Qld to dump most virus vaccine mandates
Queensland will scrap COVID-19 vaccine mandates for workers in schools, prisons and airports and for visitors to aged and disability care facilities.
national news
NSW Labor’s plans for election success
Opposition Leader Chris Minns has responded to the NSW budget, with education, toll relief and ending privatisation set to become themes for the March election.
NT watchdog processes failed, court finds
The Northern Territory's corruption watchdog's processes failed during an investigation into a multi-million government grant, a Supreme Court review has found.
Fruit and veg shortages ‘over by Sept’
Farmers say consumers should see an end to the fruit and vegetable shortage by early September.
WA mining sector ‘failed to protect women’
Western Australia's mining sector should look to establish a register of sexual offenders to force perpetrators out of the industry, an inquiry has recommended.
New trial date for alleged Higgins rapist
The trial for the man accused of raping Brittany Higgins in a minister's office at Parliament House has been delayed due to intense publicity of the case.
Melbourne Australia’s top ‘liveable’ city
The Victorian capital once again features in the top 10 list for the world's most liveable cities, while other Australian capitals have lost ground.
Queensland Government picks fossil fuel subsidies over energy storage
The Queensland government has prioritised coal and gas-fired generation over energy storage as it eyes dividends from the surging wholesale electricity market.
Power price pain to stay over short term
It will take time to implement the government's plan to transition to renewables and shore up the energy grid, Energy Minister Chris Bowen says.
Have COVID plan before positive test: CMO
Australia's chief medical officer has urged Australians at risk of severe disease from COVID-19 to have a treatment plan in case they test positive.
Apology and pardons in WA baby death case
The West Australian government has apologised to a woman who was arrested by police after being attacked by her former partner who later killed her baby boy.
Push for Aust-Pacific ‘web of friendship’
The head of the Lowy Institute has called for Australia to meaningfully re-engage with the Pacific, saying the country's focus on the region has dropped.
Albanese visit would ‘delight’ Ukraine
Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko says a visit from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to his country would send a strong message of solidarity.
Barilaro temporarily blocked from NYC job
NSW parliament has blocked former deputy premier John Barilaro from taking up a $500,000 a year taxpayer-funded job in New York City until an inquiry is held.
Plastics purge tops shoppers’ wishlist
Shoppers rate reducing the use of plastics as the top action businesses can take on sustainability and climate change to win trust, loyalty and dollars.
New campaign to target booster uptake
The federal government will roll out a fresh $11 million advertising blitz in an effort to increase Australia's COVID-19 booster rate.
Hobart solstice swimmers take nippy dip
More than 2000 people have stripped naked for a sunrise dip in Hobart, marking the winter solstice and end of the Dark Mofo festival.
Scientists call for end to dam projects
Scientists warn expanding Wyangala Dam in central western NSW will have detrimental impacts on farmers and the environment, and want dam projects abandoned.
Energy market suspension to be lifted
The Australian Energy Market Operator has outlined a staged approach to restoring the national energy market following its intervention last week.
Australia joins pandemic preparedness fund
The Albanese government will provide money for a new global fund designed to help prevent future pandemics.
Veterans ‘failed’ by govt, commission told
Ex-veteran affairs minister Darren Chester has faced a royal commission and been questioned about outstanding reforms during his tenure.
Trial for alleged Higgins rapist delayed
Lawyers for Bruce Lehrmann, accused of raping former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins, have succeeded in a second bid to temporarily delay his trial.
Severe weather fears on the rise: NRMA
Australians are more concerned about the severity and frequency of disasters, and a majority want greater investment in disaster mitigation, the NRMA says.
Murder probe halted by Lyn Dawson sighting
A possible sighting of Lynette Dawson after her 1982 disappearance led to police suspending their homicide investigation over a decade later.
Opposition calls for flight mask scrapping
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says Australia should end the requirement for all passengers on inbound international flights to wear a mask.
NSW pours $2.8 billion into housing boost
The housing package in the NSW budget is the biggest investment made in decades to help more people buy their first home sooner, the premier says.
‘Diabolical’ energy situation closes Enova
Enova Community Energy and its retail energy arm Enova Energy have been placed into voluntary administration, a victim of what they say is a "broken market".
Australia role in Sri Lankan aid ‘crucial’
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says Australia has an important role to play in assisting Sri Lanka during the country's worst economic crisis in 70 years.
‘R-word’ not on RBA governor’s horizon
Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe says a recession in Australia is not on his horizon, but after the past two years nothing can ever be ruled out.
AEMO looks to end energy market suspension
The suspension of the national electricity market could end as soon as this week, under a path forward by the market operator.
‘Zero’ budget funds to fix compo delays
Former minister Andrew Gee says he was disappointed the Morrison government had failed to recognise veterans' welfare as a national priority.