Lawmakers, who had cast aside a conservative push to allow religious objectors to refuse service to same-sex couples, waved rainbow flags and embraced on the floor of the chamber, after the overwhelming vote in favour of the bill.
They say misery loves company. Well, now Australia has joined the US in the diplomatic doghouse over allegations of spying on its allies. The source of some of those allegations? None other than Edward Snowden. And Australia's spy agency, like the NSA, is in trouble over eavesdropping on the cell phones of foreign leaders.
Australia has had a rash of wildfires caused by unseasonably hot and dry weather. Scientists say the risk of fires is growing with climate change, but the country's new prime minister says they're just a normal part of life down under.
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard went on the offensive, recently, telling her opponent he had no right to lecture her on sexism — because of his own behavior. In a 15-minute speech, she cited multiple examples of his "misogyny" — and in the process ignited a discussion about the meaning of the word, which might change the dictionary itself.
After Australia's prime minister accuses the opposition leader of misogyny, Australia's leading dictionary says the word has changed its meaning.
Though Aboriginal communities have felt marginalized for centuries in Australia, their activism doesn't typically grow as heated as it did in Canberra Thursday. Marco Werman profiles Blue King Brown, indigenous activists in who are a best-selling band.
The political battle on climate change intensifies in Australia.
Phil Mercer reports on the heated debate in Australia over a proposed carbon tax. The government says the tax would help fight greenhouse gas emissions, but some of Australia's most powerful interests are against it.