‘Struggling more than ever’: Debt reaches six-year high
The number of Australians seeking help with debt has reached a record high as housing stress and utility costs weigh on budgets.
national news
Electric goes large: low-emission utes, vans get a show
Utes that can be plugged in and vans that run on batteries have gone on show in Australia for the first time, which experts say is proof the market has moved.
Transparency gaps cloud $2m Folbigg compensation offer
A high-profile lawyer has called for the release of reasons for a widely criticised $2 million payout offer to wrongfully jailed Kathleen Folbigg.
‘Red line’ warning against Israel’s Gaza takeover plan
Foreign Minister Penny Wong is warning Israel not to go down the path of taking over Gaza, which she says will worsen the humanitarian catastrophe there.
Longer term urged for brutal killer to send DV message
A young woman's death in a frenzied domestic violence-related attack should result in a sentence that sends a message to other offenders, a court has been told.
‘Disgraceful’: cops who beat up naked woman jailed
Two former police officers who assaulted and pepper sprayed a naked woman while doing a welfare check have been jailed for three years.
Bricks and mortar thrive as beauty retailer expands
The expansion of a major beauty retailer's flagship is in line with trends of specialty stores moving into physical retail at the expense of department stores.
Australia and New Zealand embrace in ‘uncertain world’
Regional security and global uncertainty are dominating discussions during annual talks between Anthony Albanese and his New Zealand counterpart.
Folbigg review push as $2m ‘plucked out of the air’
Mystery surrounds the calculation of a $2 million offer to compensate Kathleen Folbigg for 20 years of wrongful imprisonment, prompting calls for more scrutiny.
Festival started from a broken promise looks to future
The Garma festival was born out of the disappointment of a broken promise; 25 years later, local Yolngu leaders are looking to the future for their people.
‘More gruelling, precarious’: climate biting workforce
From disrupted trucking routes to teaching in hot classrooms, the changing climate is already being keenly felt by Australian workers.
Rates take back seat to affordability for home buyers
Interest rates might be weighing less on Australians' decision to buy or sell a property, with affordability now ranked as the leading influence.
‘Human catastrophe’: PM condemns Israel’s plan for Gaza
Australia and western allies are urging Israel to abandon plans to re-invade and take total control of Gaza City, warning it will breach international law.
It’s a washout: heavy rain ends beloved Byron festival
Crowds and organisers are devastated a popular regional festival has been cancelled after heavy rain flooded the event grounds.
Premier’s big call as state parliament hangs in balance
Tasmania's leader has made an important appointment as he grapples with a hung parliament and braces for a no-confidence vote.
‘Great friends’ Australia, NZ vow closer defence ties
Australia and New Zealand are chasing stronger military and economic ties, with the latter open to following its neighbour's lead on frigate procurement.
PM brushes off push for Israel sanctions as a ‘slogan’
Australia has downplayed US criticism of international efforts to recognise Palestine as Anthony Albanese criticises Israel's plan to expand its Gaza offensive.
Businesses baulk at cost of bonus public holidays
Businesses could lose more than $100 million a year under a state proposal that adds two public holidays to the calendar, a lobby group claims.
Mortgage holders ready for relief after past rates blow
The Reserve Bank of Australia board is expected to deliver mortgage holders more hip-pocket relief in its upcoming interest rates decision.
Red tape slashed to fast-track building new homes
In a bid to meet it's target of building 800,000 homes over the next decade, a state government has announced new housing laws designed to speed up approvals.
Another greyhound racing ban could see dishlickers done
It's a dog day afternoon for the greyhound racing industry as another government announces plans to stop punters spending a night at the dishlickers.
‘World cannot wait’: Australia to recognise Palestine
Australia will follow allies in formally recognising Palestinian statehood amid mounting pressure to take action on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Hopes RBA won’t repeat shock rates hold as board meets
The "Trumpification" of the US Federal Reserve provides an unsettling backdrop to the Reserve Bank's August meeting, where it is expected to cut interest rates.
Crash pilot a ‘cocaine-using party animal’, court told
A jury has heard flight-time meters were regularly disconnected and paperwork falsified for reality TV star Matt Wright's helicopters before a fatal crash.
Fair go or no go? Aussie workers face ‘class ceiling’
People from disadvantaged backgrounds are often denied the chance to get ahead at work, despite Australia frequently being touted as a classless society.
Apology over slow response to algal bloom crisis
It's hoped a $28 million funding package will help resolve an unprecedented environmentally disastrous algal bloom that's killing thousands of sea creatures.
Smelter rescue bolsters nation’s critical metals future
Catastrophe has been avoided with the bailout of two smelters, says a union that now urges governments to safeguard the nation's metal manufacturing capability.
Australia to boost navy firepower with Japanese design
Japanese Mogami-class frigates will replace aging Australian warships following a landmark review recommending a focus on long-range firepower.
Australia to argue for tariff removal after US reprieve
Australia has been granted a rare reprieve from higher US tariffs on its goods but officials haven't given up hope of the levies being removed entirely.
Fading Star: casino group loses shine with record fall
Embattled casino operator Star Entertainment's shares have sunk to an all-time low after months of negotiations to sell a riverfront mega-project collapsed.
Spotlight on youth as sun sets on Garma Festival start
As the sun sets on the first day of a major annual cultural festival, it is the youngest attendees who have stolen the show and been the focus of conversation.