End of the free ride: studies call for road user charge
Two transport groups say fuel excise is no longer running smoothly and the government needs to charge motorists based on how far they drive.
Weather
First home buyer scheme leading to housing price rise
House prices for homes under thresholds for a five per cent deposit scheme are outstripping increases for all other homes.
Cyclone on move as flood-weary region watches and waits
A tropical cyclone is about to head towards the Australian coast, putting a flood-battered region on edge again even as it cleans up from another severe system.
Cat-five Maila set to weaken before Queensland crossing
Tropical Cyclone Maila has strengthened in the sea between Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands and has smashed records as a category five storm.
More records loom as fuel crunch turbocharges EV sales
A record number of Australian motorists are buying electric vehicles in a trend automotive experts say could stick around even if fuel prices fall.
Power bill relief on the cards as wholesale prices fall
Power bill saving of up to $200 can be anticipated for some customers next financial year under proposed safety net prices.
‘Not out of danger’: hundreds flee as mega storm nears
Authorities warn northern Australia remains under threat from Cyclone Narelle as it moves west after crossing the coast, unleashing heavy rain and gales.
Biggest cyclone ‘in living memory’ set to impact coast
Tropical Cyclone Narelle is barrelling toward northern Australia and could impact the coast as a category five system, inflicting winds up to more than 250km/h.
Aussie drivers divided over petrol vs electric future
Many Australian motorists plan to park an electric or hybrid vehicle in their garage in future but one policy change could alter their path.
Big airlift of evacuees from flood-hit communities
Hundreds of people have been evacuated by air from their flood-hit outback communities as rivers rapidly rise after "extraordinary" downpours.
How AI is helping criminals target more victims online
Cyber criminals are turning to artificial intelligence tools to write malicious code, proofread scam emails and increase the volume of their attacks.
Rain-hit region on high alert amid twin cyclone threats
Sodden northern states are facing the threat of yet more flooding, but increased rain on the way is welcome news for some parched southern areas of Australia.
Queensland cops a drenching with more rain to come
Isolated heavy downpours are continuing across an already soaked state, with forecasters predicting more rain to come.
‘A crime syndicate’: fallout over shocking union report
A damning report has levelled extraordinary allegations a rogue union had effectively become a front for organised crime.
Cost of locking up prisoners reaches eye-watering high
The cost of managing the nation's prison populations has exploded in the past decade as cells become fuller and more people reoffend.
Towns deserted as locals seek relief from roasting heat
As parts of Australia bake under a relentless heatwave, locals have backup plans to keep cool as temperatures nudge record levels.
Bushfire season takes toll with hundreds of homes lost
Out-of-control bushfires continue to ravage one Australian state, as authorities warn the peak fire danger period still has months to run.
Locals dive for swim and shade as heatwave keeps grip
Australians are doing their best to stay safe indoors as a heatwave drags on, but for those on the land, work doesn't stop because it's too hot.
‘Completely wrecked’: fatigue kicks in amid record heat
A record heatwave has pushed the mercury towards 50C in towns across Australia, with days of blistering conditions still to come.
‘A little nervous’: flood-hit area braces for more rain
A flood-hit region is bracing for more rain as a tropical low lingers but forecasters say it is a "very low" chance of developing into a tropical cyclone.
Heat eases in southeast but WA still red hot
The heatwave that brought sweltering temperatures to most of Australia's southern states has eased but WA has been warned to brace for more hot weather.
Fire, floods and fur: keeping pets safe in a disaster
Pet owners are being urged to plan ahead for weather extremes to avoid putting themselves, their furry friends and emergency services in danger.
Riverside city breathes collective sigh of flood relief
Warnings of high flood levels have been revised down, allowing residents of a riverside city to breathe easy and watch the waters flow on to the sea.
Safety warnings as ‘heat dome’ looms over long weekend
A "heat dome" is set to bring potentially record-breaking temperatures and fire danger to parts of the nation over the Australia Day long weekend.
Bushfires rage as heatwave grips Australia’s southeast
Smoke has blanketed a major city after a bushfire drew within striking distance of a rural town during a widespread heatwave.
Residents told to leave before sunset as heatwave looms
Emergency crews have begun door knocking to urge more than 1000 residents to leave their homes as firefighters battle a large blaze and a severe heatwave looms.
Bushfire losses mount as premier defends fleeing mob
Volunteer firefighters are "blaming themselves" for being unable to lessen the devastation wrought by an ongoing bushfire crisis, a fire chief says.
‘Little warning’ as flash flood sweeps cars out to sea
A river has dramatically burst its banks, sweeping cars out to sea and trapping holidaygoers in caravans after "off-the-charts" rainfall caused major flooding.
Family watches cars, tents, wallets wash away in floods
A camper has described watching helplessly as her family's possessions were swept away in a dramatic flood event at a popular tourist spot.
Bushfire peril as heatwave advances across the nation
Bushfires have ignited on the first day of some of the worst heatwave conditions since Black Summer and authorities warn more is to come.
Damaging winds warning as cold front brings heat relief
A gusty southerly change is bringing the first relief to heatwave-affected areas, but communities are warned about the threat of damaging winds and lightning.