Avocado genome mapped by scientists
Australian scientists have completed mapping the genome of the avocado which they say could produce a better quality fruit.
national news
Heating climate requires broad action
The latest State of the Climate report has found oceans are warming at alarming rates, cyclones are intensifying and fire seasons are longer.
‘Burnt out’ nurses call for patient ratios
Nurses and midwives have walked off the job for the fourth time this year, saying NSW hospitals are dangerously understaffed and they are burnt out.
Business output shrinks for second month
Demand for services has cooled but manufacturing conditions remain fairly robust, a new survey shows.
Union call to ban engineered stone imports
Australia's main construction union wants the federal government to ban imports of engineered stone, which have been linked to deadly lung disease silicosis.
Demand for global fix to plastic pollution
New survey data shows a public expectation to do more on plastics waste amid hopes a UN treaty will level the corporate playing field with universal rules.
Queensland MP Karen Andrews’ emotional speech on domestic violence
Ahead of the international day to eliminate violence against women, a Liberal MP has delivered a powerful speech about her experience supporting a loved one.
Five new variants in latest COVID-19 wave
Australia is in the grip of a new surge of COVID-19 cases with five new variants circulating but experts hope case numbers will start dropping before Christmas.
Ukraine’s Christmas wish list includes Aussie coal
Ukraine's ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko is asking for a shipment of coal before Christmas to help the war-torn nation battle a freezing winter.
We’re safe and mainstream, say Vic Libs
Victoria's Liberal Leader has promoted his party as "centrist" and "mainstream" ahead of the state election, following days of damaging extremist claims.
Coal exporters accused of falsifying data
The Albanese government will examine accusations by independent MP Andrew Wilkie in parliament of exporters fabricating data to falsely claim 'clean coal'.
ASX quiet again as banks gain, miners fall
The local share market has had its sixth consecutive day of subdued trading, with losses by the big miners balanced by gains for the big banks.
Vic parliament to return before Christmas
Just days before Victorians decide who will form government, both Labor and the coalition have committed to returning to parliament before the year is over.
Spending spree drives rise in confidence
Black Friday sales may be feeding into slightly elevated consumer confidence scores as savvy spenders pounce on discounted items.
How electric vehicles will change cities
Australian cities could look very different as a design challenge reveals what living with electric vehicles could do to the buildings around us.
PM visits flood-devastated NSW
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has visited central western NSW to see the flood damage and assess how devastated towns like Forbes are picking up the pieces.
Workplace law changes up in the air
The government is ferociously negotiating with Senate crossbenchers to pass its workplace relation legislation by Christmas despite concerns it's being rushed.
Some relief for temporary visa holders
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles has made some changes to travel restrictions for refugees on temporary protection visas but broader issues remain.
Man’s body found in flooded NSW town
NSW police believe a body found on the outskirts of flood-hit Eugowra is that of an 85-year-old man who was reported missing by his loved ones.
Vic Libs candidate distanced from party
A week out from election day, the Victorian Liberals have moved to distance themselves from an upper house candidate over her links to a controversial church.
Long road ahead for NSW flood victims
Authorities are warning it could be months before flooding impacts are resolved in NSW as a second death is recorded in Eugowra.
Australian men poor on sun protection
A survey shows one in two Australian men don't seek shade from the sun and less than one in three regularly use sunscreen.
Electric car debate could delay tax cuts
A proposal to cut the price of green vehicles is due to be debated in the Senate but the tax breaks could be delayed due to a battle over hybrid cars.
Albanese returns home after summit success
The prime minister says the shoots of global co-operation have started to appear after his nine-day diplomatic tour attending the ASEAN, G20 and APEC summits.
Release of rare honeyeaters in NSW
Zoo-bred regent honeyeaters, one of Australia's rarest birds, are being released in NSW's Lower Hunter Valley to boost the wild population.
Medibank hackers release more data
Australians caught up in the Medibank hack have been dealt another blow after the Russian group behind the breach released more sensitive information overnight.
PM to tell unions to push ahead on wages
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will address the International Trade Union Confederation's 5th World Congress in Melbourne on Monday.
Call for renewable energy storage target
Climate and energy leaders say a national renewable energy storage target could stabilise soaring power bills and encourage the construction of new systems.
Free rides on Sydney trains this week
Travel on Sydney's trains will be free this week as the government looks to avoid further disruptive industrial action by the union
Drones, AI help SA outback meteorite hunt
It can take a team of people hundreds of hours to search large areas for meteorites but a drone can do it in less than a day.
IR bill critics holding up progress: PM
The Albanese government has vowed to press ahead with changes to workplace laws despite a last-minute push from business to head off the reforms.