Hot spell sweeps the nation, sparking trouble in Vic
Widespread hot weather has led to fires in Victoria and high temperatures plus rain storms in other parts of the nation.
national news
Tasmanian Liberal premier announces early election
Tasmania is set to head to the polls more than a year early after the state's minority Liberal premier failed to resolve an impasse with two independents.
Security chiefs eye global conflicts and meddling spies
Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza and Russia's ongoing assault on Ukraine are keeping Australia's intelligence agencies under the pump.
Treasury eyes ‘rare’ full employment opportunity
No evidence of a wage price spiral suggests the jobless rate can stay lower than previously thought sustainable, says the top Treasury official.
Defence chief unaware of commander’s torture allegation
A Fijian colonel facing torture allegations was appointed to oversee 3000 Australian troops, without the knowledge of the defence force chief.
environmental cleanup
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
festive event (including carnival)
gays and lesbians
hazardous materials
waste management and pollution control
Asbestos kills off Mardi Gras fair, shutters school
Asbestos-tainted mulch is to blame for the closure of a primary school in Sydney's southwest and the cancellation of a major Mardi Gras festival event.
River sweep forms part of search for suspected victim
A search for missing man Daniel Copeland, who police believe met with foul play, has extended to a sweep of a northern NSW river.
Property investors in focus as tax debate shifts gears
As home ownership becomes increasingly difficult for many, pressure is growing on the major political parties to revisit tax reform.
EPA backs down on ‘dangerous’ new logging rules in NSW
New logging rules that had experts fearing for the survival of the endangered greater glider will be revisited by the NSW environmental watchdog.
Slain boy’s father hugs prosecutor after guilty verdict
Declan Cutler's father, who missed the judge handing down a guilty verdict for four of his son's killers, hugged the prosecutor who later gave him the news.
NSW bans spit hoods but still some backing in NT
Advocates are calling for all jurisdictions to ban spit hoods, after NSW became the second state to pass legislation prohibiting their use, following SA.
Coalition wants more protections for airline passengers
The federal opposition is set to introduce laws that would boost consumer protections for airline passengers, following a surge in cancellations.
Event managers told to stay out of nature refuges
Scientists have told event managers to back off and keep their disruptive, showy events out of the nation's wildlife havens.
All-electric Benz poised to replace guzzling sibling
Emission-free motoring with a range of more than 500km is on offer from the new Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.
Ballarat prays for missing mother’s safe return
The Ballarat community is praying for Samantha Murphy's safe return seven days into the search for the missing 51-year-old mother.
Tas minority premier to mull independent ‘crisis’ talks
Tasmania's Liberal minority premier says he will take time to consider discussions with two powerful independents amid his threat of an early election.
Flying doctor spreads its wings to primary health care
Thousands of new patients have flocked to primary healthcare clinics staffed by the Royal Flying Doctor Service in the outback.
Indian Ocean security threats on par with Pacific: Wong
Vast waters to Australia's west present security, climate and conflict threats as serious as those facing the Pacific, the foreign minister told a conference.
Ballarat community rallies to family of missing mother
The prime minister has thanked those searching for missing mum Samantha Murphy as investigators turn to security footage to solve her mysterious disappearance.
Newsreader, Deadloch win big as Margot’s Barbie sizzles
It's still a Barbie world with Margot Robbie and her smash hit movie winning an armful of screen awards as two productions dominated local categories.
Last-standing Liberal government ponders early election
The only Liberal government in Australia is grappling for a way forward in minority as its agreements with defector MPs are put to the test.
Key roles for women scientists in invasive pest battle
Women scientists are playing key roles in protecting Australian agriculture against invasive species while changing the face of a male-dominated sector.
Silo art paints portrait of pride in tiny country towns
Grain silos have become the canvas for impressive artwork for tiny country towns across Australia, painting a path to pride as well as prosperity.
Treatment options wider if prostate cancer found early
A prostate cancer patient is warning other men to stop putting off tests as patients with early stage disease have access to greater treatment options.
Property investors won’t lose tax deductions: Treasurer
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says property investors will continue to enjoy their tax breaks, while ruling out the prospect of changes to negative gearing.
Funding boost and police blitz put road safety in focus
Road safety upgrades in Queensland will get a half a billion dollar boost under funding to improve urban, regional and remote streets, footpaths and cycleways.
Tough terrain for volunteers in search for missing mum
Volunteers continuing a ground search for missing Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy have been warned to take care of their own safety in difficult bush terrain.
Carrot for home buyers could deliver stick to investors
A bid to give hopeful homeowners a foot in the door could be in danger unless Labor takes steps to scale back property investor tax breaks.
Stamp duty costs climb as home buyers struggle to save
Market analysis has revealed the rising cost of stamp duty on property purchases - and its impact on people trying to break into the housing market.
Right to disconnect laws pass federal parliament
Employees will be able to legally disconnect from work out of hours, after industrial relations changes cleared the House of Representatives.
Criminal charges unlikely over dodgy offshore contracts
Companies suspected of bribery, money laundering and drug smuggling were given lucrative contracts tied to Australia's offshore immigration detention regime.