Independents’ day continues as voters leave the majors
An unprecedented election of independents at the last federal election is proving more of a trend than an anomaly with results replicated in ACT and NSW polls.
national news
Man charged over ‘horrific’ 1988 rape of teenager
A man extradited to Victoria from Queensland has been charged over the "horrific" kidnap and rape of a teenager more than 35 years ago.
Dutton sets up housing showdown with big build pledge
With housing affordability expected to dominate the federal election campaign, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has unveiled a $5 billion plan to boost supply.
Police probe deaths of mother and two children in river
A mother and her two children have died after they were seen in distress in a waterway in Sydney with police trying to determine exactly what happened.
Healing call as centenary marked at notorious boys home
Stolen Generations survivors are calling for Kinchela Boys Home to become a place of truth-telling and healing on the institution's 100th anniversary.
Disunity is death but Liberals remain in pole position
State and territory Liberals have endured a week of unrest and agitation but things are still looking up for the party on several electoral fronts.
‘Like the Opera House’: the tiny halls that loom large
Country halls remain at the heart of small towns in times of both celebration and disaster, but their longevity largely depends on the kindness of locals.
Reluctant search and rescue heroes celebrated at awards
A search coordinator who helped pull off the extraordinary rescue of two pilots forced to ditch into the Pacific has been recognised for his team's efforts.
Beaches reopen after baffling tar ball mystery
Remaining Sydney beaches affected by tar balls have been cleared to reopen this weekend as authorities continue trying to identify who or what was responsible.
Liam Payne’s ex-partner calls for restraint after death
Pop singer Cheryl has spoken of her grief at ex-partner Liam Payne's death and called for people to respect the former One Direction member's dignity.
Peace call after Hamas leader’s death, ceasefire doubts
The prime minister and foreign minister have used the death of Hamas' leader to reiterate calls for the war in Gaza to end but experts say this is unlikely.
Triumphant Labor extends reign to 27 years in ACT
Canberrans have returned Labor and the Greens to power in the ACT, resigning the Liberals to more than a quarter of a century in the political wilderness.
Greg Lynn’s first night in jail after murder sentence
The Victorian Supreme Court room was packed with family and friends of murdered camper Carol Clay when former Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn learnt his fate.
Independent wins beach battle in Liberal-teal fight
The Liberal Party has retained two seats and lost another in its latest tussle with the teals in three by-elections.
Premier apologises for ‘sub-optimal’ hospital care
Queensland's premier has had a bump in the polls a week out from the state election as he issues a personal apology on the campaign trail.
Storm threat remains as wild weather starts to ease
Showers and storms are set to linger in eastern Australia following days of wild weather, while some residents remain on alert for thunderstorms.
Royals take a sunny stroll in Aussie whistlestop tour
King Charles and Queen Camilla are about to start a busy program of official events across two cities over the course of three days.
Political prisoners concerned by diplomacy red tape
Australians wrongfully detained oversees are decrying being freed only to fall through the cracks back home, citing lack of support for them and their families.
Is it an SUV? Is it a hatch? … it’s a Mitsubishi ASX
The ASX fills a vital spot in Mitsubishi's line up: larger than a Lancer but smaller than the equally popular Outlander.
‘Purgatory’: mum speaks out after son’s hit-run death
A mother who lost her young son in a collision with a truck more than 20 years ago has described hit-run incidents as "particularly cruel" on victims.
Building bans and buybacks floated for flood zones
A federal investigation into flood insurance failures urges an end to building in high-risk areas and government intervention to stop skyrocketing premiums.
Time not on Labor’s side in territory election battle
Without published polling, its anyone's guess if Labor's Andrew Barr can secure a fourth term as ACT leader or whether the Liberals can end 23 years in exile.
Mpox cases in Australia surge past 1000
As the number of mpox cases in Australia climbs to the highest numbers yet, Victoria's chief health officer has warned that anyone can be affected.
Minister’s resignation adds to Liberal Party woes
A Tasmanian Liberal minister has quit cabinet after mental health struggles, leaving the premier with another role to fill during a tumultuous week.
Death of Hamas boss ‘can be turning point in conflict’
Australian politicians have called for urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza and an end to the war in the middle east after Israel killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Motorists urged to stay home instead as storms build
A huge cold front sweeping Australia's southeast is bringing wild storms, giant hail and damaging winds as it meets a humid, unstable air mass.
Solar panel pioneer in the spotlight at tech awards
Batteries made from waste, earthquake-proof buildings and solar panel technology that keeps lights on around the world have been recognised at an awards gala.
Greg Lynn jailed for 32 years but appeal on the cards
Ex-Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn has already flagged an appeal as he starts a 32-year jail term for the murder of Victorian camper Carol Clay in March 2020.
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
natural gas
Generators chase peaks as wholesale energy prices spike
Batteries are setting the price in the electricity market more often than a year ago but gas is the dominant price-setter as generators chase lucrative spikes.
Care economy growing fast and boom set to continue
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has defended Australia's fast-growing care economy, dismissing federal opposition criticism as rooted in "snobbiness".
King Charles and Queen Camilla touch down in Australia
Australia has welcomed the reigning monarch for the first time in more than a decade as King Charles and Queen Camilla touched down in Sydney.