Australia

The Australian economy is undergoing significant restructuring, with Anglo American selling its coal mines for $3.9 billion and BHP cutting its green push in iron ore. Arafura is proceeding with a $1.6 billion rare-earths project, while Zijin's $4B acquisition of Allied Gold faces delays in China. The Trump Tower project in Australia has been scrapped due to the brand becoming 'toxic'.

• 8Anglo American to sell Australian coal mines for $3.9 billion
• 5Australia Set to Include Existing LNG Deals in Gas Reservation Scheme - Crude Oil Prices Today
• 4Zijin’s $4B acquisition of Allied Gold faces delay in China
• 4KPMG Australia’s CEO resigns after whistleblower claims
• 4Watch: Drones crash into water after Sydney light show malfunction

The Albanese government is pursuing a multi-pronged agenda: it is suing 3M for $1.4 billion over PFAS contamination, joining a coalition against Israeli settlement expansion, and facing domestic pressure from a far-right party winning its first seat. The US has lifted and then reimposed sanctions on UN rapporteur Albanese, while Hegseth praises Australia for 'stepping up' on China.

• 9Australia sues 3M for $1.4 billion over PFAS 'forever chemicals' contamination
• 8US lifts sanctions against UN rapporteur Albanese
• 4US sanctions UN Palestinian rights expert again
• 4One year into his second term as PM, Albanese says US 'playing a different role'
• 3Hegseth praises Australia for ‘stepping up’ as he shifts tone on China

The return of ISIS-linked women and children from Syria dominates security concerns, with arrests and charges for terrorism and slavery offenses. AUKUS developments include the US sending only used nuclear submarines and plans for underwater drones, while a Qantas flight diversion due to a passenger biting a flight attendant highlights aviation security incidents.

• 11Australian woman charged with joining Islamic State after returning from Syria
• 7ISIS-linked women and children return to Australia
• 4US will send only used nuclear submarines to Australia under amended AUKUS defence deal
• 4AUKUS nations to develop underwater drones through defence pact
• 4Qantas plane diverted after passenger allegedly bites flight attendant on Melbourne-US journey

Antisemitism has surged in Australia, with the spy chief stating it was 'left unchecked' after the Gaza war, and a Royal Commission documenting the rise. A diphtheria outbreak, the worst in decades, has spread to multiple states and caused the first death, compounded by misinformation.

• 6Anti-Semitism was 'left unchecked’ in Australia after Gaza war, spy chief says
• 5Australian activists return after Gaza flotilla incident, allege Israeli abuse
• 5Clashes in Australian town over death of Indigenous girl
• 3Daily Briefing May 21 – Royal Commission: Antisemitism soars across Australia
• 3Diphtheria is spreading in Australia and so is misinformation about the disease