Oceania · Australia and New Zealand · Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Events where Australia was directly involved or significantly affected.
Japanese forces bombed Darwin, Northern Territory — the first and largest foreign attack on Australian soil, pivoting Australias security alliance toward the United States.
Source: Australian War Memorial
A novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China, spread globally, causing the most severe pandemic since 1918 and unprecedented economic shutdowns worldwide.
Source: WHO
China imposed tariffs on Australian barley, wine, and other exports after Australia called for an independent investigation into COVID-19 origins, straining a key trade relationship.
Source: DFAT