Tobacco tax queried as high prices drive black market
Experts are backing a premier's call to rethink a tobacco tax that has driven Australia's cigarette prices to world-leading levels and created a black market.
national news
‘Serious test’ for Greens as senator defects to Labor
The Greens will need to decide what they stand for, as the minor party is accused of having lost its way after a second Indigenous senator quits its ranks.
Space to Gympie and beyond: satellite texts go live
Telstra has begun rolling-out the nation's first satellite to mobile texting service, a move the telco hopes will keep rural Australians better connected.
Unions hail pay boost for millions of low-paid workers
Workers on minimum award rates will be given one of the highest above-inflation pay increases in history to help redress falling living standards.
Mushroom cook accepts death caps were inside lunch
Accused triple murderer Erin Patterson has accepted death cap mushrooms were inside beef Wellingtons she cooked for her estranged husband's family.
RBA hints at more interest rate cuts if tariffs worsen
Uncertainty in global markets from Donald Trump's tariffs could lead to the Reserve Bank being more aggressive with interest rate cuts.
Strip clubs to education hubs hacked in password grab
Online criminals have compromised thousands of websites, including those of Australian businesses, in an attempt to steal users' passwords.
Food system’s billions of ‘hidden costs’ a sick outlook
The hidden costs to health and the environment from Australia's food system could exceed $250 billion, the nation's science agency says.
Bombshell defection boosts Labor’s majority in Senate
Greens senator Dorinda Cox has defected to Labor, saying her values better aligned with the government despite having heavily criticised its policies.
Lake flood spectacle a magnet for wildlife, tourists
Floodwaters filling the nation's biggest lake are creating a rare event that is expected to bring an explosion of life and vegetation to the usually dry area.
‘Massive’ increase driving smokers to the black market
Progressive increases in cigarette taxes have dented smoking rates and boosted government coffers, but a surging black market is prompting calls for a rethink.
Telco partnership opens AI-powered search to the masses
Artificial intelligence technology use could rise in Australia after a major telecommunications provider teamed with an AI-powered search engine.
Construction company building purpose for youth
Providing youth with valuable work and skills while repairing homes that may otherwise have been neglected is a double virtue of one Indigenous venture.
Supermarket giant acts on ‘appalling’ worker conditions
Migrant workers fear deportation if they speak up about their poor workplace, with Woolworths uncovering 'unliveable' housing conditions in its supply chain.
In her own words: Erin Patterson speaks in murder trial
Mushroom cook Erin Patterson has given a glimpse into her family relationships, weight-loss journey and religious beliefs during evidence in her murder trial.
Move it: exercise programs may cut colon cancer deaths
New research reveals that structured exercise programs could be the key to increasing the survival rate from colon cancer.
Insurance cost warning after disasters hit bottom line
The cost of natural disasters has set the federal budget back $2.2 billion, but experts warn cyclones and floods will push up insurance premiums.
Housing set to grow from record high as rate cuts loom
The prospect of more interest rate cuts has pushed house prices to record highs and is expected to continue fuelling growth for the rest of the year.
Call for local steel mandate in face of Trump’s tariffs
The federal government is being urged to protect Australian jobs after US President Donald Trump announced a plan to double levies on foreign steel.
Liberals win close seat as ousted MP hints at comeback
Liberal candidate Tim Wilson has been declared the winner of a hard-fought battleground seat following a partial ballot recount.
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trade policy
US tariffs on Australia ‘not what you do to a friend’
Australia has been urged to assertively lobby Donald Trump against a plan to hike tariffs on steel imports, as Labor aims to maintain a calm approach.
Flood victims wait in hope for future-proof solutions
Flood victims are crying out for solutions to help prevent the further decimation of their communities by future extreme weather events.
Indigenous rights ‘under attack’ in youth crime reforms
The human rights of Aboriginal children have been breached as part of an "invisible war" against Indigenous people around the world, a senior advocate says.
Liberal turmoil continues over drunken rort allegations
Allegations of a drunken taxpayer-funded car rort plunged a state Liberal Party into further turmoil as it deals with the fallout of a high-profile court case.
‘Grim possibility’: warning over China’s nuclear desire
Defence Minister Richard Marles has warned of the need for stronger rules around arms control as China pursues nuclear expansion.
Fears for heritage site as gas plant expansion approved
The fallout from a decision to extend the life of a massive gas project continues with accusations of a political cover-up over a scientific report.
Actor Russell Brand pleads not guilty to rape charges
Comedian and actor Russell Brand has pleaded not guilty to rape, sexual assault and indecent assault relating to four women more than two decades ago.
Insurers accused of ‘playing people for mugs’
Private hospitals say health insurers are not putting enough money into patients as figures show the extent of out-of-pocket costs for Aussies.
Tennis star Liberal MP denies taxpayer-funded car rort
Deputy state Liberal leader Sam Groth has come under internal fire over accusations of improperly using a colleague's taxpayer-funded chauffeured car.
‘Sugar daddy’ plastic surgeon jailed for abusing girls
A plastic surgeon will spend at least four years behind bars for sexually abusing girls he met through sugar daddy websites and social media.
‘Strong campaign’: One Nation doubles in size in Senate
Pauline Hanson's One Nation has picked up a surprise fourth seat in the Senate, equalling the party's best result in parliament.