Flood disaster damage to top $1.5 billion
The Insurance Council of Australia has estimated there to be $1.45 billion in damage from recent floods, as the federal government considers further support.
national news
Consumers unsettled by floods, price rises
Consumer confidence managed only a small rise in the past week faced with rising petrol prices, but businesses appear to be back on track after Omicron.
Roberts-Smith ‘undeserving’ of VC medal
A former squadmate of Ben Roberts-Smith says does not believe the war veteran deserved the prestigious Victoria Cross medal due to rumours of discrepancies.
Dugongs, turtles will starve after floods
A top Queensland scientist has warned of mass dugong and turtle deaths in coming months as smothered food sources vanish.
NSW floods expected to be worse than 2021
Flooding in parts of Sydney is expected to reach levels greater than those of the 2021 disaster, before rains finally ease later this week.
Nuclear subs make Port Kembla a ‘target’
Locals fear Port Kembla could become a target if a nuclear submarine base is built on its waters, while business in Newcastle back the idea.
Transport workers need voices heard: union
Transport workers want to be included in talks to improve conditions in light of supply chain impacts from natural disasters, war in Ukraine and the pandemic.
Russia attack no portent for Taiwan: PM
Prime Minister Scott Morrison doesn't believe Russia's aggression and invasion of Ukraine draws parallels with China's intent to assert control over Taiwan.
Family escapes Kyiv bombs, lands in Sydney
Ukrainians fleeing the war have begun to arrive in Australia, with one family landing in Sydney after a five-day journey from the Kyiv region.
Truce shouldn’t end Russia sanctions: PM
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Russia needs to suffer economic and diplomatic consequences with sanctions remaining in place for the long term.
Vital habitat logged after Vic bushfires
VicForests harvested forests that were known or likely to contain threatened species or their habitat after the Black Summer bushfires, a court has heard.
Poll watchdog sheds light on false claims
The electoral commission has launched a register of false claims ahead of the federal poll to combat disinformation.
WA premier tells court of death threats
WA Premier Mark McGowan has told a defamation trial that Clive Palmer made statements that led to deaths threats against him and his family.
Climbing petrol costs fuel inflation fears
Petrol prices struck new highs in the past week, and look set to go even higher as global oil prices ramp up due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Stolen car in Sydney Harbour Bridge crash
A stolen SUV is believed to have been involved in a fiery, multi-vehicle accident on Sydney Harbour Bridge that shutdown peak hour traffic, causing chaos.
Severe weather to hit stretch of NSW coast
A severe weather alert has been issued for almost 1000km of the NSW coast, as the army defends its performance in rescuing stranded flood victims.
Further federal flood assistance planned
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said another round of financial assistance would be provided to flood-affected communities in NSW and Queensland.
COVID booster push for older Australians
An infectious diseases expert has urged the government to refocus efforts on getting COVID-19 booster shots into more older Australians.
No foul play in Warne’s death: Thai police
Autopsy results show Shane Warne's death in a Thai resort island hotel was due to a suspected heart attack, with no suspicious circumstances, Thai police say.
McGowan to address Palmer defamation trial
Western Australia's premier will appear in person in the Federal Court in Sydney to give evidence in a defamation trial involving billionaire Clive Palmer.
Soldier calls SAS a toxic environment
A serving special forces soldier has told the Federal Court that the SAS is a "toxic environment" where rumours easily spread.
No submarine decision before election: PM
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says there will be no decision on nuclear propelled submarines ahead of the federal election due in May.
Prominent Aust women demand real action
A group of prominent Australian woman are urging leaders to back up talks and promises with real action to end violence, harassment and discrimination.
Nearly one in five virus cases in WA, SA
More than 22,000 new COVID-19 cases have been reported across Australia along with a further 13 virus-related deaths.
Rain brings more flooding as NSW cleans up
Heavy rain in NSW is causing renewed flooding in regions where waters had begun receding as the mammoth clean-up task continues.
Climate change demands tougher land laws
As climate change makes natural disasters a fact of life for more Australians, a national approach to land development could limit the scale of destruction.
Ant poison found to mimic echidna hormone
Researchers are convinced bull ant venom contains molecules which trigger long-lasting hypersensitivity for nosy echidnas.
Vics take lead on virus variant research
A new research project which will be undertaken at Victoria's Vaccines Collection biobank will hopefully help experts prepare for new COVID-19 strains.
More like a cyclone, Dutton says of floods
Defence Minister Peter Dutton says the damage from floods that have devastated the east coast of Australia is more akin to a cyclone.
Hearts break, beers flow for Shane Warne
Australian cricketing legend Shane Warne is being mourned by fans and friends at home and around the world following his sudden death in Thailand.
Qld violent offender rules under review
The Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council is reviewing a scheme that makes it mandatory for serious criminals to serve 80 per cent of their jail sentence.