Critics pay out on PM for ‘cowardly’ gambling reforms
The Albanese government has drawn scorn from political rivals after tabling its response to the Murphy report on gambling reform in the shadow of the budget.
Arts Culture and Entertainment
In Stella Prize first, a graphic novel draws the win
The $60,000 Stella Prize has gone to a graphic novel by a transgender author, in two firsts for the coveted book award.
Pull up a seat for Australia’s biggest design event
From leather mattresses to inflatable chairs, ingenious designs are on display at Melbourne Design Week, which features 400 events.
Enz forever? Kiwi legends tease new album ahead of tour
Always one step ahead, new wave innovators Split Enz are back for their first tour in 17 years. They're not done yet - and their hair is bigger than ever.
Delta Goodrem aims to Eclipse favourites at Eurovision
Delta Goodrem has unveiled the staging for her Eurovision entry Eclipse, as betting markets put Australia in contention but outside the top favourites.
Assault charges against media boss detailed in court
Antony Catalano's full assault charges have been made public after the media boss was excused from attending court in person because of mental health concerns.
Author Craig Silvey admits child exploitation crimes
Australian author Craig Silvey has pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing child exploitation material, as prosecutors dropped two other charges.
Award-winning Aussie literary figure David Malouf dies
One of Australia's most celebrated literary figures, David Malouf, who published multiple prize-winning works, has passed away at the age of 92.
Traditional owners want say in managing totem species
Dingoes, emus and other iconic species are culturally significant for Indigenous Australians. They want more say in managing and protecting them.
Has national cultural policy revived the arts scene?
As arts bodies are defunded amid scandals and event cancellations, many in the sector are disgruntled with the national cultural policy.
More young people like social media ban than oppose it
Months after more children were banned from social media, almost half of young people support the change even as they worry about missing out.
Higgins’ relief as Lehrmann rape finding stands forever
A refusal by Australia's highest court to hear Bruce Lehrmann's appeal against his defamation loss brought finality to a painful chapter, Brittany Higgins says.
Punt on gambling reforms fails to hit support jackpot
Restrictions on gambling ads have drawn pointed criticism from harm reduction advocates, who say there are too many loopholes that will still hurt Australians.
Famed commentator to receive state send-off
Renowned broadcaster Dennis Cometti will receive a state memorial service in Western Australia, giving the public a chance to say farewell.
Tech giants slammed for censoring party-drug alerts
Automated censorship by social media platforms is hampering efforts to warn of potentially deadly drugs circulating in the community, pill-testers say.
Bondi shooter’s fearful family lose court gag order bid
Death threats towards family members of the surviving Bondi massacre gunman have failed to persuade a judge to bar publication of their names.
Fuel crunch looms but the show must go on
Shortages and logistical woes haven't fazed passionate agriculturalists as Australia's biggest farm show reports not a single exhibitor has pulled out.
‘Frightening’ arson attack destroys infamous nightclub
A "highly suspicious" blaze that tore through a notorious inner-city nightclub in the early hours was likely a targeted attack, police have suggested.
‘Stealth’ land claim law parked after Indigenous uproar
Labor has shelved changes to crown land aimed at protecting fire stations and marinas from Aboriginal claims after being accused of "scaremongering".
Strike threat remains as ABC staff return to work
ABC staff are leaving the door open to more strikes, as union figures say their message about job security and wages is not getting through to management.
Bid for Aussie acts to star at AFL grand final gigs
Global stars Katy Perry and Snoop Dogg have headlined AFL grand final entertainment in recent years, and there are calls for Aussie acts to take top billing.
Blues fans see red as organisers pull plug on festival
A popular Australian festival has been abruptly cancelled three weeks before it was due to begin, blaming poor ticket sales and rising production costs.
Guard of honour for King, Queen ahead of state dinner
The Danish royals have been officially welcomed to Government House by the governor-general and prime minister as part of a state tour Down Under.
‘Reset button’: Ramadan binds community amid tensions
Fasting from sunrise to sunset, about one million Muslims in Australia are marking the holy month of Ramadan amid wars and as multiculturalism is tested.
Festival of world music scrambles due to world conflict
More than 120 artists and crew heading to the WOMADelaide festival have been caught up in travel chaos, with some making massive journeys so they can perform.
Tech giant plans 800 million AI gadgets by Christmas
If your smartphone does not feature artificial intelligence, it could add the technology soon, with one manufacturer planning to double down on its investment.
Broke Outback Wrangler saddles up to defend lawsuit
Celebrity crocodile wrangler Matt Wright has fired his lawyers as he fights legal action from the widow of the victim of a fatal helicopter crash.
Writer pays for lies that ‘humiliated’ church leader
A veteran journalist who relentlessly attacked a spiritual leader with meritless claims has been ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.
Midnight Oil co-founder tours after ‘brutal bisection’
Jim Moginie is on tour with a new band, determined to "let Dr Music have his way" after the death of his close friend and former bandmate Rob Hirst in January.
Fears for tears as lion dancers gird for Lunar New Year
Kicks, leaps and the ability to tear up a lettuce with your bare hands: a Chinese lion dancer reveals what it takes to ring in the Lunar New Year.
Star Americana duo return with music for hard times
After sell-out performances at the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne's Hamer Hall last year, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings are taking their show on the road.