Twins traumatised by ‘zombie killer’ machete ambush
Police are hunting a group of teenagers after twin brothers were allegedly ambushed in a machete attack that left one with life-long injuries.
laws
Social media ban slugged with second legal challenge
A High Court challenge filed against Australia's social media ban by a leading platform has been dismissed by a government minister as a "complete crock".
Weeks wait for social media ban data to come online
Australians will have to wait a little longer to learn how effective a contentious social media ban has been for the nation's children.
Social media ban hailed a success despite workarounds
The prime minister says his under-16s social media ban belongs in the pantheon of world-leading Australian innovations like the secret ballot.
Legal threat as social media given final doomscrolling
The final push notifications are being received and last feeds scrolled as Australian children prepared to be kicked off social media in a landmark move.
PM brands social media ban a success before it starts
The rollout of Australia's landmark social media ban will be untidy, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese admits, but he says it is already a success.
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.
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.
children
internet
law enforcement
laws
litigation and regulation
mass media
media
politics (general)
regulatory policy and organisation
social issue
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
energy and resource
environmental issue
environmental politics
housing and urban planning
laws
politics
renewable energy
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
crime, law and justice
laws
parties and movements
personal weapon control
political candidates
politics
weaponry
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.
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.