Turning the blowtorch on national nursing home problem
As aged care homes nationwide struggle to manage incontinence pad waste, an Australia-first trial has propped an oxgyen-less oven as the solution.
national news
Clocks turn back for the end of daylight saving
Daylight saving comes to an end on Sunday, as much of Australia's southeast coast enjoys a well deserved sleep in.
Charlie Teo’s parting swipe at medical regulator
Charlie Teo left a final disciplinary hearing this week with a parting swipe at Australia's medical oversight system, and the embattled surgeon is not alone.
Labor’s hopes for majority NSW government extinguished
The new Labor government in NSW has had its hopes of governing in majority formally snuffed out, as continued counting pushes key seats into the Liberal column.
Labor win Aston by-election in historic upset
The Liberals' Peter Dutton has vowed the party will rebuild after a big swing to Labor in the Aston by-election handed the Albanese government a historic win.
Liberals warned against a further shift to the right
The federal Liberal Party is being warned not to move further to the right after unexpectedly losing the by-election for the seat of Aston in Melbourne's east.
Palm Sunday rallies demand permanent visas for refugees
Human rights activists are marching in Palm Sunday rallies to demand the federal government grant permanent visas for refugees stuck in limbo.
Electric car road trips could face delays this Easter
The number of electric vehicles in Australia is soaring but their popularity could see a repeat of Christmas charging queues this Easter, experts warn.
Scientist in awe of Antarctica’s beautiful frailty
Queensland Scientist Olaf Meynecke says a recent trip to study chubby whales in Antarctica has left him with a odd mix of trepidation and determination.
Labor’s stymied $10b housing fund could be revived soon
Federal Labor minister Ed Husic says a housing fund hasn't been abandoned after the government failed to secure the votes needed to get it passed in the Senate.
Hope builds for possible end to interest rate hikes
The Reserve Bank will be hogging the limelight this week with a nail-biter cash rate call and a public appearance from the governor Philip Lowe.
Liberals look for answers after Labor by-election win
Peter Dutton's Liberal leadership doesn't appear under threat after a historic by-election loss, with one backbencher saying he needs to be better promoted.
Migration, high rents put brakes on sliding home prices
Home prices nationally have ticked up in March after tracking lower for 10 straight months, with high rents and migration both helping to arrest the slide.
Police heads look down sights for national gun register
The federal attorney-general and state and territory police ministers will meet to discuss how to create and roll out a national gun register.
Giant of the nation, Indigenous leader Yunupingu dies
Indigenous leader Yunupingu has died, having met with every prime minister since Gough Whitlam, in his work as a land rights pioneer.
Liberal Party facing ‘electoral catastrophe’: Turnbull
Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull says the Liberal Party must change course from its increasingly right-wing agenda driving voters away.
Refinery to make greener aviation fuel from farm waste
A refinery turning agricultural by-products such as sugarcane into eco-friendly aviation fuel could open in Queensland next year with a new funding deal struck.
Government appoints union figures to industrial umpire
Union-linked appointments have been made to the Fair Work Commission in a bid to restore balance, the Albanese government says.
Fewer kids in detention but more support needed
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare youth justice report shows the number of kids in contact with the criminal justice system is falling.
Labor tells umpire to get low-paid ‘back on the bus’
The Albanese government is calling for a wage lift that stops low-paid workers going backwards as business groups worry about higher wage bills.
Expert warns of growing tax burden ahead of budget
Former Treasury boss Ken Henry warns inadequate tax settings are worsening intergenerational inequality as the treasurer prepares for his second budget.
Bosses can’t force staff to work on public holidays
Workers cannot be forced to work on public holidays even if they're rostered on, a court has found, potentially paving the way for more rights for employees.
Liberals expected to retain Aston seat at by-election
Labor and coalition camps expect the Liberal Party to retain the Melbourne seat of Aston after Alan Tudge's retirement triggered a by-election.
Premier slams ‘vile, shameful’ homophobic Latham tweet
NSW Premier Chris Minns has strongly condemned a tweet from One Nation leader Mark Latham, saying it has unmasked him as a bigot.
Housing hammered as big building companies down tools
Building works will stop immediately on more than 1700 properties in Victoria and Queensland as a result of the collapse of Porter Davis.
Renowned human rights judge to lead Federal Court
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has announced Justice Debra Mortimer will be the first woman to become chief justice of the Federal Court of Australia.
‘Monster’ jailed for killing, wounding girls in hotel
A sentencing judge did not accept Kristian Kovaleff showed any remorse after stabbing two girls, killing one, then pretending to be mentally ill.
Lenders cut fixed rates as Reserve Bank decision looms
Lenders are cutting their fixed rates but borrowers are being urged to take caution as the Reserve Bank gets closer to the end of its rate hiking cycle.
Fresh waves of COVID on the way, top doctor warns
As the government ramps up booster rate efforts, the chief medical officer has warned new COVID waves are coming ahead of winter.
Australia’s love for utes and SUVs driving emissions
Australia is one of the world's biggest petrol consumers but could save $13 billion in petrol costs each year by adopting moderate changes, a new report says.
Gold Coast pair charged after cocaine discovered in stone benchtop
A man and a woman are accused of being part of criminal syndicate that attempted to import $12 million of drugs hidden inside machinery and a stone benchtop.