Labor promises persistence on China trade reopening
Trade Minister Don Farrell has arrived in Beijing in a bid to end a long-running dispute blocking Australian businesses accessing lucrative Chinese markets.
Politics
Experts slam premier over ‘terrorism’ link to detainees
Problems at the Banksia Hill Youth Detention Centre are not new and WA Premier Mark McGowan's description of youths as "terrorists" is unhelpful, advocates say.
Secret report on terrorist assessment reveals problems
Methods of assessing a terrorist's risk to the community if released from prison have been found lacking in a secret report for the home affairs department.
Lehrmann prosecutor grilled on advice to Lisa Wilkinson
The ACT's top prosecutor believes he warned Lisa Wilkinson against giving a Logies speech about Brittany Higgins, but conceded he should have been clearer.
Liberal leader lawyers up for stoush with expelled MP
The leader of the Victorian Liberals John Pesutto is preparing for a legal fight with Moira Deeming after the party room voted to expel the controversial MP.
Grocery prices are set to rise again, truck groups warn
Farmers and trucking companies will face rising fees after this week's federal budget and may be forced to pass them on to consumers, groups warn.
Inquiry backs unamended laws on Indigenous voice
A parliamentary committee has recommended laws to set up a referendum to enshrine an Indigenous voice in the constitution be passed without amendment.
Environment groups blast ‘timid’ biodiversity funding
Australia's shocking loss of nature will not be fixed under a federal budget like the one delivered on Tuesday, conservation groups say.
NT budget locks in roads and ports for mining future
The Northern Territory is on track to return to surplus by 2026-27 as mining royalties and a greater share of GST boosts the coffers, Treasurer Eva Lawler says.
Renegade MP and Minns’ mate wins vote in new NSW parly
NSW Labor has improved its chances of passing government legislation, with Nationals MP Ben Franklin and an independent elected to oversee parliament's houses.
Contracts out to tender for 2026 Commonwealth Games
The Victorian government expects a $3 billion injection into the economy from the major sporting event but questions remain as to who's footing the $2.6b bill.
Welfare payments, renters’ help boosted
Welfare recipients and renters will get extra help in the May budget, under the Albanese's government cost-of-living package to be unveiled on Tuesday night.
NSW coalition front bench resolved at eleventh hour
Former premier Dominic Perrottet has declined an invitation to join the NSW opposition leader's front bench, which was settled hours before the new parliament.
Brawling NSW Nationals elect Dubbo MP as leader
The NSW Nationals have elected Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders as the new party leader after a feud broke out one day before the return of parliament.
Budget cost shifting not about ‘slash and cut and burn’
The federal government assures its almost $18 billion in re-prioritised spending is sensible and won't drain programs of money they need.
Review details benefits of exclusive Sam Smith concert
The South Australian government has revealed the full benefits of an exclusive Sam Smith concert which drew heavy criticism.
Housing, jobs on federal parliament agenda
It may be budget week in federal parliament but there are a number of other priorities for the Albanese government, including housing and job security.
Fadden by-election to be next big test for Liberals
While Fadden is seen as a safe seat for the coalition, the upcoming by-election in the Gold Coast electorate will bring new challenges for Peter Dutton.
Victoria to launch digital driver’s licences by 2024
Victoria will trial digital driver's licences in a regional city for six months before launching the technology across the state next year.
Budget tipped to go back in black, debts reduced
The federal budget is forecasting a near $4 billion surplus for this financial year and smaller deficits over the forward estimates.
‘Drover’s dog’ could deliver budget surplus: Coalition
The coalition has rained on any sense of achievement Jim Chalmers might feel if he delivers a budget surplus, saying the test will be if it can be maintained.
PM’s coronation attendance and pledge to King ‘crucial’
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he is honoured to have represented Australia at the coronation of King Charles.
Life sentence for mother who murdered, burned kids
Margaret Hawke has been sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum non-parole period of 25 years, for murdering her three children and burning their bodies.
RBA flags inflation concern over tighter rental squeeze
The red-hot rental market is one source of uncertainty hanging over the Reserve Bank's plan to hammer down inflation.
Liberals to look local for Stuart Robert replacement
A by-election will be triggered in the Queensland seat of Fadden following the retirement of Liberal MP Stuart Robert.
Judge chides Attorney-General over ‘personal decision’
Adam Cranston helped divert more than $105 million from the tax office, but a judge is "profoundly unhappy" taxpayers will no longer fund his defence.
Short-term budget bounce but long-term pressures remain
A temporary boost to the budget bottom line will be welcome but fast-growing spending is likely to keep pressure on federal government finances.
Albanese steps around republic debate before coronation
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged Australians to respect institutions such as the royal family while praising King Charles' concerns about the future.
Australian in Sudan told ‘no baby passport, no return’
An Australian woman stuck in Sudan with her eight-month-old baby says she's been told they can't come home unless the child has a passport.
State Libs urge Dutton to stay out of exiled MP ‘mess’
The Victorian Liberals say an intervention from the federal party is unnecessary after an exiled MP announced plans for legal action against senior figures.
Contest brews over sport versus politics for voice vote
The 'yes' and 'no' campaigns for an Indigenous voice in the constitution are going head-to-head over whether sporting codes should join the debate.