‘No more tests’: One Nation basks in by-election bliss
A historic by-election win for One Nation has sent shock waves through Australian politics, legitimising the party as a right-wing force.
environmental issue
Batteries undercutting gas, keeping lid on power bills
Batteries are now the primary tool for managing evening spikes in electricity demand, a job previously falling to gas and hydro at greater expense.
Competition puts Australia’s green iron edge at risk
Australia's renewable energy and rich iron ore deposits make it a potential leader in green iron and steel but other nations may be closing the gap.
‘Trying times’: farmers stare down trifecta of troubles
Farmers are being forced to adapt and innovate as drought conditions intensify and global shocks push up costs and risk vital fertiliser supplies.
Stalled methane fight risks climate, energy security
Concerted efforts to curb methane from fossil fuel production in Australia and around the world could benefit both the climate and energy security.
Electric car sales surge ahead amid fuel uncertainty
Australian drivers have broken the record for electric car sales again, as petrol and diesel-powered vehicle sales stall.
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.
After the sun sets: hub to tackle coming e-waste crisis
With millions of solar power systems installed across the country, a national research centre will probe what to do with the panels at the end of their lives.
Caveat empty: car buyers beware fuel and range promises
Road tests show most vehicles are using more petrol, diesel or electricity than advertised, with one hybrid SUV using almost 30 per cent more fuel.
‘Elvis of birds’: clue found in hunt for elusive parrot
Researchers are racing against time to find and protect a critically endangered parrot after a decade-long search led to audio of the rare bird's call.
Trial could boost Australia’s bid to be battery leader
A multimillion-dollar pilot program will test whether Australia can produce more materials for electric vehicle batteries with less impact on the environment.
Coast clear as response to toxic algal bloom eased
Improved water quality has triggered the scaling back of a state's multi-million-dollar response to a toxic algal bloom but fishing closures remain in place.
Export tax push runs out of gas as budget hopes dashed
Furious lobbying for a 25 per cent tax on gas exports is failing to sway the federal government, which is ruling out the measure for the upcoming budget.
‘Like charging a phone’: $1.5m boost for EV network
More than 400 apartment buildings could get access to electric vehicle chargers as part of a push to remove a speed bump to their adoption.
Global Shift to Green Power Leaves Coal in the Shadows
For the first time in modern history, renewable energy sources have overtaken the world’s growing demand for electricity. Led by a record-breaking year for solar in China and India, clean power now makes up more than one-third of the global electricity mix. For a sun-drenched state like Queensland, this global shift offers a promising blueprint for our own energy future.
AI cameras spotted more than 1000 bushfires over summer
Cameras powered by artificial intelligence are helping Australian agencies identify fires before they can spread, protecting plantations and properties.
Electric vehicle batteries could spark recycling market
An Australian company will create a recycling plant for the batteries used in households and electric cars after a multimillion-dollar investment.
Court denies Aboriginal woman’s ‘on Country’ request
A magistrate has rejected an Aboriginal woman's request for a hearing on culturally significant land, saying the case can be fairly determined without doing so.
Aussies want electric cars to save cash, not the planet
Australians are considering electric cars as fuel prices rise, with potential buyers fuelled by the possibility of saving money rather than the environment.
Inquiry launched as governments spar over oil project
A state government has launched an inquiry into new environmental laws as it calls for a national interest exemption for an oil exploration project.
Magnetic attraction to lift Aussie green iron prospects
A process that uses magnets rather than water to extract high-quality iron ore will be tested at an Australian mine to boost the nation's export potential.
High-performance EVs and hatchbacks ready to steal show
After smashing sales records in Australia, electric vehicles are expected to be in high demand at the largest motor show in the southern hemisphere.
Cyclone-hammered reefs can take many years to recover
Coral reefs and their fish populations can take many years to recover after being hammered by severe tropical cyclones, researchers say.
Electric vehicle fee could throttle record adoption
A road user charge for electric vehicle drivers could stall record-breaking sales, a study has found, with households in outer suburbs the hardest hit.
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.
Fuel fears drive more Aussie buyers to electric cars
Fuel shortages and price rises are providing a "tipping point" for electric vehicles in Australia, with one brand selling out of its local stock.
‘They’re everywhere’: fresh rural mouse plague warning
Farmers are being overrun by mice in some rural areas, with scientists warning the rodents could cause havoc for the agricultural sector.
Discount loans to rev up Aussie electric vehicle market
A $100 million scheme designed to cut the cost of buying an electric vehicle will launch during a period of record demand.
Superb wrens could be canaries in the coalmine
A three-decade study of superb fairy wrens in a botanic garden has led to predictions the common birds could be extinct within 50 years.
Electric car race speeds up as fuel crisis drags on
The global fuel crisis could be a turning point for electric vehicle sales in Australia, with one subscription service reporting record adoption.
Electric or bust: truck industry demands urgent U-turn
Skyrocketing diesel prices are adding cost and uncertainty to heavy transport and operators are calling for help to change the industry's direction.