BBC News Australia

Australia has suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong in response to a new national security law there, imposed by China.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new law undermined "Hong Kong's own basic law" and the territory's current level of autonomy from Beijing.

Australia plans to extend visas for Hong Kong residents and encourage businesses there to relocate, he said.
China has criticised the move as "gross interference" in its domestic affairs.

"We urge the Australian side to immediately stop meddling... otherwise it will lead to nothing but lifting a rock only to hit its own feet," said a statement by its embassy in Australia.

So does this send a useful signal to China? Geoff Raby is Australia's former ambassador to China - he's been speaking to the BBC's James Menendez. 

Photo: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Canberra, Australia. Credit: Getty Images

The closing of borders between New South Wales and Victoria has separated families in Australia.

Five million residents of the Australian city of Melbourne have been told to stay at home for six weeks, amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

Victoria State Premier Daniel Andrews announced the lockdown after the state saw 191 new infections, its highest daily number since the pandemic began.

The state's borders with its neighbours, New South Wales and South Australia, will close within hours.

The BBC's Razia Iqbal has been speaking to Bridget Rollason, from ABC Melbourne.

Photo shows: People in PPE arrive with food to be distributed to residents in a housing estate in Melbourne that's been placed under hard lockdown. Credit: EPA