Australia

Fijian man charged with 'smuggling $17.5million of cocaine into Australia

John Kaurasi, 29, prepared the $17.5million shipment for export from Fiji before travelling to Australia to collect it, police allege.

The package arrived on August 10 and was referred to the Australian Federal Police.

Officers from the Australian Border Force allegedly discovered the cocaine at an inspection facility in Sydney.

The Daily Mail reports Kaurasi was arrested on Friday, following a search on a Hurstville property.

He was later charged with importing a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs.

Australia 0 Peru 2

Experienced striker Guerrero, who was only allowed to play in the tournament after the captains of Peru's World Cup opponents petitioned FIFA to temporarily lift his 14-month suspension for a failed drug test, made the most of what may have been his final appearance for Los Incas, who finished with three points to add to the many plaudits they have earned in Russia.

Their opener would have been worthy of winning any World Cup match, Andre Carrillo volleying Guerrero's weighted cross into the net to the unbridled joy of the raucous Peru fans packing the stands in Sochi.

Demark 1 Australia 1

Denmark winger Yussuf Poulsen conceded his second penalty in as many games when video replays led to a decision of handball against him and Jedinak buried the ensuing spot-kick to earn Australia their first point of the tournament.

Bert van Marwijk's side had to grind out a draw against a Denmark side who showed flashes of brilliance, none better than Christian Eriksen's seventh-minute opener.

China says Australia's Pacific debt claim 'ridiculous'

The Sydney Morning Herald reported his comments following remarks by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop that the Australian government was concerned some Chinese financing arrangements in the Pacific would undermine the islands' sovereignty.

She said Australia would aim to offer alternatives to Chinese infrastructure development.

Ambassador Cheng Jingye said the idea China wanted to create debt-traps for the Pacific nations was "ridiculous".

China's relationships with Pacific nations were on an equal footing which was mutually beneficial, he said.

Ireland end long wait in Australia

Joe Schmidt's men were beaten 18-9 in last weekend's opening clash but, with Johnny Sexton back in the side as one of eight changes, Ireland controlled proceedings for long spells at AAMI Park.

The Wallabies outscored their visitors by three tries to two but it was the boot of Sexton that proved the difference as the hosts' discipline let them down - the Irish number 10 kicked 16 points to put Ireland out of reach.

Australia took an early lead when Kurtley Beale found a gap to touch down under the posts inside two minutes.

Tongan Marines join Australian Forces in amphibious exercise

The exercise was coordinated aboard HMAS Adelaide, which is in Nuku’alofa with HMAS Melbourne for Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2018, a major regional engagement activity between the Australian Defence Force.

VIPs, including Australian High Commissioner Andrew Ford and Deputy Prime Minister Semisi Sika, observed personnel from both forces launching via landing craft and helicopters.

The exercise tested the ADF and HMAF’s ability to safely load troops and vehicles aboard the landing craft in HMAS Adelaide’s dock and project them ashore on the beach.

Australia hands over vehicles to His Majesties Armed Forces in Tonga

The assistance reflects Australia’s ongoing commitment to support His Majesty’s Armed Forces to further enhance its capability to respond to natural disasters.

Payne’s visit to the Kingdom of Tonga coincides with a period of high engagement with Australia’s Pacific partners through Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2018 (IPE18).

“I will also promote the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda while in Tonga by facilitating a WPS workshop with Australian Defence Force and His Majesty’s Armed Forces personnel as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2018,” she said.

Tonga being discussed as part of major tour in Oct by Prince Harry and Meghan

A high-profile trip to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga in October is being discussed at the highest level and aides are promising that the second half of this year will be ‘incredibly busy’ with official visits.

The couple have already announced that they are delaying their honeymoon to return to work the week after their nuptials.

It is anticipated that Miss Markle – now the Duchess of Sussex – will join the Queen at the Chelsea Flower Show for the first time and make an appearance at one of her annual garden parties in the coming weeks.

Seven people found dead in house at Australian holiday town

Police sources have confirmed the deaths are a murder suicide.

Two adults were found outside the house and the other five bodies were discovered inside at about 5.15am this morning.

Detectives from the Major Crime Squad have travelled to the town, about 270 kilometres south of Perth, as part of the investigation.

Two firearms were located at the scene.

Commissioner Dawson announced the discovery at a media conference in Perth, describing the deaths as a tragedy.

Australian Test captain Tim Paine says he is here to stay, vows to reduce sledging

The 33-year-old believes he can not only lead the Australian team through its most tumultuous period in recent memory, but carry the torch for years to come.

"I'm going to be doing everything I can to be doing it for as long as I can," he said.

"At the moment, I'm captain for as long as I'm around. Steve's got a two-year ban from the leadership role, but he's somebody who I'll be speaking to quite closely.

"I feel as good as I've ever felt. I was saying to somebody this morning I'm 33 going on 22. My body feels great."