Laws to tighten, school reopens after asbestos scandal
Authorities have completed a major investigation to identify all sites affected by asbestos-tainted mulch but are still waiting on a handful of tests.
national news
International court referral has ‘no credibility’: PM
A legal referral accusing the federal government of supporting alleged war crimes in the Middle East has been rejected by the prime minister.
Coalition reshuffle portfolios after by-election loss
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has unveiled his shadow leadership team, rejigging portfolios to fill vacant spots in portfolio allocations.
Fire ants could cost ‘half a COVID’ every year
Analysts have offered a staggering new assessment of what Australia could lose to fire ants.
Higgins and Reynolds defamation court case continues
After a marathon mediation session, Liberal senator Linda Reynolds says her defamation case against Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz is ongoing.
Liberals pre-select consultant to succeed Morrison
Consultant Simon Kennedy has been pre-selected by the Liberals to contest former prime minister Scott Morrison's seat of Cook ahead of an upcoming by-election.
Australian broadband to get a speed boost, but slowly
More than nine million households and businesses could get a significant boost to their broadband connection later in 2024 following fibre upgrades.
Electric cars crash Aussie records but utes top charts
Australians snapped up more electric cars during February than ever before, new figures show, but diesel utes dominated the ranks of most popular models.
Military chief denies justice system is weaponised
The Australian Defence Force doesn't believe its military justice system is being used as a weapon against individuals, a royal commission has been told.
Senator paid $90,000 over Lehrmann trial allegations
Linda Reynolds has been paid $90,000 by the ACT government after settling a defamation case over a letter about her conduct during Bruce Lehrmann's rape trial.
Bias found in report against Lehrmann trial prosecutor
Communications between the head of an inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's rape trial and a journalist from The Australian gave rise to an "apprehension of bias".
Nine sued over ‘highly damaging’ reports on Liberal MP
Reports that ex-federal MP Stuart Robert gave secret advice about government contracts to consulting firm Synergy 360 will be defended by Nine in court.
Energy firm drives heavy duty electric vehicle plans
One of the nation's biggest power distributors has started adopting electric trucks as part of a plan to drive change in other firms.
Car lobby calls for more trains to prevent gridlock
Experts say Adelaide's rail network needs major expansion to prevent an influx of new residents bringing road traffic to a standstill.
Crocodile cuddles as regional leaders snap family photo
Australia will launch a $2 billion program to turbocharge trade with Southeast Asia, as regional leaders get up close and personal with crocodiles and koalas.
Matildas star Kerr didn’t tell FA of harassment charge
Matildas captain Sam Kerr didn't tell Football Australia of her racial harassment charge, or her court appearance, says FA chief James Johnson.
Economy unlikely to have contracted but growth muted
The Australian economy looks to have narrowly missed a quarter in decline based on economic indicators released ahead of official growth figures.
budgets and budgeting
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
health
healthcare policy
politics (general)
Doctors, nurses make emergency call on federal budget
More than 40 health groups have called on the government to make climate and health funding a priority after services were challenged by extreme weather.
Calls for health insurance oversight after premium rise
The largest increase in health insurance premiums for five years has been signed off on by the federal government.
Rise in street demand and trafficking of harmful drug
Increased border seizures and rising street demand for an illicit drug is concerning authorities, who warn the potent sedative causes serious harm and can kill.
Caravan park evacuated as bushfire closes Tas highway
Tasmanian fire crews have evacuated a caravan park and residents have been told to leave Crayfish Creek and surrounds.
What a load of rubbish: Clean Up Australia going strong
As one state bans harmful coffee cups, people across the country have mucked in and picked up plastic waste and cigarette butts for Clean Up Australia Day.
Labor rejects complacency claims after Dunkley win
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has denied suggestions the federal government is taking anything for granted after retaining the seat of Dunkley at a by-election.
ASEAN kicks off with a cash splash, talks and protests
Australia and a major regional player signed new agreements, leaders held high level talks and protesters staged noisy rallies as the ASEAN summit kicked off.
Tas Liberals claim ‘strong’ position despite polls
Polls point to a hung parliament at the Tasmanian election but Premier Jeremy Rockliff insists the Liberal Party is in a strong position to govern in majority.
King’s Australia visit push rekindles republic debate
King Charles and Queen Camilla are likely to become the first ruling monarchs to visit Australia in more than a decade when they arrive later this year.
Trackers weighed for police guns after double killing
NSW Premier Chris Minns says change is needed in how police handle weapons amid discussion about trust the public places in officers.
Tributes for ‘beloved, formidable’ Labor senator
Labor senator for Victoria Linda White is being remembered as a fierce advocate and tireless worker after losing a health battle.
Pokies can’t be banned, should be reduced: unions
The peak body for NSW unions has called for the removal of 25,000 poker machines over the next five years to better align numbers with those in other states.
Couples leap at chance for romance on February 29
Couples have tied the knot or renewed their vows on the leap day as February 29 jumps from a calendar correction to a romantic new tradition.
Detainee tweet ‘shooting from the hip’: PM
Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton are both in Melbourne campaigning ahead of a by-election, as the issue of immigration detainees dominates the debate.