Australia's government said on Sunday it would spend an extra A$95 million ($64.13 million) to protect against a destructive bird flu strain that has spread through bird and mammal populations worldwide but not yet reached the island continent.

Australia is the only continent yet to detect the highly pathogenic strain which has caused havoc across the globe.

Biosecurity, environmental funding for protected native species and a top-up of the national stockpile of flu vaccines are part of preparations for the arrival of H5N1 to Australia.

Ahead of a royal visit, King Charles says it is up to the Australian people to decide if they want to be a republic.

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive in Australia at the end of this week, amid renewed calls from the Republican movement to ditch the monarchy.

The real intention of King Charles since his coronation was “to get to Australia as soon as possible”, says The Daily Mirror Royal Editor Russell Myers.