Australia makes list of 2025’s costliest climate events
From catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles to devastating floods in Asia, it's been a tough year of climate extremes and their economic burdens.
national news
Cops ramp up firepower amid calls to celebrate new year
Australia's biggest New Year's Eve celebrations will have a different look as authorities vow to protect the Jewish community after a horror mass shooting.
Strong security pledge as Jewish families plead with PM
The NSW premier has heralded a new chapter in the state's security protocols and resources following a deadly anti-Semitic terrorist attack.
French 1960s sex symbol Brigitte Bardot has died at 91
A month after being hospitalised, French 1960s sex symbol Brigitte Bardot has died at age 91 at her home in the south of France.
Pioneering university leader and researcher remembered
The first woman to lead one of Australia's top universities has died aged 52 following a battle with cancer.
Cruise ship grounds off PNG, passengers to fly home
Passengers on an Australian cruise ship that ran aground off Papua New Guinea will be flown home on a charter flight as efforts continue to refloat the vessel.
‘Bring us together’: PM holds firm on terrorist review
The federal government is remaining steadfast in its commitment to a mass shooting probe as Jewish communities continue to demand a full royal commission.
Brigitte Bardot to be buried by the sea in Saint-Tropez
French cinema legend Brigitte Bardot's funeral will take place in her hometown of Saint-Tropez on January 7.
Idris Elba, Torvill and Dean knighted in UK honours
Actor Idris Elba, ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean and the English women's football and rugby teams lead the New Year Honours list.
New Year revelry ‘act of defiance’ after Bondi terror
Partying in Sydney on New Year's Eve is an opportunity for people to thumb their noses at terrorists, says the premier in the wake of the attack at Bondi.
Paramedics spat on, punched in festive abuse spike
Paramedics are breaking their silence after a festive season riddled with reports of verbal intimidation, sexual and physical assault by members of the public.
Australians focus on peace as they ring in the new year
New Year's Eve revellers have had a moment of silent reflection for the Bondi victims before enjoying brilliant firework displays across the county.
PM’s royal commission resistance ‘politically damaging’
The prime minister may have painted himself into a corner by refusing to call a royal commission into Australia's worst massacre in decades, an expert says.
New year brings cheaper medicines, higher energy bills
A cut to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme co-payment will slash the cost of medicines but Australians face higher power bills in the new year.
Officer hailed after braving croc-infested floodwaters
A police officer's courage has been hailed after a man drowned in his vehicle in a swollen river, with severe weather hammering opposite sides of the nation.
Expense scandal critics back MP travel perks crackdown
Restrictions on family travel entitlements sparked by MPs flying partners to major events has strong support but there are calls for even stricter limits.
‘Never give up’: mum’s message 27 years after son slain
A mum who spent decades fighting for answers after her son was fatally injured at a sleepover has delivered a powerful message as justice was finally served.
Christmas bonus as Aussie shares soar to six-week high
Hopes of a much-anticipated Santa rally are beginning to crystallise, after the local bourse hit its highest price in six weeks and gold notched a record.
CBA to repay $68m in fees to low-income customers
Following a report by ASIC, the Commonwealth Bank says it's repaying $68 million to low-income customers who incurred unusually high banking fees.
Bondi heroes to be honoured amid grim death toll alert
People who put themselves in harm's way, including those who sacrificed their lives to save others during the Bondi terror attack, will receive a special award.
‘Lower the temperature’: PM’s plea after kidnap threat
A man has been charged with threatening the prime minister, prompting a call for a cooling of the fractious political debate.
Snow and a heatwave as four seasons greet Christmas Day
Two capital cities can expect ideal weather for Christmas Day, while the rest must contend with conditions ranging from snow to a dangerous heatwave.
Dismal start to holidays as national road toll soars
A grim start to the Christmas holidays on the roads continues, with Australia on track to record its worst year of fatalities in more than a decade.
PM, opposition leader reflect on sombre Christmas ahead
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley have delivered messages of hope during a bittersweet Christmas festive period.
Vow to quash terrorism after Sydney ‘changed forever’
After pushing through emergency legislation to curb gun ownership and protests, a state premier is vowing not to let a terrorist attack divide Australians.
Bee-sieged island keeping deadly mite at bay
An island that is home to a unique population of honey bees hopes biosecurity measures will protect it from a deadly parasite taking hold across Australia.
Refugees escape to regions marred by racism
Half of the refugees living in regional towns and centres experience racism and discrimination, a new report has found.
Man accused of praising Bondi attack had multiple guns
Firearms, ammunition and flags linked to banned terrorist organisations were found at the home of a man accused of praising the Bondi gunmen on social media.
Hope, kindness celebrated on bittersweet Christmas
Australians have been urged to come together and look after each other during a holiday season tainted by a shooting at the nation's most iconic beach.
‘Very sticky’: summer heatwave to give way to storms
Inland Australians are tipped to swelter through another day of 40C heat as tropical humidity in the nation's north draws storms south.
Knife in Easter Show death was a ‘security blanket’
A teen gang member jailed for using a knife to kill an Easter Show ride attendant carried the weapon to reduce his anxiety after being stabbed three times.