Canberra outlines 2024-25 migration overhaul: tougher student rules, streamlined skilled visas
Australia issues rare multi-country travel alert amid rising geopolitical tensions
China streamlines entry: digital arrival card and wider 24-hour visa-free transit from 20 November
Latest News
Flight Centre launches Asia ‘Big Red’ sale to stimulate post-pandemic outbound demand
Flight Centre’s 8–12 November ‘Big Red’ sale offers Australians 20 % off Intrepid Asia tours, pairing an in-store expo with online deals. The push is designed to revive outbound travel and provides corporates an opportunity to trim costs on Asia reconnaissance trips and workcations.
Qantas issues November Market Update: solid demand but fuel volatility and US shutdown flagged
Qantas’ 7 November market update points to resilient domestic and international demand but warns of higher fuel and carbon costs and capacity slippage due to delayed A380 returns. Business travellers should expect firm prices and potential seat constraints on long-haul routes in early 2026.
Qantas unveils ‘Economy Plus’ cabin with 40 % more leg-room ahead of 2026 rollout
Qantas will introduce ‘Economy Plus’—an extra-leg-room product with priority perks—across its narrow-body and short-haul fleet from February 2026, the airline said on 7 November. The move targets corporate travellers seeking more comfort than regular economy but at lower cost than business class.
Brisbane restaurant owners charged with forced-labour and debt-bondage offences linked to visa sponsorship
AFP human-trafficking detectives charged two Brisbane restaurateurs on 7 November with forced-labour and debt-bondage offences after they allegedly demanded a A$60,000 ‘visa sponsorship’ fee and coerced a migrant employee. The arrests highlight Australia’s intensified scrutiny of employer-sponsored visa abuse and the need for robust compliance oversight by corporates.
CEO Vanessa Hudson outlines fleet-renewal and Project Sunrise roadmap at Qantas AGM
At Qantas’ 7 November AGM, CEO Vanessa Hudson detailed progress on fleet renewal, the upcoming Economy Plus cabin and Project Sunrise A350-1000 deliveries while affirming strong H1 FY26 trading. The strategy points to new aircraft-driven capacity and product changes that will affect corporate travel planning through 2027.
AFP charges Sudan-born man for electronic-monitoring visa breach in Western Australia
The AFP charged a 34-year-old Sudan-born visa holder in Perth on 7 November for failing to keep his electronic ankle monitor charged—a breach of Migration Act section 76D that carries up to five years’ jail. The case underscores Canberra’s tougher stance on post-detention monitoring and should prompt employers to reinforce compliance training for sponsored foreign staff.
Alison Watkins joins Qantas Board as independent Non-Executive Director
Qantas named Alison Watkins—former Coca-Cola Amatil boss and current RBA Board member—as an independent director on 7 November, bolstering governance ahead of major fleet and service upgrades. Her appointment may shape strategic decisions that impact airline partnerships and premium-traveller offerings.