Cabinet gender parity as election fight intensifies
The prime minister has lauded the fact the cabinet has gender parity for the first time as political leaders tussle with an election on the horizon.
Politics
Australia in a ‘good position’ as AUKUS powers ahead
The AUKUS partnership has "strong support" across the American political spectrum and is likely to be backed by incoming president Donald Trump, experts say.
PM walks diplomatic tightrope as Trump takes office
Australia's most senior official in the US during the first Trump presidency has weighed in on how the Albanese government will navigate his return to power.
More women in cabinet but representation worries build
The political representation of women has received a boost after a pre-election cabinet shuffle but concerns remain over the opposition's gender imbalance.
Crossbench kingmakers could hold sway in house divided
Veteran independents say a minority government could get more done but caution crossbenchers against trying to set deals in stone with the major parties.
Pain lingers for Jews, Palestinians despite ceasefire
Hostages still captive by Hamas and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza where infants are dying are exacerbating community pain despite a ceasefire being heralded.
Connection to Country a journey from canoe to dinghy
Travel times are decreasing with maritime advancement, but accelerating movement can have implications for Indigenous people's connection to Country.
Minority report tips a return to ‘ruthless’ opposition
History could be repeated as the possibility of a minority government looms but veteran politicians say this could resurrect a ruthless opposition force.
Hard times turn voters off Labor in election lead-up
Labor is trailing the opposition just months before Australians head to the polls, but the prime minister says his government can give voters what they want.
‘Who knows’: warning before $2m home slid down cliff
A clifftop home destroyed by a landslide that hospitalised a man was the site of another slip less than two weeks earlier, which left council workers on alert.
Bill Shorten to quit politics early, sparking reshuffle
Retiring Labor minister Bill Shorten will leave politics earlier than expected, giving his party the opportunity for a refresh before the federal election.
Ceasefire spurs hope but war’s social division lingers
Australia's Palestinian and Jewish communities have expressed hope at what a ceasefire in Gaza could mean but aren't optimistic about the spread of hate.
Architect’s hands-on approach reframing museum spaces
Worimi and Biripi architect Jack Gillmer has always had a passion for design but a three-month stint in Paris has helped explore new depths in his craft.
Australia’s $10m boost for Vanuatu after earthquake
Vanuatu's earthquake recovery is set to be bolstered by a $10 million funding injection from Australia.
Dutton makes personal pitch at coalition campaign rally
Peter Dutton has talked up his working-class origins at a campaign rally as he seeks to connect with voters ahead of the federal election.
Penny Wong ‘honoured’ to attend Trump’s inauguration
Penny Wong will attend Donald Trump's inauguration, becoming the first foreign minister in recent memory to receive an invitation for the ceremony.
Pollies draw up election blueprints as vote looms
With just a few months before Australians hit the polls, the major parties have their work cut out for them as they scramble to perfect their public images.
‘Too late to leave’: Tourist warning as bushfire burns
A warning has gone out to tourists and locals in a popular holiday region that they are in danger and it's too late to leave as a bushfire burns out of control.
Cost of living in mind as Labor clutches purse strings
Voters are crying out for more measures to combat the rising cost of living with a federal election looming as Labor preaches responsible economic management.
Doubt cast over ‘crude’ plan to ban CFMEU from project
Members of the troubled CFMEU could be banned from working on a multi-billion-dollar project under a coalition plan to fix one of Australia's longest roads.
Bail laws crack down halts court as arrests explode
Police have made 31 arrests in 24 hours after major changes to bail laws, causing courts to grind to a stop, leaving authorities scrambling for solutions.
PM rounds up pre-election tour in cattle country
An early start to the political year has landed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in cattle country, where he has been spruiking the importance of the industry.
Rivals swept aside as leader reveals fresh Battin order
Key supporters of Brad Battin's move to overthrow John Pesutto as Victorian Liberal leader have been rewarded with shadow cabinet promotions.
Grenade seized after alleged home invaders shot at cops
New details have emerged from the case of an alleged home invader later involved in a police pursuit and alleged escape across state lines.
Sex and the city: Indigenous play ready to wow festival
After a successful Melbourne season, the play Jacky - which portrays the reality of city life for Indigenous people - is heading to the Sydney Festival.
Countdown to election day as aftershocks rattle Vanuatu
Still reeling from aftershocks, campaigning has begun for a very challenging election in Vanuatu after many polling booths were hit in December's deadly quake.
Hope for end to wage theft as laws come into force
Criminal penalties for employers who deliberately underpay workers have come into effect, with hopes they will deter bosses from engaging in the practice.
Iraq War documents ignite debate over Australia’s role
Newly released Iraq War documents reveal flawed decision-making by Australia, sparking calls for transparency and accountability in military commitments
Howard confronts Iraq War call as documents unearthed
Previously secret documents show concerns over a wheat scandal derailing Australia's commercial interests and plans to reshape Iraq as a free-market haven.
‘Be careful’: safety plea following holiday drownings
A spate of drownings during the festive season has left authorities urging Australians to prioritise safety around the water during the summer holidays.
Accused getaway driver charged after targeted murder
A gunman remains at large after police charged his associate for not revealing his identity after he allegedly shot dead a man in his driveway.