Healthy outlook for global economy but risks linger
Stronger growth and lower inflation suggest the global economy is heading in the right direction, but the International Monetary Fund warns challenges remain.
national news
Homebirths to be introduced at Royal Women’s Hospital
Victoria's publicly funded homebirth program will be expanded to three extra hospitals, including the Royal Women's Hospital, the state government says.
Trans-Tasman leaders eye easier movement after NZ talks
Anthony Albanese has landed in New Zealand for a two-day visit to discuss regional security, trade and football with counterpart Chris Hipkins.
‘Business as usual’: Closing the Gap efforts inadequate
Australia is failing to make meaningful progress in implementing key priority reforms to improve the lives of Indigenous people.
Calls for border checkpoints in fight against fire ant
Farmers from northern NSW worried about fire ants want authorities to consider checkpoints on the Queensland border to halt the spread of the pest.
Surviving whales shown deeper water after 52 deaths
Fifty-two whales are dead after stranding themselves on a remote WA beach and rescuers are preparing to lead the rest of the pod back into deep waters.
Imprisoned former US navy pilot’s fate remains in limbo
Former US Marines pilot Daniel Duggan will remain in an Australian prison for at least a few more months ahead of findings that could prevent his extradition.
On tractor for world record as mighty machine turns 100
The Farmall tractor, loved by generations of farmers and collectors, will celebrate its centenary in country NSW this weekend.
Premier ducks questions over call up to Games inquiry
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has shrugged off whether he would accept an invitation to face a federal inquiry into the Commonwealth Games.
Judge rejects ex-teacher’s ‘bizarre’ teen text claims
A former deputy principal's claims he posted an online ad seeking teens to make his ex-partner jealous has been criticised as "bizarre" and "preposterous".
Cop who leaked Dani Laidley pics fired over new scandal
A Victorian police officer who avoided losing his job after leaking photos of former AFL coach Dani Laidley has been sacked, reportedly over images of corpses.
Businessman linked to contract saga ‘disappears’ abroad
A businessman under scrutiny over several government contracts has left the country after being ordered to produce evidence to parliament and answer questions.
Worker influx could aid ‘softest of economic landings’
A surge in new workers since Australia's borders reopened in 2021 could help deliver a gentle economic landing by taking heat out of the economy's supply side.
Murray-Darling vision treads water as deadline sinks
The federal government acknowledges it will need to get its "skates on" to deliver the $13 billion Murray-Darling Basin plan after extending the deadline.
construction and property
health and safety at work
housing and urban planning
politics
unions
work relations
Union wants super profits tax to pay for social housing
A union boss is challenging the federal government to think big and slap a super profits tax on big businesses to pay for social housing.
Attitude overhaul the key to improving women’s safety
Women's safety champions want improvements to sexual consent education, regulated pornography and guidelines for schools to respond to student perpetrators.
Data of some Victorians put at risk during pandemic
An investigation by the Victorian Information Commissioner has found there were multiple breaches of personal information during the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘Democratic miracle’ as enrolments reach record highs
Australia has the best base for democratic participation in its history ahead of the upcoming referendum on the Indigenous voice, after record enrolments.
Senior robodebt public servant resigns from defence job
Public servant Kathryn Campbell has resigned from a high-paying role at the defence department following a royal commission into the illegal robodebt scheme.
Ex-teacher texted teen for sex to make partner jealous
A former deputy principal says he drunk-texted an undercover police officer he thought was a 14-year-old girl in a plan to make his ex-partner jealous.
energy (general)
environmental issue
environmental politics
renewable energy
road transport
transport
Petrol pumps to be popular into the 2030s, report finds
Service stations will remain busy into the 2030s in Australia, according to a new report, even though some countries will have stopped selling petrol cars.
Top bureaucrat lands job of helping the nation prosper
A top-level recruit has been handed the task of boosting Australia's flagging productivity growth, but the opposition has already questioned his links to Labor.
commonwealth games
housing and urban planning
local authority
politics (general)
sports event
tourism
Weeks of wrangling to settle Commonwealth Games bill
The Victorian government has not reached a compensation deal with the Commonwealth Games Federation after pulling out of hosting the 2026 Games.
Budget’s $20b sugar hit won’t be shared with households
Households dealing with cost-of-living pressures are unlikely to get any extra relief despite a budget surplus shaping up to be much larger than forecast.
Casual workers offered path to permanent job security
Thousands of casual employees will have the right to become permanent workers under legal changes to close an employment loophole.
Charges over Brittany Higgins death threats adjourned
Charges against a man accused of making death threats against Brittany Higgins and an openly gay NSW politician have been mentioned briefly in court.
Phones go dark in all South Australian high schools
All South Australian public high schools have now banned the use of mobile phones by students.
Abbott warns voice ‘no’ campaigners against complacency
Tony Abbott says waning poll support for an Indigenous voice is encouraging but claims "woke" donors to the 'yes' campaign will try to buy the final result.
Warning of lingering harm amid rural pediatric squeeze
The children's health charity Royal Far West is warning of worsening complex developmental conditions as families wait years to see specialists.
Huge stakes in court battle for Hancock mining spoils
Billions of dollars in iron ore riches is being fought over in a Perth courtroom where the descendants of pioneering miners will air their competing claims.
Apple Isle pips other states for economic strength
CommSec's latest State of the States report has Tasmania once again at the top of the economic rankings, but its competitors are closing in.