18 August 2026

'Couldn't make it work' - New defence minister cancels Australia meeting

Downunder Voices Newsroom

New Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith says he cancelled a meeting with his Australian and Japanese counterparts because he's busy with domestic matters.

About this report

This article contains independently written commentary and community perspective from Downunder Voices.

Join our community

Follow Downunder Voices

Join thousands of readers following news and community stories from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

Follow on Facebook Submit your story

More than 800mm of rain was recorded in the South Korean city of Geoje, which triggered a landslide that killed one person Torrential downpours that have pounded southern parts of South Korea have killed one person and injured four others, officials have confirmed. Heavy rains have been recorded in South Gyeongsang province, including the city of Geoje, where the 800-mm deluge triggered a landslide, the interior and safety ministry said.

Source: The Guardian WorldOriginal source

New Zealand

18 August 2026

Opportunity’s $200,000+ donor Alan Wilderland: ‘You have to play the game’

Opportunity's biggest donor - a senior adviser to the party - thinks no one should be allowed to give political parties more than $30,000.

Source: https://www.rnz.co.nz/rss/news.xmlOriginal source

World

18 August 2026

Four months on, still no charges in death of man in Fiji military custody

The Fiji Police Force has yet to charge any suspects four months after the alleged murder of the reportedly infamous Jone Vakarisi while he was in military custody.

Source: https://www.rnz.co.nz/rss/news.xmlOriginal source

New Zealand

18 August 2026

Labour blames mixed messaging on streaming levy on 'administrative oversight'

Leader Chris Hipkins has now flatly ruled out introducing a new levy on streaming services like Netflix, despite a Labour MP earlier having a member's bill in the ballot which would do just that.

Source: https://www.rnz.co.nz/rss/news.xmlOriginal source

'Couldn't make it work' - New defence minister cancels Australia meeting

About this report

Follow Downunder Voices

More from Australia

State of Origin Game II to be played at Eden Park on June 16, 2027

2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class revealed, Australian launch confirmed

Australia consumer sentiment brightens in August as rates held

Read Next

Torrential rains kill one in South Korea while Philippine capital battles major flooding

Opportunity’s $200,000+ donor Alan Wilderland: ‘You have to play the game’

Four months on, still no charges in death of man in Fiji military custody

Labour blames mixed messaging on streaming levy on 'administrative oversight'