Red tape ‘layers’ peeled back to build homes quicker
Drawn-out planning approvals are being sped up with a one-stop shop ticking off major projects, heightening environmentalists' concerns about fossil fuel plans.
Politics
Rate cut hopes evaporate with healthy jobs figures
Shares have plunged and the Aussie dollar has soared after surprisingly robust jobs figures showed the economy is running near capacity.
Worker shortages dampen surge in green energy, housing
As governments ramp up their housing and energy transition projects, the nation's infrastructure pipeline is coming up against a shortfall in workers.
Jail time for threatening staff as retail attacks surge
Years in jail and store bans are among tougher penalties flagged by a state government tackling a troubling surge in attacks and threats on retail shop staff.
Secret report on cronyism comes back to bite Labor
The key finding of a major investigation into "jobs for the boys" across federal politics can be revealed after being kept secret for more than two years.
Brazen lies, ballot box bullies among election antics
From intimidation at polling booths to constant social media nonsense on voting, an inquiry has has been told all about new dark sides of election politics.
Howard blasts ‘foolish’ comments, backs in Sussan Ley
John Howard warns the Liberals' constant "internal bickering" will stunt their ability to win back the public as he backs in Sussan Ley's leadership.
Deputy PM recasts Labor as ‘the party of defence’
Red meat was thrown to Labor's party faithful in WA as the state was talked up as the future hub of Australia's defence strategy.
‘Animals’: neo-Nazi stunt condemned as response divides
A gathering of neo-Nazi supporters outside a state parliament has been roundly slammed as offensive, while politicians grapple with the best response.
Alarming Aussie support for political violence revealed
Many Australians have lost faith in democracy and elected leaders, with nearly one in ten believing violence can be justified for a political cause.
‘Cruel game’: cracks showing over NDIS scheme shake-up
Tensions have bubbled to the surface over a federal overhaul of support for autistic children to rein in snowballing NDIS scheme costs.
Princess Anne honours Aussie army amid royal rumblings
British royal Princess Anne is celebrating the centenary of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals with a series of engagements in a whirlwind four-day trip.
RBA bigwig reveals how economy can escape slow lane
The Australian economy's spare capacity will be key to deciding how many times the Reserve Bank can cut interest rates, a senior official says.
Green steel given pride of place in major govt projects
Steel made with green energy will be preferred on major government projects in a move hailed by renewables advocates as a step forward for Australian industry.
Former PM wanted to arrest the man who sacked Whitlam
Two former prime ministers have given a behind-the-scenes look at the machinations leading up to the Whitlam dismissal, 50 years on from the political saga.
No rules, no use: Aussie firms may miss AI opportunity
More Australian businesses are investing in artificial intelligence technology but many are still waiting for clear rules about its use.
Relief as victims of anti-gay laws are compensated
Equality advocates are rejoicing after nation-leading laws allowing men convicted of homosexuality under former laws passed a state parliament.
Rapist ex-MP’s sentence delayed by 11th-hour legal bid
A disgraced former families minister will have to wait days longer to learn if he has to stay behind bars for sexually assaulting two men.
Nation must ‘choose courage’ as it enters treaty era
Australians are being urged to put aside politics and "choose courage", as one state prepares to enter into treaty with its First Nations people.
Demands for review of BOM site after mass complaints
Federal politicians are calling for a review of the Bureau of Meteorology's revamped website after it was labelled difficult to navigate and missing key tools.
Gambling lobby floats ad limit as uncertainty lingers
Betting companies are searching for a middle ground on gambling advertising reform as the communications minister weighs up a response to a landmark inquiry.
Treasurer hits back as opposition slaps panic button
The coalition has sought to link a recent rise in inflation and unemployment to the 1970s economic malaise, but analysts say there is no need to panic.
PM optimistic Trump and Xi will reduce trade tensions
Anthony Albanese is hopeful a hotly anticipated meeting between the world's most powerful leaders will lead to a reduction in trade barriers.
‘Predatory’ former MP jailed for molesting young men
A former families minister will spend years in prison for the "'predatory" sexual assaults of two young men while elected to a state Liberal government.
Chalmers mulls automatic approval for foreign investors
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has unveiled more changes to the nation's foreign investment review scheme as he struck down a proposed pharmaceutical takeover.
Nationals council ditches net zero from policy platform
The Nationals federal council has voted to abandon achieving net zero emissions from the party platform as MPs are poised to finalise their position on climate.
Nationals ditch net zero as Liberals ponder policy
The Nationals say Australia's climate targets are driving up power prices and shutting down industry but their coalition partner isn't yet on board.
Dad’s ‘sadness and heartache’ over delay in murder case
It's been more than 500 days since Molly Ticehurst's former boyfriend was charged with her domestic violence-related murder, but he is yet to enter pleas.
Warning for Liberals on net zero as axing calls grow
A push to dump a major climate policy threatens to consign the coalition to even more years in the political wilderness as the Liberals close in on a decision.
Sticky inflation cruels chances of interest rate relief
Borrowers face the possibility of interest rates going up rather than down again after the Reserve Bank held steady following a spike in inflation.
Million-dollar reward could crack ‘solvable’ cold case
Detectives hope a large reward will help uncover crucial information leading to an arrest for the murder of a woman two decades ago.