WA reveals ‘envy of the nation’ budget
Western Australia is forecasting a $5.7 billion budget surplus for 2021/22 with Premier Mark McGowan championing one of the world's strongest economies.
national news
SAS witness denies Afghan teen murdered
A retired SAS soldier denies Ben Roberts-Smith murdered a terrified adolescent Afghan prisoner in the Federal Court defamation trial the war veteran launched.
McLachlan accused of deliberate lies
Craig McLachlan has been accused of deliberately lying about air kissing actresses under the covers during a bed scene in The Rocky Horror Show.
CBA Q3 profit steady amid margin pressure
Australia's biggest lender says volume growth has been offset by margin pressure in a competitive market.
Mask rules ditched for flyers in Europe
Australians travelling in Europe this northern spring will not have to wear masks on planes or at airports inside the EU, as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
Sign of wage pick-up, but lags inflation
New figures suggest there has been a pick-up in wages growth since the start of the year, but it is still lagging well behind the rate of inflation.
Strictly Ballroom to screen at Cannes
The restored Australian hit movie Strictly Ballroom will screen at Cannes as part of a selection of classic films.
NSW premier commits to extra ICAC funding
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has pledged more funds to the states anti-corruption watchdog, hours after the prime minister launched new attacks on the agency.
Vote for NSW VAD law may not be this week
Advocates for legalised voluntary assisted dying say their long fight to allow the practice in NSW will probably not be realised until next week.
Consumers brace for sharp rise in rates
The Westpac-Melbourne Institute monthly consumer survey showed a sharp drop in confidence as Australians brace for more interest rate increases.
Party leaders battle over wage rises
Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese have traded barbs over wage growth and cost of living pressures in their third leaders' debate.
Manison poised to be new NT chief minister
Michael Gunner, the first territory-born Top End leader, has resigned as the NT chief minister, saying his head and heart are no longer in the job.
Ex-soldier denies bid to avoid murder rap
A former SAS soldier has denied concocting a story with friend Ben Roberts-Smith to hide an alleged murder of an Afghan prisoner they are both accused of.
McLachlan jury shown ‘bottom touch’ clip
Craig McLachlan has responded to a clip appearing to show him touching a fellow actress on the backside, saying it was just "gags for the crew".
Sugar levy a must for next govt: experts
With Australians drinking 2.4 billion litres of sugary drinks a year, health experts are calling for a 20 per cent levy to cut obesity.
Lost turtles cut laps in tricky migrations
An Australian professor has helped bust the myth that sea turtles are master navigators, demonstrating that their migrations can be hit and miss.
WA health system fears amid virus surge
COVID-19 cases in Western Australia have surged, prompting calls for the re-introduction of some restrictions, including masks.
Dead diver found near cocaine at NSW port
A diver, identified as a foreign national, has died after being found unconscious near cocaine worth $20 million at the Port of Newcastle.
Reef report diagnoses coral bleach cause
A "marine heatwave" on the Great Barrier Reef has been linked to summer's coral bleaching.
Australian spies helped Afghanistan exit
Australian Secret Intelligence Service director-general Paul Symon has delivered an address to mark the 70th anniversary of the agency.
Roberts-Smith witness backs cornfield shot
A former SAS soldier has supported Ben Roberts-Smith's testimony that an insurgent was lawfully shot in a cornfield and was not a prisoner who was murdered.
McLachlan trial played musical ‘bed scene’
Craig McLachlan has told a court there were physical displays of affection backstage on The Rocky Horror Show including "smacks on the bottom" and "wedgies".
Gunner steps down as NT chief minister
Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner has resigned, saying he knew it was time to go when he held his new baby son in his arms.
PM continues to back outspoken Deves
Prime Minister Scott Morrison continues to back his controversial pick for Warringah, Katherine Deves, saying more women are needed in parliament.
ASX down 2.5 per cent in early trade
Roundup of ASX and finance activity. There will be a noon update, another at the close of the ASX and then a final wrap by 1730 (AEST).
Stagnant wages are ‘untenable’: Albanese
The opposition leader has backed a rise in the minimum wage of 5.1 per cent, as the Fair Work Commission weighs up the evidence for a hike.
Parties joust over federal integrity body
Anthony Albanese says a federal integrity body would be one of his first priorities, while Scott Morrison defended his rejection of state models.
Aged care workers strike in Qld and WA
Aged care workers in Queensland and Western Australia have launched industrial action as part of a union push to improve pay and staffing in aged care homes.
New SA clinics to tackle long COVID
South Australia has established three special clinics to help people suffering from so-called long COVID as cases continue to rise.
Proposed grid reforms energise investors
Moves to redesign Australia's electricity grid to better support renewable energy projects have been welcomed by institutional investors in the sector.
Labor vows protection for LGBTQIA students
As debate returns on religious discrimination laws, Labor has promised to protect LGBTQIA school students if elected.