Bali Nine return reshines light on ending death penalty
The execution of two Australians for drug smuggling in Indonesia has refocused a spotlight on how the nation co-operates with countries using the death penalty.
national news
Darwin still marked by Cyclone Tracy, 50 years on
Soaring frigatebirds warned of a cyclone that would be Australia's most destructive and put Darwin on the map for the wrong reasons.
Australians return home as Vanuatu rescues continue
Defence flights have brought home more than 400 Australians but one man still stranded in Vanuatu says the government's response is "slow and inadequate".
Train pain ahead of New Year’s Eve fireworks threat
Cancelling Australia's biggest New Year's Eve fireworks display could send businesses to the wall, but the impacts of rail network chaos are already in play.
Miners have ‘hands tied’ as earnings set to plunge
Mining companies are set to see their earnings plummet as commodity prices fall, resulting in lower tax receipts and bigger government debt.
‘Cruel’ murderer who breached protection order jailed
Convicted killer James William Pualic will spend up to 24 years and six months behind bars for the "cruel and vicious" murder of his former partner.
Retiring backbencher gifts a lump of coal for Christmas
A retiring backbencher known for his staunch opposition of a net-zero carbon emissions target has taken a swipe at his party leader on his way out the door.
Australia boosts Solomons support as China pact stopgap
A security pact between Australia and Solomon Islands will strengthen the Pacific nation's domestic police force and reduce the need for any Chinese assistance.
World famous NYE fireworks show veers off the rails
The threat of cancelling Sydney's famed New Year's Eve fireworks display due to union-led train disruptions has been dismissed as a scare campaign.
Christmas comes early as Bali Nine return to families
Five members of the Bali Nine are adjusting to the spotlight after coming home but are excited to spend Christmas with families for the first time in decades.
‘Massive divide’: Liberals split on MP’s bid to rejoin
Ousted Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming has declared it's "only a matter of time" before she returns to the party room after a vote split her ex-colleagues.
More Australians on the way home from quake-hit Vanuatu
Two more defence flights will bring stranded Australians home from quake-hit Vanuatu as rescue efforts continue amid severe damage and looming cyclone threats.
Cops accused of ‘victim-blaming’ over baby, dad deaths
Police were wrong to make submissions to an inquest into the deaths of a baby and her "dangerous" dad that could be read as victim-blaming, a coroner says.
‘Unwanted milestone’: family violence sparks crime high
Police are telling families to be alert in the lead-up to Christmas for signs of domestic violence in the wake of a shocking new report.
Rape-charged UK rapper admits reckless driving
Rape-charged British YouTuber Yung Filly, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, has told a court he will plead guilty to reckless driving.
National first as women dominate state cabinet top jobs
Three women will headline Victoria's new cabinet in a first for Australia after Jaclyn Symes and Sonya Kilkenny were elevated to treasurer and attorney-general.
ANZ chief executive forfeits $1.5m bonus after outcry
The CEO of a big-four bank has forfeited a bonus worth $1.5 million after a backlash from shareholders upset about poor behaviour in its trading rooms.
Brutal murderer jailed for killing wife in axe attack
Wife-killer Dinush Kurera will spend at least 30 years behind bars for murdering his estranged spouse Nelomie Perera in front of their children.
Booze and bad attitudes a recipe for holiday violence
Drinking cultures and alcohol regulations are in the sights of anti-violence campaigners amid data showing domestic violence spikes during the festive season.
Aussie dollar, shares take a hit as US rate hopes fade
A surprise fall in the Australian dollar to around 62 US cents could put a dent in travellers' pockets over Christmas after US markets got the wobbles.
AGL weighs appeal of ‘significant’ $25m court penalty
An energy retailer is deciding whether to appeal a record court-imposed penalty in a case brought by the regulator for overcharging customers on welfare.
Molly Ticehurst’s alleged killer faces new sex charges
The man accused of the domestic violence murder of Molly Ticehurst will be mentally assessed as he faces new charges, a court has been told.
Racism rife at universities as many fear speaking out
Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, racism against foreign students and Indigenous people feeling diminished are under the Human Rights Commission's spotlight.
Unis split on visa go-slow to curb foreign students
International student visas for tertiary education will be prioritised for a limited number of applicants before being hit with a go-slow to tame migration.
Productivity slump worsens Australia’s deficit dilemma
Australia needs to get productivity growth back on track to pay for structural spending increases and avoid endless deficits, economists warn.
Australia denounces Russia ahead of Kyiv embassy return
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has updated his Australian counterpart on Russia's invasion and asked for more aid to ensure a decisive victory.
More Aussies heading home after deadly Vanuatu quake
Two more RAAF planes are set to bring home Australians stranded in Vanuatu following a 7.3 magnitude earthquake, as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
‘Drugs are illegal’: premier’s warning over test trial
Drug takers are being warned they could still be arrested despite a state government waving through a pill-testing trial at music festivals over the summer.
No methanol or illicits detected in cocktail, Fiji says
Forensic testing of cocktail ingredients at a Fijian resort where seven people fell ill with suspected poisoning has found no evidence of methanol.
Warm season’s greetings for most Christmas revellers
Australians can expect to be of good cheer as the official forecast for Christmas Day expects settled warm and dry conditions for most of the country.
Long flight to justice ends for sacked Qantas workers
The end of a protracted legal battle is being welcomed by workers illegally sacked by Qantas as they turn to rebuilding their lives after four years.