Tax changes get tick of approval from ratings agency
Tax hikes on property investors will help keep budget pressures under control, ratings agency S&P Global says in a check-up of Australia's fiscal health.
national news
Fuel diplomacy sends Australia’s trade surplus tanking
A surge in fuel and electric vehicle imports in response to the Middle East conflict drove Australia's goods trade surplus to a nine-year low.
Bird flu fears prompt ‘proactive’ poultry farms order
Preventative measures are set to be enforced on poultry farms to prevent the spread of a deadly strain of bird flu as more cases are detected.
Iranian soccer players granted Australian citizenship
Two women from Iran's national soccer team who sought asylum in Australia following an Asian Cup game are celebrating after being granted citizenship.
Qantas workers on high after judge releases $40m compo
A Federal Court judge has released almost $40 million in compensation to illegally sacked Qantas workers, criticising the delay from the scheme administrator.
‘Scam’: Uber drivers and dog walkers in Hanson’s sights
One Nation's leader says the Australian migration system fails to prioritise the skills the economy actually needs, which is worsening the housing shortage.
Horror highway inferno probe after rescuers forced back
Police are investigating a horror two-vehicle crash that killed five people on a major outback highway after onlookers tried to rescue the victims.
Plugged in: watchdogs weigh up laws for uncertain times
Australian consumers are facing 'volatile' conditions, a regulator has warned, and may need stronger protections against harm.
Labor’s rivals revive push for full ban on gambling ads
Minor parties and independents are preparing amendments to Labor's "friendless" proposed gambling reforms before parliament returns to Canberra.
Athlete denies making up sex abuse claims against Jones
A former athlete has hit back at accusations he concocted claims of being indecently assaulted by radio giant Alan Jones, telling a court "it's all true".
All Ords index tops $3.2 trillion as shares beat record
Mining stocks have driven the local exchange into new territory for a second session as Middle East peace hopes buoy investor confidence.
Teen’s charges upgraded over beloved shop owner’s death
A suburban community has been plunged into mourning following the death of a shop owner as police upgrade charges against a teenage boy.
Scholarship win for Indigenous university students
Pursuing higher education is costly but one university wants to change that by assisting all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander undergraduate students.
Ex-AFL star Winmar pushes for no jail time over assault
Former AFL icon Nicky Winmar has already suffered punishment from the sporting world for assaulting a woman, a sentencing hearing has been told.
National e-bike crackdown to buck off cowboy retailers
Australia's consumer watchdog is drafting new rules to protect riders from unsafe e-bikes, following years of concerns over rising road accidents.
Fears for Australian sea lions as bird flu cases grow
Experts are warning Australia's sea lion population could face major losses after a pup's death as cases continue to mount from a national bird flu outbreak.
Fugitive developer offered $100K to Perrottet brother
Controversial property developer Jean Nassif dangled a $100,000 political donation in front of a former premier's brother, phone taps have revealed.
Property listings giant defies house price slump
Shifting sands mean Australia's biggest property website can't afford to sit on its laurels even as it proclaims a better-than-expected year.
Fifth victim of horror head-on highway crash confirmed
Two cars have collided in a fiery head-on outback highway crash that has left five people dead, sparking an investigation into the cause of the tragedy.
‘Kleptomaniacs’: media empire vows to slay AI thieves
A media goliath has doubled down on its stick-and-carrot campaign against AI snatchers, also calling out other companies who '"should know better".
Stranger things: Aussie helps crack cosmic cold case
A team of international scientists have used cutting-edge technology, including a radio telescope in rural Australia, to open a new "cosmic window".
Ocker reboot makes Alexa ‘authentically Australian’
Amazon Australia is upgrading its Alexa chatbot with the same technology that underpins ChatGPT, and says it has been trained to understand Australian culture.
‘Unrealistic’ rules for AI data centres spark warning
Investors could be deterred from investing in new AI data centres in Australia if national guidelines under negotiation are too strict, the coalition warns.
Why old office buildings are vacant despite demand
Businesses seeking office space are gravitating to the most expensive end of the market even if it means paying more up front, fresh data suggests.
Power play: national law could curb data centre demands
Data centres in every state and territory could be required to supply their own renewable energy if changes are introduced at a national level.
Former neo-Nazi labels brotherhood ‘a load of lies’
An ex-neo-Nazi has revealed what saved him from extremism, as experts warn online grievance movements can radicalise young Australians.
Shares soar to record highs as oil dives on peace hopes
Local shares have rallied on reports the US and Iran are nearing a new peace deal, boosting confidence as investors bet on a brighter outlook for global growth.
Sales surge: electric, hybrid cars drive vehicle record
Electric and hybrid vehicles made up almost half of all new cars sold in July as Australian motorists turned away from rising fuel prices.
Mass stabbing attack sparks mental health policy revamp
A clinician-led response model for people experiencing mental health crises will be rolled out after a man experiencing psychosis went on a stabbing rampage.
‘Screwed’: ex-premier’s brother fumes over factionalism
The brother of a former state premier became obsessive about stacking Liberal Party branches but felt slighted for not being paid for his endeavours.
NRL club claims player contributed to training death
A Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles player who died at pre-season training was negligent in his own death by not revealing he was out of shape, the club says.