Albanese sidesteps Plibersek Labor leadership claims
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has sidestepped claims by Tanya Plibersek that she would have become Labor leader in 2019 had she run for the job.
Politics
Safeguard mechanism at risk of blowing out, models show
New models have shown the emissions budget as part of the safeguard mechanism is at risk of blowing out, with new projects under the microscope.
NSW rivals flex their economic muscle in western Sydney
The premier and the man who wants his job both insist they are the best qualified to handle the NSW budget in a pitch to voters in Sydney's west.
Fuming farmers query live sheep export ban compensation
An independent panel will review how and when live sheep exports should be phased out, as questions linger over compensation for farmers.
‘Unimaginable’: First objects taken by Cook return home
Indigenous community members gathered at the site of British contact to mark the return of Kamay spears to traditional owners, 252 years after they were stolen.
New house approvals slide for fifth month in a row
Approvals for new homes remain subdued as stubbornly high inflation and rising interest rates weigh on demand for home-building.
Higher taxes to hit multimillion-dollar super balances
Australians with more than $3 million in their superannuation accounts will receive less generous tax breaks under changes due to come into force in 2025.
Bias and conflict issues found in council recruitment
A local council showed a lack of proper recruitment policy and procedure when employing eight people, Tasmania's Integrity Commission says.
More than 200 cars deregistered over EV road user tax
The Victorian government has cancelled registrations for more than 200 vehicles as part of its low-emission vehicle road user charge being fought in court.
Robodebt made victim ‘feel like a cheat’, inquiry told
A man wrongfully accused of owing the government $11,000 has told a royal commission how the robodebt program made him feel like a criminal and a cheat.
Economic growth softens amid higher interest rates
Official national accounts figures show easing economic growth as nine interest rate hikes start to weigh on household budgets.
Home price slide loses momentum as new listings tighten
The downturn in housing prices appears to be easing but experts say it's too soon to say if it's bottoming out or has further to fall.
Battleground set for changes to superannuation tax
The treasurer says a change to super tax concessions above $3 million is a modest budget repair measure amid opposition attacks over the higher rate.
Fears of unrest after Kumanjayi’s death questioned
Police were not informed that an Indigenous teenager who left an alcohol rehabilitation unit wanted to return, an inquest into his shooting death has heard.
Plan to ‘future proof’ Sydney with Metro: Perrottet
The premier has defended coalition metro plans for Sydney's west as a poll predicts a majority Labor victory at the looming 'nail-biter' NSW election.
Inland Rail $14.5b project ‘way over budget’, schedule
One of Australia's biggest transport projects is over budget, behind schedule and has been treated like a "vanity project", the federal minister has warned.
Family of professor taken hostage ‘overjoyed’ at return
Professor Bryce Barker's family have expressed their gratitude and thanks to those who helped secure his release after he was taken hostage in Papua New Guinea.
Thorpe challenges athletes to wear rainbow colours
Australian swimming icon Ian Thorpe is appealing to high-profile athletes to don rainbow shirts to show support for young, gay people facing discrimination.
Indigenous voice failure ‘unthinkable’, says Liberal MP
A senior Liberal MP says there is scope for co-operation with Labor on a constitutionally enshrined Indigenous voice, but the focus must be on outcomes.
Professor freed from PNG criminals returns to Australia
Archaeologist Professor Bryce Barker has returned to Australia after being released by criminals who took him and three others hostage in Papua New Guinea.
Kumanjayi arrest unsound and unsafe, senior cop says
A senior police officer has told the Kumanjayi Walker inquest that a special unit deviated from a plan to arrest him and it should have used different tactics.
Retail sales bounce back after festive season slide
Retail turnover has improved after a softer-than-expected result in December largely attributed to evolving holiday spending patterns.
US clears Australia to acquire new long-range missiles
Washington has approved the sale of high-tech missiles to Australia, one of the first major arms deals since the introduction of an updated defence strategy.
Australian professor freed from PNG hostage situation
A professor based in Australia and several other hostages taken captive in the southern highlands of Papua New Guinea have been freed.
Perrottet ‘impeded’ committee’s work in Barilaro report
A parliamentary committee has accused NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet of refusing to help a probe into lucrative overseas trade appointments.
Calls for national body to protect whistleblowers
Australia risks being left behind the rest of the world if it doesn't set up a national body to protect whistleblowers, a parliamentary inquiry has been told.
Business profits rebound but outstrip wages bill
Australian company profits have bounced back after dropping off steeply last quarter, with business inventories returning a softer-than-expected result.
A year on, Ukraine asks for more Australian ‘mateship’
As Australia reflects on the first year of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the nation's ambassador says a "business as usual" approach won't secure victory.
Opposition labels referendum a ‘vanity project’ for PM
The voice to parliament is a "re-election vanity project" for the prime minister who won't detail how the body will work, the deputy opposition leader says.
NSW election heats up over energy, teacher shortages
The coalition and Labor have traded barbs over energy and education policy as the election campaign steams into its final four weeks.
Change my mind: Mundine’s challenge to ‘yes’ campaign
Warren Mundine, one of the loudest voices in the campaign against an Indigenous voice to parliament, wants to be convinced to switch sides.