Homes, shacks damaged as fire emergencies hit states
Houses, shacks and cars have been damaged by an out-of-control fire as emergency warnings are issued in two states.
Weather
Dozen homes destroyed in town by fast-moving bushfire
A fast-moving bushfire has destroyed at least a dozen homes in one town as more than 1000 firefighters tackled a host of blazes in extreme heatwave conditions.
Australia needs faster cuts to hit key climate goals
The pace of emissions reductions must double to meet Australia's climate emissions targets, with a rapid and unhindered clean energy transition key to success.
Catastrophe declared after wild storms cause havoc
Insurers have declared a devastating hail storm that hammered two states a catastrophic event after more than 16,000 claims were lodged within 24 hours.
Rough night for Top Enders riding out damaging cyclone
Top End residents have hunkered down for the first cyclone of the season, as they are warned to expect damaging winds and possible flooding.
Mental health crisis unfolding in ED departments
Australia's public hospitals are under scrutiny as data shows rising mental health presentations are pushing the system to its limits.
Storm brews as new BOM site blamed for ‘risking lives’
A state government is leading the charge for changes to the Bureau of Meteorology's new website, saying its launch might put lives at risk during storm season.
Severe storms, Cup track risk as rain sweeps east
A rain band stretching from southern Australia to the top end is set to wash over eastern states, bringing severe storms and a soggy Melbourne Cup.
Power prices to rise, secret department documents warn
The federal government has released confidential briefing documents which warn of higher power prices over the months to come.
Thunderstorms, hail and winds leave homes without power
Severe thunderstorms, giant balls of hail and strong gusts of wind have left tens of thousands without power as wild weather batters the east coast.
Stadium pitch ramped up as do-or-die vote nears
A state faces "severe reputational damage" if a proposed $1.1 billion stadium isn't built as part of a deal for AFL and AFLW teams.
Battle for the bush? Ignore the noise – most farmers like renewables
Farmers worry more and more about changes to the climate. Most quietly support renewables and many benefit directly from the reliable income of solar and wind.
Car theft claims skyrocket in one state, fall in others
Car theft claims are soaring to record levels in one Australian state while falling in all others, prompting concern amongst insurers.
Climate clash: coalition divide over targets laid bare
Divisions over how to tackle Australia's climate targets have continued to deepen within the coalition as its conservative members push for a rethink.
Coal mine project threatens ‘significant’ koala habitat
A drone investigation by conservation groups and ecologists has found an important koala colony living in the path of a proposed coal mine expansion.
Slow start fears in race to build 2032 Olympic venues
The clock is ticking for the 2032 Olympics with a report claiming Brisbane Games projects may not be delivered on time by an ailing construction industry.
‘Humdinger’ winter storm as rain lashes multiple states
Blizzards have returned to alpine areas as much of Australia cops a drenching from a sprawling rain band moving across the country.
‘Ecological grief’ a motivator for reef restorers
Reef restoration efforts are often viewed as futile in the face of climate change but for those engaging in the work, it can be a source of cautious hope.
Storm-struck communities count costs of ‘vigorous’ low
Thousands of people have already filed insurance claims after a complex and powerful weather system pounded Australia's east coast.
Coastal erosion inaction has home owners on brink
Years after severe coastal erosion forced home evacuations residents of a beachside town say they have been failed by state and local governments.
Call for laws to stop harm to consumers, firms online
Australian consumers and businesses are being harmed by the behaviour of tech giants in ways that cannot be addressed with current laws, a report has found.
Insurance cost warning after disasters hit bottom line
The cost of natural disasters has set the federal budget back $2.2 billion, but experts warn cyclones and floods will push up insurance premiums.
Less red tape, more money for flood-affected residents
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is pledging more funds for flood-affected communities, praising the "extraordinary resilience" shown by those on the front line.
Flood-weary regions brace for high winds amid clean up
Hundreds of homes have been declared uninhabitable after deadly floods swept through coastal communities, leaving tens of thousands of people isolated.
Price moves to help RBA plot course through uncertainty
Australia's central bank will seek signs of stability as it tries to chart a course to lower interest rates through the murky waters of global uncertainty.
Flood damage heartbreak as army called in for clean-up
The army has been dispatched to help with a mammoth clean-up effort after flooding wiped out at least 400 homes on Australia's east coast.
‘Magnet’ weather system puts coast on flood watch
A stay alert warning has been issued by a state emergency service as a "magnet" weather system brings widespread rainfall and potential flash flooding.
More crimes solved but are police paying a heavy price?
Police are solving more crimes but the push to improve efficiency is leaving officers exhausted and driving them out of the force, an expert warns.
Boy’s drowning adds to ‘most horrific’ Easter toll
Seven people have died in coastal drownings over the Easter long weekend as beachgoers take advantage of unseasonally warm weather in popular regions.
Good Friday as cyclone crosses coast as a tropical low
Remote coastal communities have escaped the worst of a cyclone after it crossed Australia's northwest coast as a weakened tropical low.
Crime spiking in regions as youth crackdown challenged
One state faces a "regional crime crisis" with roots in family dysfunction and a tougher laws and crackdowns will not fix it, a leading youth advocate says.