Fourth seat likely, but One Nation faces new challenge
One Nation is on the brink of securing a fourth seat in a state election, but political analysts warn a history of instability is the party's biggest challenge.
national news
Accused couple only let ‘slave’ eat Weet-Bix, jury told
A man is on trial for allegedly keeping a woman as a slave and assaulting her, depriving her of food and medical help, with his wife accused of assisting him.
ABC and unions inch closer towards final pay deal
Better pay and more opportunities to climb the ladder could seal an agreement between the ABC and staff after they walked out for the first time in 20 years.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
consumers
diesel fuel
energy
energy (general)
energy resources
energy saving
environmental issue
renewable energy
road transport
transport
Electric car race speeds up as fuel crisis drags on
The global fuel crisis could be a turning point for electric vehicle sales in Australia, with one subscription service reporting record adoption.
‘Dog’s breakfast’: commuter fears over free transport
Regional residents are concerned temporary free public transport to offset fuel prices in one state will make finding a seat harder than ever.
Win for younger workers with discount pay rates axed
Workers in retail and fast food jobs will be eligible for the full award wage once they turn 18 after a decision from the workplace watchdog.
Cafes, hotels take swipe at $1.6b consumer card fee win
The RBA has binned surcharge fees on debit and credit card transactions, which it says will save punters $1.6 billion - if businesses pass on the savings.
Tech firms ‘taking the mickey’ on teen social media ban
Despite a compliance report saying a large share of teens are still using social media, the government has hailed its youth ban a success.
‘Barriers remain’ in voluntary assisted dying access
Voluntary assisted dying laws in Australia are largely working as intended, but issues around remote access and obstruction by health facilities remain.
Vapes may cause cancer despite safer than smoking claim
Using nicotine-based vapes is likely to cause lung and oral cancer, even if e-cigarette users do not smoke tobacco, a watershed academic review has found.
The RBA conflict that could decide its next rates call
Australia's central bank must abandon its narrow path and choose between getting inflation down quickly or keeping unemployment low, economists say.
Fuel pain to last longer despite tax cut kicking in
Fuel prices won't immediately become cheaper at the bowser as a tax cut comes into effect, and might take weeks to flow through to motorists.
Who knew what? Rumours swirl about cop killer’s hideout
Theories are swirling about double police killer Dezi Freeman's death near a small mountainous town as officers comb his squalid hiding place.
auto trends
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diesel fuel
energy
energy (general)
energy and resource
environmental issue
environmental politics
heavy construction
renewable energy
road transport
transport
Fill ‘er up: electric trucks plug into charging network
Three electric truck charging hubs will be built in one Australian capital city in the first stage of a project designed to power up the transport transition.
Australian shares sink as oil hits $US116 a barrel
The Australian share market has fallen 0.7 per cent after oil prices hit a nearly four-year high and Houthi militants entered the Middle East war.
Ex-nanny’s fight over crimes against humanity claims
A former nanny accused of taking part in secret kidnappings before moving to Australia is locked in a last-ditch fight to avoid extradition.
Top forecaster’s dire prediction if Iran war drags on
Australia could enter a recession, with the Reserve Bank raising interest rates a further three times, economists warn as fears of a protracted conflict mount.
Australia to have another ‘crack’ at Indian trade deal
Australia will go back to the drawing board with India on expanding its trade agreement, after finalising a free trade deal with the European Union.
WTO talks end in deadlock after Brazil blocks deal
In a "major setback for global trade", the World Trade Organization has failed to secure a collective decision on e-commerce during talks in Cameroon.
Differing accounts in case against AFL champions
More alleged suspects have been interviewed as police prosecute two AFL premiership stars over a wild brawl outside a pub.
‘Evil man is dead’: Dezi Freeman hunt ends in shooting
Double police killer Dezi Freeman was armed when shot dead by officers after refusing to surrender in a three-hour stand-off.
arts, culture and entertainment
classical music
constitution
health and safety at work
human rights
music
politics
unrest, conflicts and war
Pianist to tour Australia amid legal row with orchestra
Concert pianist Jayson Gillham will return to Australia for a self-presented tour, as his court case against the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra continues.
Tree-changers seeking smaller communities for new lives
City-dwellers are increasingly moving to smaller communities rather than regional cities to escape housing and transport costs, a report has found.
Embattled motorists win bowser relief as taxes slashed
The government has moved to cut taxes on petrol and diesel, as the Middle East war sends global oil prices through the roof.
Free rides for some as petrol pump pain continues
Free public transport will be offered across two states to offset petrol price pain and soaring demand amid the global oil crisis.
RBA to air board’s disagreement in meeting minutes
Central bank watchers will get to peak into the Reserve Bank board room as minutes of a meeting that split 5-4 in favour of an interest rate hike are released.
Electric or bust: truck industry demands urgent U-turn
Skyrocketing diesel prices are adding cost and uncertainty to heavy transport and operators are calling for help to change the industry's direction.
diesel fuel
economy, business and finance
energy and resource
petrol
politics
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transport
unrest, conflicts and war
Truck tax cut backed as fuel-rationing threat looms
Business groups have urged the government to cut the road-user charge for trucks, but not the fuel excise for all motorists.
Crops flattened, towns smashed by rampaging cyclone
Bananas, livestock and vegetables have felt the brunt of Cyclone Narelle as communities clean up following the brutal storm.
Why small business is fighting back against Meta bans
After months of being locked out of her business social media accounts, an Australian hairdresser has finally regained access but she's one of the lucky ones.
breaking_news
diesel fuel
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energy and resource
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unrest, conflicts and war
Australia to be ‘overprepared’ for ongoing fuel woes
Australians are being urged to use common sense instead of stockpiling petrol and diesel as the government proposes new powers to secure supplies.