Schoolboy loses fight for life after shark attack
Nico Antic, 12, has died from critical injuries suffered when bitten by a shark at a popular swimming spot.
national news
‘From the heart’: Wolfe Brothers sweep Golden Guitars
The Wolfe Brothers have swept Australia's peak country music awards, winning five Golden Guitars including the top gong for album of the year.
Pride and shame: national day leaving many conflicted
There are mixed emotions for many about Australia's national day. For some it means celebration, for others mourning and marking the beginning of colonisation.
The chatbot will see you now: why AI is tackling health
After being swamped with medical questions, one AI firm is trialling a dedicated health service. Experts say more are coming and their prognosis is unclear.
Man charged over Australia Day threat to mosque
A man accused of posting threats and inciting violence against minority groups on Australia Day has been charged over an "abhorrent" message.
Liberal hopeful branded ‘extreme’ as foes circle leader
Labor has framed one of the frontrunners for Sussan Ley's leadership as a fringe, right-wing figure as momentum builds for a spill.
‘No better hands’: Rudd successor named for US post
Australia's next ambassador to the US has been welcomed as the right person to drive progress on the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal.
Residents brace for heavy rain as Luana heads inland
Residents of Western Australia's north coast are bracing for heavy rain as Cyclone Luana tracks inland, despite the storm running out of steam.
Shark safety boost after horror spate of attacks
More drones will be deployed along the NSW coast as part of a multimillion-dollar boost to shark-safety programs after the death of a 12-year-old boy.
Remote town tip-off in search for accused triple killer
Police are searching farms and homes over a vast area as they respond to a potential sighting of alleged triple murderer Julian Ingram.
Bushfires rage as heatwave grips Australia’s southeast
Smoke has blanketed a major city after a bushfire drew within striking distance of a rural town during a widespread heatwave.
Astronaut, distance runner win nation’s highest honours
The first astronaut to train under the Australian flag has been honoured with the 2026 Australian of the Year award, with other top achievers also recognised.
Posthumous honour for Australian music legend
Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst, who died on Tuesday, has been awarded an Australia Day honour - on a date he wanted to change.
Olympic legend, top silks score highest honours
Olympic legend Cathy Freeman is one of 10 people to receive the top honour at the annual Order of Australia awards.
Former politicians prosper in Australia Day honours
For their service to educational equity, economic development and public health, ex-politicians have been bestowed some of the nation's highest honours.
Cattle pioneer says the gentle giants saved her life
A renowned cattle breeder formed a remarkable bond with Brahman after swapping a city job for a long and rewarding life on the land.
Indigenous matriarch driven by passion for community
A lifelong commitment to community and family has driven the work of this powerhouse for Indigenous rights, who considers her life one that's been well lived.
Gender imbalance ‘concerning’ as top Aussies honoured
Olympic legend Cathy Freeman has received one of the top gongs at the Order of Australia awards but organisers are calling out a gender imbalance.
Plea for unity as Australia Day highlights divisions
Emotions have run high at competing Australia Day rallies as the prime minister highlighted the role immigrants have played in helping to shape the nation.
Residents told to leave before sunset as heatwave looms
Emergency crews have begun door knocking to urge more than 1000 residents to leave their homes as firefighters battle a large blaze and a severe heatwave looms.
Bomb threat, assaults, hate speech mar national rallies
Protesters of different stripes took to the streets as the nation marked Australia Day, but police were forced to step in on a number of occasions.
Blister in the sun: Australians wilt in summer heatwave
Australians are being warned about the dangers of heat stress as southern states swelter and one city smashes its Australia Day heat record.
Aussie towns among world’s hottest in ‘unheard of’ heat
Multiple temperature records have been broken in sweltering conditions across several states, with some Australian towns recording their hottest day ever.
Watchdog pushes financial literacy to counter AI boom
Artificial intelligence-powered scams featuring fake celebrities are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to AI risks facing consumers, ASIC warns.
What’s for dinner? Aussies cook up fresh uses for AI
Australians are turning to artificial intelligence tools in the kitchen as well as the office, as use of the technology weighs in on more activities.
How swimmers can stay safe from surging shark attacks
Swimmers are being encouraged to stay 'shark smart' after four recent attacks, as attention turns to safety measures designed to control the apex predators.
‘Irreplaceable’: Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst dies
Hailed as "the engine driving one of the greatest live bands of all time", tributes are pouring in for Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst after he died of cancer.
US Supreme Court yet to issue ruling on Trump tariffs
The US Supreme Court has yet to decide on a dispute over the legality of President Donald Trump's global tariffs.
‘It is what it is’: PM shuts down future race hate laws
Racial vilification laws called for by Jewish advocates are unlikely to be pursued after laws passed the parliament in response to the Bondi terror attack.
‘Incredibly difficult’: boy in shark attack hanging on
More than $120,000 has been raised for a 12-year-old boy mauled by a shark as he fights for life and his family brace for the worst possible outcome.
‘Struggling in silence’: Aussies’ shame driving up debt
Nearly half the nation started the new year in debt, but research shows countless Australians are unwilling to discuss their finances, even with loved ones.