‘Strengthened’ bail laws a first call for police chief
The new head of one of Australia's largest police forces says changes to bail laws will be a priority as he steps into the top job.
national news
Man in cuffs for ‘savage’ murder a day after $500k lure
A reward of $500,000 for information about a year-old killing has triggered nearly immediate results, leading to new evidence and a murder charge.
‘Best prospect’ for caught Australian fighter revealed
Despite the good news that Russia is treating captured Australian fighter Oscar Jenkins as a prisoner of war, his release is unlikely to be immediate.
Injustice for priest’s victim-survivors despite death
The death of one of Australia's worst sexual predators will provide cold comfort for the dozens of victims and families he preyed upon, legal experts say.
Police close in on arsonists after innocent life lost
The death of an innocent beloved burlesque performer after a home she was in was set alight in a case of mistaken identity has been linked to tobacco gang wars.
More flights on horizon as airline deal set to take off
Passengers could benefit from more choice and improved convenience as the consumer watchdog provides a green light for a Virgin-Qatar Airways alliance.
Robodebt: corruption watchdog to investigate six people
Six public servants involved in the robodebt disaster will be investigated for possible corrupt conduct, offering hope to victims of the illegal welfare scheme.
Disgraced MP ‘never asked for a dollar’ from $48m deal
Former Liberal MP Daryl Maguire says he never expected payment for his part in a multimillion-dollar property deal he helped broker.
Risk truth-telling will be symbolic if no one listens
Truth-telling is important but Australians must be prepared to listen and act to ensure the process is more than symbolic, an inquiry has been told.
Calls for ‘deeper focus’ on Indigenous economic policy
The federal government must "rebalance and re-prioritise" social and economic policy to help close the gap, a First Nations group says.
Death toll rises from disease linked with heavy rain
More people have died and others are suffering from a disease associated with heavy rain in a region lashed by floods and tipped to cop even more downpours.
Wages slowdown boosts case for more rate cuts
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says ongoing growth in real wages is a good thing, but the RBA will be more encouraged that wage rises are showing signs of slowing.
Black Hawk helicopters to join Australian defence fleet
Twelve Black Hawk helicopters will be used for emergency and counter-terrorism operations in the ADF, after being fast-tracked from the United States.
Polluter pays: Greens’ enter fray on insurance costs
Forcing gas and coal firms to contribute to disaster resilience and the reinsurance pool is the latest suggestion from a political party to bring down premiums.
Brave neighbour tried to save residents in deadly blaze
Scenes of shock and panic have been recalled by neighbours near a fire that killed a mother and her young daughter as investigators work to determine its cause.
One rate dip won’t cut it with voters who want action
Most Australians blame big corporations and not government for the rising cost of living so a lone interest rate cut won't sway their vote, polling indicates.
Santos cuts dividend, says Barossa project nearly done
Santos says its $5.7 billion offshore gas project north of Darwin that was disrupted by a court challenge from three Tiwi Islanders, is nearing completion.
Grim end to ‘horrific’ stranding of false killer whales
Rescue efforts have failed for a pod of 157 false killer whales beached on a remote coastline, with authorities forced to begin euthanasia.
Steelworks forced into administration to ‘save’ future
South Australia has ended months of uncertainty over a critical steelworks by placing the plant into administration.
State at war with watchdog over $11.7b budget blowout
The Victorian government is questioning the integrity of the financial watchdog in a bid to dismiss billions of dollars in updated major project cost figures.
Islamophobia accused sobs in court, victim traumatised
A woman charged with attacking two Muslim women in separate assaults at a suburban shopping centre has appeared in court sobbing as she was remanded in custody.
‘Brave’ drug takers cop police presence at test trial
The first music festival to take part in a state's pill-testing trial has been named but doubts remain about how effective the scheme will be.
‘Awful human being’ jailed for Brittany Higgins threats
A man who made death threats towards Brittany Higgins, her husband and their dog was "more than just another idiot online", a judge has said.
Community, Country ‘ruptured’ over iron ore mine damage
Traditional Owners are seeking $1.8 billion from an iron ore miner over economic loss and cultural damage at a Pilbara mine site.
Espionage and terror threats grow in dangerous era
From hostile foreign nations targeting diaspora communities to youth radicalised online, the top spy agency's annual threat assessment warns risks have grown.
Twin cyclone threat looms off flood-hit regions
More rain may be dumped on a flood-hit region with two cyclones a chance of forming off northern Australia in coming days just as many had begun their clean-up.
Regional house prices rise as capital city values fall
Australia's historically affordable regional housing markets have continued to demonstrate resilience, compared to a price decline in capital cities.
Robust job data unlikely to spook Reserve Bank on rates
Ongoing tightness in the labour market won't overly concern the Reserve Bank in its fight against inflation, says one economist after surprising jobs figures.
‘More gaps, more drop-outs’: rise in complaints post-3G
Telcos have been urged to do better in rural Australia, with continued reports of poor mobile service and new black spots after the 3G mobile network closed.
Taxpayers to the rescue of Aussie steel
Safeguarding sovereign steel production is a key factor in a $2.4 billion government package to keep a major steelworks running while a new owner is found.
PNG talks embrace ties, keep China at arm’s length
Australia and Papua New Guinea have begun defence treaty talks with a warm embrace, ensuring they are "tied to the hip" in a rebuke to China's influence.