Research grants review urges reduced ministerial input
Research grant funding allocations will need fewer ministerial interventions to restore trust in the process, an independent review has found.
national news
New electric vehicle discount to cut $2500 off loans
A $40 million program will cut the price of electric vehicle loans for some buyers in a new national scheme.
Sky-high emotions as total solar eclipse wows world
Thousands of people travelled from around the globe to witness a rare total solar eclipse as the moon cast a 40km-wide shadow over the sun for 60 seconds.
ACCC to oppose Qantas’ $614m acquisition of Alliance
After a nearly one-year review the competition watchdog says it has concluded that Qantas acquiring Alliance Aviation would reduce competition.
Countdown on as thousands gather for rare solar eclipse
Thousands of eclipse chasers from across the globe are set to witness a rare total solar eclipse as the sun vanishes from the sky in the remote Ningaloo region.
Treasurer appoints two new Reserve Bank board members
Former workplace umpire Iain Ross and corporate director Elana Rubin have been appointed to the board of the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Coal cap, record solar stabilise wholesale power prices
Consumers can expect some respite on energy bills next year as wholesale prices stabilise, but the Liddell coal plant closure will tighten the balance.
environmental cleanup
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
hazardous materials
Packaging industry won’t meet its own targets on waste
None of the waste-busting targets the packaging industry set for itself five years ago will be met, a long-awaited review has confirmed.
breaking_news
economy, business and finance
finance (general)
house building
housing and urban planning
politics
Government bails out Porter Davis clients left in limbo
The Victorian government will stump up $15 million to pay back 560 Porter Davis customers who put down a deposit but never had insurance filed by the company.
‘This is our lives’: Voice inquiry hears northern views
Torres Strait Islanders and far north Queenslanders view the voice to parliament as unfinished business, Indigenous leaders have told a parliamentary inquiry.
Govt to spend $150 million on reef water quality woes
The environment minister has announced a $150 million program to address poor water quality on the reef, one of the key threats identified by UN inspectors.
Thousands to witness rare solar eclipse in remote WA
The countdown is on to a total solar eclipse that will turn day into night as the sun vanishes from the sky in WA's remote Ningaloo region.
Total TikTok ban should be next step: US commissioner
A US commissioner has told a federal inquiry a total ban on the social media app TikTok should be considered to deal with possible security concerns.
Land council slams Senator Price’s ‘divisive’ approach
The new coalition spokeswoman for Indigenous Australians has appeared in a 'no' campaign ad against the voice, sparking criticism from the Central Land Council.
Treasurer steps in for casino talks as Star loses shine
The NSW treasurer hasn't taken a proposed casino tax hike off the table amid job losses at Star but will soon meet with workers and management.
RBA rejig promises better decisions and fewer mistakes
A major overhaul of the Reserve Bank of Australia will allow the creation of a new monetary policy board that will be more accountable and hold fewer meetings.
New flesh-eating bacteria ‘weapon’ could save lives
Researchers have found a new way to target a flesh-eating disease originating from a common bacteria for which treatments are limited and ineffective.
Battery to bulk up Queensland clean energy capacity
A high-capacity battery capable of supplying 30,000 Queensland homes with electricity for two hours during the evening peak should be running later this year.
They breed ’em tough at Ningaloo as coral warms to task
Scientists at WA's World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef are breeding extra-tough coral capable of surviving climate change-induced mass bleaching events.
Electric car innovations win $70 million charging boost
Innovative ways to charge electric cars at home, work and in public areas are the focus of a new $70 million fund designed to fuel the transport transition.
business (general)
construction and property
consumer confidence
economy, business and finance
house building
Porter Davis owes Commonwealth Bank $33m: documents
Documents filed with the corporate watchdog show the Commonwealth Bank of Australia is owed millions by home builder Porter Davis, which collapsed last month.
Digging deep in Northern Australia for voice, climate
Federal minister Madeleine King says support by the resources industry for the voice to parliament is "one small way" to help heal past injustices.
Maverick priest Father Bob Maguire dies aged 88
Self-described larrikin priest Father Bob Maguire, best known for his charity work and as an outspoken media commentator, has died at the age of 88.
Women shine in Aussie agriculture as results tallied
With the gates closed on Sydney's Royal Easter Show, the numbers have been tallied, with 880,000 attending the 12-day event and female competitors a standout.
Reasons for secret jailing of former spy revealed
The reasons why former spy Witness J was jailed have been made public after the unprecedented secrecy of his case sparked a review of national security laws.
Embattled casino group Star to sack 500 staff
Star Entertainment Group is eliminating the equivalent of 500 full-time staff and considering its options regarding The Star Sydney
Dutton plummets to new low, PM lift in latest polling
Support for Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has fallen to new depths in a recent opinion poll, as electoral officials finalise the Aston by-election result.
Probe finds misconduct but no government heads to roll
The Victorian premier's staff exerted pressure on health bureaucrats to award a lucrative contract to a union but the conduct fell short of corruption.
coal
economy, business and finance
energy and resource
environmental issue
mining
politics (general)
Glencore coal investors fire up ahead of annual meeting
Big investors are queuing up to quiz mining giant Glencore on how thermal coal fits with growing international ambitions to decarbonise electricity supply.
New policy hits accelerator on electric car sales
Automakers will be encouraged to bring more electric and low-emission vehicles to Australia after the government committed to placing a limit on car pollution.
Australian youth justice system broken, report finds
Australia's current approach to youth justice isn't working and a new report calls for children's rights to be placed at the centre to improve outcomes.