New bank chief holds rates but a rise is still in play
Borrowers have been spared further mortgage pain but one more interest rate hike or a longer stretch on hold may be needed to wrangle inflation under control.
national news
Victoria’s fire threat focus shifts to flash flood risk
The threat from two blazes burning in eastern Victoria is expected to ease, with a severe weather warning issued over damaging winds and heavy rain.
Nervous night for NSW coastal towns amid looming fire
A forecast cool change should weaken a dangerous fire front looming over NSW coastal towns but could turn towards tourists in Bermagui, authorities warn.
Tax on empty homes and vacant land to free up housing
A little-known tax will be broadened to push Victorian landowners to build on or sell empty blocks as the government seeks to boost housing supply.
Australian share market plunges to six-month low
The ASX200 has slumped to its lowest in six months and the dollar to its weakest since November, despite interest rates staying on hold.
NSW not ruling out pill testing after festival deaths
Premier Chris Minns says NSW will 'learn from other states' on pill-testing, after two men died from drugs allegedly taken at a music festival.
Mum behind lover’s plot to kill ex gets 26 years’ jail
Biannca Edmunds will spend at least 20 years in prison after a plot to murder her ex-partner ended in his death as well as the death of her husband.
‘Nothing ruled out’ in deadly NT crash
Detectives are still on the scene of a Northern Territory crash which is understood to have killed four children and two adults.
Premier’s snap election pledge hinges on dumped MP
Australia's lone Liberal premier has guaranteed calling an election if the state's axed attorney-general fails to commit her votes of confidence and supply.
Lynch looking to put his best foot forward for Tigers
Richmond star Tom Lynch will have a delayed start to pre-season as he recovers from a lingering foot injury, but is confident he will be ready for round one.
Federal police want pay rise as officers cop job strain
The federal police association is calling on the government for a 20 per cent pay increase to help recruit and retain new members.
Carbon ‘bottom line’: Don’t trade integrity for offsets
Carbon offsets should be used as a last resort and limited to Australia's heaviest polluters, conservationists warn the federal government.
Snap election stand-off ends as sacked minister quits
Tasmania's former attorney-general will quit parliament, ending a stand-off with Premier Jeremy Rockliff that could have triggered an early election.
Police no-show at inquiry a ‘slap in the face’: senator
WA Police are a no-show at a Senate inquiry into missing and murdered First Nations women and children, leaving many questions unanswered.
Bushfire risk turns to flooding, as residents evacuate
Heavy rain is inundating parts of Victoria just hours after residents were facing bushfire threats.
Mourners gather to remember mushroom poisoning victim
Heather Wilkinson has been remembered at a public memorial service, almost two months after she died from suspected mushroom poisoning.
Australia still lags other nations in electric car race
Global electric car sales rose by almost 50 per cent this year and while Australian sales are increasing they are still well below the world average.
Cost of living spokesman defends real estate portfolio
A state opposition's newly appointed spokesman on the cost of living has defended stepping into the role despite holding many real estate interests.
Early polling opens as referendum hits home stretch
Referendum campaigners are on the home stretch with pre-polling opening, remote voting underway and less than two weeks before Australians cast their ballots.
Voice volunteers hit the hustings as pre-polling opens
Crunch time has arrived for 'yes' and 'no' campaigners as early referendum voting opens and battlelines are drawn across key states ahead of polling day.
Party over for shonky international education providers
The party is over for dodgy education providers targeting international students with a crackdown on the rorts plaguing the immigration and visa system.
New-look Victorian cabinet sworn in as Allan era begins
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan's first cabinet has been sworn in, a week on from Daniel Andrews' shock resignation and a day before parliament returns.
Don’t limit gas supply during green move: energy boss
Delays in approving about 40 new gas projects could risk supply and flow onto power bills, an energy chief says.
Australian shares edging lower at midday
The local share market was down 0.1 per cent at midday, in quiet trading with the long weekend holiday affecting much of the country.
Early election risk as only Liberal government on brink
An early election is in the hands of Tasmania's former attorney-general Elise Archer, with Australia's only Liberal administration on the brink of collapse.
Housing recovery entrenched but pace of growth eases
Home values continue to rise but growth has slowed amid more advertisements for stock and the toll of higher interest rates and cost of living pressures.
Total fire bans in force as heat and winds combine
Fire season is under way as blazes burn across the country driven by volatile conditions with total fire bans in parts of WA, South Australia, Victoria and NSW.
Shorten urges united approach to commission findings
Bill Shorten has urged jurisdictions to work together to determine the best way to implement findings from the disability royal commission.
Ron Barassi lauded as political leaders line up jibes
Politics and footy merged in a very public way as nervous fans, dignitaries and AFL officials broke bread at an annual pre-grand final breakfast.
Spring turns up the heat for footy finals fever
The mercury is expected to soar in multiple cities as special provisions are put in place for a scorching NRL grand final.
Daylight saving road risk warning for drowsy drivers
Longer and warmer days are arriving as daylight saving begins in most jurisdictions around Australia, but the shift brings a slight bump in road accidents.