PNG talks embrace ties, keep China at arm’s length
Australia and Papua New Guinea have begun defence treaty talks with a warm embrace, ensuring they are "tied to the hip" in a rebuke to China's influence.
Politics
Remapping stories of shared connection through dance
Listening and feeling the sounds of mother earth is at the heart of a dance piece co-choreographers say has the power to heal.
Veterans to get easier, quicker support in major reform
Australia's veterans will get simpler and faster access to compensation and rehabilitation in an overhaul of the system after laws cleared the parliament.
‘Intrusion’ before Chinese flares near RAAF plane
An Australian military aircraft has been targeted by a Chinese fighter jet after what Beijing described as "deliberate intrusion" into its airspace.
Labor’s childcare subsidy reforms pass parliament
Parents will have access to three days of subsidised childcare after laws were rushed through the parliament ahead of a looming federal election.
Deadly warning over Chinese military ‘intimidation’
Security experts fear repeated and dangerous near-misses involving the Chinese military could lead to serious injury or a potential loss of life.
Independents seize on ‘unfair’ deal to boost campaign
David Pocock is going on tour to visit other independent candidates challenging major party MPs after electoral changes he brands as unfair were rammed through.
Trump steel deal could fire up housing sector boost
Home-builders could benefit from efforts by Australia to carve out an exemption to US President Donald Trump's steel tariffs.
Labor admits trust damaged after surviving voter revolt
The Liberals have fallen short of a by-election upset in a traditional Labor stronghold after voters took a sledgehammer to the 10-year-old state government.
‘We’re the glue’: spotlight thrust on army signallers
Current and former army members have put on a show full of pomp and ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals.
Dutton projected to be next PM but teals still a threat
Labor has a mountain to climb to prevent Peter Dutton from forming government at the next election, with polling predicting a coalition wave in outer suburbs.
New homes and land banking off-limits to foreign buyers
Established homes will be off-limits and foreign owners will be forced to develop vacant land under new measures announced to improve housing supply.
Train delays ahead as workers win right to action
A rail union has won a decisive victory at the Fair Work Commission to engage in industrial action, spelling more delays and cancellations for NSW commuters.
Controversial Labor MP dies months after alleged attack
A controversial former Western Australia Labor party MP has died in hospital after an alleged attack.
Dutton prays for rate cut as RBA enters conclave
Economists say a major reduction in mortgage rates this year is unlikely, even though the Reserve Bank board is widely tipped to deliver a cut on Tuesday.
Murder trial hears of previous attack on teenage boy
A teen witness has told a murder trial that two of Cassius Turvey's alleged killers attacked in the days before the Indigenous teen was fatally injured.
Cultural landscape ‘obliterated’ at mine, court told
Traditional owners seeking compensation from iron ore miners have been effectively "locked out" of their Country, a court has been told.
Indigenous teen’s murderer a ‘coward filled with rage’
Cassius Turvey's alleged murderer was a vengeful bully and a coward, who blamed his mate for the killing in a bid to save his own skin, a court has been told.
‘No-brainer’ home ownership boost for HECS debt Aussies
Australians saddled with student debt who want to enter the housing market will be given a helping hand, under changes to lending requirements.
Controversial electoral reforms cap donations, spending
Crossbenchers and independents are up in arms over reforms they argue stack the playing field towards the major parties by limiting their campaign resources.
Australia at the ‘bottom of the class’ on research
Australian businesses and governments are investing too little in vital research projects, a discussion paper has revealed.
Calls for change 17 years on from national apology
For some, the anniversary of the apology to Stolen Generations is a source of pride. For others it is a reminder of the "dire" reality for Indigenous children.
Anger in halls of power over ‘unfair’ electoral reforms
Federal MPs have clashed in a Parliament House corridor over political donation laws which loom as a sticking point in minority government negotiations.
Former ADF chief Campbell slammed over honours call
Veterans have called for an overhaul of the Defence honours and awards system, with former defence force chief Angus Campbell heavily criticised.
Cries continue for Trump’s Gaza plan to be scrapped
Australian activists have taken to the streets to contest Donald Trump's declaration the US will take over war-torn Gaza, with more weekend protests planned.
Trans rallies push back against curb on gender care
Rallies have been held in major capitals and regional centres to support transgender youth as the peak medical body reviews care that one state has paused.
Ballots and barbs in by-election litmus test for Labor
State Liberals hope voter frustration over living costs and crime will deliver them upsets in two by-elections being held at once in capital city suburbs.
‘Trump backs AUKUS’ as Aust tips $800m into US coffers
US President Donald Trump is supportive of its multi-decade submarine deal with Australia, his defence secretary has said calming fears of snap renegotiations.
Greens concede Prahran as Werribee hangs in the balance
A Liberal candidate has wrested an inner-city seat from the Greens in one of two state by-elections, as the other political contest remains too close to call.
Blending classical with country, all for love of music
Adding a classical flavour to her country-pop fan favourites is the latest passion project for an Indigenous singer-songwriter renowned for blending styles.
Cost relief hailed as right prescription for menopause
Women's health specialists say hormone therapy subsidies are a significant step forward in treating the often prolonged and severe symptoms of menopause.