The family of Perth grandmother Donna Nelson has thanked the Federal Government for arranging a rare international prisoner transfer that brought her home from Japan. Ms Nelson, 60, had been jailed since 2023 after she was caught carrying meth hidden in a suitcase, a crime she says she did not knowingly commit. Her daughters said the first hug in almost four years came on Friday night. She is now at Bandyup Women's Prison, where she can have contact with visitors and make phone calls. Her daughters said living nearby brings great relief to the family.
Haralambos Kafkarides has formally presented his Letters of Credence to Governor-General Sam Mostyn at Government House in Canberra. The ceremony marked the start of his diplomatic duties as Cyprus's High Commissioner to Australia. Mostyn praised the Cypriot Australian community and Australia's long peacekeeping role in Cyprus through the United Nations. Kafkarides highlighted cooperation within the Commonwealth and support for reunification of the island. He also said preserving Cypriot culture and heritage would be a priority during his tenure.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old US citizen held in Russia since 2022, has been freed. He made the announcement during a meeting with US envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg. Mr Hubbard, a retired schoolteacher from Michigan, had been serving a nearly seven-year sentence after being convicted of mercenary activity. Russian state media reported he pleaded guilty, while his lawyer said he denied the charges. Mr Witkoff thanked Mr Putin for the gesture of goodwill.
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India's High Commissioner to Australia, Nagesh Singh, has visited Tasmania for the first time. He and his wife, Pragya Singh, attended a luncheon hosted by Honorary Consul Dr Navpreet Kaur. Guests from government, parliament, defence, local government and industry discussed shared interests and possible cooperation. Tasmanian parliamentary figures Craig Farrell and Madeleine Ogilvie were among those attending. The gathering aimed to build partnerships that offer mutual benefits for India and Tasmania.
Diplomats, business executives and community leaders gathered at L'Aqua Rooftop Terrace in Darling Harbour, Sydney, on 15 October 2026 for Connect & Cheers 4, hosted by the Australian Business Summit Council Inc. Representatives from the United States, China, Romania, Egypt, Vietnam and other countries attended. ABSC Inc. President Dr Frank Alafaci urged businesses to build trust, follow up on introductions and understand local commercial expectations before committing resources overseas.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong joined counterparts from Canada, France and the United Kingdom in calling a delay to Palestinian elections deeply disappointing. President Mahmoud Abbas postponed the planned legislative and presidential votes to next year, citing conditions in Gaza and the West Bank. The ministers urged the Palestinian Authority to reconsider and hold the elections without further delay. The Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation said Israel's refusal to allow election materials or international observers into Gaza was a key reason. The ministers called on Israel to avoid actions that would impede the vote.
King Abdullah II of Jordan arrived in Canberra late on Monday for his first visit to Australia in 10 years. His schedule includes high-level meetings, defence engagements and cultural events. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said ongoing defence and security cooperation between the two countries is essential. On Tuesday, the King met House of Representatives Speaker Milton Dick. Australia has given Jordan $130 million in humanitarian funding since 2017, and the two countries trade about half a billion dollars a year.
Authorities in Iraq have allowed Australian engineer Robert Pether to leave the country, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has confirmed. Mr Pether was released from jail last year after serving four years of a five-year sentence, but he was restricted from leaving. Senator Wong said she spoke to him before his departure from Baghdad and thanked Irish and Australian officials involved. Mr Pether and an Egyptian colleague were sentenced over a contract dispute on fraud charges, which both men deny. His wife, Desree, said Australia could be doing more.
Australian man Robert Pether has been released from Iraq after nearly half a decade, following complex diplomatic negotiations. His family says he is exhausted but slightly happier, and expects to be reunited with them in Ireland today. Pether was imprisoned in Iraq in 2021 and released last year, but was effectively banned from travelling. The Australian government raised his case with Iraqi authorities more than 200 times. Foreign Minister Penny Wong welcomed Iraq's decision to allow him to leave the country.
The Greek Embassy in Skopje has lodged a formal diplomatic protest with North Macedonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs over a banner showing a map of Greater Macedonia. The banner was displayed by MZT Skopje supporters during a basketball match against Iraklis on 6 October, part of the FIBA Europe Cup qualifiers. The map included parts of Greece, including Halkidiki, along with territory belonging to Serbia, Albania and Bulgaria. The embassy said the banner's content and symbolism were contrary to the spirit of the Prespa Agreement. Iraklis Basketball Club also lodged a complaint with the match commissioner.
Britain's consulate in Jerusalem will continue operating at a smaller scale as a UK Mission after Israel ordered its closure. The dispute follows Britain's sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Israel's foreign minister said the consulate would end operations, but some British diplomats would remain. The consulate, founded in 1839, handles Britain's relations with Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Athens to strengthen bilateral ties. Mitsotakis emphasised Greece's role as a regional stability pillar and bridge between Europe, the US, and the Middle East. Rubio highlighted shared cultural values and expressed interest in boosting economic, energy, and trade cooperation. The talks covered defence, security, and regional developments, including Ukraine, Iran, and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Australian government's pre-COP summit in Tuvalu has faced criticism for low attendance by non-Pacific leaders, with only representatives from Mauritius and Timor Leste attending. Climate Minister Chris Bowen defended the event, stating it brought global attention to Pacific climate issues. The summit aimed to secure funding for the Pacific Resilience Facility, but contributions so far have been modest. Pacific officials expressed appreciation for the focus on their climate challenges despite the low leader turnout.
Haralambos Kafkarides has commenced his role as Cyprus' High Commissioner to Australia, formally presenting his credentials to DFAT's Acting Deputy Secretary Natalie Cohen. The Greek Ambassador, Stavros Venizelos, extended a warm welcome, underscoring the strong bilateral ties between Greece and Cyprus. Kafkarides will focus on enhancing diplomatic relations and cooperation between Australia and Cyprus. The Greek Embassy emphasised the enduring and constructive partnership between the two nations within Australia. This appointment marks a significant step in fortifying the relationship between the Republic of Cyprus and Australia.
