AFP rolls out high-visibility patrols as Australia braces for record holiday travel
Qantas opens Melbourne–Honolulu route and puts 50,000 trans-Pacific seats on sale
Backpacker Christmas shifts south as thousands descend on Coogee Beach
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Bali immigration offices shut for holidays—Australian travellers urged to extend visas early
Bali’s immigration counters will close on several days over Christmas and New Year, prompting authorities to urge foreign visitors—especially Australians—to file visa extensions early or risk daily overstay fines. Corporates with staff in Indonesia should verify visa validity now, as electronic applications lodged during the shutdown cannot be finalised until offices reopen.
Australia revokes British visitor’s visa over Nazi-symbol hate posts
• A 43-year-old British national has had his Australian visa cancelled after being charged with displaying a banned Nazi symbol and encouraging violence against Jews. • Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke used discretionary powers to place the man in immigration detention for removal, citing “public-interest” grounds. • The case signals a tougher post-Bondi stance on antisemitism and is a warning to employers that sponsored or visiting staff can be deported for online hate speech.
Qantas Singapore–Melbourne flight diverted to Adelaide on Christmas Eve, stranding business travellers
• Flight QF36 from Singapore to Melbourne diverted to Adelaide on 24 December due to a technical alert, causing widespread missed connections on a peak travel day. • Qantas re-accommodated passengers but some business travellers lost meetings and luggage, underscoring holiday-period vulnerability to disruption. • Employers are urged to build contingency time into itineraries and confirm coverage for consequential business losses.