Minister torpedoes talk defence billions to appease US
Australia insists a $12 billion spend on a defence precinct is about boosting the nation's capabilities, but experts say the increase is not significant.
Politics
NZ offers blueprint for home-building productivity fix
Australia should follow New Zealand in reforming zoning rules to boost limp construction productivity and expand housing supply, leading economists say.
‘Lot of work to do’: coalition slump to polling low
The coalition's primary vote has plummeted to its lowest level in Newspoll history, after a controversial week for the opposition on migration.
Papua New Guinea swells with pride for golden jubilee
Papua New Guineans are draping themselves in the national colours to celebrate 50 years since the country's flag was first raised to mark its independence.
‘Terrified for my life’: Aussies in Gaza aid boat scare
An Australian media entrepreneur sleeping on the top deck of an aid vessel bound for Gaza felt "a massive ball of flames" as a drone hit the ship off Tunisia.
Elder fails to defend trespass using sovereignty claim
An Indigenous elder who tried to defend trespass and property damage charges using sovereignty rights has been told laws must be applied to everyone equally.
Huge legal bill for Higgins as settlement plan revealed
Former political staffer Brittany Higgins has been ordered to pay 80 per cent of former senator Linda Reynolds' legal costs after losing a defamation case.
Home scheme extension set to open more doors
Lifting the caps in an expanded government home-buying scheme will open the door for more first-time buyers, but it also risks fast-tracking price rises.
Australia wants peace after Israel’s ‘criminal assault’
Australia has joined the condemnation of Israel's "criminal assault" on Qatar, but pro-Israel groups have blamed Doha for harbouring Hamas' leaders.
Protest charges dropped against woman ‘punched by cop’
A woman allegedly punched in the head "with enough force to rip open my right eyeball" before being charged for resisting police will file a civil lawsuit.
PM confident of Vanuatu pact despite treaty delay
A $500 million security pact between Australia and Vanuatu has been put on hold despite talks between Anthony Albanese and his Pacific counterpart.
‘Misinformation, lies’: Australian-first treaty warning
Students are set to learn more about post-colonial impacts on Aboriginal people after an agreement was struck on an Australian-first treaty.
PM talks up ‘warm’ Trump phone call but no meeting set
Anthony Albanese has held his fourth phone call with President Donald Trump, but there has been no update on the result of a critical US defence review.
Money can’t replace people: robodebt victims after win
Robodebt scheme victims are vindicated by a massive settlement but say the payout will never be enough for the people who took their own lives.
Latest phone chat points towards Albanese-Trump meeting
A phone call between Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump makes a face-to-face meeting of the two leaders more likely, experts say.
Beaches near fatal attack site closed as shark detected
Two beaches were closed after a tagged shark was detected in the area, while others have yet to reopen following a fatal attack that killed a "hero" surfer.
Robodebt payout could take years to flow to victims
A years-long legal battle over the unlawful robodebt scheme has ended with a multimillion-dollar settlement, but victims could wait years to get payments.
Daniel Andrews breaks silence on China parade outing
Dan Andrews is unrepentant about attending a military show of might in China, where he was photographed with dictators and alleged war criminals.
Bob Katter in strife for threatening to punch reporter
The tirade of threats Bob Katter unleashed on a TV reporter has landed him in the parliamentary doghouse, with a standards committee asked to investigate.
Deaf, non-verbal man among ‘inexcusable’ Optus targets
Optus is hoping a court will approve a $100 million fine after it engaged in "unacceptable" sales tactics affecting Indigenous and disabled customers.
Australia’s deportation deal with Nauru to cost $2.5b
Australia's deal with Nauru to deport ex-immigration detainees will cost taxpayers up to $2.5 billion over three decades, a parliamentary committee was told.
Thin blue line as police force struggles with vacancies
A wage increase and other initiatives to attract more officers are yet to shift the dial at the nation's biggest police force, where 2470 positions are vacant.
Fight goes on as defence suicide reforms slowly kick in
Advocates for an inquiry into defence and veteran suicide are cautiously optimistic about the direction of reforms almost a year after findings were made.
First Nations runners chasing major marathon goal
Three First Nations runners are chasing a huge milestone, completing their seventh world marathon major on Sunday.
Australia signs $400m deportation deal with Nauru
Australia will pay Nauru hundreds of millions of dollars to accept non-citizens who don't have a valid visa as part of a new deal to deport them.
Australia signs $400m deportation deal with Nauru
Australia will pay Nauru hundreds of millions of dollars to accept non-citizens who don't have a valid visa as part of a new deal to deport them.
Hundreds of former immigration detainees to be deported
A deal to deport former immigration detainees to Nauru has secured bipartisan support but drawn condemnation from human rights groups.
Thousands of electric SUVs recalled over injury risk
One of Australia's most popular electric vehicle brands has been subject to a product recall over a fault with one of its safety systems.
Vicious cycles: national push to slow electric bikes
Cycling groups say high-powered and illegally modified e-bikes are increasingly being used in Australia and stricter, national rules are needed to save lives.
Violent protests fail to budge fresh immigration intake
A key migration target has been announced days after national anti-immigration rallies, with the government under fire for the timing of its release.
Indigenous language, song celebrated on iconic stage
A desire to revitalise languages from a remote community is bringing Country to one of Australia's most iconic arts venues.