Festival drug arrests as pill testing trial starts
One person has suffered a drug overdose at a festival hosting the start of a pill testing trial, while two men have been charged for trafficking.
national news
arts, culture and entertainment
customs and tradition
festive event (including carnival)
human interest
public holiday
Rain threatens new year party for east coast revellers
Festivities are ramping up across Australia as the nation prepares to farewell 2024 but rain may dampen the spirits of some.
New year changes to boost payments and career options
Employers who underpay staff will be committing a criminal offence in 2025, while more than a million Australians will see changes to government payments.
Short trips, cheaper grub: tight budgets change travel
Australians are still travelling but patterns are changing to reflect tougher financial conditions with many taking shorter trips closer to home.
Accused getaway driver charged after targeted murder
A gunman remains at large after police charged his associate for not revealing his identity after he allegedly shot dead a man in his driveway.
Drivers urged to ‘shop around’ as petrol prices surge
Australians are facing headaches at the petrol bowser and a national body has called for an investigation as costs surge in capital cities.
‘Be careful’: safety plea following holiday drownings
A spate of drownings during the festive season has left authorities urging Australians to prioritise safety around the water during the summer holidays.
Bushfire threat finally eases but warnings to last days
An emergency alert has been downgraded for a bushfire that has had communities on edge but the blaze is expected to keep burning for days.
Loyalty penalty costing power customers, warns ACCC
Energy consumers are paying more than they should be and the consumer watchdog wants households to force providers to compete harder by shopping around.
Drowning deaths claim two tourists and swimmer
Two tourists have died at a dangerous beach and a man was unable to be revived after being pulled from the water as the summer drowning toll continues to rise.
Bushwalker deaths and rescue prompts safety warning
Police are warning bushwalkers to be prepared before they set out on their treks after two men died in separate incidents and another pair needed to be rescued.
Youth pastor killed by shark while fishing with family
A man has died after being attacked by a shark while on a fishing trip with his family in the Keppel Bay Islands National Park.
Laws to rev up electric car race at starting line
Australia's automotive industry will look different in 2025 after a change in laws inspires a long list of electric and plug-in hybrid challengers.
business (general)
computing and information technology
economy (general)
laws
regulatory policy and organisation
research
research and development
science and technology
software
technology (general)
All ahead AI: fresh risk, different rules, new features
Generative AI tools have already changed the way Australians work, communicate and study. Experts say more changes are coming in 2025.
Financial help on its way as bushfires hit livelihoods
Farmers, tourism operators and others suffering income loss following a huge bushfire will be eligible for financial support.
Australia set to go off with a colourful bang on NYE
Preparations are under way for a fireworks extravaganza across the nation with Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne all set to sparkle with skyline light shows.
Crocodile count raises concerns about swimming holes
Fifty years after almost being wiped out in the Top End, the number of crocodiles is raising alarms about new places the apex predator is lurking.
Bushfire destroys homes as calmer conditions on horizon
Stable conditions and cooler weather are giving firefighters welcome relief as initial damage assessments reveal at least three homes have been lost to fire.
The chef championing native foods from island backyards
Food is part of culture, connection and community for this Torres Strait Islander chef, who has returned home to showcase the flavours of her childhood.
Liberal leader promises party unity after messy battle
Brad Battin has paid his respects to former leader John Pesutto after taking his place at the helm of the Victorian Liberals.
Calmer waters for remaining Sydney-Hobart fleet
A sailor aboard the winning boat in this year's Sydney to Hobart yacht race has described the conditions as the worst of his 11 Sydney to Hobart races.
Body of boy found after swept off rocks to sea
Rescuers have found the body of Luca Bennett, his family says, after dolphins were seen circling near where the teen was swept off rocks at a popular beach.
Tragedy strikes twice in Sydney-Hobart as sailors die
Crews desperately tried to save the lives of two sailors who died in separate incidents in the Sydney to Hobart in challenging weather conditions, police say.
Libs Battin down the hatches as leader outlines vision
Brad Battin has vowed to tackle the cost of living, crime, budget repair and regional roads after ousting John Pesutto as Victoria's Liberal party leader.
Bushfire rages but cool change a chance to check damage
The threat of bushfires will linger in Victoria's already-scorched Grampians region even after hot and windy conditions move north.
Two fighting for life after suspicious house blaze
Three residents are in hospital, with two of them in a critical condition, after a house fire authorities suspect was deliberately lit.
‘Most perfect son’ feared dead after swept off rocks
Tributes are flowing in for 15-year-old Luca Bennett as rescue crews scale back a search for the teenager after he was swept off rocks at a popular beach.
Victoria could be a key election battleground: Newspoll
Victoria could be a big player in deciding the next federal election result, according to a new Newspoll analysis.
Chatbot therapy: can generative AI treat loneliness?
Researchers are creating artificially intelligent companions to help people get through challenges but that does not necessarily cut humans out of the picture.
Retailers buoyed as shoppers swarm Boxing Day sales
Aussies are expected to splurge on homewares and beauty products, with bargain hunters set to spend more than $1.3 billion on Boxing Day sales.
End of the world: tsunami seared into survivors’ minds
December 26 marks 20 years since a monster earthquake in the Indian Ocean triggered a tsunami that killed 230,000 people including 26 Australians.