Government eyes China COVID-19 management
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the government is closely monitoring the situation in China and is concerned about its influence on the Australian economy.
national news
Race to evacuate as floods hit Kimberley
Record flooding in parts of the WA Kimberley has marooned 15 guests at a Fitzroy Crossing hotel as authorities race to find a boat big enough to evacuate them.
Ministers chastised for health advice snub
Anne Ruston says the government is undermining Australians' trust in medical experts by inferring advice from the chief medical officer wasn't cautious enough.
Construction sector braces for hammer blow
Tradies have been busy completing the backlog of construction work spurred by government stimulus programs but demand for building work is expected to slow.
Canoes ready as remote crew awaits rescue
A rescue mission is underway to pluck workers from a flooded conservation property in the Kimberley after record floods.
Record floods to cut off Broome and Derby
Broome and Derby in northern Western Australian are likely to be cut off by a once-in-a-century flood within 12 hours, as inland evacuations continue.
One suburb with biggest online art sales
Residents in one Melbourne suburb have racked up the most online purchases of art, with some other interesting locations revealed by a leading sales platform.
Rudd claims US throws allies ‘under a bus’
Former prime minister Kevin Rudd has accused America of throwing its allies "under a bus" while relying on their support to counter China's economic influence.
Call for new e-scooter rules after crashes
A 'patchwork' of different e-scooter laws is creating confusion for riders and could fuel more serious accidents, experts are warning.
Melbourne to steal title of biggest city
While Melburnians left in their droves during the pandemic, its population growth is expected to bounce back quickly over the next decade.
Record WA flooding cuts off town of Derby
About 3000 people in the town of Derby have been cut off by a once-in-a-century flooding event in Western Australia's Kimberley region.
COVID test required of arrivals from China
Travellers from China will need to undergo mandatory testing for COVID-19 before boarding a flight to Australia, the health minister has announced.
Australia welcomes 2023 with bumper crowds
Australians partied well into the night during the first New Year's Eve celebrations without COVID-19 restrictions in three years.
New year rings in federal policy changes
Federal policy changes taking effect on January 1 range from increased fines to cheaper medicine under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
‘No regrets’ over refugee plan: Vanstone
The Howard government's approach to refugees and asylum seekers in 2002 has been outlined in cabinet papers released by the National Archives of Australia.
Children trapped for 55 hours after crash
A five-year-old girl saved her younger brother's life after a crash that killed their parents in country Western Australia.
Girl’s drowning adds to tragic Xmas toll
A young girl and a man in his 40s have died in Australian waterways, bringing the drowning toll to 11 since Christmas Day.
Drowning warning after 11 deaths
Authorities have warned holidaymakers to take extra care over the break after 11 people died in Australian waterways since Christmas Day.
Hopes city kids will set sights on farming
With thousands of jobs available in agriculture but not enough university students to snap them up, researchers and educators are trying to find solutions.
Global hunt for violinist to play with Ray
Violin virtuoso Ray Chen hopes to inspire musicians by offering three amateur players the chance to perform onstage with him at the Sydney Opera House.
Positive sign for China trade relationship
Trade Minister Don Farrell says there are positive signs in the Australia-China trade relationship and he's keen to meet with his counterpart for talks.
No change for Chinese travellers, yet: PM
The government hasn't changed its travel advice for China and is monitoring the situation after a handful of countries imposed COVID-19 restrictions overnight.
Albanese lauds peaceful Fijian election
A successful democratic election in Fiji has been welcomed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who warned of a clash between democracy and autocracy.
Misadventure deaths stack up at Christmas
The Christmas holidays have ended in tragedy for a number of Australians involved in misadventure incidents during the festive period.
Urgent need for blood donations
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood urgently needs 8000 Australians to give blood over the next five days to meet demand over the New Year long weekend.
Electric cars coming to Australia in 2023
Electric hatchbacks, sports cars and even vans will cruise into Australia in 2023 but experts say one policy change could drive more progress.
Aussies spend record amount at Christmas
Christmas and Boxing Day sales have hit record amounts and growth with Australians rewarding themselves after a tough year.
Fears mount over any China virus variants
Australian health authorities are being urged to keep a close eye on possible new COVID-19 variants coming out of China as cases spike.
Qld urged to bring in New Year’s legally
The government has told Queenslanders to enjoy the more than 130 licensed fireworks displays planned for New Year's Eve rather than risk injuries or fines.
Aust stocks finish 2022 down 5.45 per cent
The ASX200 index lost 5.45 per cent this year, although Australian investors can perhaps take heart that overseas losses were far worse.
Cities abuzz as NYE returns to normal
Free of mask mandates and other COVID rules, locals and visitors in most parts of Australia are letting their hair down to farewell 2022 and welcome 2023.