Independent Australian news and analysis across politics, business, technology, world affairs and culture
Australian politics, institutions, elections and public policy.
Ask an Australian schoolchild to name the country’s founding political hero, and you’ll get one answer more than any other: Henry Parkes — the five-time premier of New South Wales who kept insisting that six separate colonies could become one nation, and a political survivor whose long career included bankruptcy, scandal and repeated comebacks (Australian … Read more
If you’ve been scrolling through the latest batch of Bridgerton episodes, you might have done a double-take. That’s Katie Leung, the Scottish-Chinese actress who first won hearts as Cho Chang in the Harry Potter films, and now she’s trading wizard robes for Regency gowns as Lady Araminta Gun — and fans are eager to know … Read more
If you grew up watching Ashka scheme her way through Spellbinder, Heather Mitchell already feels like an old friend; for others, she’s the Australian actress with a knack for reappearing in unexpected places — a 1990s fantasy series, a restored Australian film, a one-woman stage show about Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her IMDb profile describes her … Read more
Kerry Armstrong has been a familiar face on Australian screens for more than four decades — and, oddly, the name still sparks more than a little confusion. Between Lantana’s 2001 AFI Awards sweep and her SeaChange role the same year, she built a career across film, television, and theatre, while online searches keep mixing her … Read more
There’s a reason Petr Yan’s nickname is “No Mercy” — the Russian striker has built a reputation for brutal efficiency inside the octagon. But his UFC career has been anything but straightforward, marked by a championship win, a controversial disqualification loss, and a gritty road back to contention. This article traces his journey from the … Read more
Mount Fuji pulls climbers in by name alone — a near-perfect volcanic cone and Japan’s highest peak. This guide covers what you need to know before going: the climbing routes and their real difficulty, the volcanic risk beneath the beauty, and the photography restrictions that caught visitors off guard. Height (meters): 3,776 m (12,389 ft) … Read more
Converting USD to AUD requires understanding how exchange rates vary across different platforms. For anyone needing to transfer forty US dollars to Australian dollars, the difference between providers can mean receiving meaningfully different amounts. This guide walks through current rates, compares top conversion services, and explains the factors that move the USD/AUD pair. Exchange rates … Read more
Families in the Australian Capital Territory can now access the confirmed schedule for ACT public school term dates and holidays in 2026. The ACT Government has published official calendars covering the four-term academic year, complete with holiday breaks, public holiday observances, and student-free days for teachers. This guide brings together the key dates, downloadable resources, … Read more
Perth offers a diverse range of local weekend events, from complimentary community workshops to vibrant outdoor markets and family-friendly activities. This guide provides a practical overview of confirmed events happening across the city this weekend, along with information about nearby cities and key details for planning. The Perth events calendar features recurring free markets, community … Read more
Total Tools Ballarat serves tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts from its location in the Delacombe suburb of Ballarat, Victoria. The store specializes in professional-grade power tools, hand tools, and air equipment, stocking recognized brands for contractors, builders, and home improvement projects. This guide covers essential information including location details, trading hours, contact options, and available products … Read more