Water standards in focus as ‘forever chemicals’ found
Traces of cancer-linked chemicals have been detected in drinking water supplies, prompting an investigation and calls for calm.
national news
‘Rarely seen’ pressure applied to Reynolds: Payne
Former federal minister Marise Payne has told a court about her concerns for Linda Reynolds and Brittany Higgins after the latter's alleged rape in parliament.
Fortescue slams ‘cynical distraction’ in IP-theft case
Directors sued for allegedly using Fortescue secrets in their own startup filed a "monumental waste of time" to avoid defending the lawsuit, a judge has heard.
Drug user murdered three vulnerable people, court told
A man accused of three cold case murders was a drug user who killed vulnerable people while searching for valuables to fund his habit, a judge has heard.
One in four Aussies in ‘childcare deserts’ missing out
Australians living in the regions and metropolitan outskirts are missing out on child care as providers preference areas where they can charge the highest fees.
Calls for family violence funding to be election issue
A report card on Australia's progress in ending gender-based violence concludes more funding is needed, especially in crisis areas.
‘Ghost colleges’ closed in tertiary sector overhaul
The federal government has moved to close almost 150 tertiary institutions that offered no training but continued to operate.
‘Let me out’: Aussies need help with subscription traps
Most Australians have struggled to cancel a subscription and some have given up entirely, a report has warned amid calls for legal reforms.
Migrant, refugee women harassed regardless of status
From temporary visa holders to citizens, high-paid to insecure jobs, migrant and refugee women are not immune from being sexually harassed at work.
Start date questions heat up over $30b solar mega-farm
Approval of a huge renewable-energy project could establish Australia as a leader in the field, but there's no start date in sight for the solar farm.
‘Save our home’: coal mines could cost koala habitat
More than 20 new coal projects in two states would have a devastating impact on the habitat of endangered koalas, climate and conservation groups warn.
Underfunding public schools ‘entrenches inequality’
Teachers, students and state and territory education ministers are urging the federal government to increase its funding for public schools
MPs face sanctions under new standards commission
The federal government will introduce laws to establish an Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission to police the behaviour of MPs and staff.
MPs behaving badly face fines under code of conduct
Federal MPs have been urged to lift behavioural standards, as laws are introduced to enforce a code of conduct for elected officials.
Santos drilling for gas demand well into the future
Oil giant Santos is juggling capital-intensive projects, including the hotly contested Narrabri field in NSW, as rising costs and lower LNG prices hit profits.
Opportunity knocks for winner of women in country award
Indigenous advocate and creator of the Remote OpShop Project, Tanya Egerton, has been named the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award National Winner
Check one, two: Google tests if AI can improve hearing
Could hearing aids and cochlear implants benefit from artificial intelligence technology? Google and Australian researchers have teamed to find out.
‘Blood on his hands’: advocates slam NDIS reforms
Access and funding levels are set to change for people on disability support services after the government struck a controversial deal to revamp the NDIS.
Deepfake porn laws to target sharing of sexual images
Federal parliament is cracking down on the sharing of fake or digitally altered pornographic images without consent.
Review gun laws ‘so no one else has to go through it’
An urgent review of correctional officers' use of firearms has been recommended by an inquiry into the death of an Indigenous man shot while fleeing custody.
‘Enraged’ shooter targeted wife and family before death
Investigators are trying to unpick what led a man from Victoria, with scant police history, to target his family in a shooting in suburban Sydney.
Dress pulled up, alleged serial killer’s trial told
The body of a woman allegedly killed by a man accused of three SA cold case murders was discovered by her 11-year-old grandson, a court has been told.
Governments urged to ‘be honest’ on youth justice
Indigenous children's organisations are urging governments to 'be honest' about Australia's youth justice system, and invest in community-led solutions.
Aussie shares in late comeback to extend winning streak
After being down as much as 0.5 per cent in morning trading, the ASX200 gained steadily in the afternoon to finish slightly in the green and above 8,000.
‘I was toxic’, Higgins said about Reynolds relationship
A journalist who broke the story about Brittany Higgins' alleged rape has testified in a defamation trial pitting Senator Linda Reynolds against her ex-staffer.
Body of tech entrepreneur retrieved from sunken yacht
The body of technology tycoon Mike Lynch has been recovered after a luxury yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily, while his daughter remains missing.
Frothy and a polly, final leaders’ debate hits the pub
Chief Minister Eva Lawler and Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro have faced off in a final debate before the Northern Territory election.
Gen X, older millennials ride housing boom to the bank
Older millennials and generation X are among the biggest winners from Australia's real estate boom as profits from sales hit their highest level in 10 years.
Super on parental leave to reduce ‘motherhood penalty’
Parents will get an extra $3000 in their super balance while on government-funded paid parental leave under laws introduced to federal parliament.
Older and youngest workers vulnerable if hiring stalls
A weaker labour market is felt unevenly by different industries and demographics, with older workers and those new to the workforce most at risk.
‘Kept my child secret’: gay teacher calls for change
A Catholic school teacher who felt forced to quit because of a same-sex relationship is sharing her experience to try and secure stronger legal protections.