‘No plans’ to unwind abortion under federal coalition
Debate over pregnancy termination is raging in Queensland but an opposition senator says the federal coalition won't restrict access to abortion.
national news
Departing royals leave crowds and controversy behind
King Charles and Queen Camilla have left Australia after a whirlwind tour that featured cheering masses and a run-in that made international headlines.
Childcare sector ‘sleepwalking’ into market domination
A pay increase will help bolster the childcare sector but there are warnings more must be done to address market concentration and keep costs low for families.
Push for urgent delivery of support for midwives crisis
More than a third of midwives around the nation are considering quitting the profession and graduate numbers need to be boosted, a survey has found.
Rape-accused UK rapper blows kiss to fans outside court
A British YouTube star and rapper, who allegedly raped and choked a woman in a Perth hotel room blew a kiss to screaming fans as he emerged from court.
UAE cash for minerals, but China dominance sparks angst
A free trade deal between Australia and the United Arab Emirates provides a pathway for significant investment in critical minerals and mining.
Parks Australia hit with $200k fine over sacred site
Gunlom Falls will again welcome visitors after Parks Australia was ordered to pay a $200,000 fine for disturbing a sacred site in Kakadu National Park.
Banks at odds over easing lending restrictions
Easing lending requirements so more first homebuyers can get a mortgage has received mixed reviews, with warnings more borrowers would face crippling debt.
Future AI chatbots may secretly dob on their users
Subtle changes in the words used by generative AI tools could act as a virtual watermark for the text they produce to tip off readers, research has found.
Climate action call as King presides over leaders meet
Australia and wealthier Commonwealth nations are being told to pay the rent on climate action as the Pacific faces an existential threat from rising sea levels.
No nukes till late 2030s: energy switch may take years
Establishing nuclear power plants in Australia may take more than a decade, an inquiry has heard, and dealing with radioactive waste might be longer.
Abortion access still a lottery for the disadvantaged
When it comes to abortion access, Victorians face a 'postcode lottery' with those in disadvantaged and regional areas confronting barriers to the service.
‘Cover up’ after killing of gang-linked home invader
The alleged shooting murder of a man involved in a home invasion was concealed by the gunman's organised-crime associates, police say.
Puppy farms put on short leash with legal crackdown
Tighter rules are in the pipeline as NSW moves on large-scale puppy farms, which have increased in the state since Victoria introduced stricter regulations.
Holey moley! Massive Ouroboros sculpture eats limelight
A massive metal sculpture has been unveiled at the National Gallery of Australia, with artist Lindy Lee relieved it turned out better than she imagined.
Insurer’s disaster claims running well under budget
Insurer IAG had relatively fewer natural peril claims in the first quarter of 2024/25, but CEO Nick Hawkins says everyone realises how quickly that can change.
‘Israeli swastika’: restaurant boss’s claim over symbol
A restaurateur who pleaded guilty to displaying a Nazi symbol at a pro-Palestinian rally, initially told police it was an "Israeli swastika".
‘No doubt’ inflation is moderating: finance minister
Much is riding on quarterly inflation data out next week as Australia's slow progress by international standards has Labor defending its economic record.
Thousands queue to but see the royals passing by
The King and Queen greeted some of the people who queued for hours in a bid to get a glimpse on the final full-day of their brief royal tour of Australia.
Adults only: online codes to limit porn, gaming access
Australian internet users will have their age tested before they can access some gaming and pornographic websites under wide-ranging online safety proposals.
Fine line widens between penalty amounts and inflation
Inflation may have caused a cost of living crisis, but the price of many fines have stayed the same for nearly 20 years in Victoria.
Hit-run sentence ‘won’t heal pain’ for top cop’s family
A judge has handed a suspended jail sentence to the teenage driver who caused the death of SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens' son Charlie in a hit-run crash.
Look out for a nineties revival as Fashion Week begins
Melbourne Fashion Week is under way, with citrus green and deep pink outfits bringing spring to the catwalk as the nineties threaten a comeback.
Labour shortages still ‘number one’ concern: RBA
Firms are struggling to retain workers as activity from mining, infrastructure projects and even the 2032 Brisbane Olympics keeps demand for labour high.
Deepfake images harming Aussie kids and businesses
Australia is being warned to bring in urgent laws and education to tackle AI-generated deepfake images that put companies and children at risk.
Fight over Libs leadership after record election loss
The Liberal Party faces a battle over its direction in the ACT, with conservative MLA Jeremy Hanson launching a mutiny against moderate leader Elizabeth Lee.
NZ zoning overhaul touted as solution to housing mess
Inspired by overseas examples, business groups have called for changes to zoning laws and co-operative funding models to help solve housing supply issues.
Ukrainian president thanks Australia for tanks donation
Australia will gift 49 tanks to Ukraine's armed forces in its latest assistance against Russia's invasion, after denying a similar request for helicopters.
Mum of ‘precious’ girl killed by teen fights for reform
The family of a 10-year-old killed by a teenager have presented a petition to the NSW parliament calling for an inquest and scrutiny of the legal system.
Supermarkets blamed most for cost-of-living woes
A new report reveals Australians lay the blame for the rising cost of living at the feet of supermarkets.
Strong labour force report dims rate cut prospects
Interest rates are unlikely to fall soon after new data showed workers are being onboarded by employers in huge numbers, reflecting a resilient jobs market.