October 20, 2016 Australia lifts jail threat for doctors treating refugees Lawyers say the Australian government has quietly lifted the threat of jailing doctors who speak out against child abuse and neglect of asylum seekers in detention.
October 19, 2016 Australian casino staff detained in China yet to be charged An Australian official says two Australian executives of Australia's largest casino operator are in good health after being detained in China last week over suspected gambling crimes, but they still do not know whether they will be charged.
October 18, 2016 UN investigator urges review of Australian secrecy laws A United Nations human rights investigator says the Australian government is becoming increasingly secretive through a range of new laws, including a gag on officials speaking out about conditions at an Australia-run immigration camp in Nauru.
October 17, 2016 Recent developments surrounding the South China Sea A look at recent developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in multiple disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons in waters crucial for global commerce and rich in fish and potential oil and gas reserves: ___ EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a weekly look at the latest key developments in the South China Sea, home to several territorial conflicts that have raised tensions in the region.
October 17, 2016 Amnesty: Nauru won't investigate crimes against refugees Amnesty International says authorities have failed to adequately investigate complaints of violent crimes committed against asylum seekers held at Australia's expense on the Pacific atoll nation of Nauru.
October 17, 2016 Strong quake strikes Papua New Guinea; no damage reports A strong earthquake has struck Papua New Guinea, but no injuries or damage were immediately reported, and there was no threat of a tsunami.
October 17, 2016 Australian company says 18 employees questioned in China Australia-based gambling company Crown Resorts Ltd. says a senior executive is among 18 employees being questioned in China.
October 14, 2016 Australia court says bishop to face charges he hid sex abuse A Roman Catholic archbishop in Australia has failed for the second time to stop a criminal prosecution against him over allegations he covered up for a pedophile priest in the 1970s.
October 13, 2016 Australian police arrest 2 Sydney teens, seize knives Australian police have arrested two teenagers and seized knives in Sydney as the country marks the 14th anniversary of extremist bombings in Indonesia that killed 202, including 88 Australians.
October 13, 2016 Australia Senate lifts media censorship rules after 25 years The Australian Senate has lifted tough censorship rules on media coverage of its sessions at the urging of a senator who was recently snapped snoozing in the chamber.
