WA past Omicron peak, national cases rise
COVID-19 restrictions are easing in Western Australia as other states and territories grapple with rising case numbers.
national news
Queensland leads nation in carbon farming
An industry scorecard finds Australia is leading the world on carbon farming, but uncertainty hangs over the sector with Labor pledging a review if elected.
Australian airports swamped over Easter
Airports around the country are dealing with their busiest day in two years as tens of thousands of travellers take to the skies for the Easter long weekend.
PM defends delay on integrity commission
Scott Morrison has denied he broke a campaign promise by not setting up a national integrity commission during the government's recent term in office.
PM announces Tas timber industry support
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a support package for the forest products industry including a national innovation institute based in Tasmania.
Low jobless rate not by luck: Frydenberg
The unemployment rate was unchanged at four per cent in March, as 17,900 joined the workforce, the Australian Bureau of Statistics says.
Tasmania in no rush to allow cruise ships
The Tasmanian government has indicated it is in no hurry to welcome back international cruise ships, despite the imminent end of a federal ban on the vessels.
Endangered native Gouldian Finches rebound
Birdwatchers have spotted rare Gouldian Finches in Darwin, prompting hopes the endangered species, which once numbered in the millions, may be recovering.
Cop chase that killed toddler ‘appalling’
A coroner has slammed police decisions during a pursuit that led to a toddler being crushed to death in her own Sydney backyard as appalling.
Jail term for violent, arrogant Tas rapist
A man jailed for 10 years after abducting and raping a woman in 2015 has been sentenced for an "arrogant and violent" rape he committed 22 years earlier.
Bleaching minor at Ningaloo reef
Scientists believe Ningaloo reef will escape a mass coral bleaching event like the one still unfolding on the Great Barrier Reef, a month after summer ended.
Federal minister positive for COVID-19
Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews is in isolation after contracting COVID-19, a day after her Labor counterpart Kristina Keneally also tested positive.
NSW keen to drop close contact isolations
NSW hopes other states and territories will get onboard with changes to close contact isolation rules, but convincing Victoria alone could be enough.
Airport travellers facing Easter chaos
The nation's airports are bracing for the busiest day in two years as people plan to get away for the Easter long weekend with travellers facing major delays.
Leifer wants jury to decide abuse charges
Former Melbourne school principal Malka Leifer has elected to have 90 charges of child sexual abuse heard by a jury in a trial now expected to begin in August.
‘No doubt’ of Russian war crimes: PM
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says claims of Russian war crimes in Ukraine are beyond doubt, as investigations continue into possible chemical weapon use.
Christensen joins One Nation Senate push
Former LNP MP George Christensen says Pauline Hanson's One Nation approached him last year about running for the party at the 2022 federal election.
Rate rise risk unnerves mortgage holders
Households with a mortgage have posted a steep drop in confidence due to concerns a cash rate rise by the RBA is just months away.
Star risk boss to continue casino evidence
A senior risk and legal manager at Star Entertainment will continue giving evidence at an inquiry into whether The Star Sydney should hold a casino licence.
Job losses ‘voluntary’ at factory site: PM
The prime minister has been forced to address reports a manufacturing facility he visited on Tuesday is reducing workers to outsource overseas.
Government under fire for refinery pledge
Scott Morrison has received criticism for inaction on climate change following the government's $250 million commitment for oil refineries.
Greens’ power balance to end coal and gas
Greens leader Adam Bandt says the minor party is on track to hold the balance of power after the election and will demand an end to gas and coal projects.
Airport passengers told to arrive earlier
Staff shortages are still causing delays at airports as travel spikes over the school holiday period with passengers being told to arrive much earlier.
Election not about popularity contest: PM
The prime minister has made an election campaign blitz through marginal seats in Sydney in an attempt to spruik the government's economic management.
Albanese mistake sparks state leader quiz
Two state Labor leaders have done what Anthony Albanese could not, correctly reciting their local unemployment numbers while going into bat for the PM hopeful.
New Darwin port to boost jobs, security
Nationals leader and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has unveiled details of a $1.5 billion port facility in Darwin on the campaign trail in the NT.
Consumers, business upbeat ahead of poll
Consumers and business have entered a long six-week federal election campaign in a relatively upbeat mood.
Next PM urged to prioritise climate action
It will be six weeks before we know the identity of Australia's next prime minister but they are already being lobbied hard to prioritise climate change.
Students claim moral win on climate harm
Eight students who failed in a bid to win legal protection from climate change harms won't take the case further but say they've had a moral win.
Qld flood victims lose High Court fight
Queensland's 2011 flood victims have lost a High Court bid to challenge for another $440 million in compensation from a state government dam operator.
Vic child mask mandate could be scrapped
Victorian children returning to school in term 2 may not have to wear masks, after the state government announced new COVID-19 travel measures.