Budget tips $1b into regional grant revamp
Two new regional grants programs will be introduced by the Albanese government in the upcoming budget, to improve transparency of decision making.
national news
Petrol price spike looms for motorists
Some retailers are already charging more than $2 a litre as cities move into the first new fuel cycle since petrol tax relief expired.
Tasmania, Qld the top-performing states
Tasmania and Queensland have the best economic momentum in the country as NSW and Victoria slide down the rankings.
NT killer cop cleared before murder charge
A Northern Territory policeman who killed an Indigenous teen was cleared of any wrongdoing before he was charged with murder, an inquest has been told.
States voice reasons for UN lock outs
The NSW government says some of the state's prisons are sub-standard, but blocked UN inspectors should visit countries not signed up to international protocols.
‘Battered’ NSW braces for continued floods
Thunderstorms are forecast across inland NSW, the Mid North Coast and the Northern Rivers, posing flooding risks for multiple parts of the state.
Police keep tabs on released terrorists
The latest Australian Federal Police annual report has revealed there are 55 people serving jail time for terrorism with 19 due for release within five years.
Fifth losing week out of last six for ASX
The local share market has finished down 0.8 per cent for the day and 1.2 per cent for the week, its seventh losing week out of the past nine.
Inflation higher for longer: Treasury
Inflation is going to hang around for longer due to persistently high energy prices and floods in southeast Australia, Treasury forecasts say.
Treasurer prepares ‘sensible’ first budget
With the global economy stalling and huge pressure to spend more on health and aged care, the first Labor budget in almost a decade has a lot riding on it.
Defence, energy at top of Japan talks
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida have met in Perth, signing new agreements to boost security and energy ties.
Flood threat looms in northern Victoria
Water is quickly rising in towns across northern Victoria while southwestern parts of the state have experienced wild weather overnight.
Crunch time for Labor’s green pledges
The new federal government has made some very big environmental promises. Tuesday's budget will be where the rubber meets the road.
‘Political forces’ in Lehrmann rape trial
A coalition senator has been accused of trying to interfere in Brittany Higgins' rape case because she is politically invested in the outcome of the trial.
Gloomy backdrop for first Albanese budget
The Labor government is handing down its first budget at a time of economic turbulence. Here's why that matters.
NSW faces ‘very dangerous’ 48 hours
With new weather systems closing in on NSW, residents across the state are being warned rain and floods pose massive risks to lives and homes.
Flood levees tested as Vic rivers rise
Flood waters have peaked in the cut-off northern Victorian town of Kerang, while Echuca residents brace for the Murray River to hit its high.
Lack of fuel standard a handbrake on EVs
Wait times are long and prices high for electric vehicles in Australia but experts say one policy could trigger a U-turn.
Levees tested as Vic flood peaks arrive
Flood waters have peaked in the cut-off northern Victorian town of Kerang, while Echuca residents brace for the Murray River to hit its high.
Woman’s body found in NSW floodwaters
The body of a woman who went missing in floodwaters has been found on a riverbank in central-western NSW, as flooding continues around the state.
Labor ready for tough job of budget repair
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher says Tuesday's budget will include over $21 billion in savings and decisions to redirect existing spending.
Jury told ‘no rush’ on Lehrmann verdict
A jury deliberating in the trial of Bruce Lehrmann, accused of raping former colleague Brittany Higgins, has been told there is no rush or time limit.
Police witnesses resume at Walker inquest
The inquest into the death of Indigenous teenager Kumanjayi Walker will continue to hear evidence from police witnesses.
Weak dollar a ‘modest’ inflation driver
The weakening Australian dollar will make imports more expensive but the RBA says its effects will be relatively minor.
Budget to look at power price pressure
Labor is promising relief on energy costs in the federal budget as it stands by its election pledge to reduce power bills.
Murdoch, Crikey fail in defamation stoush
Media mogul Lachlan Murdoch and news publication Crikey have both unsuccessfully attacked each others' pleadings amid a hotly contested defamation lawsuit.
Drink deposit schemes need overhaul
Environment ministers are under pressure to expand container deposit schemes and eliminate baffling rules about what's in and what's out.
New funding to ‘turn around’ reef health
The Albanese government has outlined $1.2 billion of funding for the Great Barrier Reef ahead of the federal budget.
New A3’s nod to fuel-saving measures
Audi has had an each-way bet with its new A3 hatchback, which is fitted with a hybrid powerplant and cylinder-on-demand system.
Hundreds of schools impacted by Vic floods
Almost $80m will go to schools, TAFEs and hospitals impacted by floods in Victoria, while a short reprieve along the Murray offers a fresh chance to evacuate.
Scrapped mandates to skew COVID case tally
Weekly COVID-19 numbers will not include all cases of the virus, with reporting of positive test results no longer mandatory in the two most populous states.