Human rights advocate says voice ‘lets our mob speak’
The joint select committee on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice referendum has held a public hearing in Canberra as part of its inquiry.
national news
Cyclone Ilsa still destructive as inland on red alert
Remote communities on red alert have been urged to be vigilant as Cyclone Ilsa continues to track inland bearing destructive wind and rain.
Quilt show bursting at seams as crafty types converge
Quilting hobbyists and aficionados from Australia and beyond are gathering in Melbourne as the fabric art's annual convention returns.
‘Amazing strength’ in jobs market defies rate hikes
Analysts say the jobless rate holding at 50-year lows is a sign of "amazing strength", with faster population growth helping soak up strong demand for workers.
Don’t use Alice Springs as political football: senator
NT senator Malarndirri McCarthy has pleaded for opponents of the voice to not use issues in Alice Springs as a political football during the referendum debate.
Builders and energy groups clash over construction code
The Housing Industry Association is pushing for new energy efficiency requirements for builders to be deferred, triggering fierce backlash from some experts.
‘Inhumane’ debt collection of welfare overpayments ends
Welfare recipients owing debts will no longer be pursued by third-party debt collectors, with the process to be handled by the department in charge of payments.
MP waits nearly a year for trial on sex assault claims
Recently returned MP Gareth Ward will face one trial in Sydney over two alleged incidents after a judge prevented another trial being held in Nowra.
War of words erupts over Wesley aged care closures
Wesley Mission will close its three remaining residential aged care homes in Sydney, citing staffing difficulties and cost pressures caused by industry reforms.
Coroner investigates ‘bone room’ found at health office
Human remains belonging to multiple people have been found inside a disused room at a Melbourne health service's corporate building, a court has been told.
Court orders permanent injunction against ‘ASX Wolf’
The Federal Court has issued a permanent injunction against a social media influencer who posted stock tips to paid subscribers.
Public drunkenness decriminalised on Melbourne Cup day
Victoria will move to decriminalise public intoxication from November, with services to provide a health-based response instead of a criminal justice one.
MP to face one trial in Sydney on sex assault claims
Recently returned MP Gareth Ward will face one trial in Sydney over two alleged incidents after a judge prevented another trial being held in Nowra.
Australia risks being dumping ground for ‘gas-guzzlers’
New policies to boost electric vehicle adoption in the US mean Australian policymakers must introduce new laws quickly, lobby groups warn.
Refugees being squeezed out of soaring rental market
Affording a rental in Sydney or Melbourne is hard enough but for refugees it is doubly so in a competitive market, with 1.1 per cent vacancy rates.
Chemicals in ‘new car smell’ could pose health risk
That new car smell just lost some of its appeal, with scientists finding cabin materials can emit potentially harmful levels of chemicals linked to cancer.
Pilot in fatal chopper crash had ‘high-risk appetite’
The pilot of a helicopter involved in a fatal crash three years ago had a history of risk-taking and was not legally allowed to fly, a report has found.
Carnival defeats norovirus class action pleadings
Carnival has successfully scrapped the pleadings in a class action against the cruise operator over eight outbreaks of the highly contagious norovirus.
Peter Allen’s Tenterfield Saddler property for sale
The heritage-listed NSW building that was immortalised in Australian singer-songwriter Peter Allen's song Tenterfield Saddler is up for sale.
Women’s pain inevitable, say contraceptive case lawyers
Lawyers defending a permanent female contraceptive say pain and abnormal bleeding are inevitable for many women, and deny a causal link with the Essure device.
Qantas attacks SafeWork’s COVID stand-down lawsuits
Qantas has tried to halt two criminal cases over its stand-down of a worker who raised health concerns about cleaning planes from China early in the pandemic.
Duo who raped friend after 21st avoid more jail time
Shaun Bloomfield and Luke Merryfull, who had their convictions overturned before again being found guilty of rape, have avoided more time behind bars.
Hazara refugees shine in Easter sports competition
Hundreds of Hazara refugees who escaped the Taliban have held an annual sports tournament, which for many players has provided a sense of a home away from home.
Australian artist John Olsen painting till the end
John Olsen, the acclaimed Australian artist and Archibald winner whose career spanned 60 years, has died at age 95.
Gas tax changes, super breaks on budget repair agenda
The treasurer has ruled out tinkering with family tax benefits when he hands down his second budget in May, but he could have gas producers in his sights.
Dinosaur skull reveals journey via warmer Antarctica
Analysis of Australia's first near-complete sauropod dinosaur skull has revealed new details of the animal's anatomy, relationships and feeding habits.
Australia ‘not immune’ from global economic malaise
Despite a downbeat economic forecast, Australia should weather the worst of a weak international outlook due to low unemployment and high commodity prices.
Mayors and councillors call for electric car change
Local government figures are urging the federal government to change Australia's electric vehicle policies to improve access to zero-emission cars.
Smiling showman who works with both animals and kids
Organising the Royal Easter Show's 700-strong baby animal nursery takes a convoy of trucks and a team of people, as well as months' of procreation planning.
Australia should catch more electric buses, study finds
Less than one per cent of all buses on Australian roads are electric models, a new study has revealed, prompting experts to call for a faster adoption.
‘Alarmist’: Burney clobbers critics of Indigenous voice
Allowing the voice to advise the public service as well as parliament would help improve outcomes for communities, the Minister for Indigenous Australians says.