Tag Archives: oceania

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Biloela mother's 'small freedom' following government decision

The mother of the Biloela family deported to Christmas Island in 2018 has spoken from her daughter's bedside following today's Federal Government decision to reunite the family in Perth.

Priya Murugappan today told 9News she was so thankful for all the "hard work and fighting" supporters had done over the past few years, and said the family considered the regional Queensland town "home".

It's the first time the family has spoken to media since daughter Tharunicaa was medically evacuated from the island due to a blood infection. The incident prompted a renewed push from supporters to get the family off the island.

READ MORE: Australian girl suffering malnutrition 'collapses in refugee camp'

Priya Murugappan today told 9News she was so thankful for all the "hard work and fighting" supporters had done over the past few years.The townships of Biloela continue to rally behind the family, with accommodation already being offered.

"This is a small freedom, but my life is my community back in Biloela," Priya told 9News.

"My girls, for both girls, it's their freedom."

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke announced that the family of four will be permitted to live in Perth in a community detention placement while Tharunicaa continues to be treated in the city's children's hospital.

Priya's husband Nades and daughter Kopika have now left Christmas Island and are en route to Perth.

Priya's husband Nades and daughter Kopinka have now left Christmas Island and are en route to Perth. Close family friend Angela Fredricks has told 9News that while today's decision is a good step forward it's a long way from fair.

"Our family is a little bit relaxed, but it's a small step," Priya added.

Close family friend Angela Fredricks has told 9News that while today's decision is a good step forward it's still a long way from fair.

"I was devastated this morning when I received the news. I hadn't gotten my hopes up, however, I was quietly optimistic of a more longer-term solution," Ms Fredricks said.

"It just feels like they're still not listening and they're not doing what's in the public's interest, which is just to bring them home."

The townships of Biloela continue to rally behind the family, with accommodation already being offered, as well as Nades previous place of work, Tey's Meatworks, telling 9News his old position is ready and waiting if he is allowed home.

"I'll come to Biloela, I'll hug and meet, kiss and chat," Priya said.

"All our friends, everybody, thank you so much."

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Aussie sharemarket breaks all-time high record

The Australian sharemarket has broken new ground, hitting a record high by the close of trade.

The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 closed trading up 0.9 per cent to a new high of 7379.5 points.

It broke Friday's record, which closed at 7312.3 points.

READ MORE: Aussie shares hit fresh 11-month high as dollar, Bitcoin boom

Among the biggest winners of the day was the A2 Milk company (up 5.42 per cent), 4WD accessory company ARB Corporation (up 3.16 per cent) and financial data firm Xero (up 2.86 per cent).

A total of 116 listed companies rose, 11 held flat and 73 recorded a fall in share price.

The local bourse followed a globally positive day of trade overnight.

READ MORE: Aussie stocks shed billions in worst session in four months

In cryptocurrency, Bitcoin is currently worth $52,151.57, and Ethereum is currently worth $3,378.75.

Simon Peters, market analyst at eToro, said much of Bitcoin's value is being driven by Elon Musk tweets.

"Bitcoin surged to its highest level in June on Sunday evening following a tweet from Elon Musk on the cryptoasset's mining process," Mr Peters said.

"Musk's words caused bitcoin to surge, from a trading range of sub $35,000, which it has tread for the past week, to now over $39,000.

"Bitcoin slumped to a low of $31,304 on Tuesday but was already recovering, reaching $35,705 shortly before Musk's latest comment."