Latest news with #Canberra
ABC News
3 hours ago
- Business
- ABC News
China sees Australia as the Western partner worth resetting with and Anthony Albanese made it happen
It's increasingly clear that Chinese President Xi Jinping's preferred Western leader is Anthony Albanese. The evidence? A six-day trip across China. A private lunch with Xi. The decision to prioritise Albanese over the foreign ministers of India and Russia, and more than 4 minutes of prime-time coverage of his visit on the 7pm CCTV news — China's most influential and tightly controlled state media news bulletin. In Chinese political theatre, every action is deliberate. There's no doubt that the message now filtering through every level of the Chinese political system is this: a re-elected Australian prime minister is friendly to China, and the Communist Party chief wants the country to do business with him. The fact this message is being actively broadcast across such a complex and opaque system is telling. Xi rarely engages Western democracies on equal footing. But Albanese's trip showed something different: respect, caution and optimism. The two leaders made it clear that mutual respect is now the foundation for deeper engagement, at least for the second decade of a comprehensive strategic partnership. That's no small thing when you're talking about Xi Jinping, one of the most powerful men in the world. If there's one thing other countries can learn from Albanese's China approach, it's the line he has used repeatedly since taking office: It's more than a slogan — it's a carefully balanced playbook for all sides. For those in Canberra wary of Beijing's intentions, it says: we won't be naive. For those in Beijing who remember the volatility of previous Australian governments, it says: we're here to talk, not to fight. This is what made Albanese's message land. Chinese leadership values consistency. Saying this out loud to Xi Jinping, on Chinese soil, was a display of diplomatic maturity. Few Western leaders manage that. Some hedge, others grandstand. Albanese was direct and it worked. Why was it effective? Because the message echoes a phrase by Zhou Enlai, China's first premier, who in 1955 at the Bandung Conference, said: "Seek common ground while reserving differences." It became a cornerstone of China's diplomatic approach to both enemies and neighbours. Albanese's message, though delivered in democratic terms, resonates with that same logic. In China's political structure, Xi is the only real decision-maker. When he chose to host Albanese and his fiancee, Jodie Haydon, personally, bypassing the traditional role of the premier, it wasn't just a three-course meal. It was a display of serious personal and political investment. That gave Albanese a rare opening, a chance to raise hard issues directly with the one man who can actually deliver. No filters. No bureaucratic hedging. That kind of access is hard-won and Australia shouldn't underestimate its significance. It also signals something else: Xi values the connection. He's looking to build rapport. This is how top-down trust works in China. When Xi wants progress, the system follows. In Canberra, trust flows from the public, through lobbying, into Parliament, then to the top. Both governments now face the challenge of reconciling these different systems in discussions on trade, diplomacy, tourism, education, climate change and more. But while Beijing may have reset with Albanese, the Australian public hasn't necessarily followed. According to a new Pew Research Center report, only 23 per cent of Australians hold favourable views of China, rising from 14 per cent since last year. Pew's findings underscore the challenge ahead — public sentiment will take far longer to repair than diplomatic channels. Despite warm smiles and shared meals, Australians remain deeply sceptical of Beijing's long-term intentions. That's the tightrope Albanese is walking — between Chinese favour and domestic suspicion. Whether this reset holds will depend not just on diplomacy, but on results. One certain outcome of Albanese's grand trip is that Chinese tour groups are coming back. Visa waivers for Australians remain in place. But for Australians to feel safe in China again, especially in remote western regions, one unresolved issue looms large: the fate of Australian citizen Dr Yang Hengjun, who is currently under a suspended death sentence. His continued detention undermines the softening tone of the visit. For Canberra, it remains a test of good faith. If China wants to shift Australian public opinion — especially among families considering study, travel or investment — this must be resolved, no matter how polished the propaganda. There was, however, a notable moment of inclusion. In his remarks to Premier Li Qiang, Albanese highlighted the 1.4 million Australians of Chinese descent: "That is a benefit to both of our countries because they provide a very real personal link between us," he said. It was a reminder that the relationship wasn't just bilateral, it was human. But trust, again, must go both ways. For Beijing, trust is top-down. For Australia, it must embrace its own Chinese Australian citizens, many of whom still face suspicion and political scrutiny in both countries. If Canberra wants to rebuild ties with China, it must also build trust with Chinese communities at home. They are not a liability. They are a strength that helps the Australian society to understand China. There's no doubt that Beijing wants an independent Canberra that doesn't echo Washington. One thing is also clear in Xi's message — Australia doesn't need to choose between China and the US. It needs to engage with clarity, consistency and confidence. Australia's ability to engage China confidently depends on its internal capacity and right now, that's underdeveloped. Many of Australia's public institutions, especially in the security and intelligence sectors, still rely heavily on American frameworks and analysis when it comes to understanding China. This dependence has left Australia with only a narrow space for independent expertise and at times, a lack of clarity in forming its own China policy. At the same time, academic and policy research into China faces chronic funding shortages, political pressure, and limited freedom to explore complex or sensitive issues. Scholars say they are often sidelined or silenced, creating a knowledge vacuum at a time when understanding China has never been more urgent. If Australia wants to chart its own path between Washington and Beijing, it must invest in its own capacity — not just in diplomacy and defence, but in language, history, politics and society. Without that, Australia risks being reactive rather than strategic. It was Gough Whitlam, after all, who recognised Beijing before Richard Nixon. That legacy shows where Australia once stood in the race — not where it is now.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Aussie drivers warned as costly new road trend leads to panel beater backlog
Panel beaters in the nation's capital say they're struggling to keep up with demand amid a rise in collisions with wild animals, as drivers are being warned to be vigilant on the road as populations of certain species "explode" in numbers. Numerous reports have emerged in recent times of drivers around the country colliding with animals, causing issues for both vehicles and the panel beaters tasked with repairing them. Deer, an introduced environmental pest, continue to be a growing problem, with their expansion now spilling into urban areas, seeing them regularly wander onto train tracks and other transport thoroughfares. Kangaroos are another threat to safety, with the animals known for jumping out onto roads as they spread in search of food. With reserves "drying off", kangaroos are increasingly moving to roadsides "to get access to green feed", conservationists say. In Canberra, these incidents are becoming more and more common, and vehicle repairers warn that even if a driver avoids hitting an animal directly, there are still several risks. "They miss the animal but then they hit the tree, or the guardrail or another car," Alison Hickey, of Barrett Brothers Smash Repairs, told WIN News Canberra. She said people often don't realise there's damage to their cars because it may not be immediately visible at first glance. "There's nothing leaking out the bottom, but the fan is hitting on the radiator, and there are broken bits everywhere," she said. Repairs are costing drivers several thousand dollars, leaving many without vehicles for up to a month, while creating a backlog among panel beaters. Data from ACT Parks and Conservation reveal there have been 650 callouts to crashes involving eastern grey kangaroos this year alone, WIN reported. Official ACT data shows that by the end of 2024, there were 3,545 callouts for the year, while in 2023 there were 3,336. There have been nine wombat collisions in the territory this year, a significant decrease from the 2024 year total of 179, although deer collisions continue to rise. Just last week, dashcam footage captured the shocking moment two drivers almost collided with a deer darting across a road in Canberra. The video, filmed "in the middle" of the road, shows the large animal suddenly appearing on a grass median strip. It bolted across two lanes of traffic, just metres in front of startled motorists. Days later, another deer was spotted on train tracks in Eastwood, in Sydney's northwest. Meanwhile, in South Australia, there have been more than 2,100 insurance claims for accidents involving a kangaroo in the last year. The stark figure marks a 44 per cent increase compared to two years earlier, with the state's recent dry weather conditions believed to be driving the animals closer to roads in search of food. Recent photos emerging online show dozens of kangaroos on the road in country SA, reflecting the scale of the issue in the outback. Royal Automobile Association (RAA) Senior Manager of Road Safety, Charles Mountain, warned drivers that kangaroos are notoriously unpredictable, meaning motorists should remain on high alert when travelling through their known habitat. 🥬 Despair as invasive species destroys $50k worth of produce in days 🚙 Aussies warned of $96 million threat spilling onto our roads 🏡 Aussie homeowners face 'avalanche' of destructive invasive species "There is a clear trend that kangaroo collisions are increasing across the state as more animals come towards busy roads in search of food. Kangaroos in particular are unpredictable creatures that can seemingly come out of nowhere and pose a significant safety risk," he said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ryan Papenhuyzen provides update as Cameron Munster's return thrown into doubt
Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has opened up about his frustrating calf injury that has ruled him out for another week, while Cameron Munster has yet to return to training. Papenhuyzen will sit out his third week in a row as he remains coy on his return date from the calf injury. The Storm star has been in sensational form this year having scored 12 tries in 14 appearances in 2025. Papenhuyzen is a key part of Melbourne's elite spine in the NRL, but is set to miss his third game after picking up a calf injury in round 17. The Storm are sitting only two points behind the Canberra Raiders in second. And while Papenhuyzen admitted he has needed to manage the frustrating injury, the Storm have one eye on the finals coming up. "It feels like it's improving, it's more just I can't really tell unless I'm running and we shut it down the last few days so I can't really give an indicator of where it's at," he said on Tuesday. "I'll have a run on Wednesday and if it's no good we will shut it down again ... it's a five-day turnaround into the Roosters so we can't be messing around. "These little ones are more annoying in the sense that you can see the finish line and you want to push but you've got the bigger goal at the end of the year so I've got to be smart around that." While Papenhuyzen has been out, Nick Meaney has deputised at fullback and has been brilliant. Meaney has scored two tries and kicked eight goals in his last two appearances in the No.1 jersey and will line-up against the Manly Sea Eagles this weekend. While Meaney has been named in a near-full strength Storm side, so has Munster. Although the Queensland captain has yet to return to training. Munster and his family have been dealing with the death of his father Steven, which occurred days before the State of Origin decicer. Munster left Origin camp to visit his family and there were no expectations on Munster to return for the game. Although the Queensland captain led his side out and led his state to victory. Munster missed the Storm's game last weekend having returned to see his family during the difficult time. However, he has been named to play at five-eighth against Manly. And while he is expected to play, Papenhuyzen admitted the leader hasn't returned to training yet. "The club's been really good to give him some time off and obviously the emotional rollercoaster of Origin, let alone the passing of Steve, it's a massive toll to come back from," Papenhuyzen said. "We haven't seen him in yet - he's replied to all our messages though, and, he's in good spirits, but yeah, it's a grieving process you need to let people go through." RELATED: Fury over Panthers star's one-game ban after Eels player cops horror injury New footage highlights truth about Broncos after Walsh and Staggs clash The Storm sit two points behind the Raiders, although Canberra have a bye in hand heading into the final stretch of the season. The Storm will favour themselves against the Sea Eagles at home this weekend and their No.1 feels the team is building momentum. "I think we just keep building," Papenhuyzen told 2GB Radio. "We have a good foundation. At the start of the year we were trying to find our identity and now we have a good balance. "There is definitely room to build on it ... when finals come around, you just have to make the most of moments when they come. We are just going to keep rolling on like we are doing."
News.com.au
4 hours ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Eels playmaker's snub is biggest slap in the face for Newcastle
Newcastle has been dealt another black eye with reports Dylan Brown turned down an opportunity to join the club early last month. With the club in crisis following revelations Kalyn Ponga is exploring a move to overseas rugby, the latest news about the Eels playmaker is the last thing the club needed. As revealed by Code Sport on Tuesday, Brown was told Parramatta would not stand in his way if he wanted to join the Knights early before he June 30 deadline. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. With a 10-year deal reportedly worth around $13m on the table, Brown and Ponga are the one-two punch the club has gambled its future on. Now it appears neither of them want to be there. The staggering report from Code Sports, suggests Brown elected to remain in the Blue and Yellow colours even after being informed by Eels coach Jason Ryles he would be dropped to play in NSW Cup this season. With the Eels' 2025 campaign already in tatters, Ryles has reportedly been given the green light from the front office to shake things up and test junior talent Joash Papalii in the halves alongside Dean Hawkins before Mitchell Moses returns from a calf muscle injury. Brown was moved to hooker during the club's loss to the Panthers and has been dropped for their clash with the Raiders in Canberra on Saturday. This is the decision Brown made when he had the option of starting his new life in Newcastle on the front foot. Brown's decision has left some NRL commentators staggered. Leading NRL journalist Andrew Webster said on the Off The Record podcast there has been a lot of angst from former players at the Knights about the fat contract given to Brown. 'I've been told Parramatta were prepared to let Dylan Brown go to Newcastle early,' Webster said. 'Even telling him that he would be playing NSW Cup. And he preferred to stay.' Webster went on to say: 'Don't you think it says more that he didn't go? He had the opportunity to go there and there's so many questions.' Ryles told Code Sports there is no lingering resentment between himself and Brown with both parties understanding they are on different paths. It makes Brown's decision to remain with the club for the next three months even more staggering. Brown's apparent disinterest in the Knights is another public relations nightmare for a club that is already facing reports coach Adam O'Brien is circling the drain and Ponga is looking for the exit sign. Knights centre Bradman Best was on Tuesday left to be the person answering all the tough questions from reporters after the Ponga bombshell dropped on Monday. Best said hasn't heard anything definitive from Ponga or O'Brien. Ponga still has two years left on his deal, but reports suggest the injured skipper has linked up with a New Zealand rugby agent to scour the market for a potential code switch. The Maroons fullback joined the club in 2018, and while they've made finals in four of the past five seasons, they've never threatened for a title since he's been there. Scoring points has been a major issue for the Knights, with Brown's arrival next year on huge money meant to sort out those issues. Fairly or unfairly, Brown's decision to see out his season with the Eels also does not reflect well on O'Brien when the coach is fighting to save his job. They are just one win above the bottom-placed Titans and have scored the fewest points in the competition with a stack of changes in the halves over the past two years. The news about Ponga's itchy feet must also be difficult for Brown to hear. The opportunity to play with one of the best players in the game was one of the biggest selling points the club had to get Brown to sign on the bottom line. NRL legend Cameron Smith on Monday night said: 'I'm sure he (Ponga) was a big reason why he'd want to move to Newcastle. 'One would've been the money, but two when you're playing with one of the best talents in the game.' Responding on Channel 9's 100% Footy, Phil Gould said: 'I'm sure that (playing with Ponga) would have been raised with Dylan when they tried to sign him.' If the Knights weren't in crisis before, they are now.
Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Banned financial adviser who told Aussies nearing retirement to invest life savings in First Guardian super likened himself to a personal trainer dealing with 'attitude'
A banned financial adviser linked with collapsed super fund First Guardian had likened himself to a personal trainer dealing with 'attitude' when it came to guiding clients. Joel Hewish, 43, last year had his financial licence cancelled for a decade after the Australian Securities and Investments Commission found his Melbourne-based private wealth management company, United Global Capital, had contacted prospective clients and advised them to put their self-managed super fund into highly speculative investments linked to him. 'ASIC banned Mr Hewish having found that he demonstrated a fundamental lack of competence, and a cavalier attitude to his management of UGC and the importance of complying with financial services laws,' the corporate regulator said. Canberra couple Simon and Annette Luck had relied on UGC's advice to invest in the First Guardian Master Fund, which is now in liquidation leaving 6,000 retirement savers in limbo. The $505million fund had invested almost half its assets overseas. Mr Hewish, who is still a property developer in Melbourne, had previously likened himself to a personal trainer when asked by My Business Podcast host Rob Verhoeve to describe the perfect client. 'The perfect client for us doesn't really come down to how much money they've got, it comes down to how engaged they are in the process,' he said in this March 2023 interview. 'It comes down to their willingness to engage with their adviser, to go through the process of developing a clear picture of what it is that they want out of the whole process and that they're willing to learn, listen and have the right attitude to taking those adjustments that might need to be made and working with them.' He argued clients had a 'responsibility to take what we show them' and adopt that advice. Asked if that made him the financial equivalent of a personal trainer, he said: 'It very much is a personal trainer in many respects.' ASIC last year revoked Mr Hewish's Australian financial services licence and banned him as a financial services representative until June 2034. His UGC company was also placed into liquidation. Retired Customers officer Simon Luck, 61, in 2012 had engaged UGC to invest his self-managed super fund. Him and his wife Annette Luck, 56, have now lost $340,000 that had been invested with First Guardian Master Fund, owned by Falcon Capital. 'We're not financial wizards my wife and I - we pay good money to trust these so-called licensed professionals to invest on our behalf,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'I guess gutted is probably the right word.' FTI Consulting estimates 6,000 investors, who had their super with First Guardian, stand to conservatively lose $446million with $242million worth of retirement savings invested offshore. First Guardian Master Fund director David Anderson had bought a $9million mansion at Hawthorn, on Melbourne's Yarra River, in December 2020. The Canberra-based Lucks are now contemplating selling their house to live in a caravan, and putting off trips to The Netherlands and the UK to visit relatives, losing hope they would ever be able to use their super to pay off their mortgage. 'After having paid thousands upon thousands of dollars for these so-called professionals to manage our fund to be left in this predicament is unbearable,' Mr Luck said in a letter to his federal Labor member Andrew Leigh. 'I did this wisely through licensed financial advisers, for which I paid thousands of dollars a year to manage. 'UGC had invested my wife and I's entire superannuation with a regulated and licensed fund First Guardian, which ASIC have now also placed a freeze on.' He also expressed his dismay in a letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. 'I have no doubts that both Mr. David Anderson (Falcon Capital investment) and Mr. Joel James Hewish (director United Global Capital) continue to live a lavish and luxurious lifestyle and would be able to enjoy the fruits of their ill gotten gains and have benefited greatly from tax minimisation strategies available to them, however, my wife and I are not so lucky and will never get to enjoy a stress free retirement thanks to them and the lack of financial protection provided,' he said. Annette said the regulators had failed to stop the likes of Mr Anderson. 'We are both feeling entirely let down by the lack of "protection" our so called financial regulated system provides and have lost a lot of trust and faith in so called "Australians" and see Mr. David Anderson as no better than an overseas scam agent,' she told Daily Mail Australia. Hewish's licence was cancelled after ASIC found that UGC had lured people into investing in UGC-related products by cold calling prospective clients and offering them a 'free superannuation health check'. He appealed his ban to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, after ASIC said he 'created a culture of non-compliance and incompetence at UGC, and cannot be trusted to comply with financial services laws'. Hewish features as a director on the website of Melbourne-based property developer Hewson. It is linked to Serpells Road Pty Ltd, the developer of a luxury apartment complex at Templestowe in Melbourne's east. Mr Hewish's X account describes him as a 'professional stock and real estate investor and speculator. Former Founder, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of a multi-disciplined wealth management business'. It lists his based as New York even though his ASIC file shows him as a director of companies in Melbourne and the Gold Coast. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Hewish for comment.
