Call to improve family violence support payments
People escaping family violence are receiving financial support quicker but a report into the program has highlighted opportunities for improvement.
national news
Former minister referred to anti-corruption commission
An inquiry into links between ex-minister Stuart Robert and a consulting firm has asked the national anti-corruption commission to take over the investigation.
Fire ants invade Qld islands, raising fears for K’gari
There are fears fire ants could invade World Heritage-listed K'gari after 130 nests were found on another large sand island off Brisbane.
Defence ‘going through motions’ on veteran suicides
Australia's defence leaders have been accused of failing to sufficiently respond to an unfolding "national crisis" of veteran suicides.
Teen shot while sleeping ‘extremely lucky’ to be alive
Possible getaway cars are being examined by police investigating the shooting of a sleeping teen in his family home who is "extremely lucky" to have survived.
Vic on alert for high-risk bushfire season after floods
As regional communities continue to pick up the pieces from devastating floods, Victoria will lurch back into a high-risk bushfire season this spring.
Bronco’s brother bailed due to ‘extremely weak’ case
A judge who granted Zeda Haas bail said there was no evidence of one charge against him and no basis to keep him in custody on another as police await briefs.
Ritual and predatory abuse: racing’s dark side revealed
A review into Victorian racing has revealed a dark side of the $4.7 billion industry, fraught with abuse and harassment including violence against children.
Lawyers snap up millions from toxic foam settlement
Landowners affected by toxic firefighting foam will receive around 60 per cent of a $132.7 million settlement after legal fees and other costs are deducted.
Cost-of-living focus in NSW budget as dam project axed
Stretched households have been told they can expect more help as the NSW government prepares to deliver its first budget since the election.
Rare ‘Ringo Starr’ cockatoos drum to their own beat
Male palm cockatoos in far north Queensland chisel individualised drumsticks with their bills to tap out signature beats, a new study shows.
Australia granted more time to address reef threats
The World Heritage Committee has confirmed it won't yet list the Great Barrier Reef as in-danger but Australia's guardianship remains under close scrutiny.
Fresh crews and water bombers to battle outback blaze
Weary firefighters are hoping for easing conditions as they await reinforcements to help them fight a major bushfire in the Northern Territory.
Indigenous voice critic points to ‘better’ alternative
With the referendum debate growing increasingly spiteful, 'no' campaign leader Jacinta Nampijinpa Price will set out an alternative approach to the voice.
Unexpected jobs surge leaves unemployment figure steady
Higher interest rates are yet to make a serious dent in Australia's jobs market, with a larger-than-expected surge in employment recorded.
Union boss issues warning after Qantas court decision
Australian businesses have been warned unions are ready to mobilise against unfair work conditions after a High Court ruling against Qantas.
Melbourne road named Australia’s most dangerous
A Melbourne road has come out on top of a list of Australia's most dangerous crash hotspots for the sixth year running.
Colonisation had ‘positive impact’: Indigenous senator
Indigenous senator and prominent 'no' campaigner Jacinta Price claims colonisation has not had any ongoing negative consequences for First Nations people.
Liquid meth disguised as oil seized near rural town
Police are appealing for help tracking down who is responsible for a 312kg consignment of liquid methamphetamine disguised as vegetable oil.
Labor’s housing breakthrough after tense negotiations
A deal with the Greens has allowed Labor to pass its signature $10 billion social and affordable housing policy through parliament.
Aussie music big-hitters playing free gigs for ‘yes’
As part of a national action, artists are launching Music for the Voice this weekend in support of the 'yes' campaign in the voice referendum.
Show us the money, as rural health on life support
Rural Australia is the engine room of the national economy, but little profit is returned for crucial services like healthcare, a conference has been told.
Push to flush drug decriminalisation is dead on arrival
The federal Liberals are pushing to overturn ACT drug decriminalisation laws after claiming they would be a Canberra "tourism attraction''.
BYD aims to shake up car industry with ‘maverick’ store
Australia's second biggest electric vehicle brand is opening "megastores'' around the country to educate motorists about the next-generation technology.
Death in police van a ‘preventable tragedy’: coroner
A heartbroken mother has cried as a coroner found her son's death in a police van was a "preventable tragedy" and recommended sweeping changes to police policy.
Bullied Jewish students win apology, $400k from state
Victoria must apologise and pay more than $400,000 to students who experienced anti-Semitic bullying and harassment at a state school, a judge has ordered.
Myer’s best sales level in nearly two decades last year
Myer has total sales of $3.37 billion in 2022/23, its most since 2005, but sales are down so far in the new fiscal year as consumers tighten their belts.
Certainty for temporary health workers in NSW budget
Temporary frontline workers at risk of being let go from their positions will be made permanent under a NSW budget measure to improve hospital staffing levels.
Uni responses to rape slammed as a ‘searing indictment’
Australian universities have been slammed over their handling of sexual assault, accused of protecting their brands ahead of the safety of students.
Feds must take lead in salvaging Comm Games: inquiry
A Senate inquiry has called for the federal government to facilitate finding a replacement Australian host for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
It’s a picture-perfect way to have eyes on the prize
An image of three sisters taken by photographer Rochelle James has beaten thousands of other entries to win a $15,000 prize.