Sick environment puts population in focus
Some say there's a relatively quick fix for Australia's ailing environment - a mature debate that leads to intelligent policies to shrink, not grow, Australia.
Politics
Brittany Higgins defends her side of story
Brittany Higgins has been questioned as the first witness in the trial of the man she accuses of raping her inside a ministerial office in Parliament House.
Aus dismayed as UN rejects China debate
The Australian government has expressed concern after the United Nations could not agree to hold a debate over China's alleged human rights abuses.
New roundtable to boost housing investment
The Albanese government will explore opportunities to co-invest in housing projects alongside private investors.
Power disparity worries parliament staff
A review into employment law governing parliamentarians and their staff has made 15 recommendations to address concerns about the power disparity.
Inland Rail probed for budget blowout
A government review into the $14.5 billion Inland Rail project will examine the line's route, as well as its schedule and cost.
Sydney man arrested over Optus breach scam
A Sydney man charged with trying to blackmail Optus customers caught in a major data breach could face up to 10 years behind bars.
Optus engaging lawyers ‘not a good look’
Optus is being dragged over the coals after promising to "vigorously defend" any class actions launched by Australian customers over a major security breach.
Future tax cuts stalk pre-budget debate
Tax cuts due in mid-2024 have become a flashpoint for the upcoming budget as Australia faces economic headwinds.
Melbourne COVID-19 quarantine hub to close
A purpose-built quarantine facility in Melbourne is closing nine months after opening to international travellers as a COVID-19 precaution.
Telstra staff data surfaces on dark web
The names and addresses of thousands of Telstra staff stolen from a third-party rewards program website in 2017 have been uploaded to the dark web.
Syria plan heads to national security body
The Australian government is weighting up whether to move ahead with plans to repatriate 16 women and 42 children from a Syrian refugee camp.
Nationals angle for regional voter support
The Nationals are embarking on a regional listening tour to understand how to win back voter support after the dismal coalition federal election result.
RBA lifts cash rate by 25 basis points
The Reserve Bank of Australia has finally taken its foot off the accelerator and slowed the pace of tightening after a series of jumbo rate hikes.
Monash hospital to undergo $560m expansion
The Victorian government will spend up to $560 million to upgrade Monash Medical Centre in Melbourne's southeast as the healthcare system struggles with demand.
Optus hack response ‘not going to cut it’
The federal government is waiting for a response from Optus after calling on the telco to work with it in protecting Australians caught up in the data breach.
Father welcomes Syria repatriation plan
A rescue plan to bring dozens of Australian women and children back from detention camps in Syria is set to be implemented by the federal government.
Optus reveals extent of data hack breach
Optus has started advising affected customers what ID documents have been exposed following a significant cyber attack, and the number of people impacted.
Optus ‘deeply sorry’ for data breach
Telecommunications giant Optus has taken out full-page ads to apologise to millions of customers affected by a massive data breach.
‘We reject charges’: Wong on jailed Aussie
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Myanmar "disappointingly and regrettably" barred Australian authorities from supporting jailed economist Sean Turnell in court.
SA lets the fruit fly dogs out
South Australia has deployed the nation's first fruit fly detector dogs in a bid to quickly contain outbreaks.
Agreement reached on domestic gas supply
The federal government and gas exporters have struck a new heads of agreement to ensure domestic supply of gas to the market for 2023.
Ex-CSIRO chair tempers green hydrogen hype
The amount of renewable energy needed to make hydrogen is huge and questions remain about whether it will become a key export, a former chair of the CSIRO says.
Fuel excise relief is history – so what now for petrol prices?
Over the past six months the Australian dollar’s buying power has declined from about 75 to 65 US cents (a 13% drop). But that has been offset by oil prices falling more than 30% since June.
New judge makes High Court majority women
Jayne Jagot has been appointed to the High Court of Australia, making the body a majority of women for the first time in its history.
Fears of long impact from Optus breach
Organisations holding Australian's personal data must take steps now to ensure they don't end up like Optus, the Australian Information Commissioner says.
Govt defends high bar for watchdog bill
The opposition welcomes the details of the federal anti-corruption body, as the government defends its decision to set a high bar for public hearings.
Massive investment needed in energy sector
The Energy Security Board says large-scale investment in new transmission infrastructure, generation and capacity is needed to keep power prices down.
Anti-corruption bill hits parliament
Federal government laws to set up a national anti-corruption commission have been introduced to parliament, sparking new debate over its scope and powers.
Budget recovering but no surplus in sight
The federal government recorded a better-than-expected $32 billion budget deficit, but the treasurer warns the budget is unlikely to return to surplus soon.
Australia remains vulnerable to new COVID-19 variants: review
Australia is not well-prepared should another variant of COVID-91 sweep through the country, a review of vaccine and treatment procurement has found.