Taiwan tries to lure Australian MPs as China watches on
Australian parliamentarians are set to be invited to visit Taiwan to meet the new leadership team after a historic win by the pro-democracy political party.
national news
Croc attack leaves nine-year-old in critical condition
A child was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition after being bitten by a crocodile in a remote area of the Northern Territory.
PM confirms contentious stage three tax cuts to stay
Aussies earning high incomes will still get their tax cuts amid a cost-of-living crisis, as the government considers how to provide further relief for people.
Doors open to housing fund as renters fall behind
A landmark government housing fund has opened its doors to developers as new data shows rental prices grew faster than home values for a second year running.
More homes destroyed as hot winds fan bushfire threat
Unfavourable conditions are threatening containment lines after firefighters contained bushfires that have destroyed two homes north of Perth.
Humanitarian aid boost for Middle East unveiled
Penny Wong has pledged a further $21.5 million in humanitarian aid for the Middle East, following the first stop on her trip to the region.
More cyclone threats emerge for northern Australia
A tropical cyclone is set to head towards Australian waters while another may soon form off Queensland's coast as rain continues to hit flood-ravaged regions.
Jetsetters and shoppers spend big as confidence returns
Australians are spending more on travel, insurance and online shopping as inflation reached its lowest levels since January 2022.
consumer goods
energy
energy (general)
environmental issue
environmental pollution
renewable energy
road transport
transport
Electric car charging stations tipped to double again
Another 900 electric car-charging locations are tipped to appear in Australia during 2024 to encourage motorists to adopt low-emission transport.
MPs blamed for stoking culture war over Australia Day
Politicians are leading the public conversation on Australia Day even when their views don't always reflect their communities, an expert says.
Endangered ancient fish die in captive breeding program
Scientists fighting to save Tasmania's ancient Maugean skate from extinction say some have died in a captive breeding program.
Top-selling Tesla misses safety mark in Australia
The second most popular electric car sold in Australia could face a recall after it failed to secure a five-star safety rating.
Albanese urges ‘good faith’ talks to end port dispute
A dispute between workers and Australia's second largest port operator is costing the economy millions of dollars as Anthony Albanese urges "good faith" talks.
Crafty fire ants use floodwaters to hitch a ride
A deadly pest is on the move after heavy rain, sparking a warning for south east Queensland and northern NSW residents to be on the look out for fire ants.
Dallas Hayden dies months after Labor leader spouse
The wife of former governor-general Bill Hayden has died at age 87, three months after her Labor leader husband.
Aussie Sarah Snook wins as Succession dominates Emmys
Succession has picked up six Emmy awards, including the trophy for best actress in a drama series which went to Australia's Sarah Snook.
Loggers assaulted environmentalists in NSW forest
Environmentalists who were attacked by logging contractors in a NSW forest say police and the government-owned Forestry Corporation have questions to answer.
Pill testing might have stopped festival deaths: study
The rollout of pill-testing services has been thrown back into the spotlight after research highlighted a series of potentially preventable deaths at festivals.
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
politics
Energy upgrades to ease hard decisions for renters
Amid "horror stories" from low-income households battling rising living costs, $206m will be spent to cut energy bills and open the door to solar power.
Watchdog might buy into claims on supermarket specials
Allegations of false or misleading "was/now" specials advertised by supermarkets are being considered by the consumer watchdog.
‘Missed opportunities’ in Aboriginal death in custody
The death of an Indigenous father in custody in the Northern Territory may have been avoided if he had received better healthcare.
Woman dumped dismembered partner in bin, court told
Sheree Glastonbury broke down in court as a prosecutor described her murdering her partner, dismembering his body and dumping his torso in a wheelie bin.
Indigenous groups and gas giants promised clearer rules
A failed legal bid to stop the construction of an underwater gas pipeline has sparked a promise for clearer rules around consultations with traditional owners.
‘Trust and transparency’ critical for growing AI sector
The federal government is considering mandatory safeguards for the use of artificial intelligence in high-risk settings.
Crackdown slated for $3 billion illegal tobacco trade
Australian Border Force will receive a major funding boost in a crackdown on the illegal tobacco trade the government has labelled a "serious tax crime".
Pre-Games transport options being stalled by train deal
Public transport options to and from Brisbane Airport will be prioritised as the government continues to navigate an aging, monopolised train contract.
Ironwomen and ironmen rescue swimmers from flash rip
A group of 25 swimmers have been saved from a rip by quick-thinking surf ironmen and ironwomen fresh from a competition.
Arrests over Victoria’s underworld tobacco war
Five men have been arrested in the latest chapter of Victoria's tobacco wars, following a series of arson attacks over the past three weeks.
Denmark’s Frederik, Mary arrive for royal inauguration
Crown Prince Frederik and his Australian-born wife Mary have arrived at the Danish parliament for their inauguration as King and Queen.
Electric vehicle shipping problems cause a real stink
Thousands of Australian motorists are still waiting to receive electric cars after a new quarantine issue at the border caused by an unexpected pest.
‘Softer’ year ahead as spending and loan growth slow
After a year of surging rental prices and cost-of-living expenses, relief could be on the cards for borrowers with economists raising hopes for a soft landing.