Australasia

UN claims Canberra has racist policies

The United Nations top human rights envoy attacked Australia's tough refugee policies and the treatment of outback Aborigines yesterday, saying there was a strong undercurrent of racism in the country.

Inside Australasia

New Zealand trucker in 'human balloon' horror

Wednesday, 25 May 2011

Steven McCormack said he blew up like a balloon when he fell on to the fitting of a compressed air hose.

Up a gum tree: Are koalas 'slipping to extinction'?

Wednesday, 25 May 2011

Kathy Marks: Climate change, habitat loss, STDs and human complacency threaten Australia's cuddliest creatures.

'Wellywood' sign will make city Lord of the Cringe, say critics

Tuesday, 24 May 2011

It must have seemed like a good idea at the time: greet visitors to the New Zealand capital with a giant white "Wellywood" sign celebrating the country's booming film industry.

From Billabong to bust: ex-wife brings surfwear millionaire to new low

Monday, 23 May 2011

Matthew Perrin became a multi-millionaire at the age of 28, when the popular surfwear brand Billabong was floated on the stock market. Less than a decade later, he crashed equally spectacularly, forced to declare bankruptcy after an ill-advised business venture in China.

Muriel's Wedding actor Bill Hunter dies

Sunday, 22 May 2011

Bill Hunter, the archetypal working class Australian of a multitude of movies including the quirky trio Muriel's Wedding, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Strictly Ballroom has died of cancer.

Farewell to last Great War veteran

Saturday, 21 May 2011

The last known combat veteran of the First World War was laid to rest yesterday.

Church and state clash over sex and condoms in the Philippines

Thursday, 19 May 2011

Kathy Marks: A 13-year battle between church and state in the Philippines, one of the world's most devoutly Catholic nations, has come to a head over government plans to provide free condoms and sex education.

'Space beer' will refresh parts others cannot reach

Wednesday, 18 May 2011

Space might be the final frontier, but those who go there should still be able to enjoy a tipple, according to two Australian engineers who have developed a special brew for the weightless conditions. Commissioned by the 4 Pines microbrewery, it has been designed with an eye on space-tourism.

Australia to set tax on carbon gas

Tuesday, 17 May 2011

A planned tax on carbon gas emitting industries in Australia would be far below a recommended price that might have forced polluters to switch to greener technology, the government said today.