ACT budget on life support amid health funding woes
As he readies his first budget, ACT Treasurer Chris Steel warns the territory's finances are unsustainable without a health funding boost from the Commonwealth.
national news
Animal cruelty action dogged by tight leash on funds
Advocates say animals will suffer after a cruelty investigator had to cut its operations, but a state government says there's no "endless supply" of funds.
Aussies want solar batteries but many feel overwhelmed
The cost and complexity of installing a solar battery is keeping some Australians from taking the plunge despite incentives, a study has revealed.
AC/DC fans in High Voltage frenzy ahead of Aussie tour
AC/DC are coming home to tour for the first time in a decade, with Aussie fans eager to see the legends after waiting a long time to rock and roll again.
Fracking company hits out at ‘failed’ legal challenge
A bid to stop a key fracking project has been dismissed as another "failed" attempt to deny economic and social benefits to a long-overlooked community.
‘Spectacular fall from grace’: elder jailed for abuse
A former Senior Victorian of the Year award-winner has mouthed "I'm alright" to his supporters in court as he was jailed for child sex abuse.
‘Backbone of health’: new plan for rural maternity care
Health groups have backed a rural maternity plan after public inquiries revealed some women are travelling hours to have babies as local birth units shut down.
Call for laws to stop harm to consumers, firms online
Australian consumers and businesses are being harmed by the behaviour of tech giants in ways that cannot be addressed with current laws, a report has found.
‘Don’t you dare’: driver warned before police shooting
A coroner has heard second-by-second details of a dramatic and deadly confrontation between a police officer and a driver.
Regional students to capture the sun in science program
Regional students will be challenged to experiment with renewable energy science kits in a bid to encourage them to consider roles in the energy transition.
Excel at spreadsheets. There’s a competition for that?
An Australian documentary follows six teenagers from across the globe as they compete to become the world champion of Excel 'spreadsheeting'.
Indigenous art fair weaves legacy through every fibre
An Indigenous art fair that began with a small marketplace and a dream now attracts almost 100 artists from across Australia annually.
Vulnerable pregnant women among adrift migrant workers
Pregnant migrants are increasingly seeking help in rural areas, while other temporary workers are in hiding after escaping modern slavery conditions.
Scientists turn to AI to crack the green ammonia riddle
Faced with testing 8000 substances to work out how to cut pollution from a key agricultural product, Aussie scientists turned to artificial intelligence.
Protester confident in fight against new police powers
A prominent activist says he is "very confident" after taking a state government to court over controversial anti-protest laws which expanded police powers.
International students take notice as uni ranks tumble
Many Australian universities have taken a hit in their global rankings and a number are struggling with their reputations in the eyes of employers.
Caring for Country with ancient knowledge and science
Environmental DNA technology is being combined with Indigenous knowledge to care for Country in one of the world's oldest aquaculture systems.
Cost-of-living crisis blamed for soaring crime rates
Youth offending is at a record high in one state, latest figures reveal, as police attribute cost-of-living pressures to a jump in property crimes.
What’s the crime, say accused $10m fake merch dealers
Caught with over 500 fake luxury items, three founders of an alleged $10 million counterfeit empire have attacked the investigators who put them in custody.
Liberal leader’s unity call after $1.5m party bailout
Victorian Liberal leader Brad Battin denies he has sided against defamed MP Moira Deeming after supporting a $1.5 million party loan to his predecessor.
Australia deploys military to help Middle East evacuees
Australian military forces are being set up to support evacuations from Israel and Iran, after US President Donald Trump gave Iran an ultimatum.
Budget billions helps cashed-up state lead debt battle
A seventh surplus budget for the nation's richest state sets it apart from other jurisdictions as it enjoys the lowest debt levels in the country.
Death in custody case under scrutiny as ministers meet
Deaths in custody and tougher youth crime laws will be a focus as a peak Indigenous group meets to discuss Closing the Gap progress with government ministers.
Mushroom jurors’ long weekend before verdict decision
Jurors sitting in Erin Patterson's triple-murder trial will have a four-day break before they hear the judge's final directions and begin deciding on a verdict.
Women’s ‘safety premium’ for solo travel peace of mind
Women travelling solo are paying more for safer accommodation and tours as the travel industry adjusts to a growing cohort of those going it alone.
AI threatens to widen gender gap for regional girls
Artificial intelligence could exacerbate the gap between boys and girls studying STEM subjects, an expert has warned, especially in regional Australia.
Empty chairs spark bid to arrest premier’s senior staff
A state's most senior ministerial staff face being dragged to an inquiry by force after their no-show to answer questions about an explosive-laden caravan.
Doubts after ‘unprecedented’ arrests over luxury fakes
Three men allegedly involved with a business selling knock-off designer watches and jewellery have been bailed as a magistrate questions the case against them.
Trump meeting on backburner with PM to skip summit
Anthony Albanese will resist making a last-minute dash to the NATO summit which could have provided a fresh chance to finally meet with Donald Trump.
Secret’s out: premier’s ex-partner misled watchdog
Former NSW Liberal premier Gladys Berejiklian's ex-partner has failed to hide a finding he misled a corruption probe over a $48 million property development.
Friends united by concern for family in Iran and Israel
Saina Salemi and her colleague Oscar are bound by fear for their respective families in Iran and Israel as efforts continue to repatriate stranded Australians.