Cops tout arrests during state-first pill-testing trial
Police charged a number of people with drug offences at a music festival participating in a controversial state government pill-testing trial.
national news
Housing, health and complexity hold back early learning
Early learning advocates, service providers and children advocate peak bodies say housing, health and system complexity is holding back kids from early learning
Revelations in minutes of interest rate drought breaker
Minutes from the Reserve Bank meeting that finally lower interest rates shows board members responding to signals from recent trends in two key areas.
Indigenous-led centre launched, continuing Mabo legacy
Helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities leverage their native title rights for economic growth will be the focus of a new centre.
‘No child left behind’: billions for state schools
Billions of dollars will go towards Australia's biggest public school system after a new funding deal was reached, but one state is still holding out for more.
Butchers, bakers and makers better off in the bush
Nearly 100 jobs pay better in country Australia, with 67,000 roles available outside the cities, according to new research encouraging workers to make the move.
Bosses urged to stay flexible as gender pay gap narrows
The gender pay gap is steadily closing amid warnings revoking work from home flexibility will impact women's ability to earn more.
Australia open to Ukraine peacekeeping operations: PM
Requests for peacekeeping operations to ensure security for Ukraine will be considered by Australia as the US announces a suspension of aid for the nation.
Tired dancing feet, high spirits after Mardi Gras
The task of cleaning up Sydney's streets from glitter and feathers is under way after Mardi Gras revellers celebrated the world's biggest evening LGBTQI parade.
Election fever: PM off to Canberra but only for a party
Labor has ramped up its messaging on health as the prime minister teased reporters about rising expectations an election could be called within days.
Australian economy to get pulse check, RBA minutes drop
National accounts figures headline a bumper week on the economic front, with RBA minutes, retail trade, housing data and government finances also on show.
Magnitude 4.4 quake rattles Queensland coast
Seismologists say a magnitude 4.4 earthquake near Townsville has been felt by residents along the coast of Queensland.
Appeal looms for ‘vulnerable’ war crimes whistleblower
A man who leaked classified defence documents supporting allegations that war crimes were committed by Australian special forces is appealing his conviction.
Australian support for Ukraine strong despite US fiasco
Australia is standing with Ukraine in its war against Russia, despite concerns the US could deny vital support in the wake of a White House blow-up.
‘Ferry fiasco’: Spirit of Tasmania lease move abandoned
A new Spirit of Tasmania ferry is set to leave Scotland bound for the Apple Isle after the state government pulled the plug on lease negotiations.
More jets would show Australia is no US free rider: MP
A coalition's pre-poll vow to acquire 28 more F-35A fighter jets for Australia, if it wins the next election, would show it's not a US "free rider", an MP says.
Anore, The Brutalist and Conclave vie for Oscars glory
While many critics have tapped Anora to win the Oscar for best picture, The Brutalist and Conclave are also considered contenders.
Nearing collapse, Star hopes for last-minute bailout
Star Entertainment Group shares have fallen to a three-week low as the casino company said it anticipates receiving a last-minute bailout offer.
Mardi Gras parade freedom cry against threats to rights
Dressed in their finest feathers and leathers, Mardi Gras participants will bring a serious and global message to the 2025 parade.
Changing mail habits stamp out daily letter deliveries
Australia Post is enjoying kudos after an improved financial result but faces a reform marathon focused on letter deliveries en route to long-term viability.
Australian shares hit eight-week low as slide continues
The ASX200 has finished 1.2 per cent lower to make February its worst month in more than two years after US President Donald Trump's call on tariffs.
Sniffer dogs deployed as pill testing trial begins
One state's long-awaited pill testing trial has kicked off with a warning illicit drug use remains banned, as sniffer dogs are used elsewhere at the festival.
The legends making a ‘loud and proud’ Mardi Gras debut
Representing the La Perouse LGBTQI community, their allies and Elders, the LaPa Legends will make their debut at Mardi Gras 2025.
Queer warriors bare all on LGBTQI night of nights
Thousands of rainbow-clad paraders have tapped to choreographed numbers or moved in euphoric bliss in the 47th annual Sydney Mardi Gras.
Coalition matches Labor pledge to keep beer tax on ice
A promise to pause the draught beer excise for two years under a re-elected Labor government has been followed by a matching pledge from the opposition.
Record high house prices as rate cut buoys sentiment
House prices have rebounded to record highs after the Reserve Bank's rate cut boosted sentiment and improved Australians' borrowing power.
Plug-in hybrid car tax breaks about to hit the skids
Drivers have one month left to claim a tax break on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, amid calls for Labor to give the fuel-saving cars more support.
Australians charged in AI-made child abuse image probe
Dozens of people, including two Australians, have been arrested as part of an international operation into artificial intelligence-generated child abuse images.
PM backs Ukraine following Trump Oval Office clash
Australia's prime minister has joined other world leaders in reaffirming support for Ukraine following a showdown between its leader and the US president.
AUKUS deal safe despite Trump’s acronym stumble: PM
Anthony Albanese has downplayed suggestions the AUKUS alliance was under threat after Donald Trump appeared to not know what it was.
Disability provider charged over fatal bathtub burns
Disability support provider LiveBetter is facing health and safety charges over the bathtub burns death of a client, almost a year after it copped a $1.8m fine.