Australia Blog

Australian Convicted of Killing Backpacker

There is more to Oz news than the riots...despite never finding a body, or offering a motive, Bradley John Murdoch was sentenced to life in prison for killing Peter Falconio in the Outback in 2001 and assaulting his girlfriend, Joanne Lees. The evidence against him seemed pretty strong, but there was just enough 'what if' to make the international media salivate over the case. Australian Convicted of Killing Backpacker

Cars, windows smashed in Sydney race riots

Race riots moved into a second day in Sydney, despite hopes of reconciliation. It's made the NSW government more willing to grant extra police powers. Great. But, lest anyone get the wrong idea, Howard insists that it isn't race related. Uh huh. Neither was the whole race riot thing in LA a dozen years ago. See: Cars, windows smashed in Sydney race riots for the full article on the riots.

Bird Flu Would Stop International Travel

If the bird flu spreads (as many are predicting), Australia's health minister said to expect world travel to grind to a halt. The Pan-Asian region would especially suffer, as it is not as established as a 'to travel' destination and heavily relies on tourism dollars.

Rioting in Sydney Suburbs

Sydney is usually a pretty calm city, as far as big cities go, but it has its fair share of racial tension. It reached a head with rioting in some suburbs. What idiots. Probably living on the dole and dropped out of school in 8th grade, and blame their hardworking neighbor for all their problems.

TENSIONS between young white gangs and youths of mainly Middle Eastern origin erupted on one of Australia’s most popular beaches yesterday in what police condemned as a racially motivated rally driven by a mob mentality.

Thousands of people, many chanting racial slurs, were engaged in running battles on Cronulla Beach in Sydney’s southern suburbs.

See Battle on beach as mob vows to defend 'Aussie way of life'

Demand for flights and tours soars

Australia is going to World Cup for the first time in 32 years and some people have been saying this whole time for the event. After the national team qualified, demand for flights and tours has soared.

Accused killer claims evidence 'planted'

In the conspiracy twist that voyeurs love, the man who sits on trial for the Falconio murder claims that the evidence against him was planted by an angry former business partner, and that he was thousands of miles away at the time of the murder. From Accused killer claims evidence 'planted'. However, a security tape shows that Falconio was only 170 miles south of the attack site hours before. In a nod to theorists, however, a forensic expert has admitted that the hand cuff evidence was contaminated. Police have continued to search for Falconio through a few months ago.

Why John Howard said no to Fiji

Fiji nationals are not satisfied with what they see as an anti-Fiji basis in the Australian government. This editorial takes a swipe at the country by saying they view Fijians as 'lesser' because they do not produce as much money for the economy as, say, a worker from Europe. From Why John Howard said no to Fiji

Russell Crowe fined over assault

One of the South Pacific's most visible faces in Hollywood has been ordered to pay a fine and stay out of trouble. In June, Russell Crowe got into an argument with a hotel clerk after he was unable to place a phone call to Australia and Crowe threw a phone at him. From Russell Crowe fined over assault

Aussies just want more sex

Getting busy Down Under - Aussies have sex an average of once every 3 days. Unfortunately, a majority (61%) admitted doing the deed unprotected with someone whose sexual history they didn't know. Keeping true to form, outdoors is important...Oz-ites love to get down outside of their bedroom. From Aussies just want more sex

Smoker tried to open airliner door

From the 'wow, are you serious???' notes - a French woman on a Qantas flight attempted to open a door MID FLIGHT in order to step out and have a cigarette. Apparently, she had a fear of flying and had taken a number of sleeping pills and 'relaxing drinks'. She was put on a good behavior bond. Full article.

White With One

An interesting article based on an interview with Powderfinger's front man, Bernard Fanning aks if "Powderfinger so successful in Australia that it's prohibitive to them ever succeeding internationally?", referring to an attempt where Powderfinger asked Australians to avoid attending their shows in the UK. I enjoy the band and would definitely check them out if they made it to the States again. Read: White With One

Consistency is key

If Fiji is to get the support from Australian, Japanese and other international tourists, the country has to emphasize consistent licensing and standards regarding accommodation, food and service. See Consistency is key

Bird flu would 'clobber' travel

The paranoia surrounding the bird flu in Asia and Eastern Europe has spread Down Under as well. Analysts are predicting that the disease would have the "same effect on the economy as the Bali bombings or September 11". Pretty dire, considering when most people think of bird flu, they think of Nando having a cold. From Bird flu would 'clobber' travel

Disneyland thanks Australia for support

Americans and Japanese tourists aren't the only ones who visit Disneyland - Australians are a huge fan of the theme park system as well...or so promoters hope. A VP was Down Under to find ways to promote the brand overseas during the 50th anniversary celebrations. From Disneyland thanks Australia for support

Moonlit boat tragedy

For some reason, when people head overseas they never think about getting into a car accident, being felled by sickness or some other serious situation. A woman who was boating fell overboard and struck her head on a propeller after a moonlit boat ride in Townsville. Moonlit boat tragedy A few days later, a captain of the boat was charged with operating it while intoxicated.