Nurses will defy order not to strike over pay fight
Strike action by nurses and midwives that will have a large impact on the country's largest hospital system will not be called off despite official orders.
Politics
Australia a step closer to social media bans for kids
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is unveiling plans to introduce age limits for social media as new research highlights its negative impact on life satisfaction.
‘Not going away’: nurses, midwives demand wage increase
Nurses and midwives are on a collision course with the NSW government, as both sides dig in and pay negotiations threaten to get uglier.
Social media ban poses barrier to mental health support
Mental health services and youth advocacy groups say they will find it harder to connect with young people if the government goes ahead with a social media ban.
Labor toasts vote that reshaped parliament for 30 years
Three decades ago women welcomed a historic vote at the Labor National Conference, which Anthony Albanese and his federal caucus team celebrate to this day.
King Charles, Queen plan six-day Australia visit
King Charles and Queen Camilla will spend time in Sydney and Canberra as part of a six-day visit to Australia in October.
Children promised a say on social media age ban plans
Some young people will get around an age limit on social media but a ban is still needed to protect children, the prime minister says.
Foreign student cap will lower living standards: unis
A higher education heavyweight says the major parties are undermining Australia's future prosperity for short term political gains by capping foreign students.
Social media misinformation to be policed by watchdog
The communications watchdog will be given new powers to crack down on misinformation on digital platforms under proposed federal laws.
Plan in train to stop violence against Indigenous women
A National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Safety Plan will be developed to address rates of violence against Indigenous women and children.
Indigenous cultural heritage objects returned from UK
A collection of artefacts of significant cultural importance has been handed back to the Warumungu Community of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory.
Liberals to double debt, delay budget surplus
The Tasmanian Liberal government's 2024/25 budget has pushed back a projected surplus and forecast net debt to double in four years.
Cafe, pub splurge short-lived as consumer pain persists
Higher spending at hospitality venues in August was likely a blip as financial pressure on wallets is expected to stick around until 2025.
Commanders stripped of medals after war crimes inquiry
Up to nine Australian military commanders who held senior roles during the war in Afghanistan will be stripped of their distinguished service medals.
Downsizer tax break not ruled out under housing reform
The Property Council argues stamp duty is a major barrier for downsizers, while Victoria's premier did not rule out a one-off exemption to free up family homes.
Higher aged care payments to boost quality, fairness
Reforms that will help older Australians to live at home for longer are also hoped to improve generational fairness and bolster aged care quality.
Biden to host Albanese, Quad leaders in his US hometown
US President Joe Biden will host a Quad summit in the state of Delaware with the leaders of Australia, India and Japan.
‘Shameful’ theft of Indigenous pay finally to be repaid
A multi-million-dollar settlement has been reached for thousands of Indigenous workers whose wages were stolen over four decades in the Northern Territory.
Economic relief, veteran health to dominate parliament
As federal parliament returns, cost-of-living concerns and the mental health of defence veterans will be in the spotlight.
‘It has touched us all’: report into ADF suicides looms
After years of testimony, the chair of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has shared what he hopes will happen once the final report is out.
Choir takes stories the ‘world needs to hear’ to London
An Indigenous choir, Marliya, will perform before their first international audience in October when they take their show Spinifex Gum to London.
Social media giants face big fines in plan to ban kids
South Australia's planned laws banning children under 14 from social media should be overseen by a federal regulator and implemented nationally, a report says.
‘Unacceptable’: veteran suicide inquiry demands changes
Defence personnel need greater support to transition from military service to civilian life and access ongoing assistance, a royal commission recommends.
Struggle for Aussies on income support ‘national shame’
Almost three-quarters of Australians receiving income support are cutting back on essentials including food due to the rising cost of living, a survey shows.
‘No silver bullet’ to solving housing affordability
The head of the federal government's independent housing council says ambitious targets to create new homes should still be made even if they're not met.
Fading economy yet to unlock rate cuts for watchful RBA
The economy might be slowing but the Reserve Bank chief wants inflation to moderate further before opening the door to interest rate cuts.
‘I did it my way’: Bill Shorten to retire from politics
Former Labor leader Bill Shorten has announced his retirement from politics after almost 17 years in the halls of Parliament.
Shorten trades politics for ‘ironic’ career move
After a 17-year career in Parliament House, Bill Shorten will stick around in the nation's capital as the next vice-chancellor of the University of Canberra.
Landmark move by NT Labor after crushing defeat
NT Labor has appointed the first Aboriginal woman to lead a major political party in the nation's history as it regroups after a devastating election loss.
Feds step in to take over embattled state Liberals
Two Victorians are among three ex-politicians who will take command of the NSW Liberal Party after factional rifts and admin failures beset the division.
Senator ‘needs to nail Higgins’ lie’, trial told
Linda Reynolds' lawyer says Brittany Higgins must be restrained from further defaming his client, as the high-profile case draws to a close.