Extreme risks for ‘broken’ election system
An inquiry looking at the 2022 federal election has been told Australia must tighten campaign finance laws to stop big money distorting the political system.
national news
Relief on offer for flood-ravaged Victoria
Victoria is set to be pummelled with more rain this week after thousands of residents were already forced to flee their homes due to unprecedented floods.
Reserve Bank nervous about rate hike lag
The Reserve Bank wants to give its earlier aggressive rate hikes a chance to flow through and is worried consumers could slam the brakes on spending.
Higgins’ credibility put at trial’s centre
The trial of the man accused of raping Brittany Higgins inside Parliament House could soon be completed as a jury is urged to consider her credibility.
Toyota sued over popular diesel vehicles
Toyota is facing a class-action lawsuit in Australia over emissions from some of its most popular diesel vehicles including Hi-Lux, LandCruiser and RAV4.
Veterans commission shifts focus to Darwin
Life at the Northern Territory's strategically significant military bases will be a new focus of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Cost of living relief could spur inflation
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says any cost of living relief will need to be targeted in the federal budget to avoid further financial pressures on Australians.
PM rejects claims regions left behind
Anthony Albanese has hit back at opposition claims regional areas are being forgotten for infrastructure funding in the upcoming budget.
Floods to push up price of fruit and veg
Consumers are being warned they're likely to pay more for fruit and vegetables in the wake of flooding across eastern parts of Australia.
Star Sydney licence suspended, $100m fine
The NSW Independent Casino Commission has fined Star Entertainment a record $100 million and suspended the gaming licence for its Sydney casino.
Too late to leave for those in Vic’s north
Residents in Shepparton, Orrvale, Kialla West, and Mooroopna in Victoria's north have been warned it is too late to leave their homes.
Higgins’ cross-examination ends in emotion
The second week of the trial for the man accused of raping Brittany Higgins ended with her final cross-examination following evidence from other witnesses.
‘It’s time’: NSW Labor prepares for 2023
NSW Labor leader Chris Minns has promised a fresh start for the state if his party wins in March after nearly 12 years in opposition.
Australia’s 1000 dark days of COVID-19
Australia will soon mark 1000 days since it recorded its first COVID-19 case - and experts reflect on the life-altering crisis of the pandemic era.
Wasabi crop spicing up traditional farming
Angus Lam's vertical farm is inspired by the skyscrapers of his city birthplace. And wasabi, one of the hardest plants to grow, is thriving in his system.
NSW ‘short-changed’ in federal cash splash
The federal government is pledging $9.6 billion to boost road and rail infrastructure across Australia, but NSW says it has been short-changed.
Flood crisis worsens in Victoria’s north
Victoria has been hit for widespread flooding, with more than 600 homes and businesses inundated and dozens of people rescued fro the rising water.
Govt defends big road and rail spending
The federal government hopes a near-$10 billion infrastructure investment won't do more to drive inflation as it prepares for October 25's budget.
Weeknight visits driving city revivals
Visits at night during weekday peaks are up on pre-COVID levels in all of Australia's major cities but workers are still staying away from the office.
ADF called in to help flood-hit Victoria
The ADF has been called in to help flood victims in Victoria, with authorities predicting more than 7500 proprieties could be affected.
Floodwaters to cut off Vic town for a week
A Victorian town is preparing to be isolated by floodwaters, as the flooding disaster unfolds and the state announces a $351 million recovery package.
Floods to hit federal, household budgets
The devastating floods hitting large swathes of the country will put more pressure on the already-pressured federal budget and the cost of some essential items.
New national plan targets family violence
A new government plan has been unveiled to try to end violence against women and children within a decade.
Reynolds quizzed on Higgins’ alleged rape
Senator Linda Reynolds has denied accusations she tried to coach the cross-examination of Brittany Higgins or otherwise interfere at her rape accused's trial.
Finch ‘disgusted’ by his abuse messages
Former NSW state of origin star Brett Finch says he's ashamed at sending child abuse messages in a desperate bid to obtain cocaine, a court has heard.
NT cop incorrectly briefed team on teen
An inquest into an Indigenous teen's shooting death has heard the policeman who pulled the trigger incorrectly briefed his team before the bungled arrest.
Surprise petrol price dip amid global fear
Motorists are seeing a mixed bag of petrol prices, with some retailers even charging less than the wholesale price, as global economic warnings abound.
Medicare rorts claims to be investigated
Health Minister Mark Butler has ordered his department to examine claims the Medicare system was being rorted by billions of dollars each year.
Victoria floods ravage city and regions
Floods have left hundreds isolated and homes inundated in Victoria as officials green-light using a retired quarantine facility as emergency accommodation.
Driver jailed for deaths of two young boys
A driver who caused the deaths of two young brothers returning home from the pool has been jailed by a judge who said cars are not playthings.
Online victims still shoulder abuse burden
A disability activist and writer has called for the eSafety commissioner to do more to stop online abuse towards Australians with disabilities.