Millions party safely as vigilant police deter trouble
Respectful revellers have welcomed the new year at largely trouble-free celebrations across the nation, as a highly visible police presence deterred violence.
national news
Rescue missions after tragedy strikes on New Year’s Day
Authorities are searching for a missing swimmer near where a woman died after being swept out to sea in hazardous beach conditions.
Teen’s firecracker stunt sparks bushfire emergency
A bushfire sparked by a firecracker tossed into bushland has threatened lives and homes and landed a teenager in police custody.
Blow to Australian beef producers as China hikes tariff
Australia stands to lose more than $1 billion in exports despite a free trade agreement after China upped its tariff on beef imports from all nations.
Weaker housing market tipped as rate hike fears mount
House prices recorded strong gains in 2025 but fears of rate hikes look set to cool Australia's housing market in early 2026.
Charges and changes: electric car shifts coming in 2026
Twists and turns are coming to Australia's electric car market, from a potential road-user charge and tax reform to the price of models launching on our shores.
Grim start to year with three dead on nation’s beaches
A number of beachgoers dead or missing mark an "absolutely horrendous" start to the year, according to lifesavers who urge people to avoid the water.
Industry voice in growing chorus for royal commission
Peak industry groups are adding their weight to mounting calls for a federal royal commission into the Bondi Beach terror attack.
PM lashes ‘evil’ after rabbi’s car torched in driveway
The torching of a car decorated with Jewish symbols has been denounced as the latest in a series of anti-Semitic attacks, including the massacre at Bondi Beach.
‘Absolutely essential’: premier backs swift protest ban
Rushed laws that allow police to ban protest marches following terror attacks could prove to be divisive rather than calming, a senior legal figure warns.
Hope, kindness celebrated on bittersweet Christmas
Australians have been urged to come together and look after each other during a holiday season tainted by a shooting at the nation's most iconic beach.
Boxing Day sales take off with bargain airfares
Shoppers are being urged to scrutinise Boxing Day bargain claims, while two major airlines have announced discounted fare sales.
Clicking and streaming: Australian online habits evolve
Australians are hooking up to faster broadband connections by the thousands and the technology is changing the way they consume entertainment.
Aussies see fire and rain as extremes lash the nation
Fires are burning on one side of the country while the threat of floods on the other has led to calls for people to remain vigilant.
Motive probed after suspect ID’ed in Hanukkah car fire
Police are keeping an open mind over the motive of a 47-year-old person of interest alleged to be involved in a fire of a car bearing a Hanukkah sign.
Wong ‘desperately sorry’ over Bondi massacre
Penny Wong says the federal government "could have done more" before the Bondi attack, while another minister warns the ALP won't tolerate anti-Semitism.
Man killed in outback Boxing Day stabbing
One man is dead and a second is in police custody after a Boxing Day stabbing at a remote Aboriginal community in Central Australia.
Expulsion threat over Labor’s alleged anti-Semitism
Labor is under pressure to stamp out hatred after an internal letter to its leaders urged action on allegations of anti-Semitism within the party.
Self-interest widening wealth gap between old and young
Bridging the gap in wealth between older and young Australians will require a major recalibration in housing attitudes and policies, a leading economist says.
Australia makes list of 2025’s costliest climate events
From catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles to devastating floods in Asia, it's been a tough year of climate extremes and their economic burdens.
Cops ramp up firepower amid calls to celebrate new year
Australia's biggest New Year's Eve celebrations will have a different look as authorities vow to protect the Jewish community after a horror mass shooting.
Strong security pledge as Jewish families plead with PM
The NSW premier has heralded a new chapter in the state's security protocols and resources following a deadly anti-Semitic terrorist attack.
French 1960s sex symbol Brigitte Bardot has died at 91
A month after being hospitalised, French 1960s sex symbol Brigitte Bardot has died at age 91 at her home in the south of France.
Pioneering university leader and researcher remembered
The first woman to lead one of Australia's top universities has died aged 52 following a battle with cancer.
Cruise ship grounds off PNG, passengers to fly home
Passengers on an Australian cruise ship that ran aground off Papua New Guinea will be flown home on a charter flight as efforts continue to refloat the vessel.
‘Bring us together’: PM holds firm on terrorist review
The federal government is remaining steadfast in its commitment to a mass shooting probe as Jewish communities continue to demand a full royal commission.
Brigitte Bardot to be buried by the sea in Saint-Tropez
French cinema legend Brigitte Bardot's funeral will take place in her hometown of Saint-Tropez on January 7.
Idris Elba, Torvill and Dean knighted in UK honours
Actor Idris Elba, ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean and the English women's football and rugby teams lead the New Year Honours list.
New Year revelry ‘act of defiance’ after Bondi terror
Partying in Sydney on New Year's Eve is an opportunity for people to thumb their noses at terrorists, says the premier in the wake of the attack at Bondi.
Paramedics spat on, punched in festive abuse spike
Paramedics are breaking their silence after a festive season riddled with reports of verbal intimidation, sexual and physical assault by members of the public.
Australians focus on peace as they ring in the new year
New Year's Eve revellers have had a moment of silent reflection for the Bondi victims before enjoying brilliant firework displays across the county.