Leaders ease off on messaging as Aussies tune out
On a day light on for policy announcements, polling showed the major parties are struggling to convince voters they're capable of improving their lot.
national news
Suburbs pave pathway to power but Libs will need more
Electoral rings around Sydney and Melbourne hold the majority of marginal seats the coalition needs to win office as Labor looks to offset possible losses.
Catholic Australians’ mega pilgrimage to farewell Pope
Devoted Catholics are making the long journey across the world to pay their final respects to the late Pope Francis before his funeral.
Victim’s family calls for end to ‘rampant’ knife crime
The heartbroken family of a man stabbed to death inside an elevator have called for stronger laws to end "rampant" youth knife crime.
Qantas labour hire workers due to land major pay rise
Hundreds of Qantas labour hire workers are set to receive a big pay rise under Labor's landmark "same job, same pay" reforms after a union deal.
Australian shares trade up to pre-Liberation Day levels
The Australian share market has rallied alongside its Asian counterparts as glimmers of hope appear on the horizon of the US-China trade war.
‘Easiest decision’: campaign hits close to home for PM
Before taking his campaign west, Anthony Albanese has opened up about his mother while unveiling upgrades for a women's health centre.
New cohort of ‘working poor’ fronting food charities
Double-income families are among a new demographic of "working poor" Australians fronting up at food charities that are struggling to meet demand.
Coalition tied in knots over EV, immigration policies
The coalition has performed another election campaign about-face, this time vowing to scrap electric vehicle subsidies, as it slides down the polls.
Disgraced politician to serve community as punishment
A former state Liberal leader who supplied cocaine to friends and used the drug as a "form of escapism" must do community service to atone for his offending.
Businesses being held to ransom but more refuse to pay
Ransomware is on the rise in Australia, with an analysis of data breaches showing more online attacks come with a financial motive.
Urgent bail reform after store owner’s fatal stabbing
Urgent bail reforms are set to be introduced after a teenager handed himself in to police following the fatal stabbing of a store owner.
MAFS groom accused of retaliation against screen wife
A Married at First Sight groom has been accused of lying in his bid for protection against his on-screen wife, who he claims tried to destroy his life.
Voters turn out in droves as pre-polling proves popular
Pre-polling has proven increasingly popular with more than half a million voters casting ballots on the first day as parties scramble for preference deals.
Nuclear power could take the shine off Aussie aluminium
Three out of Australia's four aluminium smelters could risk closure if Australia adopts nuclear power, reducing energy supplied to industry.
Innocent mum’s brutal murder linked to organised crime
Police have landed on a likely motive for a woman's brutal kidnapping and murder that also left her young son with life changing head injuries.
Tip-off led to arrest of teenager’s accused murderer
The accused killer of a teenage woman with "the kindest soul" was arrested after police received significant information that blew the case wide open.
Gloves off for leaders in combative third debate
The prime minister and opposition leader have not held back, trading barbs and personal digs after a subdued day on the campaign trail.
Coalition unpacks tax hike plan to fund defence splurge
Peter Dutton has promised a coalition government would raise defence spending and rely on higher income taxes to partially fund the pledge.
Trump uncertainty set to smash Australian economy
Australia is not following the "bouncing ball" of Donald Trump's daily shifts, the treasurer says, amid predictions of a bigger-than-expected economic hit.
More crimes solved but are police paying a heavy price?
Police are solving more crimes but the push to improve efficiency is leaving officers exhausted and driving them out of the force, an expert warns.
Gold shines as share safe haven after Trump Fed threat
Local shares have recovered to finish slightly lower as a US sell-off sends the Aussie dollar to its highest level against the greenback in four months.
Australian Catholics join world mourning for Pope
Church leaders and politicians have led tributes to Pope Francis who has died after battling illness, with Catholics set to join services across the nation.
Church leaders speak glowingly of ‘Aussie-like’ Pope
Australian Catholics are mourning and remembering Pope Francis as a man of simple piety who gave them hope for the church's future, after his death aged 88.
Rate cut on horizon amid fears of more stock turmoil
Donald Trump's latest attack on a pillar of the global economy could renew market stress as Australian homeowners eye a supersized rate cut.
Election campaign at half-mast as leaders remember Pope
Election campaign events by Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have been cancelled because of the Pope's death, as early voting opens.
Yamatji author weaves identity through writing debut
After starting a creative writing course to fill some time, Mabel Gibson has now published her debut book Crybaby, an 'honest and true' reflection on her life.
Campaign gets saucy as Dutton dons tongs to snag votes
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has served up sausages and bacon at a barbecue in Queensland, visiting a Labor-held seat on Easter.
Horror Easter weekend as drowning toll rises to six
Easter Sunday was marred by another drowning tragedy when a fisherman was washed off rocks in rough conditions, with six people, mostly anglers, dead so far.
‘Election up for grabs’: PM on alert despite polling
Although the coalition has assumed underdog status, Peter Dutton says he could still snag a win - while Anthony Albanese isn't letting his guard down.
From ‘border to the backyard’: Dutton’s crime crackdown
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is promising a suite of tough new measures to address crime, in addition to extra funding worth hundreds of millions.