Christmas bonus as Aussie shares soar to six-week high
Hopes of a much-anticipated Santa rally are beginning to crystallise, after the local bourse hit its highest price in six weeks and gold notched a record.
national news
CBA to repay $68m in fees to low-income customers
Following a report by ASIC, the Commonwealth Bank says it's repaying $68 million to low-income customers who incurred unusually high banking fees.
Bondi heroes to be honoured amid grim death toll alert
People who put themselves in harm's way, including those who sacrificed their lives to save others during the Bondi terror attack, will receive a special award.
‘Lower the temperature’: PM’s plea after kidnap threat
A man has been charged with threatening the prime minister, prompting a call for a cooling of the fractious political debate.
Snow and a heatwave as four seasons greet Christmas Day
Two capital cities can expect ideal weather for Christmas Day, while the rest must contend with conditions ranging from snow to a dangerous heatwave.
Dismal start to holidays as national road toll soars
A grim start to the Christmas holidays on the roads continues, with Australia on track to record its worst year of fatalities in more than a decade.
PM, opposition leader reflect on sombre Christmas ahead
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley have delivered messages of hope during a bittersweet Christmas festive period.
Vow to quash terrorism after Sydney ‘changed forever’
After pushing through emergency legislation to curb gun ownership and protests, a state premier is vowing not to let a terrorist attack divide Australians.
Bee-sieged island keeping deadly mite at bay
An island that is home to a unique population of honey bees hopes biosecurity measures will protect it from a deadly parasite taking hold across Australia.
Refugees escape to regions marred by racism
Half of the refugees living in regional towns and centres experience racism and discrimination, a new report has found.
Man accused of praising Bondi attack had multiple guns
Firearms, ammunition and flags linked to banned terrorist organisations were found at the home of a man accused of praising the Bondi gunmen on social media.
Hope, kindness celebrated on bittersweet Christmas
Australians have been urged to come together and look after each other during a holiday season tainted by a shooting at the nation's most iconic beach.
‘Very sticky’: summer heatwave to give way to storms
Inland Australians are tipped to swelter through another day of 40C heat as tropical humidity in the nation's north draws storms south.
Knife in Easter Show death was a ‘security blanket’
A teen gang member jailed for using a knife to kill an Easter Show ride attendant carried the weapon to reduce his anxiety after being stabbed three times.
Bold company tax proposal still friendless after revamp
An alternative corporate tax proposal could have greater economic benefits if a requirement to be budget-neutral was removed, the Productivity Commission says.
Mokbel ‘sorry saga’ drags on as retrial left in limbo
Underworld identity Tony Mokbel is still facing the possibility of another trial over alleged drug importation offending dating back to 2005.
‘Sheer terror’: 44 years for strangling new partner
A jealous man unable to accept a woman did not want a long-term relationship with him will spend decades in prison for her murder and interfering with her body.
Ex-TV star must shadow Jewish leader over Nazi gesture
A magistrate has condemned those who target Australia's Jewish community while sentencing a former Neighbours actor for performing a Nazi gesture.
Premier red-faced as husband busted drink-driving
An emotional state premier has declared she's "deeply shocked, disappointed and embarrassed" after her husband was busted drink-driving.
‘Truth is out’: relief over gruesome murder acquittal
A woman accused of killing a 72-year-old man and mutilating his body with a box cutter has spoken out after being found not guilty of his murder.
‘Unconscionable’: major bank’s record fine bumped up
ANZ has been fined $250 million for widespread misconduct and systemic failures that impacted the federal government, taxpayers and thousands of customers.
Coroner urges ban on ‘ineffective’ spit hoods
Spit hoods are ineffective in protecting against transmissible diseases and should be banned in prisons and hospitals, a coroner says.
‘Cowardice’: man jailed over ex-partner’s fatal bashing
A man so fixated on getting his ex-partner back that his verbal and physical abuse escalated to her brutal bashing death has been jailed for over two decades.
‘Globalise the intifada’ banned after Bondi shooting
A major crackdown on hate symbols and slogans and new NSW police powers to demand the removal of face coverings has been announced following the Bondi atrocity.
Wearing the ‘many hats’ of a remote health worker
In a remote community of 150 people health workers wear 'many hats' but one of the clinic's four staff wouldn't have it any other way.
Australians fleeing south to escape climate extremes
Australians are already on the move due to climate change, with one state the number one choice for those seeking relief from heat, floods and fires.
PM keeps door open for anti-Semitism royal commission
The prime minister says he'll support a state government if it decides to establish a royal commission into anti-Semitism but leaders want a firm commitment.
Big wet to follow swelter, says weatherman
The heatwave impacting Australia's southeast is set to continue across the weekend, but thunderstorms are also on the way.
PM jeered at Bondi amid calls for unity after massacre
The nation is attempting to heal a week after 15 people were shot dead at Bondi, as calls for a royal commission into the attack grow.
With no campfire skills, Aussies are playing with fire
The fact that three quarters of Australians lack confidence in their campfire skills may explain why one in 10 bushfires are caused by campfire negligence.
Drivers told to paws and think of road risk to koalas
Wildlife volunteers remind drivers to keep their eyes peeled for koalas as summer road trips begin, with a spike in the number of car strikes in one region.