Troops to aid in disasters as govt ponders relief force
Defence forces will remain available to assist during climate-related disasters as the federal government considers responses including a separate relief force.
national news
Slower-than-expected inflation lifts rate pause hopes
Surprisingly lower inflation growth has given mortgage holders renewed hope interest rates won't be lifted again in February.
Australia’s Dr Death fights for condemned killer in US
Australia's Dr Death has taken the stand in defence of a condemned man, warning US officials who botched his first execution could be about to do it again
PM pledges supermarket probe will check out all options
A former federal minister will lead a review into the supermarket sector as claims intensify of price gouging by big chains during a cost-of-living crisis.
NSW premier flags pivot for forestry after court battle
The premier says NSW's forestry industry can't remain static and change is coming after environmentalists lost a court battle over forest protections.
Australia must back Palestine genocide case: advocate
As South Africa prepares to launch a genocide case against Israel at the Hague, an advocate has called on Australia to support the legal action.
Vic faces wettest January days as floodwaters shift
Victoria's first nine days of 2024 have broken January records dating back more than 120 years as floodwaters continue to flow, impacting communities.
Need ChatGPT in the car? Crazy vehicle tech at CES 2024
From cars driven by game controllers to vans you can turn into utes, the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is giving a preview of an unusual future.
New COVID-19 variant drives festive season surge
COVID-19 infections have spiked in Australia's two most populous states, with a new variant and Christmas festivities driving higher hospitalisations.
Doctors defend seven-day delay for patient results
Delaying patient results could prevent misinformation and distress, doctors say, as the government tries to scrap wait times for scans and medical tests.
Hundreds of jobs axed as Alcoa winds up old refinery
US alumina giant Alcoa says it will shut down a 60-year-old refinery south of Perth, where hundreds of workers are expected to lose their jobs.
Butterfly fingernails used to pin child with murder
A 12-year-old girl accused of murder allegedly dragged a woman's body through an apartment and told a neighbour she had killed herself, a court has heard.
Man charged with hosting child exploitation website
A man will face court for allegedly producing child exploitation material and hosting it on a website after an investigation by police from two states.
Black Friday sales get tills ringing as Aussies cash in
Early Christmas shopping and Black Friday sales helped boost retail spending during November as savvy Australian consumers cashed in on bargains.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
environmental issue
environmental pollution
renewable energy
road transport
transport
New leader in the race for cheapest electric vehicle
The race to deliver Australia's most affordable electric car has roared to life again, with one manufacturer offering a significant discount to win the title.
Three months of rain in a day as big wet sets in again
Three Victorian towns have been ordered to evacuate and others are on alert as storms and heavy rain lash parts of the state before an expected move into NSW.
Australia adds firepower to Ukraine military training
Another 90 Australian soldiers will fly to the UK as part of the latest round of efforts to train Ukraine's military in its fight against Russia's invasion.
economic indicator
economy, business and finance
housing and urban planning
lifestyle (house and home)
rental service
No solace for city renters as prices continue to surge
Economists say there could be relief on the horizon for renters, despite prices growing in every capital city in the last months of 2023.
Floods swamp towns as kayaker found safe and well
Crews have found the owner of an empty kayak seen floating down a river as support arrives for communities impacted by floods.
Australia turns up diplomatic heat with ceasefire call
Australia's public call for a ceasefire to end suffering in Gaza is unlikely to go further with Canberra favouring diplomatic channels to air its grievances.
Household solar installations charged ahead in 2023
Australian households have set a new record for solar investments, with a new report revealing rising electricity prices encouraged more to make the switch.
Supermarkets told to pass on savings at the checkout
Supermarkets have been told to pass on savings as calls echo for the consumer watchdog to launch an inquiry into their behaviour.
Storm clouds loom for economy as rain, floods take toll
The fallout from severe storms in Queensland could lead to consequences for the economy and budget bottom line, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned.
Fewer doctors offer bulk billing as consult costs rise
Fewer GPs offer bulk billing and people are paying more out of their own pocket despite government incentives targeting child patients and pensioners.
Stabbing spree accused refuses to come to court
A Melbourne man accused of stabbing five people in a random series of attacks over the weekend has refused to speak to his lawyer or leave his jail cell.
Drug batch fears after suspected overdoses at festival
Multiple revellers have suffered suspected overdoses at a festival, with eight people rushed to hospital in a critical condition and placed in an induced coma.
Climate warriors inspire choreographer’s new work
Sea level rises forced a group of Torres Strait Islanders to mount a legal challenge to Australia and their story has sparked a new dance work.
Man found with bag of knives after ‘cowardly’ stabbings
A man will face court on more than a dozen assault charges after allegedly going on a stabbing spree, seriously injuring a woman and hospitalising four others.
Black Friday splurge shifting numbers in retail readout
Retail data is likely to reveal shopper enthusiasm for Black Friday discounts ahead of fresh stats on Australian consumer prices, housing and jobs.
‘Taking them for a ride’: calls for supermarket probe
Nationals leader David Littleproud has called for the consumer watchdog to inquire into the cost of fruit and vegetables at major supermarkets.
Weather bureau doing its best amid ‘chaos’, expert says
The Bureau of Meteorology has been a punching bag for frustrated Aussies during recent wild weather events but an expert has come to its defence.