Topic: Australian Politics

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Briefing
Gay marriage laws around the globe

There is no national gay marriage legislation in the pipeline in the US, however, numerous countries around the globe already recognize same-sex marriage or the right to civil unions. Here’s the breakdown by region.
Women's history month: 10 women making history today

March is known as Women's History month, meant to recognize the contributions and progress of women across history and around the world. Women today are playing some significant roles, from making peace to crafting economic policy in the midst of a crisis. Here are 10 women who are making history, today.
Royal wedding: Who Prince William and Kate Middleton invited

Prince William and Kate Middleton have invited 1,900 people to join them when they tie the knot Friday at Westminster Abbey. Here's a look at some notables on the list, from Grammy-winners to representatives criticized by the international community for violating human rights.
The Oscars 2011: How real are the reality-based Best Picture nominees?

Four of the 10 features on the Best Picture slate are based on real characters and events: The King’s Speech, The Fighter, The Social Network, and 127 Hours. Here are some facts behind the true-life stories contending for this year’s Best Picture Academy Award.
In Pictures: Australia floods

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Briefing
Gay marriage laws around the globe

There is no national gay marriage legislation in the pipeline in the US, however, numerous countries around the globe already recognize same-sex marriage or the right to civil unions. Here’s the breakdown by region.
Women's history month: 10 women making history today

March is known as Women's History month, meant to recognize the contributions and progress of women across history and around the world. Women today are playing some significant roles, from making peace to crafting economic policy in the midst of a crisis. Here are 10 women who are making history, today.
Australia's first female prime minister keeps her job, for now

Some analysts believe that sexism is at least partly to blame for the difficulties Australia's first female prime minister, Julia Gillard, has had to battle while in office.
Australia Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd resigns in leadership rift (+video)

Australia Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said today he could not work with Prime Minister Gillard amid 'soap opera' reports that she intended to fire him as foreign minister for disloyalty.
Seven Syrian embassies attacked by anti-Assad protesters

From London to Australia, mobs attacked Syrian embassies to protest the reported killing of civilians in Homs by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.
Australia Prime Minister Gillard rescued amid rowdy aboriginal rights protests

Some 200 supporters of indigenous rights had surrounded a Canberra restaurant while Gillard and opposition leader Tony Abbott were inside, prompting the secret service to whisk them away.
What China sees in Clinton's visit to Burma (Myanmar)

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says her visit to Burma (Myanmar) Wednesday is to gauge political reforms there. But China is concerned it could be part of a strategic plan to fence in Beijing.
Diane Cilento: an Oscar-nominated Australian actress, has died

Diane Cilento, an Oscar-nominated Australian actress who was once married to James Bond actor Sean Connery, has died in northern Australia, an official said Friday.
Australian teenager freed from fake bomb; police say it was extortion plot

Australian teenager freed from a bomb around her neck. Authorities say the Australian teenager freed was being used in an extortion attempt.
Australia refugee swap with Malaysia faces key test

Australia plans to airlift refugees from an intercepted boat to Malaysia next week. It will film their forced return and post it on YouTube to deter future refugees from trying to reach its shores.
Asian-born Australians may soon outnumber European-born counterparts: study

The number of Asians in Australia has almost doubled in a decade, from 1.03 million in mid-2000 to 2.1 million in the middle of last year, according to government statistics.
Stefan Karlsson
Carbon tax would weaken Australia

As a net exporter of coal, Australia would have a lot to lose from a carbon tax
Why Australia just toughened its tough immigration stance

Riots at Australia’s immigration detention centers have pushed Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s government to take new measures on asylum-seekers. But critics say they don't target the fundamental reasons for the unrest.
Royal wedding: Who Prince William and Kate Middleton invited

Prince William and Kate Middleton have invited 1,900 people to join them when they tie the knot Friday at Westminster Abbey. Here's a look at some notables on the list, from Grammy-winners to representatives criticized by the international community for violating human rights.
New Zealand earthquake memorial services draw Prince William – and criticism

Memorial services were held today for those killed in the Feb. 22 New Zealand earthquake. With dozens of bodies still unidentified and businesses closed, some said it came 'too soon.'
The Oscars 2011: How real are the reality-based Best Picture nominees?

Four of the 10 features on the Best Picture slate are based on real characters and events: The King’s Speech, The Fighter, The Social Network, and 127 Hours. Here are some facts behind the true-life stories contending for this year’s Best Picture Academy Award.
Cyclone Yasi bears down on Australia's coast

Cyclone Yasi is due to hit north of Queensland's main waterlogged area, but emergency services are already stretched and the whole state is flood-weary.
Cyclone Yasi roars toward Australia’s waterlogged Queensland

Forecasters are cautiously optimistic that Yasi will not drop the majority of its rain on Queensland’s already hard hit areas. The state is still cleaning up from devastating floods.
Green Economics
How will Australian farmers respond to droughts and floods?

As ongoing water problems force changes to Australian agriculture, will farmers demand more subsidies for water-hogging crops like rice and cotton or shift to less thirsty crops?
Australia floods pose a political test not all pass

While Prime Minister Gillard has been criticized for her response to the Australia floods, Queensland Premier Bligh has struck the right note of strength and emotion.
Inland tsunami-like flood hits Australia

Inland tsunami-like wall of water roared through the streets of Toowoomba, Australia Monday. Now, Brisbane is hoping to avoid an inland tsunami.
In Pictures: Australia floods
Australia flooding of 'biblical proportions' slashes coal, agriculture exports

Australia flood rescue and relief efforts are under way to deal with what officials have called a "disaster of biblical proportions."
Australia signals harder line on asylum seekers following Christmas Island tragedy

Refugee advocates fear Australia will get even tougher on asylum seekers following the Christmas Island shipwreck, which killed at least 30 refugees – many from Iran and Iraq.
Terrorism & Security
Christmas Island boat tragedy fuels debate over Australian policy on asylum seekers

Australia is struggling to balance humanitarian responsibilities to asylum seekers with national concerns about the economic impact of their migration.