Search hit: court orders massive fine against Google
The world's biggest search provider will face a substantial penalty for breaking Australia's competition laws, a court has ruled, after doing deals with telcos.
laws
Environment reforms to pass after Labor-Greens deal
The first major changes in decades to Australia's long-criticised environment laws aim to better protect natural sites and speed up project approvals.
Ready or not, social media ban demands a family plan
Australia's world-first social media ban for children under 16 is imminent but the details of its rollout and enforcement remain fuzzy.
Teens waiting for guidance on imminent social media ban
YouTube, Reddit, Kick and X are yet to reveal compliance measures with Australia's social media ban, with kids expected to experience withdrawal symptoms.
Coalition has ‘mountain to climb’ in dire poll result
Liberal MPs and senators are preparing to convene but are playing down the prospects of a leadership spill as they digest another round of negative polling.
New offers made as clock starts ticking on nature talks
Environmentalists are pleading with the government to strike a deal with the Greens on major reforms which could include a crackdown on native forest logging.
‘Nazis not welcome’: moves to target racist hate speech
Neo-Nazis chanting outside a state parliament have pushed a premier to strengthen hate speech laws after a police communication breakdown.
Relief as victims of anti-gay laws are compensated
Equality advocates are rejoicing after nation-leading laws allowing men convicted of homosexuality under former laws passed a state parliament.
Nature’s recovery, not decline, promise of major reform
Long-awaited reforms to environmental protections are finally before parliament but the battle to enshrine them into law is only getting started.
Brave MP steps up as Daniel’s legacy set in law
A state MP has revealed an assault's impact on their family as Australia's first public child sex offender registry is established by a landmark law.
Urgent need for speed in renewable energy approvals
Environmental reform analysts have weighed in on the federal government's bid to modernise Australia's dated nature protection laws, calling for a key change.
Australian-first treaty opens path to truth and trust
A significant chapter begins for Aboriginal communities as historic treaty laws clear parliament in one state, sparking optimism for other parts of the nation.
Historic treaty a ‘new era’ but remains a long journey
A state's landmark treaty legislation shows other jurisdictions what is possible and charts a path forward on reconciliation, Indigenous leaders say.
Microsoft apologises for AI confusion, offers refunds
A tech giant will offer refunds to millions of its Australian users over what it calls unclear pricing for access to its artificial intelligence tool.
Leaders urged not to mess with criminal responsibility
Changing a long-standing youth conviction principle would only lead to future criminal offending, advocates say, following the release of a review.
Massive fine for home loan compliance failures
Defunct home lender RAMS has been fined $20 million by the Federal Court after admitting to widespread misconduct over a four-year period.
‘Get on board’: minister’s environment overhaul appeal
Negotiating the passage of major environment reforms through parliament is pulling the federal government in different directions.
Dying on ‘own terms’ to get easier in law refresh
Barriers to terminally ill patients accessing assisting dying are poised to be pulled down under a law shake-up, honouring the last wishes of a young man.
‘Fight Labor’: Libs urge unity after Hastie resignation
Liberals are being warned from within that they could lose seats if internal rifts aren't put to bed following the front bench resignation of Andrew Hastie.
Coercive control laws defended despite few charges
Coercive control laws are on the right track, officials say, despite just nine charges being laid since the legislation took effect a year ago.
Embattled party sharpens poll focus on ‘crime crisis’
A state Liberal party is honing its focus on crime, announcing a beefing-up of knife search powers ahead of an election, while denying members are disunited.
Prison safety in focus after officer’s horrific abuse
The NSW government has plenty of work to do to implement all recommendations from a landmark inquiry into failures in the state's prison system.
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.
Seeing red: push for road rule change sparks backlash
A state government may make a U-turn and revive a controversial road rule that lets motorists turn left at a red traffic light.
Family of murdered woman, children back new DV laws
Police will be able to issue immediate 12-month protections to alleged domestic violence victims after legislation passed state parliament.
Vicious cycles: national push to slow electric bikes
Cycling groups say high-powered and illegally modified e-bikes are increasingly being used in Australia and stricter, national rules are needed to save lives.
Cash reward proposed for blowing whistle on corruption
Australia's top legal and ethical minds are working outside the box to increase government accountability as the public loses trust in politicians.
Tougher national working with kids scheme by year’s end
Australia will fast-track the rollout of reforms for working with children checks after the existing system was slammed by the prime minister as "hopeless".
‘Lawyers’ picnic’ looms over right to work from home
Businesses are expected to test the legal validity of a state legislating the right to work from home, with questions over its intersection with federal laws.
Workers optimistic but employers wary over wages bill
Unions and business networks are clashing heads as a government bill to enshrine higher rates of pay for one in seven workers works its way through parliament.
‘Temu version’: opposition lashes visionless budget
A state opposition leader has promised to extend land tax concessions indefinitely after calling the government's budget a cheaper version of his party's ideas.