Labor ‘waited too long’ to announce big election pledge
With a federal election looming, an expert warns it will take more than a rate cut and a health promise to turn the political tides in Labor's favour.
national news
Probe into alleged murder after tense rooftop stand-off
Police are investigating the motive behind a man who allegedly murdered his friend before engaging in a tense stand-off with police on top of a two-storey roof.
Consumer prices to gauge inflation fight raging in 2025
Price changes in January will be among the first set of data scoured by the Reserve Bank as it studies whether a further interest rate cut is on the cards.
Local steel quotas in major projects being considered
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the federal government wants local steel to be used in Australian projects, as it considers introducing quotas.
Sharing the joy of science inspires an interesting life
From posting boxes of books off to remote classrooms to writing his own, a love of science is at the heart of everything social entrepreneur Corey Tutt does.
Medicare the winner as parties match funding pledges
Healthcare funding is to receive a certain boost with both major parties pledging to spend billions of dollars as they prepare for the federal election.
What took so long? Boy from the bush embraces new fans
A love of country music made Aussie star Lee Kernaghan the uncoolest kid in school but now he's among friends as new fans flock to his shows.
Why the next big AI advance will not just talk but walk
Humanoid robots that can help at home or work are becoming tech firms' next big investment following breakthroughs in artificial intelligence.
economy, business and finance
heavy construction
manufacturing and engineering
metal and mineral
politics
PM puts Australian steel in frame of renewables rollout
The federal government will foster jobs in clean energy manufacturing driven by locally made steel and aluminium under a plan unveiled by the prime minister.
China conducts second live-fire drill near New Zealand
A Chinese warship has conducted a second live-fire drill in as many days, according to New Zealand navy personnel.
Wong to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister on warships
Foreign minister Penny Wong will meet with her Chinese counterpart to make Canberra's case on the presence of Chinese warships near Australia.
Defence pact to build PNG links without the brain drain
Defence forces must guard against brain drain between national militaries, an analyst says as Australia and Papua New Guinea hammer out a new treaty.
No more myki: passengers set for ticketless travel
Victorians are set to get ticketless public transport travel, with train passengers soon able to tap on and off with bank cards and their phones.
Alleged drug trio nabbed after thinking outside the box
Three men face life sentences after attempting to import hundreds of boxes made of methamphetamine worth more than $100 million, federal police say.
Preserving cultural knowledge and language using AI
A new app is helping Indigenous language speakers and knowledge-holders to preserve cultural information, creating a "holistic learning experience" for users.
Top cop warned of huge job as leadership crisis deepens
A former police chief has spoken of a "herculean task" to turn the force around as internal battles and a state's fight against rising crime continues.
ASIO’s threat to life priority a ‘hierarchy of hate’
Anti-Semitic attacks are ASIO's top priority when dealing with threats to life, but the Palestinian community has concerns other forms of hatred are diminished.
Powering up: Indigenous company supplying energy to NBN
Australia's first Indigenous-owned energy retailer is expanding into two more states just eight months after launching.
Struggle Street residents last to benefit from rate cut
Rate relief has been delivered to Australian mortgage holders, yet the Reserve Bank governor says renters may have to wait a while longer to gain any benefit.
Nation grinds to a halt without steel, industry warns
Rescuing Whyalla's steelworks is essential to maintain sovereign steel capability - vital to the economy and national security, the industry peak body says.
Clean industry pitch to save town from job losses
Gravity energy storage in disused mine shafts and critical mineral development are part of a pitch to save a mining town set to lose a big source of employment.
breaking_news
central bank
economy, business and finance
inquiry
interest rate
money and monetary policy
politics
politics (general)
Hazy outlook fuels Reserve Bank caution on disinflation
Caution has been urged over future cash rate changes as uncertainty looms large over global policy, the impacts of rate decisions and the labour market.
Bail granted to woman accused of attacking Muslim women
A woman accused of assaulting two Muslim women at a shopping centre has been bailed, as details of a previous assault on a woman in a hijab was aired in court.
‘Blow for women’ as hospitals shut maternity wards
Staffing challenges and declining birth rates have been blamed for maternity wards closing at private hospitals in two jurisdictions.
Funding boost charges up Australian battery innovation
Australia could compete with China for lithium battery production after a local company announced plans to establish a $60 million factory.
Australia supports Ukraine as Trump trash talks leader
Australia's leaders have slammed Russia and urged the international community not to give "an inch" after Donald Trump attacked the Ukrainian president.
Man in cuffs for ‘savage’ murder a day after $500k lure
A reward of $500,000 for information about a year-old killing has triggered nearly immediate results, leading to new evidence and a murder charge.
‘Strengthened’ bail laws a first call for police chief
The new head of one of Australia's largest police forces says changes to bail laws will be a priority as he steps into the top job.
Duo tied to more attacks amid ‘festering’ anti-Semitism
A man accused of targeting a synagogue has also been charged over a graffiti and arson attack at the former home of a Jewish community leader.
Rio Tinto profit falls on drop in iron ore price
Weaker iron ore prices have shrunk profit to a five-year low at Rio Tinto, which is also grappling with a shareholder push to scrap its listing in London.
State euthanasia changes to hinge on conscience vote
Victoria is moving to change its voluntary euthanasia laws after falling behind other states and erecting too many barriers for terminally ill patients.