Very hungry caterpillars chow down on problem plastic
A pasty-looking caterpillar with a healthy appetite for plastic is exciting researchers with its ability to break down problematic waste such as polyurethane.
national news
Courts are vulnerable to foreign spies, inquiry told
Office of National Intelligence Director-General Andrew Shearer says court cases present an opportunity for information to fall into the hands of spies.
Harry Garside’s ex-girlfriend to fight DV charges
Harry Garside's ex-girlfriend is contesting charges of stalking and assaulting the Olympian after a similar charge was dropped against him in June.
Andrews coy on Commonwealth Games cancellation cost
Premier Daniel Andrews is refusing to speculate on much tearing up the 2026 Commonwealth Games contract will cost Victorian taxpayers in compensation payments.
NSW to pay for light rail construction nuisance
Two businesses have succeeded in claims the construction of the Sydney light rail created nuisance, with damages for other businesses to be determined.
Upskirting teacher on bail hours after being jailed
An upskirting teacher has spent a few hours in custody before being released on bail, appealing a magistrate's decision to jail him.
Inquiry to examine how prison guard could rape inmates
An inquiry will examine how Wayne Astill was able to rape and assault several women prisoners during the decade he worked at a jail in Sydney's west.
A forever home ruined by floods and insurance battles
A federal parliamentary inquiry will examine insurance companies' handling of claims after historic floods ravaged most states and territories in 2022.
Sydney going backwards on housing: NSW premier
Sydney is falling behind on building new homes compared with elsewhere in the country, despite being the most acutely affected by shortages and price hikes.
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
investments
natural gas
oil and gas - downstream activities
politics
Call for energy investors to make most of ‘golden age’
Energy investors have been urged to take advantage of Australia's golden age in climate policy, with "crazy, science-denying" naysayers waiting in the wings.
‘You are going to get tasered,’ cop allegedly told gran
Court documents reveal NSW Constable Kristian White allegedly warned a 95-year-old dementia patient before using a crass term and tasering her.
Petrol giant to help Aussie car owners go electric
A Brisbane start-up's technology will enable electric vehicle owners to charge their cars from the comfort of their own homes.
Federation was assured 2026 Games budget ‘was in hand’
A top Commonwealth Games Federation official says the Victorian government assured it as recently as last month the budget for the 2026 event was on track.
High-level talks amid tensions over security pact
Two of Australia's most senior ministers will meet with their US counterparts as the Albanese government faces calls to withdraw from a major security pact.
Footballer Shane Tuck ‘heard voices before his death’
Former footballer and professional boxer Shane Tuck heard voices and had mental health concerns for years, an inquest into his death has been told.
Blak Sovereign Movement makes case against referendum
The Blak Sovereign Movement is opposed to a referendum to enshrine an Indigenous voice into the constitution, hitting out against 'yes' and 'no' campaigns.
Strong jobs market keeps pressure on interest rates
The resilience of the jobs market continues to beat expectations and could be bad news for mortgage holders hoping for another pause on interest rate rises.
‘I will miss him terribly’: Labor legend farewelled
A "great Australian" who fought for what he believed in, former Labor leader Simon Crean has been laid to rest at a state funeral.
Gas, electricity prices up as winter hits east coast
The latest Australian Energy Regulator quarterly report shows higher wholesale prices for gas and electricity were partly offset by new solar and wind capacity.
Falling cases put Australia on brink of eliminating HIV
The first country to achieve a virtual elimination of HIV could be Australia, but marginalised groups and late detections remain a concern.
Australian travellers seek eco-friendly options or bust
More Australian tourists are seeking out environmentally friendly travel options and some say they will travel less – or not at all – if they cannot find them.
Senior robodebt bureaucrat suspended from $900k role
A senior bureaucrat found to have misled cabinet over the illegal robodebt scheme has been suspended without pay from her $900,000 a year defence advisory role.
World Cup goes on as Norway swept up in NZ shooting
The Norwegian football team have been placed in lockdown following a shooting in Auckland prior to the opening match at the Women's World Cup.
BHP faces cost pressures, warns of economic volatility
BHP has posted a strong fourth quarter with annual production records at Western Australia iron ore, Olympic Dam and Spence, but warns of uncertain times.
Fears Coles milk buyout could sour market for farmers
There are concerns that a Coles plan to buy two milk processing plants will give the supermarket giant greater power and bargaining influence on the market.
Workers left in lurch as labour hire firm loses licence
Fruit pickers and farm workers across two states will be found new jobs after a federal decision over what unions say amounts to modern slavery.
Gold Coast mayor floats Commonwealth Games redux
The Gold Coast mayor says the 2018 host city could pick up the Commonwealth Games from Victoria but only if federal funding was made available.
NSW flu cases drop, concerns over school transmission
Flu cases across NSW have dropped by 14 per cent over the last week, with authorities warning of another surge in cases now kids are back in the classroom.
Knife-wielding man tasered and shot dead by police
A 43-year-year-old man has been tasered and shot dead by police after confronting them with a large carving knife at a social housing block in Sydney.
Funding gap means growing pains for Australian unicorns
Australian technology startups are challenging Silicon Valley ventures for investment but need changes to education and funding to take on big firms.
Man fined after wrestling police on Jetstar fight
A former refugee who claimed a Jetstar crew bullied him before police Tasered and manhandled him on a plane has been fined $1500 by a Perth court.