Australia

Restrictions have been lifted on most Australian commodity exports to China, but the biggest economic story in the country this week is all about a different kind of gold rush. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia minute.

In workplaces around the world, there's a debate underway about the dividing line between personal time and company time. And it's at the heart of a discussion underway this week in Australia's parliament. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.

Trade disputes between countries can take many forms. Sometimes penalties against one country sets off a new round of competition among others. And that's been happening when it comes to China, Australia and lobsters. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.

Australia has announced an agreement with the Pacific nation of Tuvalu, which is being threatened by rising sea levels. The pact allows nearly 300 people a year to migrate to Australia. HPR's Derrick Malama has more in the Pacific News Minute.

Increasing drought is threatening the food supply of a well-known local resident, but some groups are taking action to fight back. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.

China’s aid to its political allies in the South Pacific is declining. An Australian think tank says the drop in aid comes as competition increases with the U.S. for influence in the region. With the Pacific News Minute, HPR’s Derrick Malama reports.

Australia's current prime minister is heading to China this weekend in a visit that's being watched not only in Australia but also in the United States. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.

Many Australians are focused this week on “The Voice.” In this case, it's not a television program but a national referendum — involving the voices of Indigenous Australians. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.

Dry conditions, high winds and extreme heat have each played a role in wildfires sweeping parts of Australia this week. HPRʻs Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.

What to do with trash is an issue not only in Hawaiʻi, but for locations around the world — especially islands. In Australia, the government is trying a new approach. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.