Mushroom cook denies faking poison symptoms from lunch
Erin Patterson has been accused of faking illness to appear unwell because she knew she had not eaten deadly mushrooms and realised it would look suspicious.
national news
‘Horrific footage’: shot reporter’s case raised with US
Nine Network reporter Lauren Tomasi was hit by a rubber bullet fired by a US police officer while covering protests in Los Angeles, sparking outrage.
Police feature in complaints to territory ombudsman
The use of spit hoods has been defended by a crime-troubled territory's chief minister, amid a soaring number of complaints about police to the ombudsman.
Australian shares hit record close as bank stocks surge
Banks and energy stocks have helped lift the local bourse to record highs, but continued growth will hinge on the outcome of US-China trade talks.
Muslim preacher defends ‘dehumanising’ sermons on Jews
An Islamist preacher is being sued over sermons in which he allegedly made "derogatory generalisations" about Jews, who he described as rats and cowards.
Average home prices hit $1m with more growth to come
The average price of a home in Australia has hit $1 million after a decade of growth, though experts say a return to the explosive COVID-era boom is unlikely.
‘Swimming pool of sewage’: raw spill flows into suburbs
Residents are outraged as authorities work to mop up a massive sewage spill that sent human waste into suburban streets, parks, a river and harbour.
Embattled premier’s request for early election granted
Tasmanian voters are heading to the polls for the fourth time in seven years after the beleaguered Liberal premier was granted an early election.
Cook denies ‘wild goose chase’ over mushroom origins
Accused triple murderer Erin Patterson denies lying and sending authorities on a "wild goose chase" about the mushrooms she used in a toxic meal.
Indigenous knowledge helps uncover hidden ‘koala city’
A hidden koala population of nearly 300 koalas has been uncovered on the fringe of a major city, using Indigenous knowledge combined with western technology.
Sanctions backlash adds to ‘uncertainty’ with US
Australia could question its future co-operation with the US after a decision to sanction Israeli government ministers was condemned by an American official.
Business, union divisions threaten to derail PM summit
The prime minister hopes business groups and unions will unite to address a lagging economy but there are already signs of division before a planned summit.
Combs’ ex accuses him of abuse but says she loves him
Sean Diddy Combs' ex-girlfriend says she took part in sex acts with male sex workers at the music mogul's request because it made her feel loved by him.
Australian shares fade after hitting new record
A trade truce between the world's two largest economies helped send Australian shares to new heights, but an afternoon sell-off shows investors remain wary.
Industrial disputes drop to lowest level in two years
The number of employees involved in industrial disputes has fallen by more than half during the first three months of 2025.
Heartbroken mum urges free vaccines for deadly disease
After watching her son die in a few hours, a grieving parent is lobbying a state government to help prevent the disease that killed him.
The cost benefit for Aussies as airline axes Asian arm
The closure of Jetstar Asia could have a major impact on the price of Australian airfares as Qantas shifts its focus to the domestic market.
‘Wish I hugged her’: torment of vanished woman’s family
The sister of a woman whose alleged killer ended his life on the eve of a verdict being delivered hopes she did not suffer before her suspected death.
Muslim preacher ‘never’ meant to insult ‘vile’ Jews
An Islamist preacher says he did not mean to insult Jews by calling them 'treacherous' after comparing Christmas greetings to congratulating someone for murder.
Public pepper spray trial triggers stinging backlash
A 12-month trial allowing the public to carry pepper spray in a crime-hit territory has been slammed by critics who say it is an "admission of failure".
Parties in full swing, tough path to election majority
Tasmania's major parties face an uphill battle to get the swings required to rule in majority after the upcoming election, polling suggests.
Do you feel lucky? Millions to bid for $100m Powerball
Powerball is offering its biggest lottery jackpot of 2025 as a past winner of a $100 million prize shares their post-win experience.
Israeli minister sanctions dubbed too little, too late
Australia's sanctioning of two Israeli ministers over the war in Gaza has been dismissed by a pro-Palestine campaigner who says more concrete action is needed.
Weinstein convicted of one sex crime in retrial
Ex-movie mogul Harvey Weinstein has been convicted of one sex crime charge and acquitted of another, with jurors unable to reach a verdict on a third charge.
Australia to go all in for AUKUS despite US review
Australian officials will not rethink the AUKUS partnership or look at a back-up plan despite the US launching an "American First"-inspired review of the deal.
Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson dies at age 82
Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys' visionary and fragile leader whose summertime anthems made him one of rock's most influential artists, has died at 82.
Stricter IVF regulation on cards as clinic boss quits
The head of a leading fertility clinic that bungled two separate embryo transfers has quit as the fallout from the mix-up intensifies.
Woman, man with ‘hot temper’ found dead in granny flat
Two deaths are being investigated as a potential domestic violence-related incident following the discovery of their bodies days after they were last seen.
Corruption watchdog clears Brittany Higgins’ $2m payout
A Liberal senator has lashed out after a watchdog found there was "no corruption issue" with a $2.4 million settlement paid to former staffer Brittany Higgins.
Mushroom cook’s triple denial as trial grilling ends
Accused killer mushroom cook Erin Patterson has ended her marathon stint in the witness box with an emotional turn after denying repeated accusations of lying.
Students ‘forced into slavery’ with scholarship lure
A woman who allegedly lured PNG students to Australia and used debt bondage to force them to work on farms has been charged with human trafficking.