Australia

VIDEO: Rugby Union World Cup Highlights Round Up

The Wallabies won the match 28-13 courtesy of a  stellar two-try performance from David Pocock.

In what was a far from a polished performance, the three-try win fell short of delivering a valuable bonus point in the 'Pool of Death' clash at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

In another game, Scotland beat Japan 45-10 in their opening game.

Ministerial-level appointment demonstrates Australia is serious about the Pacific, Steve Ciobo says

Steve Ciobo, who last week was the parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs under the previous prime minister Tony Abbott, has been sworn in as Australia's Minister for International Development and the Pacific.

"This new position really reflects and really does underscore the Government's renewed focus on the Pacific, the importance of the Pacific, the value that we place on our international development, and of course our very strong desire to continue building a strong relationship with our near South Pacific neighbours," Ciobo told Pacific Beat.

Leaked documents puts spotlight on Australia's self interest in Pacific

A draft chapter titled "Development and Economic Cooperation" from the regional free trade agreement known as PACER-Plus has been leaked by the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), Link: http://tinyurl.com/nvk242n

"The leaked material confirms that Australia is using its aid programme against Pacific nations, offering only weak voluntary commitments under PACER-Plus whilst demanding ever growing market access for Australian companies," said Greens spokesperson for international aid and development Senator Lee Rhiannon.

Turnbull committed on climate: PM O'Neill

Peter O'Neill will soon be dealing with his fourth Australian prime minister since 2011.

He has already invited Malcolm Turnbull to visit Port Moresby and is especially buoyed by the new leader's enthusiasm for tackling climate change.

"I think he will prosecute the case better," O'Neill told AAP.

He hopes Turnbull is able to win over some of his cabinet colleagues on the issue.

PM O'Neill held talks with former prime minister Tony Abbott on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum last week before he was ousted from office.

Australian academics awarded for 'unboiling' egg, finding 'huh' in 31 languages

The award is a prestigious parody of the world's foremost scientific honour.

The Ig Nobels are awarded annually at Harvard University in honour of scientific achievements that "make people laugh, then make them think".

Professors Colin Raston from Flinders University in Adelaide took out the prize for creating the vortex fluidic device, which can unravel proteins or "unboil" an egg.

Tuvalu PM set to pressure new Australian leader at United Nations

Sopoaga, who is also the chair of the Small Island States group, says Australia's approach to the forum, as well as a much-publicised climate change joke made by Australia's immigration minister, are evidence of the country's indifference towards the plight of low-lying countries.

With Malcolm Turnbull becoming the Prime Minister of Australia this week, Sopoaga is hoping change in Australia's climate stance could be on the way, and says he will make representations to the new leader to that effect next week when world leaders gather at the United Nations in New York.

New Caledonia govt requests congress session on nickel question

This comes amid a stalemate in mediation talks that followed protests last month by truck drivers over the government's policy to not approve exports of low grade ore to China after a decline in exports to Australia.

The drivers were aligned with small miners and the territory's veteran miner SLN who opposed the stance on the issue by the government's leading party, Caledonia Together.

France TV in New Caledonia reports that six of the eleven members of the collegial government have voted in favor of a special session of Congress on the subject of exports to China.

Plan to ensure Australian fisheries remain best managed in world

Senator Colbeck said the 2015–2020 Strategic Plan represents an evolution in the way the FRDC invests in research, outlines a new focus based on three key national priorities, and empowers stakeholders.

“The Plan aims to drive change to benefit Australia’s fishing and aquaculture sectors more broadly. It will ensure these sectors continue to have excellent performance in environmental sustainability as well as business productivity and profitability,” Senator Colbeck said.

Tuvalu disheartened by Australian climate attitude

Enele Sopoaga, who also chairs the Small Island States group, says he is disappointed by the failure of last week's Pacific Islands Forum meeting to make a stronger statement on climate change.

Australia and New Zealand did not commit to tougher emission targets called for by the SIS.

Mr Sopoaga says Australia's approach at the Forum and joke by their Immigration Minister about climate change have shone a light on their indifference.

Pacific lawyers gather for conference

There are about 1700 lawyers in the Pacific, excluding Australia and New Zealand, and about 100 of them are expected at the two-day conference being run by the South Pacific Lawyers Association.

Its chairman, Ross Ray QC, says the meeting will include sessions on issues such as document drafting, case analysis, commercial law and legal aid.

He says the conference is a good opportunity to promote ties between the different law societies across the region.