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.
Politics
Invincible no more: by-election puts Labor on notice
With a state by-election result hanging on a knife edge, voters have fired a "warning shot" at Labor ahead of the upcoming federal election.
Draft electoral donations cap to be raised after talks
Draft caps and thresholds for federal election spending will increase as Labor negotiates with the Liberals to pass electoral reform before parliament rises.
‘Exciting’ price caps could close health and budget gap
A government plan to cap the cost of essential groceries could help to improve the health of First Nations people living in remote communities.
Kimberley matriarchs urge investment in women
The federal government must invest in Aboriginal women's leadership to make a difference in communities, one Western Australian organisation says.
Australia must be a ‘model ally’ in US tariff talks
Australia must prove its relationship with the US is mutually beneficial to earn another exemption from steel and aluminium tariffs, experts say.
Inquiry into caravan briefings a waste of resources: PM
The prime minister has rejected calls from the opposition to hold an inquiry into when he was briefed on the discovery of a caravan laden with explosives.
Alleged synagogue arsonists targeted by fellow inmates
Two men with extensive criminal histories have been denied bail over an attack on a synagogue which police allege was motivated by hate.
Coalition senator takes aim at $840 million pledge
An $840 million pledge will not amount to self-determination, the coalition says, as peak organisations welcome the 'genuine, meaningful' funding agreement.
Dutton supporting ‘erasure’ of Palestinians: advocates
Palestinians have lashed Peter Dutton for "legitimising" Donald Trump's plan for a US take over of Gaza which would erase them as a people, advocates say.
Hate crime laws to make anti-Semites ‘think twice’
Jewish leaders have backed controversial changes aimed at ending "an ongoing campaign of domestic terrorism" resulting in a litany of anti-Semitic attacks.
Disastrous dumped bail offences back ‘on the table’
All reforms are on the table as part of a so-called bail law review, including re-establishing offences found to disproportionately target Aboriginal people.
Musk-like efficiency role ‘strange’ call for Australia
Australia must cut red tape and reform its tax system to boost productivity and safeguard against a looming trade war, the Business Council says.
Under-pressure government slammed for bail laws review
Another overhaul of bail laws is on the cards, as a state government is accused of buckling to scare-mongering amid rising youth crime.
States warned to tighten spending or pay more to borrow
States' "lax financial discipline" has earned a rebuke from a credit ratings giant, which says they are at risk of paying higher interest bills to service debt.
Call for ‘data diplomacy’ with China after DeepSeek ban
Chinese AI platform DeepSeek has been banned from government use over security concerns, but experts say more must be done to protect Australians' information.
Teals bet on hung parliament to force gambling ad ban
Independent crossbenchers will leverage their votes in a minority government to force action on banning betting advertising after Labor failed to act.
Long-term homelessness grows amid housing cost crunch
Calls are mounting for more funding for homelessness services as data shows the number of people without a home long-term jumped.
Wider economy would be hurt from Star collapse: union
As the future of Star Entertainment hangs in the balance, a prominent union says it isn't just casino workers who would be hit by its collapse.
By-election cost a factor in MP’s sentencing process
A judge has agreed to hear sentencing submissions on a state MP convicted of theft but may revisit his decision if given details on by-election costings.
Dump fuel fees and tax all cars, motoring groups urge
The government should overhaul vehicle taxes in its upcoming budget, according to early submissions that say electric, hybrid and petrol drivers should pay.
Puberty blockers and trans kids’ care to be reviewed
The health treatment of transgender children will be reviewed by Australia's peak health body as one state pauses gender-affirming care for new child patients.
Inspired by home and matriarchy, dancers hit the road
Indigenous dance company Bangarra is heading on tour with its cross-cultural ode to mothers and what it means to call somewhere home.
Unlikely alliance spells danger for Labor in key seats
A federal candidate backed by The Muslim Vote is in negotiations with the Liberals, Greens and other independents to preference Labor last in a must-win seat.
Reckoning looms as Labor, Libs look to shake off woes
A long-time state Labor government is under the pump with crucial by-elections likely to reveal the extent of voters' dissatisfaction after a turbulent summer.
Canada, Mexico retaliate with hefty tariffs on US goods
Canada and Mexico have swiftly retaliated after Donald Trump imposed stiff tariffs on his neighbours' imports to the US, amid fears of a widespread trade war.
Extremist groups tipped to sidestep terror sanctions
Extremist groups will continue evolving to evade counter-terrorism sanctions slapped on them in a bid to curb escalating anti-Semitism, experts warn.
‘Sense of optimism’ as PM rallies Labor, goes on attack
As politicians prepare to hit the hustings, the prime minister welcomes the start of the parliamentary year with confidence and a new attack line.
Jobs on a string in major energy grid expansion project
A transmission project in one of the most rugged parts of the world is a "litmus test" for whether a state government can stop jobs going offshore, an MP says.
Mystery money for MPs shines light on ‘dark’ donations
Independents want greater transparency into who is bankrolling political parties, with the origins of almost half of donations a mystery.
Major parties rake in over $140m in political donations
Almost half of all donations to Labor, the coalition and the Greens don't have associated donors due to electoral rules, leading to calls for reform.