Senator surfer on political waves caught and missed
Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson says he has worked hard to elevate ocean health on the political agenda, ahead of his retirement from federal parliament.
national news
Garma festival shows Yolngu culture in full colour
As leaders talk policy at Garma, Yolngu men, women and children step onto the Bungul ground, using ochre, song and story to show Australians who they really are
Australia leans on Indigenous culture in Pacific pacts
Australia is drawing on First Nations ties in its Pacific diplomacy push as PNG and other islands' leaders back a culturally grounded regional agenda.
Pay rise for aged-care nurses amid dire worker shortage
The federal government hopes a milestone pay rise for aged-care workers will help attract and retain staff in a sector stretched by shortages.
Vibe check for outback town as corporate suits descend
Laid-back residents of Australia's gold capital are about to be inundated by business types in suits and RM Williams boots as a mining forum comes to town.
Dodgy donations, desperate denials in Liberals probe
The first week of an explosive inquiry investigating potential corrupt conduct in the Liberal Party has shown how factionalism thrives behind closed doors.
Breakaway Arnhem Land council shocks NT Indigenous body
Yolngu leaders have launched the breakaway Dilak Land Council at Garma, stunning the Northern Land Council and reshaping the land rights fight in Arnhem Land.
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.
Mass deaths warning: bird flu spread set to accelerate
Seabirds and marine mammals face mass deaths from bird flu, an expert warns, as political leaders vow to protect wildlife, agriculture and the economy.
Electric car tax looms for one state unless PM steps in
One state is prepared to charge ahead with a tax on electric vehicle drivers unless the federal government introduces a national scheme.
UK rapper found not guilty of raping Australian fan
A British rapper and media personality accused of raping a fan after an Australian show has been acquitted of some charges.
Belt up: seatbelt culture push after wedding bus crash
Stricter enforcement on seatbelts and a new database of coach drivers and their complaints are among a suite of recommendations stemming from a tragic crash.
Labor MP to fight assault charges amid court case
A Labor politician in the Top End has vowed to fight allegations he assaulted an official, amid growing calls for the federal MP to step aside.
Mafia and escort bosses named in notorious cold case
Two key people are alleged to have lied in police investigations as conclusions are drawn in one of Australia's most notorious cold cases.
Conservative Liberal lobbyist labels co-founder ‘dodgy’
A member of a conservative Liberal faction has told a corruption probe he believes he got the idea to create a fake invoice from his "dodgy" co-founder.
Homeless Australians trapped in ‘cycle of crisis’
Tens of thousands of homeless people could be helped by having their accommodation linked to mental health support services, amid a push from advocacy groups.
Didgeridoo rumble as Garma Festival bursts into life
Under a bruised-purple Arnhem Land sky, 13 Yolngu clans have drenched the red dust in ochre, song and didgeridoo as the Garma Festival explodes into colour.
Blasts and brains: cutting-edge study of Aussie troops
World-leading research will seek to monitor in real time the impact of repeated low-level blast exposure on the brains of Australian troops during training.
‘Substantial’ evidence in Little Baby murder case
Prosecutors have compiled a substantial brief of evidence against a man charged with murdering five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, a court has been told.
‘Breathtaking’ NDIS exploitation in remote communities
Multiple groups have told an inquiry the federal government's proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme reforms should not go ahead in their current form.
Housing approvals rebound, but still behind targets
The number of dwellings granted approval has hit a five-year high, but national housing levels still lag behind federal targets.
Liberal faction gave ‘bogus’ invoices for donations
Factional infighting within the Liberal Party has been compared to epic war film Braveheart by a conservative Christian faction member at a corruption hearing.
Preschool to uni: envoy wants anti-Semitism education
Targeted education from preschool to university is essential to change embedded hateful views, the envoy tasked with combating anti-Semitism says.
Social App taken to court over terror related content
A popular messaging platform has been accused of failing to remove violent extremist content from its platform, sparking legal action by the online watchdog.
‘Vindication’: apology for survivors of school abuse
Watching a state government apologise for widespread failings at public schools was surreal but validating, a victim-survivor of child sexual abuse says.
Endangered species at risk as bird flu spreads
Conservationists hold deep concerns for the future of some of Australia's most critically endangered species after a spike in bird flu cases.
‘No evidence’ arrested man knew of major cocaine haul
A man allegedly involved in Australia's largest ever cocaine haul has been released to house arrest after a judge dismissed concerns he would flee overseas.
Fuel seller eyes massive earnings lift due to conflict
The company that owns one of Australia's two oil refineries says the Middle East war underscores the need to keep that capability, as the conflict continues.
‘Politicisation’: MP’s lawyer fumes over assault arrest
Arresting a federal politician at his home rather than simply issuing a court summons shows the MP is unfairly being made an example of, his lawyer claims.
Australia assisting man facing death penalty in Syria
Lawyers for a Gold Coast man facing a possible death penalty in Syria are seeking to ensure his rights are protected as federal authorities provide assistance.
Trust among Australians drops to decade’s lowest point
Australians are becoming increasingly mistrustful of each other and faith in how our democracy is operating is at its lowest point in years, a report reveals.