Doubts after ‘unprecedented’ arrests over luxury fakes
Three men allegedly involved with a business selling knock-off designer watches and jewellery have been bailed as a magistrate questions the case against them.
national news
Empty chairs spark bid to arrest premier’s senior staff
A state's most senior ministerial staff face being dragged to an inquiry by force after their no-show to answer questions about an explosive-laden caravan.
AI threatens to widen gender gap for regional girls
Artificial intelligence could exacerbate the gap between boys and girls studying STEM subjects, an expert has warned, especially in regional Australia.
Women’s ‘safety premium’ for solo travel peace of mind
Women travelling solo are paying more for safer accommodation and tours as the travel industry adjusts to a growing cohort of those going it alone.
Mushroom jurors’ long weekend before verdict decision
Jurors sitting in Erin Patterson's triple-murder trial will have a four-day break before they hear the judge's final directions and begin deciding on a verdict.
Death in custody case under scrutiny as ministers meet
Deaths in custody and tougher youth crime laws will be a focus as a peak Indigenous group meets to discuss Closing the Gap progress with government ministers.
Australia deploys military to help Middle East evacuees
Australian military forces are being set up to support evacuations from Israel and Iran, after US President Donald Trump gave Iran an ultimatum.
Budget billions helps cashed-up state lead debt battle
A seventh surplus budget for the nation's richest state sets it apart from other jurisdictions as it enjoys the lowest debt levels in the country.
Liberal leader’s unity call after $1.5m party bailout
Victorian Liberal leader Brad Battin denies he has sided against defamed MP Moira Deeming after supporting a $1.5 million party loan to his predecessor.
What’s the crime, say accused $10m fake merch dealers
Caught with over 500 fake luxury items, three founders of an alleged $10 million counterfeit empire have attacked the investigators who put them in custody.
Cost-of-living crisis blamed for soaring crime rates
Youth offending is at a record high in one state, latest figures reveal, as police attribute cost-of-living pressures to a jump in property crimes.
Caring for Country with ancient knowledge and science
Environmental DNA technology is being combined with Indigenous knowledge to care for Country in one of the world's oldest aquaculture systems.
International students take notice as uni ranks tumble
Many Australian universities have taken a hit in their global rankings and a number are struggling with their reputations in the eyes of employers.
Protester confident in fight against new police powers
A prominent activist says he is "very confident" after taking a state government to court over controversial anti-protest laws which expanded police powers.
agricultural research and technology
agriculture
applied science
biotechnology - science and technology
energy
energy (general)
energy and resource
energy resources
environmental issue
environmental pollution
metal and mineral
renewable energy
research
research and development
science (general)
Scientists turn to AI to crack the green ammonia riddle
Faced with testing 8000 substances to work out how to cut pollution from a key agricultural product, Aussie scientists turned to artificial intelligence.
Vulnerable pregnant women among adrift migrant workers
Pregnant migrants are increasingly seeking help in rural areas, while other temporary workers are in hiding after escaping modern slavery conditions.
Energy price rule changes to limit unfair bill hikes
Vulnerable energy customers will be afforded extra protections from price gouging by electricity retailers in rule changes set to come into effect in 2026.
Robots set to conquer the final frontiers
A camera system designed to work like a human brain could help robots go further, including machines built for space and undersea explorations.
Pedal to the metal for home prices as rates fall
Sydney and Melbourne are expected to be the fastest-growing property markets in 2025/26 as mortgage rates fall, Domain forecasts shows.
Big-spending budget raises questions over living relief
A cash splash from the nation's richest state is targeting housing supply and health but critics say there should have been greater cost-of-living relief.
Labour market stays tight despite surprise drop in jobs
The economy lost some jobs in May, confounding expectations, but the Reserve Bank will likely view it as noise not signs of a weakening labour market.
Puzzles and jumps: end game in mushroom murder trial
Mushroom cook Erin Patterson's lawyer has urged jurors to find his client not guilty of triple murder, saying prosecutors forced evidence to fit their theory.
Australians flee Israel borders as evacuations ramp up
Australians making their way out of Israel under the peril of Iranian missile strikes face long delays as others vow to remain, despite the danger.
diplomacy
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international relations
politics (general)
summit
unrest, conflicts and war
PM mulls NATO visit for Trump meeting, Mideast talks
Instability in the Middle East and the prospect of a one-on-one with Donald Trump could mean the prime minister jest off to The Hague to attend the NATO summit.
Veteran takes last shot to overturn war crime findings
Disgraced special forces soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has launched a last-ditch bid to overturn findings that he likely engaged in war crimes while on deployment.
Optus says yes to record $100m fine for dodgy sales
Optus has agreed to a record fine for "unconscionable" sales to hundreds of consumers, including in remote Indigenous communities its network didn't cover.
Teen’s bravery hailed after alleged gang rape ordeal
A 14-year-old boy is among a group of teens accused of gang-raping a girl in an "unimaginable" alleged crime.
‘Fastest way out’: Iran urged to end nuclear ambitions
Australia's foreign minister has called for Iran to come to the negotiating table in its conflict with Israel, saying the country's nuclear program should stop.
‘Crime talk’ and fear fuel punitive views in the bush
People in rural Australia want tougher penalties for criminals, with "significant" punitive views influenced by fear and a lack of trust in the justice system.
breaking_news
diplomacy
economy, business and finance
international (foreign) trade
international relations
summit
PM eyes another possible Trump meeting later this month
Anthony Albanese could soon get a second chance to meet with Donald Trump, after the US president abruptly cancelled their first in-person meeting.
Power customers promised tougher rules on price gouging
More downwards pressure on power bills is the goal of planned tweaks to regulated electricity pricing now on the federal government's agenda.