Tech giants to be charged if they fail to pay for news
In a bid to return revenue to Australian news publishers, the government will charge tech giants if they do not pay for local journalism.
national news
Warning over ‘organised crime gimmick’ drug on streets
Australian police have seized more "pink cocaine" than ever before in 2024 as they warn users about taking the potentially fatal substance.
Drop test: tech giant to ditch single-use plastic packs
More Christmas gifts purchased online will arrive in recyclable packaging this year after a two-year research project into making envelopes green.
China benched, PNG takes field in sport-security pact
Australia is putting $600 million towards a team from Papua New Guinea joining the NRL but will pull its support if Port Moresby breaks "strategic trust".
Bulldogs $6m abuse payout slashed, but verdict upheld
A man abused by a Bulldogs volunteer as a child has had his almost-$6 million payout from the AFL club more than halved, but his lawyers say it is still a win.
breaking_news
diplomacy
human rights
international law
international organisation
international relations
politics
unrest, conflicts and war
Australia’s Gaza ceasefire support splits community
Humanitarian organisations and Palestinian Australians have welcomed Australia's support for a ceasefire in Gaza but the Jewish community has raised concerns.
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
government
politics
Growing backlog as green tape chokes energy investment
A group of developers has warned of significant delays to the renewable energy needed to power Australian homes and businesses as green tape chokes investment.
Early rates cut all but dashed as unemployment dips
Australia's unemployment rate has unexpectedly fallen to 3.9 per cent, bolstering the argument for the Reserve Bank of Australia to keep rates on hold.
Liberal leader to ‘keep fighting’ after defamation loss
State Liberal leader John Pesutto is vowing to remain in his role, even after a Federal Court judge found he defamed expelled state MP Moira Deeming.
Value of Australian homes may drop in early 2025
Australian home values could dip in early 2025 but a drop in interest rates is expected to send buyer demand up again.
Push to strengthen hate crime laws and tackle threats
The government should make it an offence to threaten marginalised Australians and set up a national database to help combat hate crimes, a committee recommends.
Mining giants sued over alleged sexual harassment
Hundreds of women who worked at BHP and Rio Tinto will be contacted as part of a lawsuit over alleged harassment at mining sites.
Coroner calls for urgent closure of troubled youth jail
The coroner hearing an inquest for an Indigenous teen who fatally self-harmed in a youth detention centre has provisionally recommended the facility close.
business (general)
computing and information technology
crime, law and justice
economy (general)
internet
online
science and technology
software
technology (general)
AI used to target election fraud and criminal deepfakes
Government agencies are teaming up with Microsoft to track disinformation and criminal acts, with plans to use AI to detect attempts to interfere in elections.
Fake paramedic convicted as warning to others
A man who falsely passed himself off as a paramedic at several motocross events, including two where children were injured, has been convicted but not jailed.
‘Finally got him’: man guilty of wife’s 2007 murder
Emotion filled a court room as a violent and abusive estranged husband was convicted of Cindy Crossthwaite's murder after more than 17 years.
Rex directors face grounding for silence over $35m hole
Four Rex directors failed to disclose the troubled airline's financial position after expressing optimism for future profits, the corporate regulator alleges.
Jewish community reels after ‘cowardly’ graffiti attack
Australia has been diminished as a nation by graffiti and a car fire the prime minister says was aimed at delivering fear to the Jewish community.
‘A game changer’: help on way for rural women with endo
Rural women who live with the agony of endometriosis say a scholarship program to train nurses will help improve their quality of life and access to care.
Women in immigration detention put beside sex offenders
Male sex offenders in Australian immigration detention centres are being housed next to vulnerable women, human rights inspectors have found.
Wanted: one million Aussies, Kiwis to learn AI skills
Microsoft wants to train at least one million Australians and New Zealanders in how to use AI tools over the next two years as part of a worldwide push.
Interest rate relief edges closer as RBA changes tune
Australia's central bank is sounding more confident it can beat inflation in welcome signs for mortgage-holders, home-buyers and the federal government.
PM lashes anti-Semitic attacks as evil and disgraceful
Anthony Albanese has delivered an impassioned call for Australians to unite around common values and respect after two attacks on Jewish communities.
Thousands of families could benefit from free childcare
More than 60,000 families would access three days of free childcare while an access test branded punitive will be scrapped under a Labor policy.
Court thwarts Murdoch bid to cement Lachlan as Fox boss
Rupert Murdoch's effort to ensure son Lachlan maintains control of Fox News has been dealt a blow, with a court reportedly ruling the pair acted in bad faith.
Anti-Semitism denied following travel warning for Jews
A rise in anti-Semitism in Australia has sparked a travel warning from a Jewish human rights group as the prime minister vows any such acts won't be tolerated.
Myer brings in body cameras, radios to keep staff safe
Mid-market department store Myer is beefing up security in its stores to protect workers and reduce the amount of theft.
Insurance giant sued over ‘loyalty tax’ on policies
A class action has been filed against NRMA Insurance's parent on behalf of millions of customers allegedly ripped off on home and contents insurance policies.
Workers protest CFMEU takeover as court battle starts
Blue-collar unionists are rallying against a forced takeover of the construction union, saying the laws strip them of their rights, as a legal challenge begins.
Women’s despair after losing contraception class action
More than 1000 women who suffered chronic pain and bleeding have lost their class action against pharmaceutical giant Bayer over a contraceptive device.
Restaurateur who held up anti-Israel sign ‘no neo-Nazi’
A high-profile restaurateur who held up a Nazi swastika at a pro-Palestinian rally has avoided conviction after a magistrate accepted he was deeply remorseful.