Australia welcomes 2023 with bumper crowds
Australians partied well into the night during the first New Year's Eve celebrations without COVID-19 restrictions in three years.
national news
New year rings in federal policy changes
Federal policy changes taking effect on January 1 range from increased fines to cheaper medicine under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
‘No regrets’ over refugee plan: Vanstone
The Howard government's approach to refugees and asylum seekers in 2002 has been outlined in cabinet papers released by the National Archives of Australia.
Children trapped for 55 hours after crash
A five-year-old girl saved her younger brother's life after a crash that killed their parents in country Western Australia.
Girl’s drowning adds to tragic Xmas toll
A young girl and a man in his 40s have died in Australian waterways, bringing the drowning toll to 11 since Christmas Day.
Drowning warning after 11 deaths
Authorities have warned holidaymakers to take extra care over the break after 11 people died in Australian waterways since Christmas Day.
Hopes city kids will set sights on farming
With thousands of jobs available in agriculture but not enough university students to snap them up, researchers and educators are trying to find solutions.
Global hunt for violinist to play with Ray
Violin virtuoso Ray Chen hopes to inspire musicians by offering three amateur players the chance to perform onstage with him at the Sydney Opera House.
Positive sign for China trade relationship
Trade Minister Don Farrell says there are positive signs in the Australia-China trade relationship and he's keen to meet with his counterpart for talks.
No change for Chinese travellers, yet: PM
The government hasn't changed its travel advice for China and is monitoring the situation after a handful of countries imposed COVID-19 restrictions overnight.
Albanese lauds peaceful Fijian election
A successful democratic election in Fiji has been welcomed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who warned of a clash between democracy and autocracy.
Misadventure deaths stack up at Christmas
The Christmas holidays have ended in tragedy for a number of Australians involved in misadventure incidents during the festive period.
Urgent need for blood donations
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood urgently needs 8000 Australians to give blood over the next five days to meet demand over the New Year long weekend.
Electric cars coming to Australia in 2023
Electric hatchbacks, sports cars and even vans will cruise into Australia in 2023 but experts say one policy change could drive more progress.
Aussies spend record amount at Christmas
Christmas and Boxing Day sales have hit record amounts and growth with Australians rewarding themselves after a tough year.
Fears mount over any China virus variants
Australian health authorities are being urged to keep a close eye on possible new COVID-19 variants coming out of China as cases spike.
Qld urged to bring in New Year’s legally
The government has told Queenslanders to enjoy the more than 130 licensed fireworks displays planned for New Year's Eve rather than risk injuries or fines.
Aust stocks finish 2022 down 5.45 per cent
The ASX200 index lost 5.45 per cent this year, although Australian investors can perhaps take heart that overseas losses were far worse.
Cities abuzz as NYE returns to normal
Free of mask mandates and other COVID rules, locals and visitors in most parts of Australia are letting their hair down to farewell 2022 and welcome 2023.
Flood evacuees return, others await peak
Residents in an outback town will spend New Year's Eve worried about flooding as Top End communities return home a week after a rare inundation.
Average incomes not enough to buy a home
Unless you live in Perth, middle income earners fall well short of the borrowing power needed to buy a standard house.
Disturbance at WA youth detention centre
Detainees at the troubled Banksia Hill youth detention centre in Western Australia have lit a fire and climbed onto roof tops on New Year's Eve.
Australia welcomes 2023 with a bang
Australians partied well into the night during the first New Year's Eve celebrations without COVID-19 restrictions in three years.
Warm Christmas for much of the country
Most Australians have enjoyed a sunny Christmas Day as a minor heat wave sets in but Northern Territorians are feeling the impact of ex-tropical cyclone Ellie.
Call to roll out ‘e-bikes for clunkers’
Electric bicycles should be heavily discounted to help Australia meet its 2030 climate target, experts say.
Australians feel the heat on Boxing Day
Most Australians are experiencing a minor heatwave, but intense rain from ex-tropical cyclone Ellie has parts of the NT and Queensland on flood watch.
Holiday-makers drive electric car uptake
More road trips are set to be taken in electric and hybrid vehicles this holiday season as rental firms roll out eco-friendly cars.
Busking’s bright future as acts ramp up
Melbourne's buskers are gearing up for a busy summer with international acts due to arrive and a new place to call their own.
Teenager drowns in Christmas Day tragedy
A teenager has been killed and two other men hospitalised after all three ran into difficulty in rough waters this Christmas.
Man, woman dead in remote NT plane crash
A pilot and passenger who were travelling in a light plane have been confirmed dead after the aircraft's wreckage was found in the Northern Territory.
Aussies seek bargains in post-Xmas sales
Shoppers are predicted to spend record amounts in the summer sales with clothing, hospitality and household goods expected to be the most popular categories.