Federal parliament’s newbies are steppin’ out
A basketball player, a kidnapping consultant and a foster carer are just a few of the new faces set to fill the hallowed halls of parliament.
national news
Stories in the stars shared at science festival
Stories of the night sky, the enduring food practices of Aboriginal people and chats about death are all on the line-up of a science festival.
Aussie rock star living his teenage Meat Loaf dreams
Music has transformed one of the darkest times in the life of the flamboyant frontman of Australian band Chocolate Starfish into a triumphant dream come true.
Boats, aircraft helping in search for missing fisherman
Six boats and aircraft are scouring the ocean for a fisherman who failed to return several hours after a trip out to sea.
Peek into surprise RBA decision as rate cut on cards
Borrowers are hoping for clarity on the Reserve Bank's next moves as an unexpected jump in unemployment firms the case for an interest rate cut.
Post-poll kingmakers offer two leaders a path to power
Minority government talks could drag on for weeks in Tasmania after the island state's snap poll delivered another hung parliament.
‘Every day it’s pain’: chronic sufferers plead for help
Sufferers of chronic pain are calling for action on the crisis as a report reveals the huge toll the condition takes on Australia.
Buoyant Albanese plots next phase of Labor dynasty
Childcare reform, cutting HECS debt, enshrining penalty rates and initiating a new class of Labor MPs are the prime minister's priorities as parliament resumes.
Lack of AI playbook puts Australia down readiness ranks
Many Australian businesses are willing to spend on AI but lack a plan to implement the game-changing technology, pushing the nation down the readiness rankings.
Tobacco kingpin named after deadly, ‘gutless’ arson
Police have named an alleged illegal-tobacco kingpin they believe is behind a bungled arson attack that killed a beloved Melbourne burlesque performer.
‘Transparent’ Lehrmann inquiry head corrupt, court told
An ex-judge who leaked a report into Bruce Lehrmann's rape prosecution was corrupt despite claims he acted in the public interest, a judge has heard.
Father’s emotional appeal 20 years after son vanished
A father has choked back tears while recounting memories of his outgoing and talented son as he appeals for information over his disappearance two decades ago.
Political leaders come face to face on new battleground
Anthony Albanese and Sussan Ley have stood side by side as political leaders for the first time as they prepare for federal parliament to return.
Protests take over from pageantry as parliament returns
Protests in and around Parliament House threatened to disrupt proceedings as the nation's politicians went through the traditional ceremonies of being sworn in.
Libs make first pitch to kingmakers in race to govern
A Liberal leader has made his first play to form government with balance-of-power independents after a state election that delivered another hung parliament.
The ‘critical’ data that could greenlight next rate cut
Economists await key quarterly data that could put the odds firmly in favour of an August interest rate cut, as the Reserve Bank sheds light on its shock hold.
Four day week firms as win-win for workers and business
Cutting one day from the working week could reduce burnout and increase job satisfaction, a study has found, but it could also boost productivity.
Push to sanction Israel as ‘inhumane killing’ decried
Australia has been urged to sanction Israel after the government signed a statement condemning the denial of aid for starving Palestinian civilians.
Last-ditch bid in knife-edge seat might not change fate
One of the most closely fought battles of the federal election faces a legal challenge, but one expert does not expect the result to flip.
Aussie shares set new record on strong China growth
The ASX200 has climbed 0.7 per cent to finish above 8,600 for the first time, and was also within 10 points of its all-time intraday high.
Food bowl put ahead of coal with mine proposal rejected
A state government has been accused of sending "mixed signals" after rejecting a proposed coal mine in a major food bowl.
PM retraces predecessor’s steps on China’s Great Wall
Anthony Albanese has used a visit to the Great Wall of China to emphasise Australia's wish to engage on ways to build regional security and stability.
Parents’ nightmare as alleged abuser work links grow
The spotlight is on childcare centre record-keeping as parents have been left distressed to learn an accused abuser worked at more sites than first thought.
Killer claims ex-partner hit her head during argument
Hannah McGuire's alleged murderer claims she died after hitting her head during an argument which turned physical, his barrister has told a jury.
Heavy-hitter urges return of ‘world’s best’ carbon tax
One of the nation's most prominent economists says Australia should not have scrapped its carbon tax, but there are other ways to take action on climate.
Rising cost to build a wake-up call on housing dream
Australians looking to build their own homes are facing a reality check as construction costs rise, with the increase likely to also weigh on inflation.
Climate ruling exposes gap in government duty of care
Australian law needs to adapt, experts say after a court ruled the Commonwealth owes no duty of care to citizens on the front line of climate change.
Time to see a doctor? Watches to track sleep disorder
Smartwatches can detect signs of a common and potentially serious sleep disorder with the medical regulator approving software that analyses bedtime breathing.
Outback killer leaves victim’s family without answers
Notorious outback killer Bradley Murdoch has died, renewing fears his victim's body will never be found after crimes that shocked the world almost 25 years ago.
Surprise rate hold another blow for consumer confidence
Fewer rate cuts than expected will further weaken already fragile consumer confidence, as the Commonwealth Bank records a gradual household spending recovery.
Plan to rid anti-Jew ‘cancer’ targets uni, arts funding
Universities and cultural bodies that fail to act against anti-Semitism could have their funding terminated as part of a blueprint to combat discrimination.