Inquiry backs unamended laws on Indigenous voice
A parliamentary committee has recommended laws to set up a referendum to enshrine an Indigenous voice in the constitution be passed without amendment.
national news
High Court appeal in Brisbane socialite murder case
The High Court has heard arguments calling for a twice-convicted murderer to have his life sentence for the death of a Brisbane socialite overturned.
Peter Hollingworth to no longer officiate as a priest
Former governor-general Peter Hollingworth says he will no longer officiate as an Anglican priest despite a church board deeming him fit for ministry.
New-look hybrid X-Trail fuels the electric car market
Nissan has joined the list of hybrid-powered with its classy new X-Trail, but the unique drive system is not best practice in this competitive market.
Watches froze in time when torpedo hit hospital ship
Items from an Australian hospital ship sunk by a Japanese submarine in World War II are the subject of a new exhibition at Canberra's war memorial.
Country set to ‘change course’: minister spruiks budget
Energy Minister Chris Bowen says the country is set for a "change of course" as he defends the Albanese government's cost of living package.
Chalmers defends budget criticism of not enough support
Jim Chalmers says his budget provided targeted cost of living relief to the most vulnerable, fending off attacks that not enough was done for middle Australia.
Treasurer seeks to soothe budget relief inflation worry
Jim Chalmers says his budget will not fan inflation or lead to more interest rate rises but some leading economic experts are not convinced.
Jenny Craig’s Australian customers, staff await answers
Jenny Craig has gone into voluntary administration after earlier saying a decision to close US offices would not affect Australian and New Zealand services.
‘Political conspiracy’ to derail Lehrmann case: inquiry
The ACT's top prosecutor feared a political conspiracy added to police pressure not to proceed with the trial of the man accused of raping Brittany Higgins.
Coles to discard soft-plastic bags by the end of June
Coles says its decision to phase out soft-plastic shopping bags nationwide will remove 230 million of them from circulation within a year.
Calls for petrol ban to speed up electric swap
One in four new vehicles sold in Australia could be electric by 2025 but a group of energy experts says a ban on petrol cars would speed up the move.
Man extradited from Queensland over alleged $24m fraud
A businessman has appeared in a NSW court, accused of being involved in a $24 million fraud that targeted "mum and dad-type" investors as well as businesses.
Money will come, Vic premier says after Games snub
The federal budget contained no money for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, but Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews insists his state will get financial help.
Environment groups blast ‘timid’ biodiversity funding
Australia's shocking loss of nature will not be fixed under a federal budget like the one delivered on Tuesday, conservation groups say.
Why time is running out for hybrid vehicle tax discount
Hybrid car buyers have less than two years to secure a tax discount, according to the federal budget which revealed further investments in electric vehicles.
NCA bomber, police killer Domenic Perre dies in custody
The man jailed for the bombing of the National Crime Authority office in Adelaide in 1994 that killed a police officer has died while serving a life sentence.
NT budget locks in roads and ports for mining future
The Northern Territory is on track to return to surplus by 2026-27 as mining royalties and a greater share of GST boosts the coffers, Treasurer Eva Lawler says.
Renegade MP and Minns’ mate wins vote in new NSW parly
NSW Labor has improved its chances of passing government legislation, with Nationals MP Ben Franklin and an independent elected to oversee parliament's houses.
Nixon accused of kneeing cop while in court for assault
Police are investigating after ex-AFL player agent Ricky Nixon allegedly kneed a cop in court while appearing over claims he threw a mail package at a man.
Child protection body ‘missing opportunities’ on abuse
The Queensland Family and Child Commission wants to address abuse but often cannot help individual children until it is too late, an inquiry has heard.
New trade office aims to open doors for SA in Germany
A new trade office for South Australia will be set up in Germany, the state's eighth largest trading partner.
Contracts out to tender for 2026 Commonwealth Games
The Victorian government expects a $3 billion injection into the economy from the major sporting event but questions remain as to who's footing the $2.6b bill.
Search under way for woman missing on Eyre Peninsula
Emergency service volunteers are helping police search an area of South Australia's Eyre Peninsula for a woman who has been missing since Sunday.
Clean energy budget stakes $2b on renewable hydrogen
Australia's energy future will include green hydrogen as the federal budget bets $2 billion on the hero fuel and helps homes and businesses save on power bills.
Big bulk billing boost the centrepiece of health budget
Changes to bulk billing incentives will give more than 11 million Australians access to general practitioner services with no out-of-pocket costs.
Supermarket giants begin moving soft plastic stockpiles
Tonnes of soft plastic waste unsafely stockpiled by collapsed recycler REDcycle are now being moved, supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths say.
Hynes’ mum to move from prison to his granny flat
Julie Hynes, mother of the NRL's 2022 Dally M Medallist Nicho Hynes, will be released from jail after being found guilty of drug supply.
Legislative change if High Court rules for Qantas
Labor senator Tony Sheldon, an ex-TWU national secretary, said if the High Court court ruled in favour of Qantas the government will respond with legislation.
Workers on track for fastest wage growth in decades
Fierce competition for workers and government wage polices are expected to underpin strong wage growth in 2024, the federal budget papers confirm.
Police gave private Higgins document to defence lawyers
ACT DPP Shane Drumgold says he was "shocked" police had given private counselling notes to the legal team defending a man accused of raping Brittany Higgins.