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• 13^th Feb 12:50 AM AEDT

  Australia expands diplomatic resources to execute AUKUS project

  

  Image source: © Htjostheim | Megapixl.com

  Australia is all set to fight a massive ‘disinformation’ campaign from China and Russia. The country is expanding its diplomatic teams in Canberra and Vienna to secure international acceptance for the AUKUS nuclear submarine project.

  Meanwhile, the department of foreign affairs and trade confirmed that it has already begun to deploy several additional staff to the AUKUS initiative, including the permanent mission of Australia in Vienna.

  Additionally, DFAT has also complained about the legal and diplomatic teams in Canberra involved with the project. Australia is currently facing regulatory and geopolitical obstacles as it is the first non-nuclear-weapon state to secure nuclear-powered submarines.

  Although Australia’s primary focus is on the technical challenges that come with the ambitious proposal, the three AUKUS countries are expanding their formidable regulatory and geopolitical hurdles that bother them.

  The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEK), Vienna, is one of the critical diplomatic battle grounds as it’s the inter-governmental organisation that regulates the use of nuclear energy and limit nuclear weapon production.

  On the other hand, Wang Qun, the ambassador of China, criticised the US, UK, and Australia, saying that the nuclear submarine plan will encourage regional countries to ramp up their military capability development and even make them cross nuclear boundaries, increasing military conflicts.

  As a result, Beijing has clearly stated that it will go up to any extent to delay the execution of the AUKUS plan.

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• 13^th Feb 12:49 AM AEDT

  Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan to finalise the Indo-Australian FTA

   

  Image source – © Josepalbert13 | Megapixl.com

  The Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan will finalise the Indo-Australian FTA to advance a proposed free trade agreement (FTA). 

  The limited trade deal will cover many sectors, including pharma, health, education, and others.

  Both the countries are discussing allowing Indian students to extend their visas for an additional three-five years. 

  However, while India seeks greater market access for its textiles, footwear, leather and smooth entry of professionals, Australia wants a phased tariff reduction for its wines. 

  As a result, the Australian trade ministers will accelerate the negotiations for the proposed trade agreement, which will be finalised in the next 30 days. 

  The long-pending FTA will promote the economic ties between the nations and promote Australia as a premium destination of both students and tourists. 

  Tehan will sign an MOU with the Indian Government on behalf of the Australian Federal Government to enhance travel and tourism between the two nations.

  As per media reports, India demands easier visa access for Indian students and professionals in Australia.

  Also known as the “early harvest agreement” the ongoing FTA will be the fastest FTA signed by both countries. However, the two sides expect to cover the remaining issues in the final agreement over 12-18 months once the early harvest gets operational.

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• 13^th Feb 12:48 AM AEDT

  Western Australia border closure may intensify ongoing labour shortage

  

  Source: © Grybaz | Megapixl.com

  A delay in the opening of the borders of resource-rich Western Australia could intensify the ongoing shortage of labour supply, impacting the production of miners operating in the region.

  • The state is responsible for providing nearly 30% of the world's total iron ore supply and three-fourths of China's imports.
  • Earlier, the authorities canceled the plan of reopening the borders on 5 February due to rising cases of Omicron variant of coronavirus.
  • The strategy has currently helped the nation to significantly reduce the number of COVID-19 cases.
  • On the flip side, the recent surge in the number of rising Omicron cases has prompted the state government to delay its reopening plans “indefinitely.”
  • The miners are having a tough time due to labor shortage, expected to dent the mine production in the first half of 2022.

   

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• 13^th Feb 12:43 AM AEDT

  Hewitt Cattle Australia (HCA) buys Australian properties worth AU$100M

  

  Image Source: © Airdone | Megapixl.com

  Hewitt Cattle Australia, a Queensland-based cattle company, supported by a Canadian pension fund, has purchased 1.1 million hectares in central Australia for roughly AU$100 million. 

  Hewitt Cattle Australia (HCA) has struck a deal for the adjoining Narwietooma, Napperby, Glen Helen and Derwent stations. 

  The acquisition involves a transaction of more than $96 million, as per the documents from the NT Land Titles office. 

  As per media sources, the sale price included cattle — the company has anticipated the properties carrying capacity at roughly 35,000 head. 

  The Edmunds family owned the Narwietooma aggregation. 

  HCA has expanded its organic operations, seeing Central Australia as a favourable destination for organic beef production. 

  HCA's chief operating officer Ben Hewitt has said that the HCA believes in the strategic value of setting up production capability in Central Australia. 

  According to Ben Hewitt, the site, considered one of the largest contiguous certified organic land parcels globally, is a unique holding ideally suited to organic beef production. 

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