Inquiry told of police ‘confusion’ about when to charge
An officer who investigated ex-Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins' rape allegations has conceded her understanding of when to charge a suspect was incorrect.
national news
PwC staff involved in tax leak cut from public work
Troubled consultancy firm PwC has promised to keep any staff involved with the tax leak scandal away from Commonwealth contracts.
PM makes plea to opponents to back Indigenous voice
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged coalition MPs to back the Indigenous voice to parliament, saying the body would provide meaningful action.
Caddick’s death remains mystery after inquest findings
A coroner investigating the disappearance of Melissa Caddick has found the Sydney fraudster is dead but cannot determine how or where she died.
Power bills to surge for thousands under new price cap
Customers on the default electricity market offer will be slugged with price rises of up to 25 per cent because of high wholesale energy costs.
Govt to force change on packaging industry
Australia's packaging industry will be forced to clean up its act with work underway on new regulations after voluntary reforms failed dismally.
‘Ibis are not to be eaten’, magistrate warns accused
.A Sydney man who allegedly killed two Ibis' has been released back into the community on strict orders to not approach any Australian birds.
Woolies ice-cream sandwiches recalled over metal risk
Woolworths is recalling its WW Cookies & Cream Classic Ice Cream Sandwiches after metal was found inside.
‘No jobs in the bush’ myth busted but housing critical
The regional jobs market is booming at three times the metropolitan rate but the lack of housing, health care and education remains a major barrier.
All signs point to lower economic growth than usual
The national economy is tracking toward a contraction in activity, with the patchy performance expected to continue into next year.
Indigenous teen’s murder accused plead not guilty
Three men and a woman have pleaded not guilty to the bashing murder of Indigenous teen Cassius Turvey and been committed to stand trial in the Supreme Court.
Australian shares on track for third day of losses
The local bourse was down 0.5 per cent at midday, as debt ceiling talks continue in the United States with no sign of an imminent resolution.
Albanese, Modi seek to score runs on migration, energy
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian counterpart Narendra Modi have agreed to work together on people-to-people links and clean energy.
More than 40,000 modern slaves trapped in Australia
At least 50 million people are trapped as modern slaves in exploitative work or marriage conditions across the world, with about 40,000 in Australia alone.
Entertainer and sexual predator Rolf Harris dead at 93
Rolf Harris was a multi-talented entertainer whose long career was destroyed by the sexual predator in his dark core.
Plibersek demands ‘extreme’ action to save ancient fish
An ancient fish that's suffered under the pressures of salmon farming could be the first to go extinct under federal environment laws, a hearing has been told.
Indigenous voice an ‘unknown risk’: ex-PM Morrison
Former prime minister Scott Morrison has spoken out against the Indigenous voice in federal parliament, calling it an unknown risk.
Treasurer flags rent cap amid ‘tough’ Vic budget sell
Treasurer Tim Pallas has faced the business community to sell his "tough" Victorian budget amid concerns a land tax levy will further inflame the rental crisis.
Stress disorder link to poor gut health among veterans
Veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder are more likely to undergo medical procedures for gut-related health problems, new research suggests.
Lead detective reveals he is a sexual assault survivor
The lead investigator of Brittany Higgins' rape allegations has disclosed his personal experience as a sexual assault survivor to an independent inquiry.
Australia determined to boost defence, clean power
Australia will work with its Quadrilateral Security Dialogue partners to strengthen security and shore up clean energy supply chains, the prime minister says.
Police felt ‘significant pressure’ during Higgins case
A senior detective who investigated Brittany Higgins' rape allegation says police erred in providing her counselling notes to prosecutors and the defence.
Aussies urged to triple bus, train, bike and hike trips
Australians will need to walk, cycle and catch more trains to significantly cut emissions by 2030 and cannot do it with electric cars alone, a report warns.
Queensland continues to lead in carbon farming reform
A report shows Queensland is leading support for carbon farming industry, while the federal government, WA and NSW made big improvements.
Clampdown on buy now, pay later following abuse claims
The federal government will regulate buy now, pay later services in a bid to protect Australians against financial abuse and hardship.
Police officer guilty of assaulting Indigenous teen
An Indigenous teenage boy yelled "you don't have to hurt me" while being assaulted by a NSW police officer, a Sydney court has been told.
Heartbreak as Aussie dies on Mt Everest charity climb
Australian engineer Jason Kennison has been described as courageous and adventurous after he died while returning from the summit of Mt Everest.
Government eyes tougher response to PwC scandal
The federal government remains under pressure to ban contracts with consultancy giant PwC after the firm leaked confidential government information to clients.
Dutton labels referendum a ‘reckless roll of the dice’
The proposed Indigenous voice to parliament would be an "overcorrection", the opposition leader told parliament during a debate ahead of this year's referendum.
Human rights abuses in spotlight during Indian PM visit
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is being urged to raise human rights abuses in India when he hosts his counterpart Narendra Modi.
Green power target will require ‘huge’ investment surge
A huge surge of investment will be needed for the government to achieve its green energy ambitions, senators have been told.