CFMEU crackdown faces delay as negotiations drag
The coalition wants to strengthen Labor laws to take over the CFMEU but the push for an inquiry is being criticised with concerns witnesses won't come forward.
national news
Parents left waiting, visa system left wanting: review
Commonwealth Ombudsman Iain Anderson recommends procedural changes to parent visa applications that can drag on for decades and cost thousands of dollars.
No change to judges’ immunity urged despite ‘rare case’
The High Court is hearing arguments on judges' immunity from being sued and if a man traumatised behind bars after being wrongly jailed is entitled to damages.
Popular utes score bad marks in real-world vehicle test
Some popular utes use more petrol and produce more pollution than lab tests promise, according to a motoring body, and could cost drivers more than expected.
‘Wake-up call’: one in three kids fail basic standards
Calls to fully fund public schools are rising after the 2024 NAPLAN results showed thousands of students can't meet basic standards for literacy and numeracy.
Live music ‘extinction event’ as Bluesfest tunes out
A long-running blues and roots festival is the latest live music show to call time, with its organiser pleading for help to save an industry "on its knees".
New report a code red on health effects of fossil fuels
Doctors say Australians must grasp the vast range of health threats fossil fuels pose and pressure politicians to dump them as quickly as possible.
Shareholders still cash in as CBA profit slips to $9.5b
Commonwealth Bank's net profit after tax was down six per cent to $9.5 billion in 2023/24 but Australia's biggest bank is increasing its dividend.
Cybersecurity worker shortage could put Aussies at risk
Australia does not have enough cybersecurity specialists to protect consumers from further data breaches, a report warns, amid calls for greater training.
Watchdog sues ASX Ltd for ‘misleading’ upgrade claims
Share market operator ASX made misleading statements when it said a platform upgrade was "on track" and "progressing well", the corporate regulator alleges.
Profits plummet at Kerry Stokes’ Seven West Media
As Seven West Media contends with allegations of a toxic workplace culture at its television network, profits plunge 69 per cent to $45 million.
‘Do more’: fury rises over Palestinian refugee ban call
Palestinians are disgusted at a call to blanket ban asylum seekers fleeing the war-torn Gaza Strip from Australia under the guise of national security.
CFMEU-linked super execs probed as administration looms
The finance industry watchdog has demanded an investigation into CFMEU-appointed directors to super funds after allegations of criminal behaviour in the union.
East coast remains on flood alert despite easing rain
A rain trough that has battered parts of NSW and Queensland is set to shift offshore on Wednesday night but flooding fears remain after days of wet weather.
Safety fears delay 3G closure, users urged to upgrade
Telstra and Optus have delayed the 3G closure to launch a massive public safety campaign, after fears phones, alarms and medical equipment could be cut off.
Transition ‘well under way’ as AGL rejects nuclear push
Energy giant AGL has posted a stellar profit on higher power prices, taking the lead in the transition and dismissing nuclear as too costly and too late.
Gold rush down under as our Olympians return from Paris
After Australia's best Olympics, the country's athletes have been feted on their return home following an incredible two weeks of competition.
Beware of economic ‘false prophets’, warns Reserve Bank
Reserve Bank deputy governor Andrew Hauser says projecting future movements in the economy is inherently uncertain and overconfidence is a red flag.
Mining’s old holes could be ‘massive asset’ for hydro
The mining industry is not trying to shirk rehabilitation requirements but more options for post-mining land use should be considered, an inquiry was told.
CFMEU crackdown laws lodged as calls mount to go harder
CFMEU officials who attempt to disrupt the work of external administrators have been threatened with heavy penalties, but not everybody is happy with the laws.
AFP to fight officers’ strike action as parliament sits
Any move by officers to walk off the job after a breakdown in pay negotiations will be opposed by the Australian Federal Police.
Au revoir: Paris Olympics close with star-studded show
Paris has closed out two and a half extraordinary weeks of Olympic sports and emotion with a star-studded show in France's national stadium.
Man who beat Xenophon makes bold poll pledge for Libs
Vincent Tarzia has reminded the political world he's the man who beat former senator Nick Xenophon, as he vows to lead the state Liberals to victory in 2026.
Downpours and storms raise threat of flash flooding
Heavy rain and possible flash flooding is forecast for northeast NSW as wild weather makes its way across the border from Queensland.
Dutton undermined Reynolds, defamation trial told
Linda Reynolds and Brittany Higgins' defamation trial has heard the senator believed Peter Dutton undermined her and Bruce Lehrmann's rape trial was political.
Property market picking up in smaller capital cities
REA Group's CEO says property listings in Melbourne and Sydney might marginally decline in 2024/25, but Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth are showing growth.
Former Liberal MP pleads guilty to taxation charges
A former Liberal politician, once fined $5000 for having an unregistered handgun, has pleaded guilty to taxation offences.
News Corp flags potential Foxtel buyer, rise in revenue
Foxtel could change hands with owner News Corp revealing a potential suitor for the pay-TV operator along with a rise in revenue for the American conglomerate.
Archive to preserve multitude of Indigenous languages
Languages from across Australia will be collected in an archive to protect the hundreds of Indigenous tongues while offering insight into heritage and culture.
PM rules out foreign nuclear waste under new AUKUS deal
Australia will accept nuclear technology from the US and UK as part of an updated AUKUS deal, but Anthony Albanese says nuclear waste won't be part of it.
Laws to demolish resistance by CFMEU bosses to takeover
The scaffolding will be pulled from under the CFMEU as the union's construction division fights administration with legislation about to be introduced.