Hyundai fun machine quick-shifts to a whole new level
Long admired by rev-heads and red-heads, Hyundai has given its feisty i30N hot hatch a sensible makeover.
national news
Hunt shark for closure, victim’s friend urges
A man who warned of a great white shark at a beach hours before his friend was killed says authorities need to hunt down the predator for "closure".
Youth crime ‘revolving door’ as dozens of kids arrested
A debate over youth crime has fired up again after dozens of young people were arrested over armed robberies, car thefts and burglaries over the new year break.
Second man arrested after police car shot in pursuit
A second man has been arrested at an airport over an alleged shooting during a police pursuit following an attempted home invasion.
Brothers wanted for murder after woman chased, shot
Two brothers accused of murdering a woman on a suburban street were questioned and released without charge before they fled interstate, police say.
Rental affordability still stretched, but worst is over
Vacancy rates are edging higher and growth in advertised rents is stalling in welcome news for the nation's renters.
Man denied bail on warrant for woman’s suspected murder
Police are seeking the extradition of a man who allegedly evaded a murder warrant for almost 18 months before finally facing court.
Stadium build continues despite $1 billion cost blowout
An independent expert has highlighted major concerns about the cost and location of a new AFL stadium but key decision-makers are maintaining their support.
Aussie dollar rebounds after dropping to 26-month low
The Australian dollar has moved back above 62 US cents after falling below that level for the first time in more than two years against a surging greenback.
‘We are safe’: worry after air crew allegedly attacked
Alleged attacks on two Australian flight crews in Fiji has left locals worried about the impact the news would have on tourism for the Pacific nation.
Police still hold hope after nine-day search for hiker
Rescuers are being winched into dense bushland in a desperate bid to find missing hiker Hadi Nazari as a major search operation continues.
Investigation as child’s body found after caravan fire
An investigation is under way after the body of a child was found following a caravan fire.
Home destroyed, emergency declared in fire-hit state
Firefighters are continuing to battle a blaze that has destroyed a home and is threatening other properties as another emergency looms in a fire-hit state.
More to do on Medicare and bulk-billing, Labor says
The federal government has unfinished business with Medicare, signalling its ambitions to further bolster the GP workforce and boost bulk-billing.
Water source the key to missing hiker’s survival
Finding scarce water on one of Australia's most challenging bush trails is key to a missing hiker being found alive after more than a week missing.
Man released without charge after woman falls to death
A man is free to return home after being arrested in connection to the death of a woman who fell from his balcony.
Australian shares begin new year trade with gains
The ASX200 has closed half a per cent higher as trading resumes following the New Year's Day holiday.
Fiji ‘tarnished’ after alleged assault on flight crew
As a probe continues into the alleged theft and sexual assault of two Virgin Australia crew, a Fijian MP says such incidents damage the nation's reputation.
Weak start, stronger finish tipped for property in 2025
Australia's property market is entering 2025 in a downturn and while interest rate cuts should boost demand, any home price growth rebound is tipped to be mild.
Iraq War documents ignite debate over Australia’s role
Newly released Iraq War documents reveal flawed decision-making by Australia, sparking calls for transparency and accountability in military commitments
Hope for end to wage theft as laws come into force
Criminal penalties for employers who deliberately underpay workers have come into effect, with hopes they will deter bosses from engaging in the practice.
Rate cuts on horizon in mixed 2025 for the economy
Borrowers can expect cashflow relief from interest rate cuts in 2025, yet a further deterioration in the jobs market will also start to be felt.
‘Best New Year’s Eve ever’ for most, but some trouble
One of the world's first celebrations of the new year reached new heights, with most enjoying their night, but some have larger troubles than just sore heads.
Howard confronts Iraq War call as documents unearthed
Previously secret documents show concerns over a wheat scandal derailing Australia's commercial interests and plans to reshape Iraq as a free-market haven.
Australia scrambled defences to hijackers and bombers
Declassified cabinet papers show government officials raised the prospect of the prime minister ordering to shoot down commercial aircraft in a suicide attack.
arts, culture and entertainment
customs and tradition
festive event (including carnival)
human interest
public holiday
New year welcomed with dazzling fireworks displays
The New Year has been welcomed with a bang in Australia with millions gathering to watch spectacular firework displays across the nation.
‘Forever our crew’: Sydney to Hobart sailors remembered
Wreaths and flowers been placed at a dock during a memorial for two sailors who died in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
Charges laid after police shot at in suburban pursuit
Charges have been laid after shots were fired at police during a high-speed suburban pursuit, sparked by an apparent botched gangland hit.
Summer’s first case of mosquito-borne virus detected
Japanese encephalitis, a potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus, has likely been detected in a resident in regional Victoria.
Australian shares close out 2024 with more losses
The ASX200 dropped 0.9 per cent on the final day of trading to finish 2024 up 7.5 per cent - an underperformance compared to its global peers.
Bushwalker found dead as search for student continues
The family of a student missing in a national park say they are praying for his return, while another bushwalker has fallen to his death from a dangerous peak.