical tension, issues with trade and conflict in the world". "But there is one thing that is certain and that is that Australia and New Zealand stand together," he said. The leaders committed to further advancing the trans-Tasman single economic market, established in 2009 to grow trade and deepen investment links between the two countries, as "an example for the world". "At a time when free and fair trade is being questioned, I think it's really important that we emphasise the opportunity that's there as well for both of our nations being located as we are," Mr Albanese said. "Just to our north is the fastest-growing region in the world in human history, and that represents opportunity." The "complicated" relationship between opportunities and challenges posed by China became a focus of talks behind the scenes "China is a massive and significant player in the world, and it's a permanent feature of global affairs," Mr Albanese told reporters shortly after the closed door meetings. "We have a approach which is about co-operating where we can (and) we disagree where we must. "We have different systems, different values ... We'll stand up for those at different times, and we'll have differences." The pair also discussed the impact of the US President Donald Trump's tariffs. While Mr Trump raised tariffs against dozens of nations, he showed mercy on Australia and kept levies against most products at 10 per cent. But New Zealand was not spared - hit with a 15 per cent "reciprocal" tariff. Mr Albanese and Mr Luxon said they stood for "rules-based trade" where businesses could be given certainty and predictability. They also agreed to work together to reform the World Trade Organisation as the foundation and enforcer of global trade rules. David Capie, from Victoria University of Wellington, said the Luxon government had leaned into its partnership with Australia since coming to power. "You've got a New Zealand government that wants to do more with Australia," the foreign and defence policy expert told AAP. "The up-ending of the economic order with the Trump tariffs, the Middle East - all of those things NZ and Australia are finding that they're very closely aligned." The meeting coincided with the release of a joint statement from the foreign ministers of Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, condemning Israel's plan to intensify the war on Gaza and assume full control of the territory. In it, the ministers said they "strongly reject" Israel's decision to launch a large-scale military operation in Gaza and warned the looming military operation risked violating international law and putting the lives of hostages and civilians in more danger. Mr Albanese's two-day trip to New Zealand continues on Sunday. Australia and New Zealand are promising to strengthen trade and security ties in an "increasingly fractious and uncertain" world. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has crossed the Tasman for annual talks with his Kiwi counterpart. "In a time of global uncertainty, the certainty and the strength of this bond has never been more important," Mr Albanese said in Queenstown on Saturday. Greeting the Australian prime minister with an enthusiastic full-body hug, Christopher Luxon said his nation had "no greater friend than Australia". "You are family," the New Zealand leader said. "There's nothing more certain than the bedrock of the relationship that we have between our two great countries." It is Mr Albanese's second time across the Tasman as Australia's leader and although he and Mr Luxon represent opposite ends of the political spectrum, both affirmed their nations "common outlook and deep trust". During an annual leaders' meeting, the pair discussed defence, the war in Gaza and trade deals amid what they described as "the most unpredictable and dangerous strategic environment in decades". Mr Albanese addressed attendees by noting the "uncertain world" the two nations faced with "geopolitical tension, issues with trade and conflict in the world". "But there is one thing that is certain and that is that Australia and New Zealand stand together," he said. The leaders committed to further advancing the trans-Tasman single economic market, established in 2009 to grow trade and deepen investment links between the two countries, as "an example for the world". "At a time when free and fair trade is being questioned, I think it's really important that we emphasise the opportunity that's there as well for both of our nations being located as we are," Mr Albanese said. "Just to our north is the fastest-growing region in the world in human history, and that represents opportunity." The "complicated" relationship between opportunities and challenges posed by China became a focus of talks behind the scenes "China is a massive and significant player in the world, and it's a permanent feature of global affairs," Mr Albanese told reporters shortly after the closed door meetings. "We have a approach which is about co-operating where we can (and) we disagree where we must. "We have different systems, different values ... We'll stand up for those at different times, and we'll have differences." The pair also discussed the impact of the US President Donald Trump's tariffs. While Mr Trump raised tariffs against dozens of nations, he showed mercy on Australia and kept levies against most products at 10 per cent. But New Zealand was not spared - hit with a 15 per cent "reciprocal" tariff. Mr Albanese and Mr Luxon said they stood for "rules-based trade" where businesses could be given certainty and predictability. They also agreed to work together to reform the World Trade Organisation as the foundation and enforcer of global trade rules. David Capie, from Victoria University of Wellington, said the Luxon government had leaned into its partnership with Australia since coming to power. "You've got a New Zealand government that wants to do more with Australia," the foreign and defence policy expert told AAP. "The up-ending of the economic order with the Trump tariffs, the Middle East - all of those things NZ and Australia are finding that they're very closely aligned." The meeting coincided with the release of a joint statement from the foreign ministers of Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, condemning Israel's plan to intensify the war on Gaza and assume full control of the territory. In it, the ministers said they "strongly reject" Israel's decision to launch a large-scale military operation in Gaza and warned the looming military operation risked violating international law and putting the lives of hostages and civilians in more danger. Mr Albanese's two-day trip to New Zealand continues on Sunday. Australia and New Zealand are promising to strengthen trade and security ties in an "increasingly fractious and uncertain" world. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has crossed the Tasman for annual talks with his Kiwi counterpart. "In a time of global uncertainty, the certainty and the strength of this bond has never been more important," Mr Albanese said in Queenstown on Saturday. Greeting the Australian prime minister with an enthusiastic full-body hug, Christopher Luxon said his nation had "no greater friend than Australia". "You are family," the New Zealand leader said. "There's nothing more certain than the bedrock of the relationship that we have between our two great countries." It is Mr Albanese's second time across the Tasman as Australia's leader and although he and Mr Luxon represent opposite ends of the political spectrum, both affirmed their nations "common outlook and deep trust". During an annual leaders' meeting, the pair discussed defence, the war in Gaza and trade deals amid what they described as "the most unpredictable and dangerous strategic environment in decades". Mr Albanese addressed attendees by noting the "uncertain world" the two nations faced with "geopolitical tension, issues with trade and conflict in the world". "But there is one thing that is certain and that is that Australia and New Zealand stand together," he said. The leaders committed to further advancing the trans-Tasman single economic market, established in 2009 to grow trade and deepen investment links between the two countries, as "an example for the world". "At a time when free and fair trade is being questioned, I think it's really important that we emphasise the opportunity that's there as well for both of our nations being located as we are," Mr Albanese said. "Just to our north is the fastest-growing region in the world in human history, and that represents opportunity." The "complicated" relationship between opportunities and challenges posed by China became a focus of talks behind the scenes "China is a massive and significant player in the world, and it's a permanent feature of global affairs," Mr Albanese told reporters shortly after the closed door meetings. "We have a approach which is about co-operating where we can (and) we disagree where we must. "We have different systems, different values ... We'll stand up for those at different times, and we'll have differences." The pair also discussed the impact of the US President Donald Trump's tariffs. While Mr Trump raised tariffs against dozens of nations, he showed mercy on Australia and kept levies against most products at 10 per cent. But New Zealand was not spared - hit with a 15 per cent "reciprocal" tariff. Mr Albanese and Mr Luxon said they stood for "rules-based trade" where businesses could be given certainty and predictability. They also agreed to work together to reform the World Trade Organisation as the foundation and enforcer of global trade rules. David Capie, from Victoria University of Wellington, said the Luxon government had leaned into its partnership with Australia since coming to power. "You've got a New Zealand government that wants to do more with Australia," the foreign and defence policy expert told AAP. "The up-ending of the economic order with the Trump tariffs, the Middle East - all of those things NZ and Australia are finding that they're very closely aligned." The meeting coincided with the release of a joint statement from the foreign ministers of Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, condemning Israel's plan to intensify the war on Gaza and assume full control of the territory. In it, the ministers said they "strongly reject" Israel's decision to launch a large-scale military operation in Gaza and warned the looming military operation risked violating international law and putting the lives of hostages and civilians in more danger. Mr Albanese's two-day trip to New Zealand continues on Sunday.
