Australia news

Here are some recent news stories from Australia:

Politics

• The Australian government has announced a new plan to tackle climate change, including a target of net-zero emissions by 2050. (Source: ABC News)
• The opposition Labor Party has called for an inquiry into the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Source: The Guardian)
• The government has introduced new laws to combat online extremism, including a ban on terrorist content. (Source: SBS News)

Economy

• The Australian economy has grown by 0.4% in the December quarter, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. (Source: The Australian)
• The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept interest rates on hold at 0.1%, citing the ongoing impact of the pandemic. (Source: The Sydney Morning Herald)
• The government has announced a new package of support for small businesses, including a reduction in payroll tax. (Source: The Australian Financial Review)

Health

• The number of COVID-19 cases in Australia has continued to decline, with just 12 new cases reported in the past 24 hours. (Source: The Guardian)
• The government has announced a new program to provide free COVID-19 vaccines to all Australians. (Source: SBS News)
• The Australian Medical Association has called for an inquiry into the government's handling of the pandemic, citing concerns over the lack of transparency and communication. (Source: The Sydney Morning Herald)

Environment

• The Australian government has announced a new plan to protect the Great Barrier Reef, including a AUD 500 million investment in reef conservation. (Source: The Australian)
• The government has also announced a new package of support for renewable energy, including a AUD 1 billion investment in solar power. (Source: The Sydney Morning Herald)
• The Australian Conservation Foundation has called for the government to take immediate action to address the country's environmental crisis, citing concerns over climate change and biodiversity loss. (Source: The Guardian)

Sports

• The Australian cricket team has won the Test series against India, with a 2-1 victory in the final match. (Source: The Sydney Morning Herald)
• The National Rugby League (NRL) has announced a new deal with the Australian Rugby League Commission, worth AUD 1.1 billion over five years. (Source: The Australian)
• The Australian Open tennis tournament has been won by Novak Djokovic, who defeated Daniil Medvedev in the final. (Source: The Guardian)

Other news

• A severe storm has hit parts of eastern Australia, causing widespread damage and power outages. (Source: The Sydney Morning Herald)
• The Australian government has announced a new package of support for bushfire-affected communities, including a AUD 100 million investment in recovery efforts. (Source: The Australian)
• The country has celebrated Australia Day, with events and ceremonies held across the nation. (Source: SBS News)