Solar exec claims tea bag bribe a ‘cultural thing’
A Chinese solar energy businessman hid a $20,000 cash bribe in a gift of tea and offered it to a Commonwealth official, saying it was a "cultural thing".
government
Allan’s legacy looms large over tight home seat battle
Former Victorian premier Jacinta Allan has pulled the pin on her political career, paving the way for an unpredictable battle for her long-held home seat.
Years-long NACC delays frustrating complainants
The National Anti-Corruption Commission Inspector says many complainants to the federal watchdog have been left flat by long waits to hear back on their cases.
‘Hanson not welcome’: students skip class for protests
Thousands of students have taken to the streets nationwide, ditching school to voice opposition to Pauline Hanson as plans are hatched for a second strike.
‘Motherhood statements’: fear gag order vow falls short
A state government is pledging to stop convicted rapists using suppression orders following the high-profile cases of Tom Silvagni and Ralph Carr.
Contentious work-from-home laws pushed beyond election
A newly-minted premier has delayed the start of work-from-home laws and declared "sensible" changes are in the offing as the Victorian election nears.
‘Put people first’: landmark AI probe to set guardrails
The opportunities of artificial intelligence and the risks it poses to humanity will be considered by a royal commission that "puts people first".
Fears for Australian sea lions as bird flu cases grow
Experts are warning Australia's sea lion population could face major losses after a pup's death as cases continue to mount from a national bird flu outbreak.
Dan Andrews, union boss claim vindication on IBAC probe
A major probe has cleared an ex-premier and other leading political and union figures of corrupt dealings but found evidence of serious and concerning conduct.
Fresh hope as treatment cost slashed for rare cancer
Patients suffering a rare form of brain cancer will be able to access a new, targeted treatment at low cost for the first time in two decades.
Teachers to strike for third time as pay talks stall
Teachers will strike again as the battle between a union and a state government intensifies over a deal to improve pay and conditions.
Jewish leaders want taxpayers to fund security needs
Pressure is building on state and federal governments to step up their funding for Jewish security as an inquiry investigating anti-Semitism continues.
UK’s Burnham targets power bills in first move as PM
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham will cut taxes on Britons' electricity bills as he attempts to deliver on his promise to ease the UK's cost-of-living crisis.
Police in India clash with Cockroach party supporters
India's youth-led Cockroach movement has condemned a "brutal crackdown" as police fired tear gas at protesters demanding the education minister's resignation.
Kyiv’s drones target Moscow as Zelenskiy faces protests
Ukraine has launched hundreds of drones towards Moscow in a blitz that comes as Volodymyr Zelenskiy deals with the fallout from his controversial reshuffle.
‘We need to be better’: Burnham lays out plan as UK PM
Andy Burnham has admitted politicians "need to be better" in his first speech as the new prime minister of the United Kingdom.
Pauline Hanson’s high-end summer Eurotrip draws heat
A luxury fashion show and meeting with a divisive UK podcaster has opened Pauline Hanson up to criticism as rivals question her anti-establishment persona.
Russian strikes go on as Zelenskiy faces defence outcry
Deadly Russian attacks have continued in Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy faces a political crisis over a reshuffle that's triggered a public outcry.
Protesters rally in Kyiv amid outcry over defence chief
Ukrainian MPs are voting on a new wartime government amid protests over the dismissal of popular reformist Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Dear Diary: ministers hiding the business of government
The federal government has been urged to join most states in adopting a proactive ministerial diary-disclosure regime, so citizens know who they are meeting.
Out of juice: theatre on tiny margins as costs soar
The theatre industry wants help to cope with soaring costs that have meant curtains even for certified hits such as Beetlejuice the Musical.
UK’s Starmer vows to fight after rival Burnham wins big
Labour's Andy Burnham has won a vote that paves the way for him to oust Prime Minister Keir Starmer, but the embattled British leader vows he won't go quietly.
Future of UK’s Starmer hangs on crucial by-election
The polls have opened in England in a historic election that leadership contender Andy Burnham hopes will begin his bid to oust Keir Starmer as prime minister.
Tax all cars: state urged to expand road-user charge
The NSW government could avoid having its planned road-user charge struck out by courts with big changes, including taxing more drivers.
breaking_news
children
computing and information technology
government
online
politics
science and technology
Britain to ban under 16s from social media
Prime Minister Keir Starmer says Britain will ban under-16s from using various social media apps.
Better but ‘not perfect’ tax reform wins expert support
Senators are being told to drown out the cries of vested interests and pass tax changes some economists say will make the economy fairer for working people.
Autistic teens caught in middle of NDIS funding dispute
A government autism support program has been applauded but questions are being raised as to what happens when participants age out at just nine years old.
Arts groups lament remote chance of snaring city donors
An inquiry into arts philanthropy has heard organisations outside capital cities struggle to find generous philanthropists.
Relief for workers with lifeline for ailing smelters
Smelter operator Nyrstar hasn't ruled out needing further taxpayer money after extra funds were announced to prop up two ailing facilities.
breaking_news
crime, law and justice
diplomacy
government
imperial and royal matters
politics
sexual assault
Queen was ‘very keen’ for Andrew to become trade envoy
The UK government has released documents on the hiring of former prince Andrew as a trade envoy, saying it found no evidence of proper vetting for the role.
UK faces weeks of uncertainty over PM Starmer’s future
Embattled British leader Keir Starmer faces open rebellion in his party, but a popular leadership rival remains a way off being in a position to challenge him.