Plastic chemicals doing untold human harm: scientists
Scientists say humans are suffering untold harm from plastics, ranging from cancer and reproductive damage to the loss of intelligence that defines humanity.
national news
Premier on back foot in final NSW election debate
In one of the few statements to draw applause, Labor's Chris Minns has claimed the coalition could again halt health workers' wages in an economic crisis.
Electric car-charging fees rise as energy prices bite
A third electric vehicle charging network is raising the price of recharging cars but experts say there are still ways for savvy drivers to avoid them.
Survivors back coercive control criminalisation
Nine in ten survivors of coercive control believe it should be criminalised but many fear it wouldn't actually improve safety.
Space technology to monitor, forecast quality of water
The CSIRO has launched a new water quality forecasting service using satellites and ground-based sensors in a world-first system.
Planes, trains and transport chaos could shape NSW poll
Voters will have the chance to determine NSW's transport future at Saturday's election, with the major parties promising billions of dollars in investment.
Liberal MP breaks ranks with party on safeguard stance
Liberal MP Bridget Archer has hit out at the coalition for not seeking to negotiate on changes to the government's safeguard mechanism.
NSW appeals $1.5m awarded to former Tyrrell suspect
NSW has appealed a court decision awarding $1.5 million to Bill Spedding who was maliciously prosecuted by police investigating William Tyrrell's disappearance.
Secrecy around waste company that illegally dumped meat
A company trusted by the government to manage biosecurity risks won't be named despite the illegal dumping of hundreds of kilos of imported meat products.
Rules for Indigenous voice referendum take shape
Australians have more details about what will happen in the lead up to the referendum that seeks to constitutionally enshrine an Indigenous voice to parliament.
Dutton demands criminal ban on display of Nazi symbols
The federal opposition has called on the government to ban the display of Nazi symbols by changing existing criminal laws.
NSW election campaign marred by ‘terrifying’ violence
NSW Police stepped in to protect LGBTQ+ activists after they were attacked on a Sydney street ahead of a speech by NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham.
Samoan PM raises concerns over China security precedent
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has hosted his Samoan counterpart Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, with the two agreeing to foster better economic and security ties.
‘Horror’ rapist fresh out of jail when jogger attacked
A woman clawed at mud trying to break free as she was dragged into a Melbourne creek and nearly drowned by a man who repeatedly raped her.
Electric car batteries could fuel a $17 billion boost
Making batteries for electric cars and solar storage could create more than 60,000 jobs and nearly $17 billion by 2030 if Australia moves fast, a report says.
Rugby star’s assault case to return to court in April
Kurtley Beale's rugby career remains in limbo after his sexual assault case was mentioned in a Sydney court ahead of a new court date next month.
Victorian bail laws must honour Nelson’s story: family
The family of Indigenous woman Veronica Nelson, who died in custody in 2020, says Victoria's bail law reforms should be named in her honour.
Australia’s growth prospects still looking downcast
Leading indicators for Australia's future growth are still signalling depressed activity in coming months as interest rate rises bite.
Truck driver dies, two hurt as semi crashes into house
A truck has veered into a house in Tasmania in a crash that killed the 68-year-old driver and seriously injured two others in another vehicle.
Australian shares rise again ahead of Fed meeting
The local share market has finished up 0.9 per cent, hitting a seven-day high ahead of a momentous Federal Reserve meeting.
Lawyers critical of NT government’s bail review
The Australian Lawyers Alliance has come out criticising the NT government's planned changes to bail, along with other measures to curb crime.
Inquiry after 10 survive army chopper crash into water
Ten ADP personnel have survived after the helicopter they were on plunged into water off the NSW south coast during a routine training exercise.
PM pleads unity as question on voice set to be revealed
Cabinet is set to sign off on the questions that will be put to Australians when they decide on whether to constitutionally enshrine an Indigenous voice.
Experts back rules to snuff out e-bike, e-scooter fires
After a spate of house fires and injuries Australia urgently needs new rules governing electric bikes, scooters and skateboards, experts say.
Tasmania follows Victoria in push to ban Nazi salute
The Tasmanian government has announced it will pursue laws to ban the Nazi salute after an anti-transgender rally in Melbourne caused outrage.
Disability service provider ‘put revenue over safety’
A major provider of disability services prioritised growth and finances over client safety and service quality, a royal commission inquiry report has found.
Reserve Bank leaves rates pause in play for April
The minutes from the central bank's board meeting suggest the bank is getting closer to a pause so it can assess the full impact of sharp interest rate hikes.
Climate change policy important ‘starter point’: Lambie
Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie says immediate action is needed on climate change and is putting the Greens on notice over emissions-reduction legislation.
Off-the-scale clean up as rotting fish threaten water
Specialist crews are being sent to Menindee in outback NSW to remove dead fish from the Darling-Bakaa after the biggest mass in living memory.
Australian market falls to lowest level since November
The local share market has suffered another day of heavy losses, dropping 1.4 per cent to finish at its lowest level since early November.
No US war pact in return for nuclear subs: Marles
Defence Minister Richard Marles has rejected criticism Australia will lose sovereignty while gaining nuclear submarines as part of the AUKUS military deal.