First coal shipment to China stokes trade optimism
The trade minister says an improvement in the trade relationship with Beijing is welcome as the first coal shipment in years awaits Chinese customs clearance.
national news
PM rules out taxpayer funding of voice campaigns
Anthony Albanese says public funds should not be used to finance the 'yes' or 'no' campaigns for the voice to parliament referendum.
Court told embattled O’Keefe on ‘bender’ before assault
The former television presenter has had assault charges dropped after an alleged victim left the country, but Andrew O'Keefe's court dramas aren't over.
Lidia Thorpe quits Greens over concerns about voice
Lidia Thorpe is quitting the Greens over her concerns with establishing an Indigenous voice to parliament, reducing the party to 11 senators.
Vic magistrate stood down after fresh complaint
A magistrate previously counselled for his comments to a rape victim has been stood down after a fresh complaint over his in-court behaviour.
Greens renew push to lower voting age in Australia
Australians aged 16 and 17 years may be able to vote if the Greens are successful in their push to lower the voting age.
Greens confirm support for voice referendum
The Greens will support a voice to parliament following an after-hours party room meeting and the departure of outspoken Senator Lidia Thorpe.
Treasurer confident worst of inflation has passed
The federal government is adamant that while the coming economic year will be tough, inflation is heading in the right direction.
Australia confident of repairing Chinese trade woes
Trade Minister Don Farrell is hopeful trade sanctions could be removed after meeting his Chinese counterpart but Beijing says not all issues are resolvable.
Premier reveals ‘life-saving’ cashless pokies reform
All poker machines in NSW will be cashless within five years under a proposal by Premier Dominic Perrottet, who says the change will protect vulnerable people.
ASX drug companies applaud TGA’s psychedelic ruling
Shares in Little Green Pharma and Emyria are up by more than 40 per cent as both announce plans to take advantage of Australia's "world-leading" drug decision.
Inquiry slams Barilaro hiring as ‘job for the boys’
Former NSW trade minister Stuart Ayres was not at arm's length in the appointment of John Barilaro to a plum US trade job, a parliamentary inquiry has found.
NSW sports schools designated ‘Olympic pathways’
It's hoped a new partnership between NSW sports schools and the Australian Olympic Committee will help create future generations of Olympians and Paralympians.
Indigenous voice and economy top parliamentary agenda
The prime minister says a referendum on an Indigenous voice won't distract the government from pressing challenges like cost of living and national security.
Alcohol bans for crime-stricken Alice Springs camps
The Northern Territory government will introduce alcohol bans in central Australia to stop the sale of liquor in Indigenous communities and town camps.
Albanese secures state and territory support on referendum
All state and territory leaders have signed a statement of intent to support the referendum on an Indigenous voice to parliament.
Morrison’s offshore drilling veto could be overturned
The Federal Court could overturn a controversial call by former prime minister Scott Morrison to veto a gas drilling project off the NSW coast.
Spiky sea urchin impact comparable to crown-of-thorns
Scientists say problems posed by invasive sea urchins on Australia's southern reefs are comparable to the crown-of-thorns starfish on the Great Barrier Reef.
Regulator backs rapid tests as COVID-19 cases fall
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has issued a statement in defence of rapid antigen tests as COVID-19 caseloads continue to fall across the country.
Kyrgios ‘deeply regrets’ assaulting former girlfriend
Nick Krygios has apologies after pleading guilty to pushing over his former girlfriend and having the assault charge dismissed.
Barilaro assault charge dismissed over mental health
The former NSW deputy premier was under significant stress when he allegedly assaulted a camera operator and "compelling" evidence has led to a dismissal.
Police ministers to work on national gun register
National cabinet has agreed on the need for an increase in information sharing about guns across states and territories after a fatal Queensland shootout.
Gang busted as police float new anti-bikie laws
Victoria Police have floated a ban on outlaw motorcycle gangs wearing club colours after the force's anti-bikie unit claimed a major organised crime scalp.
Post-pandemic bounce temporary as rate rises threaten
Generous incentives have supported business investment in recent years but further interest rate rises could "unnecessarily" tip Australia into recession.
Teal MP to mediate with chief of staff over dismissal
Teal MP Monique Ryan and the Commonwealth of Australia have agreed to keep political staffer Sally Rugg employed for two weeks while they enter mediation.
Health tops national agenda but reform will take time
Federal, state and territory governments committed to work together to reform Australia's health system with recommendations from a Medicare task force report.
Electric vehicle policy sparks debate over car bans
Questions about how the government should encourage drivers to swap petrol for electric cars has sparked a debate over incentives and bans.
The Green Comet is visible again after 50,000 years
A space voyager known as the Green Comet is now visible from Australia, 50,000 years after its last earth encounter in the time of the Neanderthals.
NSW Greens looking for lush result at upcoming election
The NSW Greens are confident they could take new regional seats at the upcoming state election as ageing voters show their loyalty.
Lab leads nanoscopic hunt for plastic in human bodies
Aussie scientists are hard at work trying to determine if the world's plastic pollution crisis extends to the innermost reaches of the human body.
Australia’s most popular picnic location revealed
NSW and Queensland have been named Australia's most popular picnic locations, with South Australia and Victoria also making the Top 10 list.