Hefty fines for dodgy builders as ‘loophole’ closes
Builders who don't take out insurance on behalf of paid-up customers will face new offences under a legislative crackdown by the Victorian government.
national news
Indigenous leader and Labor luminary Pat Dodson retires
Labor senator Pat Dodson is quitting politics after being diagnosed with cancer, with his resignation to take effect on January 26.
Retail sales dip as shoppers hold off for Black Friday
Consumers hit the pause button on spending in the lead up to the Black Friday sales period, official retail trade data suggests.
Warning after sharp rise in dog attacks on posties
Dog owners are being urged to secure their pet pooches amid a rise in attacks on posties as we head into the busy Christmas delivery period.
Cultural stigma holds workplaces back as pay gap falls
An increase in the number of women in leadership roles has helped reduce the gender pay gap but cultural change is needed to eliminate it entirely, data shows.
Last state opens door to dignified death laws
A sombre celebration will be held by voluntary assisted dying campaigners as NSW becomes the last state to enact the powers for terminally ill people.
‘This country failed them’: calls for detention inquiry
Refugees, politicians and asylum seeker advocates are urging the Albanese government to establish a royal commission into immigration detention.
Huge support for Indigenous voice despite lost vote
A majority of Australians think First Nations people should get a say on issues affecting them, raising questions about Labor's model for the voice.
Woman to face trial accused of plot to kill ex-husband
The woman at the centre of an alleged murder plot that left her ex-partner a tetraplegic and her lover with a gunshot wound has been denied bail.
‘Scapegoating’ of soldiers motivation for McBride leaks
The reasons David McBride leaked information revealing alleged war crimes have been questioned, but a secret document has shone a light on his decision.
Financial hardship creeping into higher income brackets
More Australians are struggling to meet financial obligations such as paying for food and basic goods, mortgage repayments, or funding an emergency.
Minister, 97, off the hook after port blockade arrest
A 97-year-old minister arrested alongside more than 100 activists is resolute in his fight for climate justice after blockading Newcastle Port for 30 hours.
UK central banker nabbed to take over as RBA deputy
Bank of England's Andrew Hauser will be the next deputy governor of Australia's central bank, bringing a "fresh, global perspective" to the key institution.
More than 8000 WA patients to receive elective surgery
The Western Australian government will spend $40 million to slash the elective surgery waitlist that blew out during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Labor’s poll slump linked to cost of living pressures
Newspoll suggests support for the Labor government has taken a hit and it is tied with the coalition on a two-party preferred basis.
Low vaccination rates prompt jab ‘surge’ plea
There's a plea for Australia to roll out vaccine 'surges' as the take up rate for jabs against serious diseases is lagging among high-risk groups.
Home affairs boss Pezzullo sacked after leaked texts
Powerful public servant Mike Pezzullo has been sacked after the publication of leaked texts containing gossip and criticism of ministers.
Sharma picked for ex-foreign minister’s Senate seat
Liberal Party members in NSW have selected Dave Sharma to replace former foreign minister Marise Payne in the Senate, pipping favourite Andrew Constance.
Murray-Darling Basin plan to remain afloat under deal
The Albanese government and the Greens have announced a deal to ensure a multi-billion dollar plan for the Murray-Darling Basin doesn't sink.
Election probe calls for more politicians in Canberra
The number of senators in the ACT and Northern Territory should be doubled and voting enrolment extended, a review into the 2022 federal election has found.
Lehrmann sought cocaine after rape claim broadcast
Bruce Lehrmann says he sought hard drugs after watching a report on The Project where Brittany Higgins outlined her shock allegation of sexual assault.
Teachers face wrath over Palestine action in schools
Education union members have been condemned by the Victorian government for calling on teachers and staff to invite Palestine advocates to speak at schools.
Terrorist slur on young boy amid rising Islamophobia
The use of a terrorist slur against a year six student in Sydney amid a rise in Islamophobia is a major concern, NSW Premier Chris Minns says.
Setback for Lisa Wilkinson in Lehrmann defamation case
A judge has limited what Lisa Wilkinson can ask Bruce Lehrmann through her barrister as he sues for defamation over a report on Brittany Higgins' rape claims.
Palestine supporters target US consulate and Pine Gap
The United States consulate has been splattered with paint as Palestine supporters staged a protest in Melbourne and near the Pine Gap defence facility.
Post-election inquiry urges more federal politicians
A review into the 2022 federal election has urged a boost in the number of senators for the ACT and NT, taking their numbers from two to four each.
ALP tied at 50-50 with coalition as support slips: poll
Newspoll suggests support for the Labor government has taken a hit and it is tied with the coalition on a two-party-preferred basis.
Terrorist slur on young boy among rising Islamophobia
A terrorist slur against a Palestinian Christian child in Sydney is among hundreds of instances of Islamophobia as the subject of school prayers raises concern.
Push to limit immigration detention, ban detaining kids
Independent MP Kylea Tink is moving to stop the government from detaining people indefinitely and putting children in immigration detention.
Sharma ‘privileged’ to take Marise Payne’s Senate seat
NSW Liberal Party members have selected moderate Dave Sharma to take Marise Payne's Senate seat, pipping favourite Andrew Constance.
Bruce Lehrmann back in the stand to fight rape claim
Bruce Lehrmann will return to the witness box for a fourth day as he fights a "defamatory" Ten report he raped Brittany Higgins in Parliament House.