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Labor Announces New ‘Office for Multicultural Affairs'

Labor Announces New ‘Office for Multicultural Affairs'

Epoch Times04-06-2025
In response to an increase in anti-Semitic and anti-Palestine incidents, the Albanese government will set up a new Office for Multicultural Affairs within the Home Affairs Department.
Multicultural Minister Anne Aly and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke jointly announced the initiative on June 3, calling multiculturalism 'a fundamental aspect of our identity.'
The office will oversee services such as settlement support, migrant English programs, and interpreting services, while also revamping grant programs to better reflect modern multicultural needs.
Modern Australia is a Multicultural Australia: Minister
Burke and Aly said the new office would consolidate key responsibilities within Home Affairs, to allow for a more cohesive national strategy to deal with social cohesion.
'The new Office will drive a national approach to a multicultural Australia, providing leadership across the three tiers of government,' they said in a joint statement.
'Modern Australia and multicultural Australia are the same thing,' Burke declared, highlighting the importance of embedding multicultural values across the Australian Public Service.
The Epoch Times has contacted the Home Affairs Department on further details regarding how the body will operate alongside the existing multicultural minister's office.
The announcement also comes amid Labor's pre-election pledge to invest $25 million in more than 600 community language schools across Australia, supporting over 90,000 students studying 84 languages.
As part of the same pledge, $5 million was earmarked for a specialised Asian languages stream to help students—regardless of background—learn Asian languages through to Year 12.
The move comes amid an ongoing spate of major anti-Semitic issues stemming from the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.
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Trump tariffs live updates: US, EU rush to finalize deal as 90-day extension of China trade truce likely
Trump tariffs live updates: US, EU rush to finalize deal as 90-day extension of China trade truce likely

Yahoo

time8 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Trump tariffs live updates: US, EU rush to finalize deal as 90-day extension of China trade truce likely

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'For the world, I would say it'll be somewhere in the 15% to 20% range,' Trump said in Scotland as he met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Meanwhile, another round of US-China talks kicked off this week, with markets hoping for another extension of the countries' trade truce. The South China Morning Post, a Hong Kong-based English-language newspaper, reported that is seen as the likely outcome. This was confirmed by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick who said a 90-day China trade truce extension is likely. Last week, Trump said that letters dictating tariff rates for over 200 countries would go out soon while his administration works to clinch deals with larger trade partners. Trump said the US hasn't had a "lot of luck" with Canada and suggested he may impose threatened 35% levies on goods not covered by the US-Canada-Mexico trade agreement. 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Donald Trump freezes export controls to secure trade deal with China The FT reported on Monday that President Donald Trump has frozen restrictions on technology exports to China in order to avoid hurting trade talks with Beijing and to help secure a meeting between Trump and President Xi Jinping this year, according to people familiar with the matter. The US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security, which is in charge of export controls, has been advised to avoid tough moves on China, according to eight people, including current and former US officials. The US and China are due to meet in Stockholm on Monday for a third round of trade talks following previous meetings in Geneva and London. The FT reports: Read more here (subscription required). Heineken cheers EU-US trade deal as tariff problems grow Dutch brewer Heineken (HKHHY, said on Monday that it welcomed the trade deal between the European Union and the US and that it was weighing all options to deal with growing tariff challenges in the long term, including shifting manufacturing. Reuters reports: Read more here. Japan expects 1%-2% of $550 billion US fund to be investment Japan confirmed that only a small part, just 1% to 2%, of the $550 billion deal with the US will be actual investment. Most of the money will be in the form of loans, according to Japan's trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa. Akazawa said that Tokyo will save roughly $68 billion through lower tariff rates in its deal with the US. The details revealed by Akazawa on Saturday via an interview with public broadcaster NHK, suggest the Japanese may end up giving up much less than at first glance. The $550 billion investment framework combines loans, investments and loan guarantees provided by financial institutions backed by the Japanese government. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. VW's Audi cuts full-year outlook, citing tariffs and restructuring Following Volkswagen's ( VWAGY) guidance cut last week, the German carmakers premium brand Audi has also cut its full-year guidance, citing the impact of higher US import tariffs and restructuring expenses. Reuters reports: Read more here. Germany's Chancellor released a statement saying he's not "satisfied" with the new EU-US trade deal and expressed concerns about how it'll affect his country's economy. Reuters reports: Read more here. On Sunday, President Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a preliminary trade agreement, avoiding an all-out trade war. Here's what we know about the terms the two sides agreed to, per Reuters: Several questions still remain unresolved, however. Here's what remains to be seen when the US and EU reveal a joint statement on Aug. 1: Read more here. Trump official: More talks needed to clinch India deal The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "more negotiations" are needed between the US and India in order to secure a trade deal, Greer's statement was made just days before the Aug. 1 deadline for higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "more negotiations" are needed between the US and India in order to secure a trade deal, Greer's statement was made just days before the Aug. 1 deadline for higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Rating firms say US tariffs alone will not trigger EU sovereign downgrades Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. US trade deal eases tariff uncertainties, but risks remain: Japan Japan said on Tuesday that its trade deal with the US has removed uncertainties on but attention must be given to the risks these policies are putting on the Japanese economy. Reuters reports: Read more here. Japan said on Tuesday that its trade deal with the US has removed uncertainties on but attention must be given to the risks these policies are putting on the Japanese economy. Reuters reports: Read more here. Philips soars after lifting margin outlook on softer tariff hit Royal Philips NV (PHG) stock rose 9% before the bell on Tuesday after it increased its profitability outlook as the impact of the trade war was not as severe as it feared. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Royal Philips NV (PHG) stock rose 9% before the bell on Tuesday after it increased its profitability outlook as the impact of the trade war was not as severe as it feared. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Stellantis warns of $1.7B US tariff impact in 2025 Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. Carney says US trade talks in 'intense phase' The Canadian Press reports: Read more here. The Canadian Press reports: Read more here. Analysts say EU-US trade deal could add up to $19 billion in pharma industry costs The recent trade deal announced between the United States and the European Union is raising concerns in different industries about potential costs. The pharmaceutical industry, specifically, is estimated to take on an extra billion dollars based on new data. Reuters reports: Read more here. The recent trade deal announced between the United States and the European Union is raising concerns in different industries about potential costs. The pharmaceutical industry, specifically, is estimated to take on an extra billion dollars based on new data. Reuters reports: Read more here. 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US and Chinese trade negotiators are meeting this week for at least two days of trade talks as markets continue to focus on relations between the two superpowers and whether stiff tariff rates will be delayed again. Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul reports on what to expect: Read more here. Analysis: Out-gunned Europe accepts least-worst US trade deal Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. Clock is ticking for a US-China trade deal. Negotiators are meeting to buy more time CNN reports: Read more here. CNN reports: Read more here. 'Donald Trump ate Ursula von der Leyen for breakfast': How EU leaders are reacting to the US trade deal Europe's reaction to its trade deal with the US is decidedly mixed so far. As we detailed earlier, the deal represents the "least-worst" option for Europe, which was facing 30% duties on its imports to the US. So EU leaders have put on a brave face, saying that they hope this breakthrough is but the first step toward a more favorable, longer-term agreement. Bloomberg rounded up some initial reaction. One that stood out: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a Trump ally: From the German chancellor: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the agreement "sustainable": France took a more hawkish approach: Finally, from Slovakia: Read more here. Europe's reaction to its trade deal with the US is decidedly mixed so far. As we detailed earlier, the deal represents the "least-worst" option for Europe, which was facing 30% duties on its imports to the US. So EU leaders have put on a brave face, saying that they hope this breakthrough is but the first step toward a more favorable, longer-term agreement. Bloomberg rounded up some initial reaction. One that stood out: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a Trump ally: From the German chancellor: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the agreement "sustainable": France took a more hawkish approach: Finally, from Slovakia: Read more here. Why Big Alcohol needs US tariff relief in five charts European Union wine and spirits producers could emerge as one of the few winners in the US-EU trade deal which was agreed on Sunday. Reuters reports: Shares in Pernod, Diageo and Campari initially rose in early trade. But they stood 1.3%, 0.4% and 0.3% lower by 0707 GMT. Shares in Remy fell 2.2%. Alcohol is among the EU's top exports to the United States, worth about $10.5 billion in 2024, according to Eurostat data, with certain products like Remy Martin cognac and champagne required to be produced in specific European regions. The United States accounts for about 18% of exports for another exclusively French product, champagne. For cognac makers, the U.S. tariffs represent a fresh challenge after producers of the drink managed this month to avert the threat of duties of up to around 35% from China. For Spanish and Italian wines, around 14% and 24% of total exports, respectively, are sold in the United States. European Union wine and spirits producers could emerge as one of the few winners in the US-EU trade deal which was agreed on Sunday. Reuters reports: Shares in Pernod, Diageo and Campari initially rose in early trade. But they stood 1.3%, 0.4% and 0.3% lower by 0707 GMT. Shares in Remy fell 2.2%. Alcohol is among the EU's top exports to the United States, worth about $10.5 billion in 2024, according to Eurostat data, with certain products like Remy Martin cognac and champagne required to be produced in specific European regions. The United States accounts for about 18% of exports for another exclusively French product, champagne. For cognac makers, the U.S. tariffs represent a fresh challenge after producers of the drink managed this month to avert the threat of duties of up to around 35% from China. For Spanish and Italian wines, around 14% and 24% of total exports, respectively, are sold in the United States. Stock in focus after US/EU trade deal: ASML Semiconductor play ASML (ASML) getting a lot of mentions on the Street this morning as a winner from the US/EU trade deal. Shares are up nearly 5% in pre-market trading. I would note ASML just a week ago issued weak guidance that hammered the stock, so be mindful of that. Here's what JP Morgan had to say this morning: "ASML had indicated in its Q2 results that it saw hesitation (and thus lack of orders) from customers to order tools for their new US fabs due to the risk of tariffs on semiconductor equipment. If this information from the US on zero tariffs on semiconductor equipment is correct then this would be very positive for ASML in particular, but also for VAT. Other semiconductor equipment companies in Europe, such as ASM International ( manufacture their tools outside the EU and thus deals with countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and the US will be important for those companies." Semiconductor play ASML (ASML) getting a lot of mentions on the Street this morning as a winner from the US/EU trade deal. Shares are up nearly 5% in pre-market trading. I would note ASML just a week ago issued weak guidance that hammered the stock, so be mindful of that. Here's what JP Morgan had to say this morning: "ASML had indicated in its Q2 results that it saw hesitation (and thus lack of orders) from customers to order tools for their new US fabs due to the risk of tariffs on semiconductor equipment. If this information from the US on zero tariffs on semiconductor equipment is correct then this would be very positive for ASML in particular, but also for VAT. Other semiconductor equipment companies in Europe, such as ASM International ( manufacture their tools outside the EU and thus deals with countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and the US will be important for those companies." Donald Trump freezes export controls to secure trade deal with China The FT reported on Monday that President Donald Trump has frozen restrictions on technology exports to China in order to avoid hurting trade talks with Beijing and to help secure a meeting between Trump and President Xi Jinping this year, according to people familiar with the matter. The US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security, which is in charge of export controls, has been advised to avoid tough moves on China, according to eight people, including current and former US officials. The US and China are due to meet in Stockholm on Monday for a third round of trade talks following previous meetings in Geneva and London. The FT reports: Read more here (subscription required). The FT reported on Monday that President Donald Trump has frozen restrictions on technology exports to China in order to avoid hurting trade talks with Beijing and to help secure a meeting between Trump and President Xi Jinping this year, according to people familiar with the matter. The US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security, which is in charge of export controls, has been advised to avoid tough moves on China, according to eight people, including current and former US officials. The US and China are due to meet in Stockholm on Monday for a third round of trade talks following previous meetings in Geneva and London. The FT reports: Read more here (subscription required). Heineken cheers EU-US trade deal as tariff problems grow Dutch brewer Heineken (HKHHY, said on Monday that it welcomed the trade deal between the European Union and the US and that it was weighing all options to deal with growing tariff challenges in the long term, including shifting manufacturing. Reuters reports: Read more here. Dutch brewer Heineken (HKHHY, said on Monday that it welcomed the trade deal between the European Union and the US and that it was weighing all options to deal with growing tariff challenges in the long term, including shifting manufacturing. Reuters reports: Read more here. Japan expects 1%-2% of $550 billion US fund to be investment Japan confirmed that only a small part, just 1% to 2%, of the $550 billion deal with the US will be actual investment. Most of the money will be in the form of loans, according to Japan's trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa. Akazawa said that Tokyo will save roughly $68 billion through lower tariff rates in its deal with the US. The details revealed by Akazawa on Saturday via an interview with public broadcaster NHK, suggest the Japanese may end up giving up much less than at first glance. The $550 billion investment framework combines loans, investments and loan guarantees provided by financial institutions backed by the Japanese government. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Japan confirmed that only a small part, just 1% to 2%, of the $550 billion deal with the US will be actual investment. Most of the money will be in the form of loans, according to Japan's trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa. Akazawa said that Tokyo will save roughly $68 billion through lower tariff rates in its deal with the US. The details revealed by Akazawa on Saturday via an interview with public broadcaster NHK, suggest the Japanese may end up giving up much less than at first glance. The $550 billion investment framework combines loans, investments and loan guarantees provided by financial institutions backed by the Japanese government. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. VW's Audi cuts full-year outlook, citing tariffs and restructuring Following Volkswagen's ( VWAGY) guidance cut last week, the German carmakers premium brand Audi has also cut its full-year guidance, citing the impact of higher US import tariffs and restructuring expenses. Reuters reports: Read more here. Following Volkswagen's ( VWAGY) guidance cut last week, the German carmakers premium brand Audi has also cut its full-year guidance, citing the impact of higher US import tariffs and restructuring expenses. Reuters reports: Read more here. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data

Portland Quaker charged with assaulting federal officer in anti-ICE riot
Portland Quaker charged with assaulting federal officer in anti-ICE riot

Fox News

time10 minutes ago

  • Fox News

Portland Quaker charged with assaulting federal officer in anti-ICE riot

A man whose father describes him as a "lifelong Quaker who is deeply committed to pacifism" is now facing multiple federal charges over his alleged actions at an anti-ICE protest. A Portland, Ore., man, Robert Jacob Hoopes, is being charged with aggravated assault of a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, and depredation of federal property in an amount exceeding $1,000. During a June 14 anti-ICE protest, Hoopes was allegedly throwing large rocks at a building belonging to the agency located in South Portland. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon, he threw one of the rocks at an ICE officer and caused a "significant laceration over the officer's eye." Additionally, Hoopes and two others were allegedly seen using a stop sign as a battering ram and caused "major damage" to the building's main entrance. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon said Hoopes faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the aggravated assault charge and up to 10 years in prison for damaging federal property. "Jacob is a lifelong Quaker who is deeply committed to pacifism. He's an organic gardener and the soul of kindness," Hoopes' father, Tom, said, according to KATU 2. "Jacob was involved on June 14 in an action. What his involvement was: I can't speak to that. But he is deeply committed to justice." Quakers are known for their devotion to pacifism and, according to followers of the faith reject "war and violence in all its forms." The local ABC affiliate also quoted a letter originally written by Hoopes' roommate, who said "he is not someone who would have 'assaulted an officer.'" The roommate recalled that at approximately 9:00 a.m. local time on July 25, they saw "a flood of armed officers race into our driveway and charge at our house with assault rifles." Magistrate Judge Youlee Yim You granted Hoopes pretrial release at his first hearing, going against the federal prosecutors' request.

Israeli settler kills Palestinian activist who worked on Oscar-winning film
Israeli settler kills Palestinian activist who worked on Oscar-winning film

CNN

time40 minutes ago

  • CNN

Israeli settler kills Palestinian activist who worked on Oscar-winning film

A prominent Palestinian activist who had worked on an Oscar-winning documentary died on Monday after being shot by a Jewish settler in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, according to local journalists and officials. Odeh Hathalin, who was a consultant on 'No Other Land,' a film that documents Israeli settler and military attacks on the West Bank community of Masafer Yatta, was shot in the village of Umm al-Khair, in that same community. Israeli police said its forces arrived at the scene and detained an Israeli civilian, who was later arrested for questioning. Police did not identify the man they arrested. The Israeli military claimed that 'terrorists hurled rocks toward Israeli civilians near Carmel,' an Israeli settlement near Umm al-Khair. Hathalin's shooting was first reported by Yuval Abraham, the Israeli investigative journalist who co-directed 'No Other Land.' Abraham said Hathalin was 'shot in the upper body' and was in critical condition. Later, the Palestinian health ministry said he had died of his injuries. Many settlers are armed, and violence in the West Bank has surged since the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023. At least 964 Palestinians have been killed since then by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, according to the United Nations. Settlers have a strong influence on Israeli politics, and in the rare cases where they are arrested for violent attacks against Palestinians, they are often released without charge. Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank are illegal under international law. Ofer Cassif, a left-wing member of Israel's parliament, has demanded that authorities launch an investigation into Hathalin's death. 'The incident occurred in broad daylight, in front of cameras, with no fear of legal consequences – testament to the paralysis of law enforcement and the complete sense of immunity enjoyed by violent settlers,' Cassif wrote in a letter to Israel's Attorney General. Basel Adra, a Palestinian journalist and a co-director of 'No Other Land,' shared testimony to his 'dear friend' Hathalin. 'He was standing in front of the community settler in his village when a settler fired a bullet that pierced his chest and took his life. This is how Israel erases us – one life at a time,' Adra wrote in a post on Instagram. Last month, Hathalin was detained at San Francisco International Airport upon arrival and deported after immigration officials revoked his visa, local media reported. He had been invited to visit a California synagogue as part of an interfaith speaking tour. CNN reported in March that settlers had also targeted Hamdan Ballal, another co-director of 'No Other Land,' outside his home in the village of Susya, also in Masser Yatta. Ballal, who had recently returned from Los Angeles to accept an Oscar for the film, told CNN he thought the group of settlers would kill him. He was detained by Israeli soldiers, handcuffed, blindfolded and beaten. The film 'No Other Land,' which tracked the destruction of the Masser Yatta community between 2019 and 2023, won Best Documentary Feature Film at the 2024 Oscars. Its final scene shows Adra's cousin, Zakara al-Adra, being shot by an Israeli settler in October 2023. Previous reporting from CNN's Kara Fox, Kareem Khadder and Jeremy Diamond.

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