Latest news with #LukasCoch
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
US urges Australia to boost defence spending to 3.5 per cent
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles denied a specific percentage of defence spending was discussed. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asked Australia to increase its defence spending to 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product during a meeting with Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, the Pentagon said. The defence chiefs also discussed security issues on Sunday, including accelerating US defence capabilities in Australia, advancing defence industrial base cooperation and creating supply chain resilience, the defence department said in a statement. 'On defence spending, Secretary Hegseth conveyed that Australia should increase its defence spending to 3.5 per cent of its GDP as soon as possible,' the statement said. The ministers' meeting on Friday on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's premier security forum, is only the second between the security allies since US President Donald Trump took office in January. Marles said after the meeting they did not discuss a specific percentage of GDP to raise Australian defence spending.
RNZ News
26-04-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Super Rugby Pacific live updates: Brumbies v Hurricanes
Photo: Photosport / AAP / Lukas Coch The Canes are into desperate territory as we approach the Super Rugby Pacific play-offs, but this is a tough assignment in the Australian capital. The Brumbies are currently third on the table and are looking to lock in home advantage, kick-off is at 9:35pm NZT.
The Guardian
15-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Magic takes flight: Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2025
The early bird gets the shot. A father and child take pictures of hot air balloons during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular which kicked off at 6am, with balloons launching from 6.30am. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP A flame from a hot air balloon burner illuminates the pre-dawn crowd watching on. Photograph: Lukas Coch/EPA Fun for all ages. A family takes a selfie in front of Axel the Tiger, one of the many fan favourites. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP A beaming hot air balloon touches the water of Lake Burley Griffin where onlookers paddle out to get among the festivities. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP The magician's secrets: a pilot checks the inside of his hot air balloon prior to takeoff. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP A crowd looks on as a pilot ignites his burner to inflate his hot air balloon. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP Is it a bird? Is it a plane? A mother and her child observe hot air balloons floating over Lake Burley Griffin as the sky fills with colour. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP By 7am, most of the hot air balloons are airborne, with the brilliant array of colours reflected by the calm morning waters of Lake Burley Griffin. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP So close you could almost touch them. A young onlooker takes in the magic of the the Canberra Balloon Spectacular. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP The lake, hills, cityscape and other Canberra landmarks become part of the Spectacular. Here, balloons frame the Black Mountain tower. Photograph: Lukas Coch/EPAa A large crowds look on as a hot air balloon readies to take flight behind them. Photograph: Lukas Coch/EPA Even amongst the crowd, a quiet moment can be found. A couple takes in the scene as hot air balloons float through the sky. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP It isn't just colours, but also themes and designs, that inform the hot air balloons that take part in the Spectacular. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP Hot air balloons rise over Lake Burley Griffin during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
