Tariffs spell death knell for businesses on the brink
Australia's economy is tipped to grow faster in 2025 but US tariffs and trade wars could be enough to send marginal businesses to the wall.
national news
Sports coach beaten to death ‘as revenge for break-up’
A sports coach was fatally beaten until unrecognisable because her ex-boyfriend wanted to punish her for breaking up with him, a forensic psychiatrist believes.
Home owners reap windfall as buyers warned on new units
Home sellers notched a record profit in last three months of 2024 but not every property owner will be so lucky in the future, real estate researchers warn.
Nurses to face court over alleged anti-Israeli threats
More than a month after two nurses appeared online in a video allegedly talking about killing Israeli patients, the pair are about to face court.
Government kicks can down the road on climate target
Labor has refused to reveal Australia's 2035 emissions reduction target before the election, despite it being the subject of cabinet debate for over a year.
Movers muster into Gympie and other towns off the track
Australians continue to escape to the country, but growing regional towns are calling for better funding to support their changing populations.
Ukraine deal can’t reward Putin for actions: minister
Defence Minister Richard Marles says Russia's president can't get off lightly in any peace deal with Ukraine after its invasion.
‘Anti-Israeli’ nurse’s odd exit as key video contested
A nurse has left court shielded by a tight scrum of supporters after being charged over widely condemned alleged threats to kill Israeli patients.
Premier attacks as ex-top cop takes ousting to watchdog
A premier has lashed out at a former police deputy commissioner who has referred his axing to the state's anti-corruption watchdog.
Bravery nod for crate heroes who stopped city rampage
Civilians and firefighters who ended a stabbing attack armed with nothing but chairs and milk crates are being recognised for their bravery.
Multi-billion dollar radar buy to boost Canada ties: PM
The purchase by Canada of 'world-leading' radar technology with strengthen the relationship with Australia, according to the prime minister.
PM waves off Dutton gas pledge as ‘bubble bath’ policy
Peter Dutton is seeking a mandate to fast-track a 50-year gas expansion but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese insists the idea is but a thought bubble.
Lehrmann probe head committed ‘serious corrupt conduct’
A former judge engaged in serious corrupt conduct leaking an inquiry report sparked by the prosecution of former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann.
Cryo-born corals thrive on reef in win for restoration
Millions of corals born from frozen sperm could one day be deployed on reefs to help them recover from climate change-induced heat events.
Tough times haven’t stopped Aussies shopping online
Online shopping continues to soar in popularity in Australia, as cost-of-living pressures change the way we spend, and determines which retailers will survive.
Prime minister keen to pop coalition ‘thought bubbles’
Unofficial campaigning has sparked backed up with the PM cradling babies on one side of the country and opposition leader talking gardens on the other.
Boy killed mother as part of ‘anti-communist front’
A child murdered his mother as part of plans to "take over Australia" by forming an anti-communist front to restore Christian values, a court has been told.
Wages and worker rights ‘on the line’ at next election
Unions say industrial relations changes have got wages moving again but employer groups want them axed, arguing they constrain businesses and productivity.
Health portfolio quartet join nation’s newest ministry
A third-time elected state government has backed splitting its health portfolio four ways as the ink dried at its swearing-in ceremony.
Baby killer helped put prison predator behind bars
A convicted baby killer is no closer to release despite being identified as having helped jail a notorious prison guard who sexually assaulted inmates.
PM poll pledge to slash cost of hundreds of medicines
The maximum price of many prescription medicines will be reduced to $25 as part of Labor's re-election plan to bring down healthcare costs.
Social media push to foster respectful relationships
A social media campaign aims to help young men call out disrespect against women after research found many did not know how to do so.
Echidna digs in to help island wildlife back from blaze
Rangers are over the moon after an echidna was spotted on an island where wildlife was mostly destroyed by a devastating bushfire more than a decade ago.
Indigenous medicos nursing First Peoples back to health
Generations of Indigenous health workers are leading the way in improving outcomes for First Nations patients and helping greatly to close the gap.
Environment in better shape overall but threats linger
Australia's environment experienced above-average conditions in 2024 yet temperature extremes and more threatened species suggest there's more to the story.
Chronic patients get most relief in medicine cost cut
Patients could save almost $7 on each prescription as the government promises to make medicines cheaper in a move supported by the coalition.
Why shock drop in jobs won’t shift RBA rate cut bets
Fewer older Australians returned to work in February, driving a surprise fall in jobs and workforce participation but the labour market remains tight overall.
Angry cyclone victims beat a path to parliament’s door
Residents of a community battered by a tropical cyclone are blaming climate change for the extreme event as another region braces for the next big wet.
Tougher bail key to stopping crime surge, says top cop
With crime surging to record levels, one of Australia's largest police forces is pleading for government to fast-track tougher bail laws.
Climate protesters crash Dutton keystone policy speech
A Donald Trump meeting would top the agenda if the coalition wins government, says Peter Dutton as anti-nuclear protesters crash his foreign policy speech.
Teach sons respect, warns mother of murdered woman
A coroner has thanked the family of a young murdered woman for their powerful presence throughout her inquest and says their participation will save lives.