Premier sells optimism over discord as One Nation rises
As polls point to a crushing victory in one state election, the Labor government has called on voters to seize opportunity and reject division.
national news
Nation faces days of severe thunderstorms, flood risks
Flood warnings have been issued for multiple states and territories as a days-long big wet is forecast to dump hundreds of millimetres of rain.
Big trucks and buses drive a heavy healthcare burden
Premature deaths and childhood asthma are among the health risks of allowing high-polluting heavy vehicles to travel on populated routes.
Prison flagged for those who help ‘ISIS bride’ cohort
Aid groups have hit out at plans by the coalition to jail people found to have helped a cohort of women and children linked to the Islamic State to return home.
Ex-PM ensnared in legal battle over Higgins scandal
Ex-staffer Fiona Brown will mediate with the federal government after alleging she was let down by an ex-Prime Minister in the wake of Higgins' rape claim.
No Zoolander in sight as fashion festival returns
The Melbourne Fashion Festival is marking its 30th year, featuring a dozen premium runway shows.
Unmanned petrol stations fuelling higher earnings
Australia's leading fuel retailer has benefited from converting dozens of its petrol stations to unmanned sites in what could be a sign of things to come.
Man jailed for dragging tied-up roo along country road
A man who caused severe deformities to a kangaroo by dragging it along a road has been jailed by a magistrate who cited his lack of remorse.
Bush searched as fears grow for kidnapped grandfather
The mistaken abduction of a grandfather for 10 days has baffled investigators as they scour dense bushland for clues to track him down.
Homicide cops probe ‘distressing’ mental hospital death
A union is renewing its calls for action on staffing and safety concerns as police investigate the death of a patient at a mental hospital.
‘Not ready’: teen’s struggle with ex-MP’s alleged abuse
A man who claims to have been sexually abused as a teen by an ex-MP has said the event was hard to process for his young mind.
Rail link cut, shelves stripped as floods swamp outback
Flooding has cut a major rail line, inundated roads and triggered rescues but parts of the country are welcoming potentially drought-breaking rain.
More tradies on the tools a key election promise
A state premier on track for a thumping election victory is determined to focus on housing policies, promising incentives for building apprentices.
Canada’s PM to travel to Australia to boost trade ties
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to address the federal parliament during an upcoming visit to Canberra.
Bondi attack inquiry to map plan to curb religious hate
Focusing on anti-Semitism is a necessary first step to improving social cohesion, says the head of the royal commission launched after the Bondi terror attack.
Legal doubts emerge over travel home ban for ISIS bride
Policies designed to deal with families linked to Islamic terrorists could breach the constitution, as politicians clash over how to deal with the issue.
‘Horrified’: childcare giant’s abuse scandal response
Australia's largest for-profit childcare operator began overhauling hiring even before a former worker was charged with sexual abuse, an inquiry has been told.
Funding all aboard ensuring fast rail leaves station
A two-year development phase will lay the groundwork for a final decision on federal funding for high-speed rail from Newcastle to Sydney.
Coffee cups, truck laws leave shoppers with hefty bill
Different laws across Australian states are putting pressure on the retail sector, which wants legislative harmony between jurisdictions.
Dumpster fire: Aussie households fail the battery test
Millions of households are risking fires by getting rid of batteries in dangerous ways and the popularity of lithium batteries is raising the stakes.
Trump warns against ‘playing games’ with US trade deals
Donald Trump is threatening to hit any countries prevaricating over recently-negotiated US trade deals with much higher duties under different trade laws.
One tax still off the table as treasurer weighs reform
The International Monetary Fund report is calling for a hike in the GST and other tax changes, while praising the handling of Australia's economy.
Bondi shooter speaks as ‘onerous conditions’ outlined
The surviving gunman from the Bondi Beach terror attack has faced court for the first time on 15 murder charges, uttering his first public words.
Aussies splash cash on tech but prices tipped to rise
Consumers are spending big on smartphones and games consoles despite a tight economy, JB Hi-Fi says, but the cost of some gadgets could rise.
Coles points finger at suppliers for price changes
Australia's consumer watchdog has accused Coles of artificially increasing prices to create discounts, while the supermarket giant blames supplier cost hikes.
Tough new laws to crack down on illegal tobacco ‘thugs’
Businesses caught selling illegal tobacco could have their shops shut down for up to 90 days under planned state laws.
Kidnappers of elderly widower told they have wrong man
An 85-year-old grandfather taken captive several days ago needs urgent medical attention, police say as they issue a rare plea to his mistaken kidnappers.
‘I had to’: killer’s curse claim before nurse stabbed
A man who raved about witchcraft during a heated dispute about designer bags is claiming he killed his childhood friend's partner during a psychotic episode.
‘Goliath won’: Santos fends off greenwashing lawsuit
The defeat of a climate suit against Santos has disappointed activists but opened the public's eyes to how the resources giant developed its net-zero targets.
Liberal leader’s unity call as allies rule front bench
Prominent conservatives will return to the front bench as Opposition Leader Angus Taylor unveils his first shadow cabinet.
‘Too high’: risk to economy forces RBA’s hand on rates
Minutes from the Reserve Bank's latest meeting reveal the thinking behind its call to lift interest rates for the first in more than two years.