Ocker reboot makes Alexa ‘authentically Australian’
Amazon Australia is upgrading its Alexa chatbot with the same technology that underpins ChatGPT, and says it has been trained to understand Australian culture.
national news
‘Unrealistic’ rules for AI data centres spark warning
Investors could be deterred from investing in new AI data centres in Australia if national guidelines under negotiation are too strict, the coalition warns.
Why old office buildings are vacant despite demand
Businesses seeking office space are gravitating to the most expensive end of the market even if it means paying more up front, fresh data suggests.
Power play: national law could curb data centre demands
Data centres in every state and territory could be required to supply their own renewable energy if changes are introduced at a national level.
Former neo-Nazi labels brotherhood ‘a load of lies’
An ex-neo-Nazi has revealed what saved him from extremism, as experts warn online grievance movements can radicalise young Australians.
Shares soar to record highs as oil dives on peace hopes
Local shares have rallied on reports the US and Iran are nearing a new peace deal, boosting confidence as investors bet on a brighter outlook for global growth.
Sales surge: electric, hybrid cars drive vehicle record
Electric and hybrid vehicles made up almost half of all new cars sold in July as Australian motorists turned away from rising fuel prices.
Mass stabbing attack sparks mental health policy revamp
A clinician-led response model for people experiencing mental health crises will be rolled out after a man experiencing psychosis went on a stabbing rampage.
‘Screwed’: ex-premier’s brother fumes over factionalism
The brother of a former state premier became obsessive about stacking Liberal Party branches but felt slighted for not being paid for his endeavours.
NRL club claims player contributed to training death
A Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles player who died at pre-season training was negligent in his own death by not revealing he was out of shape, the club says.
Dan Andrews, union boss claim vindication on IBAC probe
A major probe has cleared an ex-premier and other leading political and union figures of corrupt dealings but found evidence of serious and concerning conduct.
Database and DNA to help find lost First Nations people
A database is being set up to document cases of missing First Nations people along with a DNA collection program to help families find lost loved ones.
Top footy codes drowning in grog and gambling adverts
Alcohol advertising has a firm grip on Australia's two major football codes, with children exposed to the ads every time they watch a match.
Home sellers still reap huge profits but cracks appear
A sharp decline in property prices has sparked fears of negative equity but less than three per cent of houses sold for a loss in the first half of 2026.
Push for pen and paper tests as literacy results dive
Policymakers are looking for answers, including a return to pen and paper NAPLAN tests, as they grapple with falling national results in literacy and numeracy.
Female politicians facing ‘deadly trajectory’ of abuse
From "nudification" technology to deepfake videos, AI is scaling up the online abuse against female politicians in an attempt to silence women in power.
Gold rush: high yellow metal price lifts job prospects
It's a case of jobs, jobs, jobs in the West Australian goldfields as miners chase high commodity prices, rush to restart operations and build new plants.
Athlete’s request for Alan Jones after alleged groping
A former athlete has told a court he asked Alan Jones for a favour after the radio giant allegedly indecently assaulted him on multiple occasions.
Rival plan to close Labor’s ‘widow tax’ loophole sooner
Australians who inherit an investment property from their partner won't lose their access to negative gearing, draft laws revealed by the treasurer confirm.
Accidental export: Aussie green iron tech goes global
An Australian made machine that can boost the quality of iron ore without using water is ready to be shipped to the US after word of its creation spread.
Judges on notice as Hanson slams ‘arrogant’ Liberals
One Nation leaders have blasted judges and Liberals turning up their nose at possibly forming Australia's first minority government with the populist party.
‘Tragic’: Liberal MP questioned about son at ICAC
A Liberal MP has told an integrity probe that its proceedings have caused him to limit his contact with his son, who has refused to appear before a watchdog.
Betting firms shift blame to parents, other platforms
Children being exposed to gambling advertisements and allegations of predatory inducements have been dismissed by major betting companies.
Fuel prices can’t stop the music at outback festival
The rising cost of fuel has failed to deter thousands of music-loving campers hitting the road to travel to outback NSW for the Mundi Mundi Bash.
Urgent call to give blood as flu season depletes stocks
More than 12,000 blood donors are needed nationwide to lend their arm to save lives, with certain blood types running low as winter sidelines thousands.
No tax link as investors strike gold with first payout
Shareholders in a mid-tier gold producer have been told their first dividend payout in decades was driven by happy coincidence, not upcoming tax changes.
Neo-Nazi rally abhorrent but legally grey, top cop says
Police could not lawfully stop a neo-Nazi rally outside NSW parliament despite its explicit aims, a royal commission probing anti-Semitism has been told.
‘Grim news’: Penguin alert as bird flu outbreak worsens
The escalating bird flu crisis could wipe out almost half of a penguin colony in Victoria, as authorities scramble to limit the outbreak's impact on wildlife.
Alleged victim of Alan Jones feared $110,000 debt
A former athlete has detailed multiple alleged indecent assaults at the hands of Alan Jones as well as concerns about owing the talkback titan a sizeable debt.
Not too big, not too small: $100m to plug renewable gap
More small or medium-sized renewable energy projects could win loans as part of a multimillion-dollar scheme to address a gap in Australia's energy plans.
Push for nationwide ban on dumping old solar panels
Governments in all states and territories should ban solar panel dumping while a mandatory recycling scheme is created, an inquiry has been told.