Tag Archives: oceania

The healthiest states and territories to live in revealed

New data has revealed the healthiest places to live in Australia.

The research conducted by comparison website iSelect examined 21 factors including housing conditions, climate and environment, population health and access to healthcare to determine the healthiest and unhealthiest places to live.

Inner Perth in Western Australia ranked as the healthiest region in the country, with an unhealthiness score of only 9.92 out of 100.

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New data has revealed the healthiest places to live in Australia.

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The study notes the area stands out for its excellent population health, including a life expectancy of 85 years and well-below-average rates of premature deaths.

Perth's south-west and north-west also ranked highly, in second and fourth place respectively.

Brisbane's inner city was ranked the second healthiest place to live with long life expectancy around 84 years, low rates of premature death and favourable environmental conditions.

The study noted Brisbane's south, which came in fifth place, also had similar favourable health outcomes.

Sydney's eastern suburbs was ranked the sixth healthiest place to live due to good healthcare access with eight doctors to every 1000 people and an average life expectancy of 84.9 years.

Inner Melbourne and Inner South Melbourne claimed the seventh and eighth spots for excellent healthcare and decent climate conditions despite some colder days.

Adelaide's central and hills and the Australian Capital Territory rounded out the top 10, thanks to low overcrowding, strong health outcomes and good access to hospitals.

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Hanson urges PM to overturn her Senate ban as parliament recall nears

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has asked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to overturn her Senate ban as parliament gears up for an early return to rush through hate speech and gun laws.

Hanson was expelled from the Senate for seven sitting days following a censure motion over her burqa stunt in the chamber in late November.

In the wake of the Bondi massacre, the PM has faced a bipartisan push to recall parliament early to introduce the new laws.

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One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson in the Senate at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday 25 November 2025. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

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In an open letter posted to X, Hanson has sought Albanese's support in overturning the censure motion so she can return to the Senate immediately once parliament resumes.

She urged the PM to repeal her "unnecessary suspension" so she can freely debate the bills in the Senate.

"My contribution to this debate as the leader of One Nation and Senator for Queensland is critical," Hanson wrote.

"I do not care if you choose to uphold the Senate's decision to ban me from attending official overseas parliamentary delegations.

"This determination does not impede my ability to make private arrangements to meet with world leaders on a one-on-one basis, nor prevent me from engaging in privately-funded international travel."

https://x.com/PaulineHansonOz/status/2008376984142004658

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In the letter, sent yesterday, Hanson also CC'd Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who put forward the censure motion, and Senate Leader of the Opposition Michaelia Cash.

Hanson arrived in the Senate on November 25 wearing a face covering to protest not being allowed to introduce her bill to ban burqas.

The Senate was shut down for nearly two hours when Hanson refused to leave the chamber, in a move Wong described as "disrespectful".

She was then handed a seven-day suspension on the last sitting week of parliament.

CLONCURRY, AUSTRALIA  - NewsWire Photos - January 6, 2026: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets Emergency Services, Police, SES and Firefighters in Cloncurry, North West Queensland. Picture: NewsWire /Pool/ Martin Ollman

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Albanese has said one of his priorities was recalling parliament once the required legislation was obtained, to "take strong action against hate speech (and) to strengthen the laws that we have put in place".

"We are making sure we get this legislation right. We are consulting, as you would expect," he said today.

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AI dominates as Australia’s fastest-growing jobs revealed

Jobs in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology are the fastest-growing in Australia, a new study claims.

The role of AI engineer has experienced the biggest growth in the last 12 months, with other tech-based roles booming in growth, research by LinkedIn said.

The study examined millions of jobs started by LinkedIn members from January 1, 2023 to July 31, 2025 to calculate a growth rate for each job title, and ranked the 15 jobs with the greatest growth based on the criteria.

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AI engineer, a role described as designing and building AI systems to perform several tasks, came out on top ahead of chief risk officer, which helps identify and assess risks to a company, including cybersecurity threats.

AI featured prominently in the list, with director of artificial intelligence – overseeing the development and use of AI strategies within a company – was fourth on the list.

"AI is no longer a specialist skill, it's becoming part of everyday work and leadership," LinkedIn's Brendan Wong claimed.

"Whether you're in tech, business or creative industries, building AI literacy and staying open to new skills will be key to future-proofing your career."

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The study reveals more people are looking to start their own small businesses, with the role of founder appearing in seventh on the list after a 58 per cent surge, according to the study's data.

Fastest growing jobs

1

AI Engineer

AI engineers design and build systems that use artificial intelligence to perform tasks such as analysing data, recognising patterns and making predictions. There is a major surge in demand for AI engineers in Australia, as generative AI adoption accelerates across industries.

2

Chief Risk Officer

Chief risk officers identify, assess and manage potential risks that could affect an organisation's operations, finances or reputation. As Australian firms navigate increasing regulatory scrutiny, cybersecurity threats and operational risks, the Chief Risk Officer role is becoming more strategic and central to C-suite decision-making.

3

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers design, develop and test mechanical systems and devices to ensure they function safely and efficiently. Mechanical engineers are increasingly needed to support Australia's infrastructure and energy transition.

4

Director of Artificial Intelligence

Directors of artificial intelligence oversee the development and implementation of AI strategies within an organisation. More C-suite executives in Australia are upskilling in AI, reflecting a push for a senior leader to guide AI strategy, governance and transformation.

5

Organisational Development Manager

Organisational development managers create and implement strategies to improve workplace structures, processes and employee performance. With businesses rapidly transforming to adapt to AI, there's growing demand for people who can design and implement change-management strategies.

6

Legal Director

Legal directors manage legal matters for an organisation, including compliance, contracts and advising on regulatory issues. In Australia's increasingly complex regulatory environment — driven by technology (AI), ESG and private-capital investment — Legal Directors are in demand to steer compliance, contracts and high-value transactions.

7

Founder

Founders establish and lead organisations by defining their vision, securing resources and guiding overall operations. Australia's startup ecosystem is growing fast across a variety of sectors including health tech, climate solutions and AI, and there's strong momentum for founders to launch startups that build on generative AI and data tools.

8

Media Director

Media directors plan and oversee media campaigns, ensuring content is delivered effectively across channels to reach target audiences. As organisations invest more in digital transformation and AI-driven content, there's a rising need for Media Directors who can lead multi-channel media strategy and content operations that leverage new technologies.

9

Regulatory Affairs Consultant

Regulatory affairs consultants advise organisations on compliance with laws and regulations, preparing documentation and liaising with authorities as needed. With the rapid uptake of AI and other transformative technologies, companies increasingly need Regulatory Affairs Consultants to help them navigate evolving legal landscapes, engage with regulators and maintain compliance.

10

Power System Engineer

Power system engineers design and maintain electrical power systems to ensure reliable generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. Australia's energy transition — especially growth in renewables and battery storage — is driving demand for power system engineers to design, maintain and optimise generation, transmission and distribution systems

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Aussies among tourists trapped on remote desert island

The federal government is helping Australian tourists stranded on a remote desert island in Yemen.

They are among scores of foreign travellers who visited the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean before being caught up in rising tensions between regional powers.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is providing consular assistance to a small number of Australians currently in Yemen," a DFAT spokesperson said today.

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Frankincense and bottle trees grow on the Yemeni island of Socotra on Sept. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)

"Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment."

Travel plans for about 400 international tourists became disrupted when Yemeni authorities imposed a state of emergency on Socotra leading to the closure of ports of entry, including the island's airport, reports say.

The island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the rare Dragon Blood tree. It has become a magnet for adventure tourists and social media influencers attracted by its stunning cliffs, rare fauna and pristine white sand beaches.

Yemen has been mired for more than a decade in a civil war that involves a complex interplay of sectarian grievances and the involvement of regional powers.

The Iran-aligned Houthis control the most populous regions of the country, including the capital Sanaa. Meanwhile, a loose regional coalition of powers – including Saudi Arabia and the UAE – has backed the internationally recognised government in the south.

Its distance from the mainland has shielded Socotra from the worst of Yemen's long-running conflict. But regional tensions that last week culminated in Saudi strikes on a UAE-linked shipment in Yemen have now had an impact.

Flights are expected to restart this week, but it is still unclear when.

DFAT advises Australians against travelling to Socotra due to ongoing armed conflict and a very high threat of kidnapping and terrorism. There are also military operations against Houthi targets in the Red Sea.

Australia, like many other Western nations, does not have an embassy or consulate in Yemen.

Officials at the Australian embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, are unable to provide emergency help to citizens in Yemen.

– With AP, CNN