Gillard calls for all three-year-olds to do preschool
Former prime minister Julia Gillard has recommended preschool education be provided to all three-year-olds in SA in her interim royal commission report.
national news
Lower the heat on regional tensions: Penny Wong
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has argued for Indo-Pacific nations to work towards a strategic balance as competition intensifies between the US and China.
Australian shares ascend to two-month high
The ASX has finished up 0.3 per cent to close at its best level since February 16 after gaining ground for 10 out of the past 12 sessions.
Coastal critters at home on Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Coastal species are living and breeding on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and raising the prospect of a new kind of ecological community.
Government ‘ignored’ home builders’ warning: opposition
Victoria's housing minister was briefed about reducing the risk to construction customers months ahead of the Porter Davis collapse, the state opposition says.
Albanese blast for ‘absurd’ scare campaigns on voice
The prime minister says Australians will judge the negativity from the coalition surrounding the Indigenous voice.
Shorten reboot to put NDIS back ‘on the right track’
Major reforms of the National Disability Insurance Scheme have been outlined by Bill Shorten to address spiralling costs and introduce long-term plans.
Reserve Bank minutes suggest May rate hike on the table
Fresh inflation data will set the scene for the Reserve Bank's next move, with another rate hike a live option for its board meeting in May.
Boosting Solomons ties ‘crucial’ for Pacific prosperity
Assistant Trade Minister Tim Ayres has used a speech at a business forum to outline the strengths of Australia's economic relationship with the Solomon Islands.
Trailblazing Aboriginal activist and barrister honoured
Aboriginal woman Patricia O'Shane will receive a significant honour in recognition of her many achievements in teaching, the law, public service and advocacy.
Budget black hole prompts line by line review
The NSW treasurer says he will be going through the budget "line by line" after departmental papers revealed a $7 billion black hole in the state's finances.
Australia needs to attract $400bn for energy investment
There are concerns the federal government's decarbonisation policies won't deliver enough to be consistent with world ambitions to limit global warming to 1.5C.
$50m payment to stolen generation families approved
A $50 million settlement compensating families of the stolen generation ripped from their homes in the Northern Territory has been approved by a NSW court.
‘Our path is your path’, voice supporters tell inquiry
A parliamentary committee into the voice referendum has heard from Indigenous communities in rural NSW ahead of the national vote later in the year.
Australian shares move higher, hit two-month high
The local share market at lunchtime was at its highest level since February 17 and on pace for its 10th green session out of the past 12.
Global uncertainty casting a shadow over federal budget
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned that the upcoming federal budget is being put together against a backdrop of difficult global economic conditions.
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manufacturing and engineering
New builder to complete hundreds of Porter Davis homes
Nostra Property Group will complete up to 375 of the houses left in limbo after home builder Porter Davis collapsed, liquidators Grant Thornton has confirmed.
Porter Davis owners stuck in never ending nightmare
Families impacted by the collapse of builder Porter Davis have staged a protest calling for state and federal governments to intervene to help them.
Day will turn to night in WA during rare solar eclipse
Thousands of eclipse chasers from across the globe will witness a rare total solar eclipse as the sun vanishes from the sky in WA's remote Ningaloo region.
Lehrmann trial inquiry hears of justice system tensions
An inquiry into the rape trial of ex-Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann is expected to hear evidence of a tense relationship between ACT police and prosecutors.
Businessman gave China spy reports on AUKUS, court told
A businessman allegedly received cash in envelopes in Shanghai cafes in exchange for handwritten reports on AUKUS and lithium mining, a court has been told.
Public drunkenness decriminalised on Melbourne Cup day
Victoria will move to decriminalise public intoxication from November, with services to provide a health-based response instead of a criminal justice one.
Court orders permanent injunction against ‘ASX Wolf’
The Federal Court has issued a permanent injunction against a social media influencer who posted stock tips to paid subscribers.
Coroner investigates ‘bone room’ found at health office
Human remains belonging to multiple people have been found inside a disused room at a Melbourne health service's corporate building, a court has been told.
War of words erupts over Wesley aged care closures
Wesley Mission will close its three remaining residential aged care homes in Sydney, citing staffing difficulties and cost pressures caused by industry reforms.
MP waits nearly a year for trial on sex assault claims
Recently returned MP Gareth Ward will face one trial in Sydney over two alleged incidents after a judge prevented another trial being held in Nowra.
‘Inhumane’ debt collection of welfare overpayments ends
Welfare recipients owing debts will no longer be pursued by third-party debt collectors, with the process to be handled by the department in charge of payments.
Builders and energy groups clash over construction code
The Housing Industry Association is pushing for new energy efficiency requirements for builders to be deferred, triggering fierce backlash from some experts.
Don’t use Alice Springs as political football: senator
NT senator Malarndirri McCarthy has pleaded for opponents of the voice to not use issues in Alice Springs as a political football during the referendum debate.
‘Amazing strength’ in jobs market defies rate hikes
Analysts say the jobless rate holding at 50-year lows is a sign of "amazing strength", with faster population growth helping soak up strong demand for workers.
Quilt show bursting at seams as crafty types converge
Quilting hobbyists and aficionados from Australia and beyond are gathering in Melbourne as the fabric art's annual convention returns.