Chinese billionaire seeking Australian passport reportedly paid lobbyist for secret meeting with minister

• Australia's ABC Four Corners said current Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton met with Huang Xiangmo to discuss the Chinese billionaire's application for an Australian passport.
• Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told reporters on Tuesday that the allegation is "very troubling," adding that "Peter Dutton has got a lot to explain about this."
• The Four Corners revelation is just the latest example of large political donors with alleged ties to China's Communist Party wielding influence within Australian politics.

China's influence on Australian politics is again in focus after a media investigation revealed a secret meeting in 2016 between the then-immigration minister and a controversial Chinese billionaire seeking an Australian passport.

The report from Australia's ABC Four Corners said Peter Dutton, now the home affairs minister, met one-on-one with Huang Xiangmo in a private area of a Chinese restaurant in Sydney. The meeting was set up after the Chinese businessman paid tens of thousands of dollars to a lobbyist, according to the investigation. That's led to calls for Australia's current government to look into the matter further.

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, for one, told reporters on Tuesday that the allegation is "very troubling," adding that "Peter Dutton has got a lot to explain about this."

Turnbull also said Australia's current prime minister will need to get involved in the situation: "The buck stops with him. I know what it is like to be prime minister and, ultimately, you are responsible and so Scott Morrison has to deal with this."

Dutton has confirmed the meeting, but denied helping Huang with any immigration issues, according to SBS News.

Still, the Four Corners report is just the latest allegation of large political donors with apparent ties to China's Communist Party wielding influence within Australian politics.

Back in February, Huang — who is currently in China following a decision to ban him from re-entering Australia — called on both the ruling Coalition and the opposition Labor Party to return over 2.7 million Australian dollars (about $1.9 million) in donations that he had made over the past five years.

In an interview with the Australian Financial Review, Huang called out his treatment as being hypocritical — and questioned the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation's inference that his membership of groups that were promoting the "peaceful reunification" of China was tantamount to him being an operative of the Chinese state.

"If I am being penalized for promoting the peaceful reunification of China, this is against Australia's own position as well as its fundamental principles of cultural diversity and freedom of speech," Huang told the Australian Financial Review.

While Huang's donations were a contributing factor in the Australian government's decision to ban foreign political donations in November last year, Chinese-associated donations continue to raise concerns. In December, the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) raided the offices of the state's Labor Party over A$100,000 in donations by Chinese-Australian nationals.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, ICAC is currently investigating a trio of individuals — including Huang — in relation to documents seized in the raid.

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Brazil to drop visa requirement for US, Canada, Australia, Japan tourists

RIO DE JANEIRO, March 20 — In an effort to boost tourism numbers, Brazil has announced plans to lift visa requirements for citizens of the US, Canada, Australia and Japan beginning this summer. 

Effective June 17, travelling to Brazil will be a lot easier for the aforementioned countries. The visa-free access will be valid for stays of 90 days and extendable for another 90 days under certain conditions.

The move is aimed at bolstering international tourist arrivals and filling empty hotel rooms which were originally built to accommodate visitors during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. 

It's hoped the relaxed visa rules will increase tourist traffic with each country by up to 25 per cent.

The new measure builds on last year's creation of an e-visa platform, which allows travelers to apply for visas online. Brazil's tourism office says they saw a 35 percent increase in visa applications following the implementation of the e-visa platform, from 169,910 visas issued in 2017 to 229,767 issued last year. 

The US, Canada, Australia and Japan are described as "strategic" markets for the development of tourism in Brazil. 

"This is one of the most important achievements of the Brazilian tourism industry in the last 15 years and we are confident that it will be extremely beneficial to the country," said Minister of Tourism Marcelo Alvaro Antônio in a statement. 

"This decision of the Brazilian government proves that we are living a new moment and that tourism is being seen as a vector of economic and social growth of the entire nation." 

Visitors arriving before June 17 will be required to obtain an e-visa. — AFP-Relaxnews

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Gallipoli tourism operators play down Australia-Turkey tensions

Battlefield tourism operators do not believe the escalating war of words between the Australian prime minister and the Turkish president over inflammatory comments following the Christchurch terrorist attack will have any bearing on Gallipoli commemorations on Anzac Day.

Scott Morrison is furious about Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s comments invoking Gallipoli to denounce anti-Islamic sentiment in the wake of the Christchurch terror attack.

Morrison announced on Wednesday that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is reviewing Australia’s official travel advice to Turkey.

Erdoğan suggested that anyone who travels to Turkey with anti-Muslim sentiments would be sent back in coffins, “like their grandfathers were” during the Gallipoli campaign.

He made the comments in Turkey’s north-western Çanakkale province, which is home to the historic battlefields, on the anniversary of a first world war Turkish naval victory.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is continuing to make plans to conduct the traditional commemorative services at Anzac Cove on 25 April.

“The Australian government is closely monitoring the security situation in Turkey and regards the safety of Australians who plan to visit the Gallipoli Peninsula as its highest priority,” veterans affairs minister Darren Chester said.

The tour company Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours played down the row between the two leaders.

“People are smart enough to realise the president doesn’t represent the view of all of Turkey,” general manager Matt Masson said told the Guardian.

“There is a strong spirit of camaraderie between Turkey and Australia. The Turks often stand side-by-side during the dawn service.”

There is a long tradition of mutual respect between locals in the towns around the battlefields and visiting Australians.

Masson said the camaraderie transcends any religious issues and there are no indications from their Turkish partners that there is any increased risk involved.

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A spectacle of nature: Tourism Australia showcases its candy-coloured lakes in Insta-worthy rosey pink hues

Tourism Australia is hosting a spectacular natural event this season. In the heart of Melbourne, a salt lake in Westgate Park has turned an Insta-worthy rosey pink hue, delighting tourist and locals alike.

A beautiful example of mother nature, the phenomenon is being leveraged to showcase a range of candy-coloured lakes across Australia.

A dramatic example of Australia’s natural beauty, the phenomenon only occurs intermittently during the warmer months, after a perfect cocktail of high salt levels, high temperatures, increased sunlight and low rainfall turn the lake pink when algae living in the salt crust at the bottom of the lake produces a red pigment (beta carotene) as part of its photosynthesis process. 

The lake started to turn pink last week, and is expected to stay that way until later in autumn. The lake previously turned pink in 2014 and 2017, and will return to its normal colour as the weather cools and rainfall increases. 

Located along the eastern banks of the Yarra River, under the West Gate Bridge, travellers can drive over the bridge to see the lake, or to get up close, limited parking is available within the park off Todd Road, or along Lorimer St, Port Melbourne.

Australia is home to many candy coloured lakes across its vast landscapes – all year round:

1. Westgate Park is not the only colourful lake in Australia — there is a range of candy-coloured Australian lakes that are reliably pink all year round.

Hutt Lagoon, near Port Gregory Credit Tourism Western Australia

2. At Murray-Sunset National Park, in Victoria's far north-west corner, find the picturesque Pink Lake, which changes in colour from a deep pink to a glistening white throughout the year.

3. Lake Tyrrell is Victoria's largest salt lake, covering over 20,000 hectares. It attracts visitors from around the world who come for the striking scenery and the stunning sunsets and sunrises.

Pink Lake, Geraldton, WA

4. Head to South Australia’s west coast to find the vibrant pink hues of Lake MacDonnell. A spellbinding contrast of a pink waterscape separated from a neighbouring blue-green lake by a straight dirt road this natural wonder is a magnet for road-tripping travellers.

5. Less than two hours’ drive from Adelaide, Lake Bumbunga’s bubble gum shores draw an eclectic crowd from casual photographers to high-end fashion brands. Located in Lochiel, the lake is known to change colour from pink, to white, to blue, depending on the salinity of the water throughout the year.

Southern Coral Coast

6. Head to West Australia’s Esperance to see the bubble gum pink Lake Hillier. Best seen from above on a scenic flight, Lake Hillar is located offshore on Middle Island, part of The Recherche Archipelago.

7. Watch the mesmerising Hutt Lagoon, located on Western Australia’s Coral Coast change through a spectrum of red to bubble-gum pink to a lilac purple. Hutt Lagoon can be easily accessed by road along the George Grey Drive, between Geraldton and Kalbarri, or seen from above on a scenic flight.

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Australian Tourism Awards 2018 being held in Launceston

More than 800 of the nation's top tourism identities will be in Launceston tonight for the 2018 Australian Tourism Awards. 

The awards are being held at the Cataract Gorge, with a specially-built marquee constructed over the pool. 

The Examiner will be onsite for the event, and will be bringing the winners to you as it happens.

Launceston praised 

Attendees have dubbed the Australian Tourism Awards in Launceston last night as one of the best events yet. 

More than 800 of the nation's top tourism identities flocked to a makeshift convention centre at the Cataract Gorge.

Guests said they had not seen the level of effort put into the awards before.

Australian Tourism Industry Council chief executive Daniel Gschwind said the council had made the right choice by coming to Launceston. 

"You have turned a lovely location into a great experience for us … and that's what tourism is," he said.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania's chief executive Luke Martin said it was really great to show off the region to the nation. 

"This is really two-year vision and a lot of work by a lot of people. What a special way to showcase Tasmania," he said. 

The weather was perfect for the event, with the temperature reaching 34 degrees throughout the day. 

"It was warm too, so we going dealt with a few misconceptions about Tasmania's climate for some of those Queenslanders and Northern Territorians," he said. 

The opportunity was a great way to re-package and show Tasmania to the tourism industry and shine a spotlight on Launceston in particular, he said.

"These awards attract operators from every part of the country. All the who's who and a lot of these people it'll be their first time coming to Tasmania and if not, their first time to Launceston," he said. 

"At the end of the day we're going to have 840 advocates and the most influential tourism people in praise of Tasmania and Launceston. 

"It's already happening, even my colleagues from around the country have never seen the effort that has gone into hosting these awards like there is in Launceston."  

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A Film Buff Travel Guide To Movie Destinations Around Australia & New Zealand

Oh sure there’s Hollywood or even Sydney’s Fox Studios, but there’s something inherently more exciting about being in real-world movie destinations that have featured in your fave film. Somewhere you can take a gander at without having to cough up for a studio tour. The best part is you don’t even have to take an international flight to get ‘on set’ of some of the biggest blockbusters. There’s plenty all around Australia and New Zealand.

12 Must-See Movie Destinations In Australia & New Zealand

1. Hobbiton Movie Set, NZ – The Lord Of The Rings

I mean, let’s just deal with the most obvious one first shall we? Not that it in any way lessens how amazing it would be to walk around the closest thing to an actual Hobbiton you’re ever going to get. And yeah sure, I’m a bit of a Lord Of The Rings fan – the books, not the movies, but still – but nerd or not, it CUTE! And yeah yeah it’s technically somewhere between a studio set and an IRL place but I’ll take that grey area and run with it.

2. Split Point Lighthouse, VIC – Round The Twist

Have you ever, ever felt like visiting the location for one of Australia’s most iconic kids shows? Well, you can. The kooky family lived in Split Point Lighthouse, which still stands and has been functioning as an unmanned, IRL lighthouse since 1919. This one’s for the 90s kids and hot damn if this still doesn’t get me the most excited of the whole list. If you want to go inside you’ll need to book a tour.

3. Cathedral Cove, NZ – The Chronicles Of Narnia

The naturally formed archway of Cathedral Cove was well worth of your Insta pics, even before it was made particularly famous by a feature in The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian. The cast obviously landed there by boat, which you can certainly do yourself by way of a range of boat tours, or even by hiring a kayak. Or you can take a 45-minute walk from Hahei Beach.

4. Mount Diogenes, VIC – Picnic At Hanging Rock

Just a day trip from Melbourne away, Mount Diogenes aka. Hanging Rock is still a pretty big pull thanks to Peter Weir’s 1975 Aussie mystery flick, Picnic At Hanging Rock. Look, even without the film history, it’s a pretty area with its mix of wildflowers and 6-million-year-old volcanic rock.

5. Paradise, NZ – Lord Of The Rings & The Hobbit Trilogy

Yeah look, thanks to Tolkien’s world being brought t the big screen basically all of New Zealand could be on this list (NB. that’s a huge exaggeration on my part). Just outside of Glenorchy on the South Island, Paradise is another of these locations. In particular, it’s where the mythical towns of Lothlorien, Amon Hen, and Isengard were filmed.

6. Karekare Beach, NZ – The Piano

Ok so it’s not quite Hollywood levels, but The Piano is a fab film and Karekare Beach in West Auckland is probably one of the most beautiful spots you could hope for when landing on New Zealand. Beyond the black sand beach and cliff faces surrounding it, it’s worth a trek into Waitakere Waterfall.

7. Queenstown, NZ – X-Men Origins: The Wolverine

I love me some Hugh Jackman. He brought the backstory of comic book character Wolverine to life with this film in 2009, which was mostly filmed in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. A lot of New Zealand scenes were in Dunedin, but plenty more were in Queenstown’s Deer Park Heights.

8. Broken Hill, NSW – Priscilla Queen Of The Dessert

Name a more iconic Aussie film, I’ll wait. There’s a few places made famous in this film, including Sydney’s Imperial Hotel, a place that still proudly proclaims it LGBTQI roots. But its fun to get out of town so I’ve picked Broken Hill. Remember that scene where the Drag trio walk into a bar and encounter the bigoted Aussie woman who made her gross opinions about gender norms be known and Bernadette sassed her right back into place? Yup, that was in Mario’s Palace in Broken Hill.

10. Kings Cross, NSW – Two Hands

Vintage Heath Ledger and a truly beautiful film that was shot in large part in Sydney’s iconic Kings Cross. There isn’t really anything that screams Sydney, but grungy, than the famous neon Coke sign.

11. Mundi Mundi Plains, NSW: Mad Max 2 & Priscilla Queen of the Desert

This desert expanse just outside of the already mentioned Broken Hill is basically your iconic Aussie desert shot. Which is probably why it was picked for a stunning backdrop in both Priscilla Queen of the Desert and the series that put Mel Gibson on the map, Mad Max 2.

12. Sydney, NSW – Mission Impossible 2

I’m just going to admit right now that I’m not an MI fan, or a Tom Cruise one for that matter, but I’m well aware it’s a classic and popular action film so yeah ok, I won’t let bias stop me from including it. Most of the film was shot around Sydney. We’re talking Randwick, Botany Bay (ok just outside Sydney but still), the 90s era high rise buildings Governor Macquarie Tower and Governor Phillip Tower. The list goes on.

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Forbes Travel Guide's 14 Top Destinations Of 2019

For a destination to officially be having “a moment,” it needs more going for it than mere festivals or a few restaurant openings. The city has to be experiencing a shift in the way it looks and feels. Maybe it’s posturing itself as a new cultural mecca with gallery or museum openings. It could be establishing itself on the epicurean radar with fresh food halls or eateries from top-notch chefs.

Those are the sorts of things that caught our Forbes Travel Guide editors’ eyes with the following cities. Some are traditional hot spots that somehow keep reinventing themselves. Others are new stops prepping for their first time in the spotlight. All are having monumental moments that are worthy of a visit in 2019.

Singapore

The spotlight shone on the country in 2018 with the release of Crazy Rich Asians and the Trump-Kim summit at Five-Star Capella Singapore. This year promises much more. Singapore celebrate its bicentennial with exhibits, festivals and a host of openings. Changi Airport will debut the Jewel complex, a glass-and-steel dome housing lush gardens, attractions (the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 131 feet), shops, restaurants and more.

The Lion City also welcomes new properties (The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore), major reopenings (Raffles Singapore) and hot nightlife (Marina Bay Sands’ Marquee Singapore will have a full-sized Ferris wheel inside).

Hudson Yards, New YorkHUDSON YARDS, NEW YORK

Hudson Yards, New York

There’s always something going on in New York to capture our interest, but the 28-acre, multi-purpose Hudson Yards, the largest private real estate development in the country, has us fixated on Chelsea. The Shed is a dreamy architectural wonder featuring a theater, art galleries and more opening in April. The Shops at Hudson Yards, debuting in March, has nearly 100 retailers, including the city’s first Neiman Marcus. Still, June’s Equinox Hotel, a 200-plus-room first from the fitness brand with a restaurant, a SoulCycle and the biggest Equinox gym in the world, may be the biggest draw.

Williamsburg, Virginia

To commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first legislative assembly and other landmark occurrences, Colonial Williamsburg (and neighboring towns) has a slew of history-rich programs on the 2019 agenda. But not every story has a scholarly slant in these parts. Busch Gardens (Finnegan’s Flyer) and Water Country USA (Cutback Water Coaster) are debuting new rides. And, as always, Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Williamsburg Innproves an ideal resting place for all the excitement.

California’s Central Coast

There’s just something about Carmel-By-The-Sea’s craggy coast that will forever make this corner of California a worthy stop. But with Pebble Beach Resorts celebrating its 100th birthday in grand style (complete room renovation across its three hotels, hosting the 2019 U.S. Open) and Santa Barbara taking its high-end hospitality up a few notches (the new Rosewood Miramar Beach, the renovated San Ysidro Ranch), we’re especially excited about the area right now.

Vietnam

Eclipsed by other Asian cities, Vietnam finally is getting its moment. Yes, the pho is always flavorful, the Buddhist pagodas remain breathtaking and the festivals continue to be vibrant. But add on some elevated experiences: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An’s new spa services (Visiting Masters and Mindful Moments initiatives); InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort’s basket boat piloting and lantern-making lessons; and Pullman Danang Beach Resort’s unique coffee-making class.

Grand Canyon

A pinnacle U.S. destination for adventurers and artists alike, this beloved national park marks its centennial on February 26. To commemorate the milestone, the landmark is hosting a year-long roster of cultural events and exhibits. Get an intimate look at this national treasure with L’Auberge de Sedona, which will send you out on a special 100th anniversary Pink Jeep tour for a 10-hour journey.

Le GuanahaniLE GUANAHANI

St. Barts

Hurricane Irma battered the French-Caribbean island, but it’s back. Most hotels have reopened: Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France added 19 rooms, Le Sereno has a new restaurant and an expanded spa with Valmont treatments, Hôtel Le Toiny incorporated eight new suites and a beachfront pool, and Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa debuted rooftop bar Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot.

Later this year, Le Guanahani will wrap up restoring the property to its original charm, and also will reveal more beachfront suites and a new restaurant. Eden Rock - St. Barths will unveil three new suites, a reimagined Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant and the new Rémy Room and Bar.

Partake in all of the usual St. Barts activities: dining (Bonito and Bagatelle are open), yachting (St. Barts Bucket Regatta, March 21-24; Les Voiles de St. Barth, April 14-20) and, of course, carousing at Nikki Beach.

IstanbulISTOCK_EXPLORA_2005

Istanbul

The Turkish capital is modernizing its cultural offerings in 2019 by breaking ground on a brand-new Atatürk Cultural Center. The reimagined, multi-million-dollar complex is expected to include a movie theater, exhibition space, a rooftop restaurant and the state-of-the-art, 2,500-seat Istanbul Opera House when it reopens in 2021.

To accommodate adoring fans, the city offers opulent overnight options (Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, Raffles Istanbul) and also will debut the world’s largest airport in March, projected to welcome 200 million visitors annually.

San DiegoJOANNEDIBONA/SANDIEGO.ORG

San Diego

The SoCal city hits many milestones in 2019: it’s the 250th anniversary of San Diego’s birthplace, the 50th season for the Padres, the 50th anniversary of Comic-Con and the inaugural year for the ANOC World Beach Games (October 9-15), which melds beach, surf and extreme sports into one competition.

Yet what has us most excited to visit is its rise as an up-and-coming foodie city. Fine-dining stalwarts like Five-Star Addison Restaurant and Four-Star Veladora have been impressing for years, but an influx of new foodie spots is finally capturing people’s appetites. Taiwanese xiao long baopurveyor Din Tai Fung recently brought its beloved soup dumplings to town, and spring will see the debut of both chef Michael Mina’s barbecue-centric International Smoke and celebrity chef Akira Back’s modern Japanese restaurant Lumi.

We can’t discuss San Diego’s culinary explosion without mentioning its strong craft beer scene. Get a taste of it at Pendry San Diego’s Nason’s Beer Hall.

Six Senses Zighy Bay ResortSIX SENSES ZIGHY BAY RESORT

Muscat, Oman

A hidden gem in the Middle East, Oman’s picturesque capital is earning its place in the sun with a host of luxury hotel (Six Senses Zighy Bay Resort, The Chedi Muscat) and monumental museum (The National Museum) debuts in recent years.

And thanks to the grand opening of the 6.2 million-square-foot passenger terminal at Muscat International Airport in November 2018, more visitors than ever can experience this historic hideaway for themselves.

Perth’s Elizabeth Quay BridgeTOURISM AUSTRALIA

Perth

Exciting things are happening Down Under, thanks to an array of recent urban development in Western Australia’s capital. Last year saw the grand opening of Yagan Square (part park, dining destination, art display and transportation hub) and the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium.

And in 2019, brand-new foodie fest Western Australia Gourmet Escape (an expanded edition of Margaret River Gourmet Escape) will extend into Swan Valley wine country and Perth for a 10-day culinary celebration (November 8-17). After you finish sampling and sipping, head over to the region’s premier destination resort, Crown Towers Perth, to recharge overnight.

The Rijksmuseum NBTC HOLLAND MARKETING

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