Queen shares jokes as she unveils first statue virtually
The Queen has virtually unveiled a statue of herself for the first time, joking how those who catch sight of it might be alarmed to think she has paid a surprise visit.
Australia
Fijian rugby team sing ‘moving’ hymn from balconies of quarantine hotel
A Fijian rugby league team has sung a “moving and emotional” hymn from the balconies of the Australian hotel in which they have been quarantined.
Facebook signs pay deals with three Australian news publishers
Facebook announced on Friday preliminary agreements with three Australian publishers, a day after the country’s parliament passed a law that would make the digital giants pay for news.
What has the rest of the world learned from Australia’s tussle with tech giants?
Facebook, Google and Australia have been under the spotlight over the past two weeks in a row about how much tech giants pay towards news content shared on their platforms.
Daily Mail owner accuses Facebook of ‘blackmail’ over Australia news ban
The owner of the Daily Mail has accused Facebook and Google of “blackmail” over the news content row in Australia.
Facebook’s Australian news ban result of ‘misunderstanding’, says Sir Nick Clegg
Facebook’s stand-off with Australia over the sharing of news on the social network was the result of a “fundamental misunderstanding” about the platform’s relationship with publishers, Sir Nick Clegg has said.
Road to nowhere: Nairn couple relive epic Mad Max-esque Oz highway adventure
It was a trip into the unknown, along a route which seemed to last forever, to a vast expanse of terrain where water is more expensive than petrol.
Virus mutation less likely with zero-Covid strategy, expert says
Stamping out Covid-19 means that the virus which causes the disease will have less chance to mutate, MPs have heard.
On this day 2010: Brett Lee announces retirement from Test cricket
Time and injuries finally caught up with Australia fast bowler Brett Lee as he announced his retirement from Test cricket on this day in 2010.
Facebook says it will lift Australian news ban
Facebook has said it will lift its ban on Australians sharing news after it struck a deal with the government on legislation that would make digital giants pay for journalism.
Microsoft calls for Australia-style action forcing tech giants to pay for news
Microsoft has leaned on the side of the press in an escalating debate over whether tech giants should be forced to pay news organisations for content.
Culture Secretary to meet Facebook executives over Australia news ban
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden is to meet with Facebook executives over the tech giant’s decision to ban news on its platform in Australia.
Australian PM urges Facebook to lift news blockade
Australia’s prime minister on Friday urged Facebook to lift its blockade of Australian users and return to the negotiating table with news publishing businesses.
MP warns ‘irresponsible’ Facebook news ban ‘not just about Australia’
Facebook has been accused of using bullying tactics after its decision to ban news on its platform in Australia.
Facebook UK users could be hit by news ban if deals fall apart, expert warns
News accessed by Facebook’s UK users could be hit by similar bans seen in Australia if current relations between big tech and publishers turn sour in the future, a social media expert has warned.
Wallaby bounces around Australian hospital in flying visit
A curious wallaby surprised a medical worker when it went on a flying tour of an Australian hospital on Australia Day.
What is behind the row between Google, Facebook and Australia?
For two decades, global news outlets have complained that internet companies are getting rich at their expense, selling advertising linked to their reports without sharing revenue.
Australian media law raises questions about ‘pay for clicks’
Australian plans to make digital giants pay for journalism have raised questions among proponents and critics, including whether it effectively makes Google and Facebook “pay for clicks”.
Facebook blocks news access in Australia as battle heats up
Facebook has blocked Australians from sharing news in a stunning act of retaliation against government moves to make the social media giant pay for Australian journalism.
Facebook to restrict sharing of news content in Australia
Facebook has said it will move to block the sharing or viewing of news links on its platform in Australia in response to a proposed law compelling tech giants to pay for journalism.
1996 Olympic swimmer ran drug syndicate, Sydney police allege
Former Olympic swimmer Scott Miller is in custody charged with drug trafficking after Australian police seized methamphetamine valued at two million Australian dollars (£1.1 million) and accused him of directing a criminal syndicate.
Koala rescued after causing five-car pileup in Australia
A koala has been rescued after causing a five-car pileup while trying to cross a six-lane motorway in Australia.
Microsoft backs Australian plan to make Google pay for news
Microsoft has said it supports Australia’s plans to make the biggest digital platforms pay for news and would help small businesses transfer their advertising to Bing if Google quits the country.
Australia postpone Test series trip to South Africa due to coronavirus concerns
Australia’s forthcoming tour of South Africa has been postponed due to an “unacceptable level” of risk posed by coronavirus.
Dozens of homes destroyed in Australian wildfire
An out-of-control wildfire burning north-east of the Australian west coast city of Perth has destroyed at least 56 homes and is threatening more, with many locals in the region told it is too late to leave.
UK should learn from other countries, says Briton quarantined in Australia hotel
A Briton locked down for two weeks in an Australian hotel room has said the UK should learn from quarantine systems already in place in other countries.
Australia Day marked with ceremonies and protests
Australia Day was marked by socially distanced leaders offering calming words as protesters denounced celebrations of a day some dub “Invasion Day” because of historical wrongs committed against Indigenous people.
Google threatens to pull search engine in Australia in row over Government plans
Google has threatened to make its search engine unavailable in Australia if the government goes ahead with plans to make tech giants pay for news content.
England coach Chris Silverwood grateful for gift of the Gabba
England head coach Chris Silverwood took time out from plotting another victory over Sri Lanka to watch Australia’s historic defeat by India and admitted it was nice to see their Ashes rivals feeling the heat.
A look at unbeaten sporting runs following end of Australia’s Gabba dominance
India’s cricket team clinched a thrilling Test-series win against Australia in Brisbane by becoming the first country to defeat the hosts at the Gabba since 1988.