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.
national news
Red tape setting back businesses billions and counting
Companies employ 52,000 dedicated workers, more than Australia's entire coal mining sector, just to comply with regulation strangling business investment.
Labor faces major roadblocks in bid to pass nature laws
Labor is facing questions over its attempt to fast-track environmental reforms as the government tries to woo its opponents in the hopes of striking a deal.
Clean-up begins but cyclone threat yet to disappear
The clean-up has begun in the Top End, but a cyclone threat remains as northern Australia braces for more wild weather.
Snap decision: another social app issues age warnings
Snapchat is the latest social media app to issue warnings to young Australian users and will ask thousands of people to verify their age.
‘Much-loved’ experienced firefighter dies batting blaze
A firefighter has died in the line of duty, with his body discovered after his colleagues noticed he had gone missing while battling a rural blaze.
‘Too big’: weapon found in accused’s car was ruled out
Past and present police officers have been quizzed on the collection and quarantining of evidence from the Easey Street double murders nearly 50 years ago.
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.
Dire housing affordability widening the wealth divide
An extraordinary rise in demand combined with constrained supply has created a boom in Australian home values and rents over the past five years.
Crucial 77-second window during Bondi stabbing rampage
The critical moments between a security guard making a frantic radio call and a killer with a knife stalking his final victim have been forensically examined.
National AI safety hub to manage risks, deliver rewards
An institute will advise the government on how to shut down risks from artificial intelligence and ensure companies follow the rules.
‘I stabbed another boy’: teenage accused killer’s words
A 15-year-old accused of murdering an older boy in an unprovoked attack shortly after school broke for the day allegedly admitted his actions to police.
Moderate MPs rally around Ley amid leadership turmoil
Sussan Ley's allies insist they are not preparing to turn on their leader to support right-wing challengers after a damaging stoush over climate policy.
More schools close, others reopen amid asbestos scare
Some schools will reopen and others close over the detection of trace amounts of asbestos in a play sand product, while experts say the risk remains very low.
Greens senator fires back at Hanson over ‘racist’ tweet
Pauline Hanson's claim she had targeted hypocrisy and not race by telling a Greens senator to go back to Pakistan was itself racist, a court has heard.
Mining giant reveals deal to turn iron and steel green
One of Australia's largest mining companies will pause its plans to produce greener iron and invest $35 million in emerging local technology.
Christmas bookings bring good tidings for pub giant
Australians look set to open their wallets over the festive period with hospitality giant Endeavour Group projecting strong Christmas pub bookings.
Teen’s potentially deadly final meal on camping trip
A spotlight is being shone on the last meal eaten by a 16-year-old boy who was camping with his friends before he collapsed and died.
Australian surf great honoured with Hall of Fame award
Seven-time world champion Layne Beachley has received The Dawn award at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Awards for her efforts in improving women's surfing.
PM launches blistering attack on climate policy ‘mess’
Anthony Albanese has torn strips off the coalition's climate and energy policies after an apparent about-face over public funding for coal-powered plants.
RBA reveals what would rule out more interest rate cuts
Barring a material rise in unemployment or weaker-than-expected economic growth, mortgage holders can just about give up hope for any more interest rate relief.
Callous killer jailed for ex-girlfriend’s brutal murder
More than 80 of Hannah McGuire's family and friends have stared down her killer as he was jailed for close to three decades for murder.
Big bank boss takes swipe at surcharge ban consequences
As the Reserve Bank considers a ban on credit card surcharges, the head of the nation's biggest bank has warned of "wrong assumptions" about the payments.
‘New direction’ as Liberals crown first woman leader
A newly minted Liberal leader has declared she has enough time to sell her vision for the state, 12 months out from an election.
Indigenous students construct new paths in engineering
Indigenous students with a passion for STEM are being introduced to the world of engineering, with hands-on workshops, site visits and cultural activities.
CommBank shares drop despite $2.6b quarterly profit
Australia's biggest company has posted its financial results for the quarter, but despite improving on most metrics, it still looks too dear to most investors.
‘Disruptive’ bail checks left brothers scared of police
Life was happy for an Aboriginal family until police subjected them to more than 150 bail checks in 20 months, which they say amounted to discrimination.
‘100 per cent innocent’: AFL star cleared on rape claim
Stood-down AFL star Tanner Bruhn is poised to return to the football field after prosecutors dropped rape charges against him.
‘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.
Alan Jones’ concerns ahead of mammoth sex abuse hearing
Sex abuse allegations against shock jock Alan Jones will be aired during a four-and-a-half-month-long court hearing which could involve more than 100 witnesses.
Second-hand car buyers are looking to save petrol too
Hybrid vehicles are not just popular with new car buyers, as figures reveal the low-emission models are making up more second-hand sales.