Firmer footing for Australian economy later in 2024
A surprisingly positive reading for a key leading index points to green shoots for the economy, though one-off factors may be responsible for the upbeat result.
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Airbnb faces $30m bill over Australian dollar confusion
A judge has fined Airbnb $15 million over its misleading and deceptive conduct towards Australian customers, who may get millions more in compensation.
Qantas taken to court over dog discrimination claim
Qantas is being taken to court over the airline's decision not to allow a woman's assistance dog to travel with her on its planes.
A country jackpot: cash incentive to lure GPs out bush
A $10,000 cash incentive is being used to convince doctors of the benefits of a life in the country, as one state tries to plug a regional GP shortage.
‘Reasonable’ for freed terrorist to have strict orders
A terrorism expert has backed a court's decision to release convicted terrorist Abdul Nacer Benbrika under strict conditions instead of keeping him detained.
Diplomacy favoured by PM over warship to Red Sea
Australia could contribute better to Middle East stability through diplomacy, says the prime minister as the government mulls a request to send a warship.
New Kiwi PM flags potential for AUKUS tech co-operation
The new prime minister of New Zealand says development of military technology under the AUKUS agreement is an area where it could work together with Australia.
Support for army reserve model in bushfire response
The majority of Australians support better working conditions for volunteer firefighters, as the government reviews the nation's crisis response capability.
No room: record numbers of Indigenous people seek help
Indigenous people experience homelessness at higher rates than non-Indigenous Australians. Advocates are calling for support of Indigenous-led solutions.
NT Treasurer Eva Lawler set for chief minister’s job
The Northern Territory's Labor government has decided on a new leader after Natasha Fyles was forced out of the top job over shares in a manganese mine.
Buildings destroyed in big blaze as rain brings relief
Thunderstorms and heavy rain have brought a reprieve to firefighters battling a major bushfire in northwest NSW that has destroyed several outbuildings.
Toyota hybrid SUV recalled over fuel consumption rules
Auto manufacturer Toyota will fit new tyres on hundreds of Yaris hybrid vehicles in a recall over claims about fuel consumption.
Growth, ore prices to swell WA budget surplus to $3.7b
A $3.7 billion operating surplus for 2023/24 has been projected by the WA government, up from May's $3.3 billion amid the highest economic growth in nine years.
Former Liberal candidate guilty over Chinese influence
Di Sanh Duong has been found guilty of planning to engage in foreign influence by handing a $37,000 cheque over to a minister for a Melbourne hospital donation.
Foiled kidnapping leads to massive onshore drug bust
Five men have been charged after an attempted robbery and kidnapping led police to an apartment unit containing blocks of cocaine worth an estimated $1 billion.
Man charged with murder over fatal stabbing at zoo
Police have charged a 29-year-old man with murder over the fatal stabbing of a Bhutanese woman he worked with at a Canberra zoo.
Christmas cheer as Australian shares hit 10-month high
The local bourse has closed up 0.8 per cent to finish at its highest level since early February, in what one analyst called a textbook Santa rally.
RBA wary of unemployment jump ahead of rates call
The central bank board mulled over another cash rate increase or staying on hold at the December meeting, and kept its options open for more tightening.
Ministers ‘covering themselves’ after Higgins incident
Two ministers reportedly tried to protect themselves by insisting police be told of Brittany Higgins' alleged rape before she chose to speak up about it.
Teary NT chief minister resigns over shares scandal
Natasha Fyles has quit as Northern Territory chief minister after failing to declare a parcel of shares, forcing Labor to look for a new leader.
Turkish airline lands flight deal in wake of Qatar snub
Turkish Airlines has been granted an expansion of services into Australia in a federal government decision following its rejection of a similar Qatari bid.
Convicted terrorist Benbrika walks free from prison
Notorious terrorist Abdul Nacer Benbrika, convicted of a plot to attack Melbourne landmarks, has been released from prison with strict conditions imposed.
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transport
Electric car charging provider wins $250 million boost
Expect to see more electric vehicle chargers on the street and in households after a significant investment in a Sydney charging firm.
Higgins ‘quite casual’ on rape claim, boss says
Linda Reynolds' former chief of staff said she couldn't rule it out or in, when asked if she suspected two staffers had sex days before in the senator's office.
‘Too late to leave’: locals to shelter as blaze flares
An out-of-control bushfire burning in northwest NSW has quickly grown in size with residents in the region told it is too late to leave.
Festive warning as poll reveals lax COVID-19 attitudes
One in three Australians don't believe keeping up their COVID-19 boosters or measures to curb its spread are important amid an eighth wave, a survey shows.
Mobile phone coverage boost for bushfire prone areas
Another tranche of black spot funding will target communities at greater risk of bushfires to boost mobile coverage and reliability.
Defence chief to join US talks on Red Sea security
Australia will be represented at a virtual meeting hosted by the US to discuss security in the Red Sea and moves to prevent rebels attacking ships.
Rain brings relief to NSW fire grounds but risk remains
A renewed emergency warning was issued for a major blaze in northwest NSW, before heavy rain saw conditions ease once again.
Mummies among rare Egyptian treasures on show
The Discovering ancient Egypt exhibition, from the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities, features more than 200 objects spanning 3000 years of history.
Duck Creek fire threatens homes in northwest NSW
Residents have been warned it is too late to leave as an out-of-control bushfire burns towards them in the Pilliga Forest in northwest NSW.