Push to stop ‘arms race’ in federal election spending
Addressing record high election spending, donor transparency and introducing donation caps are among a wishlist of reforms to improve integrity in politics.
national news
ANZ, Suncorp agree to major investments in Queensland
ANZ is promising to establish a major tech hub in Brisbane while Suncorp says it will establish a new disaster response centre at its headquarters there.
Father ‘blindsided’ as police shot his mentally ill son
The father of a mentally ill man fatally gunned down by police on the NSW mid-north coast has said "Blind Freddy" could have foreseen the deadly tragedy.
Councils to plug into $100m energy efficiency fund
A $100 million fund will be set aside for the nation's local councils in a bid to make key community facilities more energy efficient.
Casino tax claims and cover-up land Crown $20m fine
Crown Melbourne has been fined $20 million for wrongly claiming tax deductions and trying to conceal their nature in another blow for the casino giant.
Football legend Barry Cable abused girl, judge finds
A judge has awarded $818,700 to a woman who was repeatedly sexually abused as a child by legendary footballer Barry Cable in the 1960s and 70s.
Profit upgrade electrifies AGL Energy, power bills soar
AGL Energy says it will spend more than $10 billion over the next decade to exit coal but high wholesale power prices mean profits will more than double.
Six charged after meth worth $1.7 billion seized
Methamphetamine worth $1.7 billion has been seized as part of a probe into a global smuggling syndicate bringing the drug from Canada to Australia.
Father’s Port Arthur grief shaped Australian history
Letters between a grieving father and the prime minister that proved pivotal in Australia's modern history will go on display at the national museum.
Retail Food Group says rate hikes slowing sales growth
Retail Food Group says sales growth has moderated to just 2.2 per cent over the past 21 weeks.
AGL Energy accused of manipulating electricity prices
A class action alleges AGL Energy intentionally increased the price of wholesale electricity by "gaming" the market, hitting consumers with higher power bills.
Australians leaving NSW in droves for WA and Queensland
More Australians are leaving NSW to live interstate than any other state or territory with 121,071 mostly young people leaving last year alone.
Indigenous senators speak out as referendum takes shape
Parliament has all but passed laws setting up the Indigenous voice referendum, as senators debate the final form the public vote will take.
Overfishing takes big bite out of reef sharks globally
Overfishing is driving the world's reef sharks towards extinction but Australia is doing relatively well at managing populations, a new study shows.
Dutton urges Van to quit parliament over allegations
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has confirmed further allegations have been brought against Liberal senator David Van, calling on him to quit parliament.
Aussie gambling rates rebound to pre-pandemic levels
Gambling levels in Australia that dropped during the height of COVID-19 restrictions have returned to pre-pandemic levels, a study has revealed.
Steep rate rises cleared for NSW councils
Some NSW councils will be able to increase rates this year by more than a third as many local governments struggle with financial pressures.
Houston’s Hillsong cover-up theory ‘flimsy’: barrister
Prosecutors say Brian Houston took advantage of a culture of silence in the church that revered his father to ensure child abuse was not reported to police.
Former senator accuses Van of inappropriate touching
Former senator Amanda Stoker has accused Senator David Van of inappropriately touching her during a parliamentary gathering.
Watchdog cracks down on dodgy sleep products for kids
Rockers and bassinets, toys with button batteries and toppling furniture are in the ACCC's sights as it cracks down on unsafe products for young children.
Truck drivers protest at Aldi over safety standards
Transport workers are protesting at Aldi stores as the union says the German supermarket giant is putting drivers under pressure.
Security fears leave Russian embassy plans in ruins
Russia will not be allowed to build an embassy near Canberra's Parliament House over security concerns, with parliament quickly approving the ban.
New builders found as Porter Davis collapse laid bare
Liquidators for collapsed company Porter Davis say the builder may have been trading while insolvent, as new builders are found to quote for unfinished homes.
Devastated Beale faces trial on sexual assault charges
Rugby union star Kurtley Beale will now face trial as he fights allegations he sexually assaulted a woman in a Sydney licensed premises.
Voice would be nothing but window dressing: Thorpe
Independent senator Lidia Thorpe has hit out against the voice referendum, saying the body would be a powerless advisory group.
Housing and health at the heart of SA budget
The SA government is pouring nearly half a billion dollars into new affordable homes, public housing and to assist first home buyers.
Strong labour market puts more heat on interest rates
The jobless rate has fallen back and employment has jumped by much more than expected, bolstering the case for more interest rate hikes.
New tech to help electric vehicles soak up the sunshine
Next-generation technology could help electric car owners work out the best times to refuel their vehicles using energy from wind, sun and water sources.
More rideshare drivers to go electric after $20m grant
Another 500 electric vehicles will be offered on subscription to rideshare drivers in Australia as part of an investment in replacing petrol cars.
Boyfriend’s charges dropped over backpacker murder
Tobias Moran has had charges dropped after he was accused of murdering his girlfriend, German backpacker Simone Strobel, in 2005 in northern NSW.
Former AFL stars may merge concussion damage lawsuits
Former AFL players, including Ty Zantuck, Liam Picken and Max Rooke, may have their concussion damage lawsuits against the league and clubs brought together.