Subsidy boost may do little to improve childcare access
While families have saved thousands of dollars under an expanded childcare subsidy, experts have warned centres may have no option but to hike fees.
national news
No more warnings for misbehaving telco companies
Telcos who are caught breaching their code of conduct will no longer receive a warning before a fine as the government cracks down on bad behaviour.
Crucial phone detail sought in cop’s double murder case
Lawyers for a former senior constable facing a double murder charge are calling on police to release his phone records from the time of the alleged killings.
Woman’s alleged jerry can hunt before anti-Semitic act
Police are pursuing at least two more gang members allegedly behind an anti-Semitic incident, while a woman arrested over the attack remains locked up.
Second child dies after birthday house fire tragedy
A family, community and first responders are reeling after a tragic house fire killed two sisters, sparked during the elder's birthday celebrations.
‘Mum guilt’: parents battle growing school costs
As Australian parents deal with the ballooning cost of school supplies amid other cost-of-living pressures, a minor party is promising relief.
‘Criminals for hire’ tied to anti-Semitic attack spree
Police are still scrambling to determine who is masterminding an escalating spate of anti-Semitic crimes, despite making a series of arrests.
Home construction rises but target remains out of reach
High costs, labour shortages and low productivity are limiting the sector's ability to build new homes as construction activity remains below required levels.
‘Insulting’: trans music tutor sues Catholic schools
A transgender tutor has accused a Catholic schools body of failing to let her work after she transitioned and asking invasive questions about her bathroom use.
Tax changes ruled out as treasurer launches food fight
Cost of living remains a major focus of the upcoming federal election, with each party spruiking policies to address pressure on household budgets.
ANU student reinstated after declaring Hamas support
An ANU student who called for unconditional support for Hamas was reinstated at the university on appeal after being expelled, a parliamentary inquiry was told.
Cop blames tumour for ‘unjustified, excessive’ assaults
A suspended senior constable has tried to argue that he punched two intoxicated civilians while on duty in separate incidents in 2023 because of a brain tumour.
French fighters take off for exercise with Aussie jets
Allied forces will take to Top End skies in the first multinational defence exercise of 2025.
Mental services need major repair, not short-term fix
As pay and working conditions drive many NSW public hospital psychologists towards resignation, a new mental health chief has urged a long-term solution.
Dark theory on foreign actors behind anti-Semitic crime
As authorities investigate whether foreign actors are paying Australians to commit acts of anti-Semitism, experts are warning they won't be easy to track down.
Dutton shuts down Nationals’ call for gender debate
There are no plans to change the coalition's position on transgender rights, Peter Dutton says, following US President Donald Trump's executive orders.
Ageing ‘coal clunkers’ posing power outage risk
Many of the nation's coal power generators are more than four decades old and posing reliability risks, analysis suggests.
Aussies’ mammoth Xmas shopping despite economic crunch
A new record was set for Australia Post's busiest peak period during the latest festive season with 2800 parcels delivered to households every minute.
Lift-off for new Rex sale after $50m taxpayer lifeline
Taxpayers will fork out a $50 million debt lifeline to Rex, with the federal government stepping in for a second bid to sell the embattled airline.
‘Startling’ study shows risk of online harm to children
More than one in four girls have experienced online sexual solicitation by an adult before their 18th birthday, with some being as young as 11.
Second arrest made over synagogue graffiti, fire attack
Police have arrested a second man over a graffiti and fire attack on a synagogue as another man is held in custody over the incident.
Myer gets tick of approval for clothing brand merger
Myer Holdings will get much bigger on Sunday, after shareholders approved its acquisition of 719 apparel stores, including Just Jeans and Jay Jays.
Hitting the road to reconnect families with ancestry
A road trip through Western Australia's southwest hopes to help Aboriginal people take the first step in researching their family history.
Driver jailed for five years for taking five lives
A dangerous driver who failed to heed a police warning before causing a crash which killed five people could walk free on parole within three years.
‘Blessed be the bloom’: Putricia begins rare unfurling
Devotees have flocked to witness the rare unfurling of a foul-smelling corpse flower which has attracted an unlikely online following.
Fears hate speech laws could make anti-Semitism worse
A crackdown on hate speech laws to curb anti-Semitism could have the opposite effect, legal experts warn.
Arrests after ‘despicable’ attack on off-duty cops
Arrests have been made after an off-duty police officer was repeatedly kicked and punched in the head by a group of men as he was returning home from a concert.
‘Not enough’: PM concedes more needed to win election
Selling a vision for the future, rather than dwelling on past achievements, is the prime minister's blueprint for winning over voters to secure a second term.
Mass failures in unheard-of, deadly aged-care outbreak
An aged care centre's operator has apologised after a coroner found residents were left without medication, food and water during a deadly COVID-19 outbreak.
‘Significant force’: accused off-duty cop attacker held
Two men charged with an alleged attack on off-duty police will be kept in custody after one of the officers was nearly killed in the melee.
Union demands rejected as airport workers strike
A global service provider rejects union pay demands citing economic concerns as over 1000 airport ground workers strike across major Australian airports.