Australia news live: Adelaide writers’ week cancelled as board apologises to Randa Abdel-Fattah for ‘how decision was represented’
Follow updates liveAdelaide writers’ week 2026 cancelled as board apologises to Randa Abdel-Fattah for ‘how decision was represented’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastNew role a ‘continuation of Rudd’s public service’, PM saysAlbanese said the decision to step down was “entirely” Rudd’s, but said the ambassador’s next role will only continue his work to advance the public interest.Kevin Rudd has a work ethic unlike anyone I’ve ever met. … He sees this as a continuation of his public service, not just to Australia but to the global community.I have seen first-hand how hard he works, not just in the last few years but throughout his public life. He’s always brought an extraordinary level of energy and discipline to public service.He applied his relentless effort, his experience, intellect and determination to advance Australia’s interests in Washington, and Kevin Rudd has served the nation well. Continue reading...
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Adelaide writers’ week 2026 cancelled as board apologises to Randa Abdel-Fattah for ‘how decision was represented’
Almost all remaining festival board members have resigned following backlash to decision to disinvite the Palestinian Australian authorAdelaide writers’ week 2026 has been cancelled after more than 180 authors and speakers dropped out in protest of the decision to disinvite Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah.In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, the Adelaide festival board announced that the event which was scheduled to begin at the end of February would no longer go ahead. The statement also said the remaining members of the board would resign – with the exception of the Adelaide city council representative whose term expires in February. Continue reading...
More than 500 structures destroyed in Victoria’s bushfires as 12 major blazes continue to burn
Conditions ease, with no emergency warnings in place for first time since Thursday, but communities urged to remain alertFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe bushfire threat in Victoria has eased, with no emergency warnings in place for the first time in almost a week, as the state and federal governments commit an initial $10m to help clean up more than 500 structures destroyed by the fires.The State Control Centre (SCC) on Tuesday morning confirmed that while there were 12 major bushfires active across Victoria, many of which are expected to burn for days or weeks, there were no emergency warnings in place for the first time since Thursday. Continue reading...
How Australian festival imploded after axing Palestinian author
Some 180 writers, including former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, have withdrawn from the event.
Pioneering gay footballer Josh Cavallo accuses former club of homophobia
Adelaide United says it "categorically rejects" Cavallo's claims he was sidelined because of his sexuality.
How will investigators determine if Minneapolis ICE shooting was justified?
Officials will examine video footage and policy guidelines as part of the investigation, experts told the BBC.
How will investigators determine if Minneapolis ICE shooting was justified?
Officials will examine video footage and policy guidelines as part of the investigation, experts told the BBC.
Senator Mark Kelly sues US Defense Department for ‘punitive retribution’
The Trump administration has sought to censure Kelly for a video encouraging the military to reject 'illegal orders'.
Minnesota and Illinois sue Trump administration over immigration crackdown – as it happened
This live blog is now closed.Minnesota sues Trump administration to end surge of ICE agents in stateTrump news at a glance: White House doubles down on threat of ‘lethal force’ against Iran amid unrestIn response to the news overnight that Donald Trump’s justice department has launched a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, the Senate banking committee’s top Democrat – Elizabeth Warren – has warned that her colleagues should not move forward with the president’s nominee for the role when Powell’s term expires at in May of this year.Warren accused the president of wanting to “install another sock puppet to complete his corrupt takeover of America’s central bank”.Trump is abusing the authorities of the Department of Justice like a wannabe dictator so the Fed serves his interests, along with his billionaire friends.This Committee and the Senate should not move forward with any Trump nominee for the Fed, including Fed Chair. Continue reading...
Mamdani demands release of New York council employee detained by US agents
Mayor decries ‘assault on our democracy’ after employee detained during ‘routine immigration appointment’Federal immigration agents detained an employee of the New York City council on Monday, sparking outrage from the city’s leaders and renewed rebukes against the Trump administration’s immigration actions.“This is an assault on our democracy, on our city, and our values,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in a statement on X. “I am calling for his immediate release and will continue to monitor the situation.” Continue reading...