Calls to ease COVID-19 isolation rules
Business groups say it's time to scrap the seven-day isolation period for household contacts of people with COVID-19, which they blame for staff shortages.
national news
Coalition pledges loan scheme for farmers
Budding farmers will be helped to buy their first property under a federal coalition promise to guarantee up to 40 per cent of their commercial loan.
Pilot dies in NSW light plane crash
A 57-year-old pilot has died in a light plane crash at Coonabarabran in central western NSW.
Morrison makes pitch to WA mining industry
Scott Morrison has used a trip to Western Australia to announce the location of two new hydrogen hubs and more funding for critical mineral supply chains.
Labor, Liberals rule out independents deal
As polls point to a surge of support for independents and minor parties, Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese have ruled out crossbench deals to form government.
More signs of rate rise sooner than later
The Reserve Bank of Australia warns in the minutes of its April board meeting that rising inflation has brought forward the timing of a cash rate rise.
Albanese ‘keeps it real’ on campaign trail
Anthony Albanese is determined to have "real interaction" while the coalition sticks with stage-managed events, Labor campaign spokeswoman Katy Gallagher says.
New mines key to health, welfare: Joyce
As the coalition seeks to turn the election debate to economic issues, Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce says sources must be found to fund spending promises.
First cruise ship docks in Aust since 2020
P&O Australia's Pacific Explorer has become the first cruise liner to dock in Australia since a ban triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
Labor switches to attack as stocks dive
Anthony Albanese has visited Brisbane to take aim at the prime minister's record, as Scott Morrison talks up defence jobs in Western Australia.
Call for action on plastics in waterways
Volunteers collected more than 250,000 pieces of rubbish from Australia's waterways, with polystyrene and cigarette butts among the most common items found.
Cruise ships return after two-year ban
Cruise liners are making a return to Australia's ports after a two-year absence triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
PM promotes Ruston to health portfolio
Labor leader Anthony Albanese said the appointment of Social Services Minister Anne Ruston as health minister is a sign of Medicare cuts to come..
Exoskeleton find leads to super cement
A new Australian discovery in relation to invertebrate exoskeletons may lead to advances in the design of more damage-resistant construction materials.
Playlist guides young drivers to rest stop
A new playlist
PM picks new minister, Albanese annoyed
Scott Morrison has announced his new health minister, but Anthony Albanese largely kept a low profile in respect of Easter Sunday.
Backyard stargazers win top prize
Two groups of backyard astronomers have won top honours in the National Australian Convention of Amateur Astronomers.
Judge heads gay, trans hate crime inquiry
NSW has appointed a Supreme Court judge to oversee a special inquiry to investigate gay and transgender hate crimes committed in Sydney between 1970 and 2010.
PM won’t budge on federal ICAC
As Labor pledges to legislate a federal corruption watchdog by year's end, the prime minister says he'll only introduce his version if it's unopposed.
Corporate staff called to help at airports
More than 300 corporate staff from Qantas and Sydney Airport worked at terminals on Good Friday to help ease pressures caused by worker shortages.
Labor MP Bowen tests positive to COVID
Labor MP Chris Bowen will self-isolate for the next seven days after he tested positive to COVID-19.
WA Liberal Ben Small resigns from Senate
West Australian Liberal Ben Small has tendered his resignation from the Senate after discovering he is a dual citizen of New Zealand.
Easter flights depart without baggage
The Good Friday rush at the country's busiest airports has passed after fears of Easter chaos but staff shortages meant some planes flew without bags loaded.
More COVID deaths in residential aged care
More than 1000 people in Australian aged care homes have died from COVID-19 this year, more than in the previous two years combined.
Independents could have their day at poll
A growing number of independents are contesting seats in the federal election and they could be the crucial factor for who forms government.
Infrastructure props up Nats campaign hope
The Nationals are throwing resources into flipping the seats of the Hunter and Lingiari from Labor but will need to defend territory in Queensland and NSW.
Retailers to enjoy Easter sales boost
New research predicts retailers will enjoy a $7.1 billion sales boost this Easter holiday weekend, with Saturday one of the top 10 trading days of the year.
Leaders contradicted in campaign ‘pause’
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Anthony have both been contradicted by members of their own sides during the Good Friday "pause" in campaigning.
Remote song-writing duo ready to tour
Music duo Mick Turner and Helen Franzmann - billed as Mess Esque - have forged on through COVID challenges to realise a series of shows, including overseas.
Travel, miners help ASX post solid gains
Australian shares gained 0.6 per cent before the Easter long weekend despite financial stocks coming under pressure.
Mum who dragged daughter could avoid jail
A Sydney mother who drunkenly drove into her daughter before dragging her along the ground could be spared jail time when she is sentenced in May.