Northern NSW dodges more heavy rains: BoM
Lismore is breathing a sigh of relief with river levels receding and forecast heavy rain avoided, as Byron Bay starts its clean-up.
national news
Ukraine president issues plea to Australia
Australia has announced further military aid for Ukraine and economic measures targeting Russia as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addresses parliament.
Rowan Baxter a ‘monster’: Clarke’s parents
Hannah Clarke's parents have described Rowan Baxter as a "true monster", saying nothing could have stopped him from killing their daughter.
COVID-19 cases high as restrictions ease
COVID-19 restrictions have been eased across three states, despite the recent rise in national cases.
Albanese outlines aged care sector reform
Anthony Albanese used his budget reply speech to outline changes to aged care should Labor win the next election.
Jobless rate could fall below 4pct soon
The unemployment rate could fall below 4 per cent sooner than forecast in this week's federal budget with the number of job vacancies growing in recent months.
Star junket ceased only after CEO arrest
A junket operator was allowed to stay at Sydney's Star casino for years despite money laundering risks, the arrangement only ending when its CEO was arrested.
Roberts-Smith punched junior SAS soldier
Ben Roberts-Smith punched a soldier in the face after a mission in Afghanistan, the trooper has told a defamation trial brought on by the decorated war hero.
Rockstar farewell for Warnie at the MCG
Shane Warne has been farewelled by family, famous friends and fans at a memorial service at the MCG, the site of some of his greatest cricket moments.
Further Australian aid for Ukraine flagged
Ahead of the Ukrainian president addressing the Australian parliament on Thursday, the prime minister has spoken of further support for the invaded nation.
Star ‘straight out’ laundered Macau cash
A senior casino manager who worked to get large amounts of Macau cash into The Star Sydney has been quizzed over claims of money laundering.
Paine could give evidence in sexting case
Former Australian cricket captain Tim Paine could be called to give evidence over allegations he sent lewd messages to a woman if the matter goes to trial.
Carbon price will return under Greens
The Greens say they will bring back a price on carbon if they are placed in the balance of power after the federal election expected in May.
Devastated city’s river to peak at 12m
Wilsons River will peak at 12 metres at Lismore, the devastated epicentre of the relentless NSW floods, after its levees were breached.
Industry sectors fear waning COVID support
The federal budget provided funding to prepare the health system for an expected COVID surge in winter but industries are concerned the ball could be dropped.
Government prepares for winter COVID spike
The federal budget, released on Tuesday night, provides funding to prepare the health system for an expected COVID-19 and flu spike in winter.
Concerns budget spend will fuel inflation
Global credit rating agencies have given a nod of approval to the federal budget, but economists see pre-election handouts further fuelling inflation.
Budget a measure for tough times: Morrison
The prime minister says the budget is about more than getting re-elected after Treasurer Josh Frydenberg unveiled a number of short-term sweeteners.
Morrison brushes off Lib senator’s swipe
Scott Morrison has dismissed an attack by NSW senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells labelling him unfit to be leader, saying being criticised is part of the job.
SAS witness excused from ‘murder’ evidence
An SAS witness has not been compelled to confess to an alleged murder Ben Roberts-Smith is accused of ordering in the defamation trial launched by the war hero.
Consent disputed at Sailor’s rape trial
A woman who alleges she was raped by ex-NRL player Tristan Sailor was not substantially intoxicated and just forgot she consented to sex, his lawyer has argued.
Record spend to ‘turbocharge’ regions
The federal government says its budget spending on regional Australia sets a new record, with funding for roads, rail, energy, health and connectivity.
Exports and innovation in $600m ag spend
The government's agriculture budget aims to make it easier for farmers to export their products, with hopes the sector will be worth $100 billion by 2030.
Billions set aside for COVID winter fight
Out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions will be reduced for millions of people, while Medicare funding will increase over the next five years.
breaking_news
conservation
environmental politics
oceans
waste
waste management and pollution control
Budget blasted for ‘ignoring’ climate
The 2022/23 federal budget has confirmed $1 billion for the Great Barrier Reef over the next decade, but the environmental spend has also attracted criticism.
Regulator to review carbon credit claims
The Clean Energy Regulator will review claims made by an academic that the carbon credit system it runs is a sham, but assures that the scheme can be trusted.
Dutton’s Qld flood appeal raises questions
Questions have been raised about a group chosen by Defence Minister Peter Dutton as the beneficiary of almost $28,000 he raised for flood victims.
PM defends government response to floods
The prime minister says the federal government is continuing to respond to the ongoing flood crisis in Queensland and NSW with relevant support measures.
More tickets for Warne memorial available
More tickets are now available for Shane Warne's state memorial service with Eddie McGuire saying it will be a fitting tribute to the late cricketing great.
Ukrainian president to address parliament
Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskiy will address federal parliament on Thursday, just hours before the opposition leader will deliver his budget reply.
Bennett, ex-girlfriend vouch for Sailor
NRL coach Wayne Bennett has vouched for the character of Tristan Sailor, who is accused of raping a woman while she was unconscious or too drunk to consent.