Tasmania trashed as ‘Australia’s most secretive state’
Tasmania has the highest rate of freedom of information refusals in the nation and average review request wait times have tripled in five years, analysis shows.
national news
Struggle to understand woman’s murder of husband
Her daughter, her barrister, and the judge who will sentence her are all struggling to understand why Dale Vella shot her husband through the eye as he slept.
Bad bosses face jail if SA industrial death laws pass
The South Australian parliament will consider proposed laws to make industrial manslaughter a criminal offence with a maximum 20-year jail term.
Childcare fee hikes hitting low-income families hard
Out-of-pocket childcare expenses climbed during the past four years and low-income families are faring worse as fees rise.
Radical shift to ‘rigid’ Vic euthanasia laws ruled out
Barriers to accessing Victoria's voluntary assisted dying scheme have caused considerable distress for terminally-ill patients and their families, a study says.
China warns Australia to hand over activist ‘fugitives’
China has told countries harbouring Hong Kong activists to stop providing a safe haven after arrest warrants were issued for two Australian residents.
Top prosecutor extends leave ahead of Lehrmann report
As the ACT government awaits the Lehrmann trial inquiry report, the territory's chief prosecutor has extended his leave.
Mining company gets ‘slap on the wrist’ for water theft
The resources regulator has determined a mining giant unlawfully took water at a time of extreme drought in rural NSW but has declined to prosecute.
150,000 food delivery riders to get free safety gear
Thousands of Australian food delivery riders will be offered free high-visibility safety kits this month in a fresh bid to reduce injuries.
Magistrate blasts accused Taser cop not fronting court
A magistrate has blasted a decision for the police officer accused of tasering a 95-year-old grandmother not to appear in person before court over the incident.
Time ticking for submissions to Defence suicide inquiry
Veterans and their families have been urged not to miss the looming deadline for submissions to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Pause in interest rate hikes no salve for mortgage pain
More mortgage holders are likely to miss repayments despite the RBA pausing rates, yet analysts say robust lending rules should keep a lid on delinquencies.
‘Do not let them divide us’ – Burney’s impassioned plea
An emotional argument by the Minister for Indigenous Australians for people to back the voice included a withering attack on sections of the 'no' vote campaign.
Fuel standard could save drivers $10,000, study finds
Introducing an ambitious fuel-efficiency standard in Australia could cut pollution and save motorists money on fuel and car maintenance, according to research.
Health union rattles sabre in pay fight with government
NSW hospital workers are heading towards further industrial action unless the government changes its current across-the-board wage offer.
Relief as Reserve Bank hits pause on interest rates
Borrowers will welcome a break from interest rate hikes as Australia's central bank opts to keep the official cash rate steady at 4.1 per cent.
Insurance providers fined $13.5m for misrepresentations
Three insurers found to have misrepresented life, funeral and accidental injury coverage have been fined $13.5 million, with ex-boss Russell Howden also fined.
PwC sells government arm amid questions over conflict
PwC Australia and Allegro Funds have agreed on terms for the sale of the former's government consultancy business to the private equity firm for a nominal $1.
Relative charged with SA couple’s medication murders
South Australian police have charged a 62-year-old woman with the murders of an elderly Adelaide couple who were related to her.
Fruit and vegetable grower Costa confirms takeover bid
Shareholders of Costa Group could receive a healthy financial boost after the fruit and vegetable grower confirmed it received an unsolicited takeover offer.
Good outlook for farmers despite lower commodity prices
Trade conditions are expected to improve for Australian farmers, although dry weather could weigh on some producers, Rural Bank says.
Bodies found in two burnt-out cars prompt police probe
Police are investigating after the remains of two people were found inside two burning vehicles in Sydney's south and west, with gunshots heard at one site.
No-interest loans to give more drivers their own wheels
More Australians will be offered financial help to secure a car after a no-interest loan scheme received a $500,000 cash injection.
RBA opts for pause as hikes wash through economy
The Reserve Bank has kept interest rates steady with light appearing at the end of the tunnel for mortgage holders in the fight against inflation.
Research to hedge bets on coral climate survival
Scientists have developed an easier way to narrow the selection process for the best coral species to restore reefs as global warming threatens survival.
Push on to lure city dwellers to jobs, life in the bush
Industries desperate for workers in regional Australia are talking up the benefits of country life as a campaign promotes the switch.
Australia to ease visa rules to boost Indonesian ties
Visa rules have been loosened for Indonesian business travellers, following talks between Anthony Albanese and Joko Widodo in Sydney.
Dozens of families lose out in home-builder’s collapse
A liquidator has revealed dozens of families are in limbo and others have lost thousands after the collapse of Melbourne home-builder Bentley Homes.
Skydiver died ‘doing what she loved’ in Texas tragedy
A Perth skydiving champion attempting a new diving method has died in the US where she worked as an instructor.
Flames coach’s harsh words for ‘selfish’ players
Former Sydney Flames head coach Shane Heal is suing the club for unfair dismissal after a slew of bullying claims led to his suspension.
Job applicants with English names get more calls back
Ethnic minorities receive half as many calls back when applying for jobs than those with English-sounding names, according to the results of a two-year study.