One million pushed to brink amid child poverty crisis
Advocates are renewing calls for Australia to adopt a nationally-agreed definition of child poverty, as concerning data shows almost one million are struggling.
Science and Technology
Embattled steelworks should become a green iron beacon
Australia should take advantage of its natural resources to lead the world in the green metals race, a report has found, with one facility an obvious choice.
Quiet-quitting conservation undermines green goals
Deserted conservation promises are a blind spot for global negotiations on climate and biodiversity, researchers say, and are devilishly hard to track.
Sheep and beef behind rise in farmer sentiment
Tasmanian farmers are the most confident in the nation, while Western Australian primary producers are the most worried, according to a new survey.
From chaos to code: why AI is boosting developer ranks
Artificial intelligence tools are inspiring more people to create their own software and could help to address Australia's skills gap.
Record loss of outdoor work hours due to heat: report
Heat exposure, drought and natural disasters are causing deaths and economic havoc in Australia and around the world, according to a major global report.
The ecological disaster threatening Australian seabirds
Thousands of dead seabirds washed up on Australia's coastline two years ago following a marine heatwave and scientists warn history could repeat.
Unique fishery recognised in ‘unbelievable’ first
For the first time, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems have been included in national science awards for research, innovation and teaching.
Generation AI: young Aussies likely to use chatbots
More Australians are using artificial intelligence tools but your reliance on them could depend on your age, your occupation and even your language.
Microsoft apologises for AI confusion, offers refunds
A tech giant will offer refunds to millions of its Australian users over what it calls unclear pricing for access to its artificial intelligence tool.
AI guidance refresh as industry awaits national plan
Industry figures welcome news a national AI plan will be released before the end of the year, saying uncertainty on regulation spooks potential investors.
Fears of deadly flu spread on remote Australian island
A highly contagious and deadly strain of bird flu is tipped to eventually find its way to the mainland after suspected cases on a remote Australian island.
Why tech could change Gen Alpha careers for the better
They are young, curious and ready to create careers that do not exist yet: a MythBusters TV star says the next generation of children could improve our lives.
Humble Aussie Nobel winner gets straight back to work
Australia's modest Nobel Prize winner has gone back to work where he was treated to a vanilla slice by university colleagues and gave a first-year lecture.
Digital passports could give old solar panels new life
Australia faces a serious electronic waste problem from ageing solar panels but could avoid it by testing and certifying old technology for reuse.
‘They witness horror’: call for more support for jurors
A study questions the range of support services available to jurors exposed to traumatic content during and after trials.
Appliance reliance: consumers want repairability labels
Most Australians want to know how long they can expect expensive appliances to work and whether they can be repaired easily, a study shows.
More Aussie workers turn to AI but revolution is slow
Three times as many Australian workers are using artificial intelligence tools as last year but executives say they are not seeing transformational changes.
Aussie businesses are risking data in race to use AI
Small businesses are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence technology but many are exposing their own confidential information in free tools.
‘Shady practice’: Kmart face-scanning breaches privacy
Shopping giant Kmart plans to challenge a finding that it violated people's privacy with facial surveillance as experts say it's a clear warning to other firms.
Study identifies three tipping points for women in tech
Women fill one in five highly technical roles in Australia but interventions at three crucial moments in their education and careers could triple that number.
Huge opportunity in tech despite hurdles for Indigenous
Indigenous people shaping technology's future is a dream that drives one female founder to train and support the next generation of industry stars.
Hot economic growth may place further rate cuts on ice
Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock has signalled there might not be many more interest rate cuts to come after surprisingly strong economic growth.
AI business ‘wake-up call’: teach workers or miss out
Workers need greater training in artificial intelligence technology to tap into future innovations, a study has found, but many are resistant to change.
G’day AI: ChatGPT company reveals its Australian move
Australian companies rank among its top subscribers and OpenAI has announced plans to move an arm of its operations to Australia.
Making Mars: Aussie research turns red dirt into metal
A breakthrough to help with establishing a human colony on Mars could be hidden in its iron-rich red surface, Australian researchers say.
Aussie workers sceptical of AI coming for their jobs
A slim majority of workers believe the government can be trusted to regulate artificial intelligence and most think it will augment rather than replace jobs.
Climate adaptation secrets hidden in reptilian genes
Nature is declining at an unprecedented rate and a vast library of reptiles, birds and other specimens could help researchers better understand pressure points.
NBN users gorge on fibre for healthier download speeds
Technology upgrades are transforming how Australian's connect to the internet, as the NBN Co's full-year results show many premises are using fibre.
Untouched reefs cop record bleaching in intense heat
It could take up to 15 years for coral reefs off Australia's western coastline to fully recover from the worst bleaching event on record for the region.
Ambitious emission targets best shot at saving the reef
"Deeper and faster" emissions reductions are key to preserving the Great Barrier Reef, a report says, as the federal government prepares its new 2035 targets.