Randa Abdel-Fattah among authors on Miles Franklin list
The longlist for the Miles Franklin Literary Award includes a book by a Palestinian-Australian author, who has been embroiled in free speech controversies.
national news
Boy’s alleged plane hijack plan ‘politically motivated’
A teen accused of carrying a gun onto a plane is planning to mount a mental impairment defence as prosecutors try to have the case heard in the Supreme Court.
Rebels merger plan no big secret, Rugby Australia says
The Melbourne Rebels can't claim a proposal known as Winning Rugby was kept secret from them because the club had agreed to it, the sport's governing body says.
Con-woman Caddick victims share ‘small pot’ last cash
Investors conned by fraudster Melissa Caddick will receive a final payment from receivers but those who benefited from a class action settlement will miss out.
Pianist cancellation ‘shredded’ orchestra’s reputation
An orchestra board member and ex-government minister says he was surprised to learn a pianist's upcoming concert had been cancelled over Gaza comments.
Superyacht operator’s son guilty of cocaine smuggling
The son of a superyacht tour operator is behind bars after a jury found he aided with a plot to retrieve cocaine from a cargo ship's hull that turned fatal.
Jobless jump, Iran war shoot down fears of rate rise
The big four banks are tipping the Reserve Bank to hold interest rates steady at its next meeting after the jobless rate surged and as the Iran war hits home.
Island state to cut, cut, cut its way back to the black
Tasmania will spend more on servicing debt in 2026/27 than on police, fire and emergency services, showing the scale of the state's borrowing challenge.
Brace for bugmageddon: experts warn of AI crime wave
Attacks on Australian financial service firms are growing but artificial intelligence technology could raise the threat level even higher.
Budget measures could cut house prices by 10 per cent
Changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions could cause the biggest housing downturn in 40 years, in a boost for first home buyers.
Shot in arm for health clinics to combat virus outbreak
Funding to combat a diphtheria outbreak is being welcomed by health agencies but they say a shortage of medical staff in remote communities needs fixing.
Israel set to release detained Australian activists
A group of Australian activists detained by Israel for taking part in a global flotilla to deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza are set to be deported.
‘Out of touch’: businesses blast ex-PM’s budget backing
Labor luminary Paul Keating has been panned as "out of touch" with the modern realities of owning a business after backing controversial tax changes.
Beef lovers steer it home for billionaire-backed firm
Australian Agriculture Co has delivered its highest annual operating profit after strong consumer demand for Aussie beef pushed up prices, despite flood losses.
Airport bomb scare over hot chocolate container find
An airport has reopened after being plunged into lockdown by the discovery of a suspicious item hidden within a hot chocolate container.
In danger: more reef funding amid dreaded ruling threat
Another rescue plan for the Great Barrier Reef has been unveiled as critics warn new mining approvals are fuelling destructive marine heatwaves.
‘Nightmare’: ex-AFL star facing prison over pool saga
A former AFL player will likely be imprisoned for fraud after he improperly installed pools in the backyards of regional families with little means.
Pandemic flashbacks as hantavirus group touches down
Scenes heavily reminiscent of the coronavirus pandemic have played out as passengers from a hantavirus-affected cruise ship touched down in Australia.
Neo-Nazi group outlawed under anti-hate legislation
A neo-Nazi group that advocates for a white Australia has been listed as a prohibited hate group after advice from the nation's domestic spy agency.
‘Direct discrimination’: court loss for app’s trans ban
A legal bid by an app and its founder has backfired, with an appeal panel awarding twice the initial amount of damages for excluding a transgender user.
Bank plunge could spell end of an era for ASX investors
Big retail banks have driven returns on the ASX for years, but global asset manager VanEck believes they are overpriced and mid-caps offer better opportunities.
Coalition migrant cuts plan triggers ire of uni sector
The universities sector, which relies heavily on fee-paying foreign students, says coalition plans to cut immigration would hurt the economy and cost jobs.
The 50-year fight to recognise rural mums’ unpaid work
Outback women are expected to supervise their children's education for years without getting paid, as a five-decade fight for recognition continues.
The adopted family members being dumped in hard times
Looking after a family is difficult in a financial crisis but animal welfare groups are concerned about the growing number of pets being banished altogether.
Next-generation Indigenous women flying employment flag
Rising employment among Indigenous women has been linked to substantial gains in post‑secondary education, which have outpaced those of Indigenous men.
Extension on fuel excise relief kept in play by PM
Fuel excise relief appreciated by Australian motorists may not end in July, as the government promotes other tax cuts due to begin at the same time.
Fuel excise extension weighed as states look to supply
The prime minister has left the door open to more tax relief at the bowser as state governments attempt to shore up their own fuel supplies.
‘Iconic’ Delta act eclipsed in Eurovision boilover
Delta Goodrem has finished fourth at Eurovision, confounding hopes for a first Australian winner as Bulgaria soared to its maiden win.
Budget brawl escalates over rival tax cut proposals
The government has conceded its budget is unlikely to win immediate support from voters as Labor and Liberals taking aim at each others' policies.
Labor defends budget tax changes despite critical polls
Labor insists it's taking the right approach to tax reform despite a majority of Australians saying the latest budget will leave them worse off.
Cancelled pianist denies misleading MSO on Gaza music
Pianist Jayson Gillham has given evidence in his court case against a major symphony orchestra, which will test the limits of free speech in the workplace.