NZ eyes place in AUKUS alliance after trans-Tasman trip
Australian foreign and defence ministers, Penny Wong and Richard Marles, have hosted their New Zealand counterparts for trans-Tasman security talks.
national news
Westpac to pay millions after ‘unconscionable conduct’
After being taken to court by the corporate watchdog, Westpac has been penalised for engaging in in unconscionable conduct in 2016.
No ‘magic number’ to reduce hung juries, inquiry told
The merits of shortening mandatory jury deliberation times are being examined in a bid to reduce instances of hung juries and retrials.
Lawyer argues killer shouldn’t receive a life sentence
A three-day hearing for "savage" murderer Luay Sako has concluded, with a Supreme Court justice left to decide on an appropriate sentence.
NT government to lay charges over Wave Hill site damage
Charges are set to be laid after allegations of significant damage to the heritage-listed Wave Hill Walk-Off route following an investigation.
NSW looks to poach from SA with regional-living push
Ads to convince essential workers to move to NSW will be shown interstate, but South Australian officials have questioned why people would want to move.
Aust shares close at record high after inflation data
The ASX200 has closed at a new record high, boosted by cooler-than-expected inflation data that raises the chances of quicker rate hikes.
WA, federal governments sign $1.6 billion schools deal
Western Australia will be the first state where public schools are fully funded after the Cook and Albanese governments signed a deal to boost funding by 2026.
Journos’ secret calls to former judge under spotlight
Lawyers for the ACT's former top prosecutor are seeking to expose communications between a high-profile journalist and the man investigating his conduct.
‘Foul play’: no charges yet over missing Colombian man
Police are yet to press charges over the mysterious disappearance of a Colombian man suspected of meeting foul play, releasing one of two men after questioning.
Ultra rare, grumpy fish gets a hand in extinction fight
A precious haul of incredibly rare red handfish are making themselves at home after extinction fears sparked a rescue mission off Tasmania.
After $500m spend, IGO to mothball Cosmos nickel mine
IGO says it will place the under-developed Cosmos nickel mine it purchased just two years ago into care and maintenance mode, with layoffs expected.
Fury over Anzac Day rock concert prompts event shift
Plans to hold a rock concert in Sydney's Domain have been dashed after veterans criticised the decision as inappropriate and organisers look for an alternative.
air pollution
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
environmental issue
environmental pollution
renewable energy
road transport
transport
Car manufacturers pull up short on emission estimates
Automakers are still failing to accurately report their greenhouse gas emissions, a new analysis warns, and some brands fall well short of the target.
Rooftop solar pays its own way as more homes switch on
The Australian solar industry contracted for the first time in 10 years in 2023 as fewer large-scale arrays went online, but rooftop systems continued to shine.
Bill shock to ease as cost of power falls, solar shines
Consumers are set to benefit as the national electricity grid uses less coal and gas-fired electricity and the share of renewable energy hits a record.
Insurance fund for flood-prone areas: legal advocates
Advocates say a fund to help people in flood-prone areas afford insurance premiums should be considered as a parliamentary inquiry looks at insurer practices.
Beale rape accuser denies toilet act consensual
A woman accusing rugby star Kurtley Beale of raping her in a toilet cubicle has faced a grilling by his lawyer, including whether she invited him to join her.
Inflation rate eases to two-year low in welcome sign
A larger-than-expected slowdown in the inflation rate has all but assured there will be no change in interest rates at the Reserve Bank's meeting next week.
Spider webs help scientists unravel secrets of the wild
Researchers have worked out that spider webs are gold mines of information when it comes to the difficult job of understanding where animals live.
Tax changes spark calls for complete system redesign
Half of the nation's high-income earners back Labor's proposed tax changes as analysis shows most of the benefits will still flow to the rich.
Local shares gain again but don’t crack all-time high
For a second time this month, the local share market came close to eclipsing its record high set back in mid-2021 but most of its gains faded in the afternoon.
Two arrested over missing Colombian man feared dead
A Colombian man is feared dead after vanishing in suspicious circumstances as police arrest two men they believe could help with answers.
Reynolds and Higgins defamation case returns to court
Lawyers for Senator Linda Reynolds, Brittany Higgins and her partner have appeared in court to sort out key dates in preparation for a joint defamation trial.
Premier denies duck shooting links killed Vic ban
Victoria's premier is standing by her government's refusal to ban recreational duck hunting, insisting she has not been influenced by personal circumstances.
Forestry Corp backs away from logging in glider habitat
Conservationists are claiming a win in the battle to protect the endangered greater glider's habitat, but say the war is far from over.
No return to Labor for banished MP cleared of assault
Victoria's sexual crimes squad has closed its case into Victorian MP Will Fowles, with police saying he won't face charges over a serious assault allegation.
Godfreys enters administration, with 54 stores to close
Voluntary administrators expect 171 Godfreys staff in Australia will be made redundant as the company's store count is reduced by more than a third.
Aust shares gain again, flirting with new all-time high
The local share market was up 0.6 per cent at midday, and had moved less than three points away from eclipsing its previous record high set back in mid-2021.
Pressure mounts on Australia to unfreeze Palestine aid
International aid groups have called on Australia to reinstate funding to a UN organisation assisting Palestinian refugees after accusations of terror links.
Doctor jailed for forcing refugee to work at candy shop
A doctor will spend at least 18 months behind bars for threatening to deport an asylum seeker if he did not work long hours while underpaid at his candy shop.