International

In June, three delegates from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) visited Australia to understand counter-seasonal horticulture export opportunities and interview Australian growers and horticulture experts to assess feasibility of future export opportunities and collaboration between our two countries.  

In Ukraine, even in a war zone, there is a demand for agricultural workers. In this unique labor market, legal guarantees are rare. But very often, wages are paid in cash every day!

When Kerang resident, and former Bridge production manager, Michael Douthat, listed a Coke can on eBay he never thought it would be heading back to corporate HQ. “I sold an empty Coca-Cola can, which I had with me since I was a kid.” said Michael ... “I’m interested if my note in the parcel will be responded to: It would be great to hear more about the Coca-Cola Museum...

The global poultry industry has seen a relatively strong start to the year, sustained by rising animal protein prices and lower feed costs compared to last year. However, recent developments, including the announced (and postponed) US import tariffs, bird flu outbreaks in key regions, and the Israel-Iran conflict, are introducing significant uncertainty.

The illegal importation of 62 tonnes of pork and other animal protein from Thailand into Australia proves the urgent need for increased funding and resources for frontline biosecurity services ... a District Court judge sentencing her to a 24-month intensive corrections order and 150 hours of community service ... “The two cases demonstrate that food smugglers can get away with breaching our biosecurity laws too easily and for too long before being found out, and face too small a punishment”: CA Chief Executive, Dr Chris Parker.

New data published today by Tourism Research Australia shows international holiday visitors spent a record $3.1 billion, surpassing pre-Covid levels for the very first time. Visitors from New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, India, France and Indonesia led the charge, all spending a record amount while they were holidaying in Queensland. 

Bidgee Fitness committee member Tanza Paterson is a 71-year-old powerhouse who just conquered a 50-kilometre ultra trail marathon in the rugged terrain of Katoomba in the Blue Mountains last month … Tanza powered through with determination, strength and resilience - proving that age is no barrier when spirit leads the way.

An international team of scientists has developed a biodegradable material that could slash global energy consumption without using any electricity, according to a new study published today. The bioplastic metafilm – that can be applied to buildings, equipment and other surfaces – passively cools temperatures by as much as 9.2°C during peak sunlight and reflects almost 99 per cent of the sun’s rays.

As part of the Finocchiaro CLP Government’s Rebuilding the Economy: NT Economy Strategy 2025, Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill will lead a delegation to Malaysia to strengthen government-to-government ties and promote new trade and investment opportunities for the Northern Territory.

Premier Roger Cook and Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia are travelling to the UK for strategic talks about WA's internationally sought-after defence sector ... WA companies already manufacture vital parts of Australia's submarines and are working to enter the US Virginia-class supply chain. By strengthening ties with the UK, it's hoped they will also break into the Astute-class supply chain.

Teys Naracoorte facility, which currently employs 475 workers, will not experience any major changes to staffing levels following its recent acquisition by American food and protein industry giant Cargill ... the acquisition will have no "significant impact on roles" at the Naracoorte site, addressing concerns about potential workforce changes.

Australia’s co-operative and mutual sector has ambitions to emulate its UK counterpart’s planned doubling in size, after recording an 8.4 per cent increase in annual revenue. The latest National Mutual Economy Report (NME) … shows continued resilience by the sector against a backdrop of on-going global volatility and stabilising inflation.

A Queensland man, 63, is scheduled to face Cairns Magistrates Court today (18 June, 2025) charged with allegedly producing child abuse material in the Philippines. Australian Border Force (ABF) officers searched the man’s phone after he returned to Australia on an international flight at Cairns Airport on 25 December, 2024. 

Austinn Lane. Former Yorke Peninsula resident Tara Rawson has made history, becoming the deepest Australian female freediver and setting two national records at the AIDA Asian Freediving Cup in the Philippines last week.

The state’s food, wine and beverages have been showcased to international retail, food and hospitality business leaders at a special event hosted by South Australian Trade and Investment Minister Joe Szakacs in Japan earlier this week.

Joe Lauria. The Australian government whistleblower David McBride is headed back to jail with no end of incarceration in sight. He is serving nearly six years for leaking documents to the media exposing Australian war crimes in Afghanistan. A three-judge panel at the Supreme Court in Australia's capital on 28th May spent less than one minute dismissing all appeals by David McBride ...

They did it. Organisers of the World’s Biggest Happy Dance were thrilled to see 468 people groovin’ to the song Dancing in the Street at Kyogle Showground yesterday, Saturday, June 14. The previous record for a happy dance in Singapore was 448.

Be part of the magic! LisAmore! 2025 Calls for volunteers and Italian car lovers. Get ready to immerse yourself once again in the vibrant atmosphere of Italian culture and community spirit. The Lismore Turf Club's parklands will be transformed into a bustling Italian festival for LisAmore! on Sunday 6 July 10am to 3pm.

The global grains and oilseeds trade continues to grow steadily and reached around 880 million metric tons in 2023/24, with an estimated value of USD 330 billion, according to Rabobank’s just-published global grains and oilseeds world map.

Global dairy commodity prices have continued to climb in most key exporting countries in recent months, defying expectations and economic headwinds. But ‘downside’ risks are expected to emerge in the second half of the year, Rabobank says in a newly-released report.

The Finocchiaro CLP Government has welcomed the arrival of Japanese frigate JS Yahagi to Darwin this week, reinforcing the Northern Territory’s strategic role in the Indo-Pacific and strengthening defence and economic ties with Japan. Chief Minister and Minister for Defence NT, Lia Finocchiaro, said the visit highlights Darwin’s growing importance as a regional hub for defence cooperation, joint exercises, and security engagement.