Farmland value in reverse as economy tightens
Australian farmland values are down 3.8 per cent in the first half of 2025 - the first dip in over a decade - but there are some causes for optimism.
national news
Medicinal cannabis being ‘exploited’ through telehealth
Companies that prescribe and dispense medicinal cannabis have drawn the ire of doctors and pharmacists warning of gaps in the regulation of medicinal cannabis.
Gunman’s wild, violent crime spree ends in hotel lobby
A man has been arrested and taken away in an ambulance after allegedly walking into a boutique city hotel wielding a gun after a wild police chase.
Council loses millions in scam using ‘AI techniques’
A beachside council says it has lost millions after an international crime syndicate used "social engineering AI techniques", sparking a major investigation.
‘Day from hell’: how family survived an inland tsunami
Locals from a rural village razed by a ferocious, swirling flash flood have told their miraculous tales of survival during an "absolute day from hell".
‘Grey corruption’, ministerial staff conduct unpunished
A former ombudsman is calling for greater accountability of ministerial staffers who engage in misconduct but aren't covered by independent oversight.
Ban on petrol, diesel vehicles urged as EVs set records
Motorists are buying electric vehicles in record numbers but uptake will need to speed up to meet climate targets and experts are calling for change.
Concreter wailed after allegedly killing ex-partner
A concreter accused of violently murdering his ex-partner during a domestic argument was incoherent as he tried to revive her before paramedics arrived.
Prime minister’s private phone number published online
Government officials have been left scrambling after the personal phone numbers of senior politicians were discovered in an online database.
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.
Bosses quit at scandal-plagued childcare giant
The top brass of one of the biggest childcare providers in Australia have resigned after a series of safety scandals.
Open-home rape, abuse claims as estate agent on trial
A real estate agent accused of raping and sexually abusing three women at multiple open homes is fighting the allegations in court.
Wikipedia war of words waged over First Nations names
Decades-old history wars are playing out on the backbone of the internet as Wikipedia editors strive to enhance cultural safety and face other challenges.
Not a fad: billions spent with Indigenous businesses
Indigenous businesses are continuing to grow as their goods and services are in high demand from government, corporate and non-profit organisations.
‘Stop apologising’: Ley backs top Lib’s call for unity
A senior Liberal's speech calling for an end to the party's soul searching after a horror election result has won the support of Opposition Leader Sussan Ley.
Day of pain: Jewish anguish still raw on attack date
The Jewish community continues to experience horrors in Australia and abroad two years after the events of October 7, leaders say.
‘Lower the aggro’: lawyers clash over accused shooter
As a man faced court on a raft of charges, including shooting with intent to murder, a battle broke out between two lawyers trying to represent him.
Heat dialled up on minister over triple-zero outages
Communications Minister Anika Wells has been questioned about her handling of a triple-zero outage, as reforms to the emergency network are introduced.
Fugitive’s no-frills hideout during kickbacks probe
A former bureaucrat and key suspect in an $11 million fraud says he was planning on turning himself in before police came knocking.
Climate trigger ruled out of nature law reforms
The government won't consider the impacts of projects on climate change via a trigger mechanism under nature law reforms overseen by the environment minister.
Gold shines, equities lose lustre in tired trading day
Only Australia's raw materials sector has managed to close higher as the local bourse faded in a sluggish trading session.
TV star, podcaster under fire for Israel genocide post
A former close friend of Abbie Chatfield has sued the television personality claiming he was publicly vilified over his views on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Aussie aid activists bound for home after prison ordeal
Seven Australian activists detained by Israel for trying to break a blockade to deliver aid are headed home as the government defends its quiet diplomacy.
Defence, trade hot topics for Australia-Singapore talks
Top-level talks marking 60 years of ties are likely to include Australia seeking stronger trade and defence ties with an important Asian neighbour.
Soaring rents push people further from jobs, community
Australian renters are paying on average an extra $204 per week to keep a roof over their heads compared to five years ago, a nearly 44 per cent increase.
Next-generation solar technology inches closer to roofs
More efficient solar cells are getting closer to commercial launch thanks to a breakthrough involving a new design and more durable chemicals.
‘Back them’: PM’s blunt message after smelter bailout
Mining giant Glencore has been urged to invest in a struggling community after a $600 million taxpayer-funded bailout to secure hundreds of jobs at a smelter.
Why Google wants you to ask long, complicated questions
More web queries will be answered by artificial intelligence when Google expands technology tested in the US to its Australian users.
Hearings reveal Optus bungled triple-zero outage email
Federal authorities only found out about a catastrophic Optus triple-zero outage a day after it was resolved because the telco notified the wrong email address.
Stadium pitch ramped up as do-or-die vote nears
A state faces "severe reputational damage" if a proposed $1.1 billion stadium isn't built as part of a deal for AFL and AFLW teams.
Cops foil alleged daycare murder plot in gangland feud
Police have intercepted alleged hitmen they say were on their way to kill a man picking up a child from a daycare centre, as a city's gangland war escalates.