Laws to end path to treaty fast-tracked in shock move
The Queensland government has been accused of pushing through laws ending the path to treaty and truth-telling without consultation, sparking outrage.
inquiry
business (general)
computing and information technology
economy (general)
inquiry
laws
politics
politics (general)
regulatory policy and organisation
science and technology
software
technology (general)
Australia needs an AI law to stop copyright ‘pirates’
Artificial intelligence tools, including chatbots from Google, Amazon and OpenAI, need to be regulated by law in Australia, an inquiry recommends.
consumers
economy, business and finance
food - consumer goods
inquiry
politics
politics (general)
shopping
‘Better deal’ for suppliers as supermarkets face fines
Supermarkets face fines of up to $10 million if caught breaching a grocery code of conduct that will become mandatory.
Rush to pass social media ban angers experts, MPs
As parliament prepares to stop people younger than 16 using social media, the government has been accused of trying to ram through the laws without scrutiny.
Migration laws crackdown blasted by experts, advocates
Legal experts and advocates have lambasted the government's proposed migration bill changes as "constitutionally unsound" and "misguided", at a Senate inquiry.
Cascading crises besiege domestic violence services
Domestic violence services are overwhelmed by growing demand and a lack of resources, the first public hearing of a royal commission in SA has been told.
Tired helicopter crews ‘didn’t want’ to let team down
A probe into a fatal Taipan army helicopter crash has been told aircrew didn't want to let their team down by pulling out of exercises when tired.
consumer goods
consumers
economy, business and finance
food - consumer goods
inquiry
regulatory policy and organisation
report
retail
Developer malaise means Woolies is behind more malls
Woolworths has cast itself as being in competition with cake shops and newsagents, while also showing the might of its construction arm.
Govt agencies urged to consider the cost of AI failures
The cost of repaying those harmed by AI decisions should be considered before government departments deploy the technology, an inquiry has heard.
IGA talks shop over cheaper prices at supermarket probe
Bosses of the company supplying independent grocers say prices are consistently coming down, benefiting customers and their stores.
Dozens of ‘forever chemicals’ yet to be assessed
A parliamentary inquiry into PFAS substances has heard almost 20 per cent of the chemicals in the regulator's inventory have not been fully assessed.
Competition at Sydney Airport ‘less than we like’
There is less competition at Australia's busiest airport than what the nation's consumer watchdog would like, as it supports reform of flight slots.
Nuclear waste could add billions to energy supply costs
The time needed to build nuclear reactors and the cost of safely storing radioactive waste remain big questions for Australia, an inquiry has been told.
Truth-telling in limbo after minister cancels meeting
The Queensland government has postponed plans to discuss the Path to Treaty process, ensuring a truth-telling and healing inquiry's future is in limbo.
Green light for scooters a red flag for local councils
NSW has trailed other states in regulating e-scooters but recent council trials show the need for statewide consistency, an inquiry has been told.
No nukes till late 2030s: energy switch may take years
Establishing nuclear power plants in Australia may take more than a decade, an inquiry has heard, and dealing with radioactive waste might be longer.
Childcare sector ‘sleepwalking’ into market domination
A pay increase will help bolster the childcare sector but there are warnings more must be done to address market concentration and keep costs low for families.
Read null about it: privacy changes could bury news
Changes to Australian privacy laws could open an avenue for powerful people to shut down news coverage, a group has told a Senate inquiry.
Chips down, shares up as Star fined, suspension remains
The NSW Independent Casino Commission has hit The Star with a $15 million fine after a second probe revealed a series of breaches at its Sydney operation.
Supermarkets tight-lipped on Tim Tam price discrepancy
Australia's major supermarkets say their suppliers are being hit by inflation which is trickling through to prices at the checkout.
Quit stage diving at concerts, insurers tell musicians
Insurance companies want performers to stop stage diving and throwing things at Australian live music events, an inquiry has been told.
Software that could close fire stations leaked to union
The potential use of software by Melbourne Fire Brigade to close stations and "jeopardise" public safety was leaked to a union boss and government minister.
Queensland’s history in focus at truth-telling inquiry
Queenslanders are being urged to come together, listen, acknowledge the truth of the state's history and start to heal as an inquiry begins in Brisbane.
computing and information technology
inquiry
internet
media
online
politics (general)
science and technology
software
technology (general)
Privacy law calls as Meta admits farming Aussie photos
Experts are calling for changes to privacy laws after Meta revealed Australian photos from Facebook and Instagram were being used to train AI tools.
‘No delay’ for response on veterans suicide report
Veterans and their families won't have to wait for a lengthy response following a royal commission, the prime minister has promised.
‘Unacceptable’: veteran suicide inquiry demands changes
Defence personnel need greater support to transition from military service to civilian life and access ongoing assistance, a royal commission recommends.
Claims greyhound ‘boiled to death’ on tarmac rejected
Allegations that a greyhound sent to the US for a better life "boiled to death" on an airport tarmac in the height of summer have been strongly rejected.
‘Kill switch’ considered to tackle high-risk AI
Artificial intelligence has been met with both concern and hype but government guidelines could help regulate its use in high-risk situations.
Australia must confront bloody colonial past
Australians have a duty to investigate the nation's colonial history in order to move forward, a landowner on the site of the Warrigal Creek massacre says.
‘Fanciful’ to tie power bill cap to coal-plant deal
The idea that a deal to keep open Australia's largest coal power station until 2027 could include a power price guarantee to help consumers has been dismissed.
Budget blow as state’s child sexual abuse payouts soar
Tasmania's budget deficit for 2023/24 is set to grow fourfold, mainly because of a $571 million increase in payouts to child sexual abuse survivors.