Primal moment: nudes brave icy waters for solstice swim
Thousands of souls have taken a nude sunrise plunge into Hobart's River Derwent, as Antarctic expeditioners also mark the winter solstice with a sub-zero dip.
national news
Grandfather pens letter to PM after death in custody
The family of Kumanjayi White, who died in police custody on May 27, have stepped up their calls for justice and an independent probe into his death.
Energy price rule changes to limit unfair bill hikes
Vulnerable energy customers will be afforded extra protections from price gouging by electricity retailers in rule changes set to come into effect in 2026.
Optus says yes to record $100m fine for dodgy sales
Optus has agreed to a record fine for "unconscionable" sales to hundreds of consumers, including in remote Indigenous communities its network didn't cover.
Veteran takes last shot to overturn war crime findings
Disgraced special forces soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has launched a last-ditch bid to overturn findings that he likely engaged in war crimes while on deployment.
Australians flee Israel borders as evacuations ramp up
Australians making their way out of Israel under the peril of Iranian missile strikes face long delays as others vow to remain, despite the danger.
PM mulls NATO visit for Trump meeting, Mideast talks
Instability in the Middle East and the prospect of a one-on-one with Donald Trump could mean the prime minister jest off to The Hague to attend the NATO summit.
Puzzles and jumps: end game in mushroom murder trial
Mushroom cook Erin Patterson's lawyer has urged jurors to find his client not guilty of triple murder, saying prosecutors forced evidence to fit their theory.
Labour market stays tight despite surprise drop in jobs
The economy lost some jobs in May, confounding expectations, but the Reserve Bank will likely view it as noise not signs of a weakening labour market.
Big-spending budget raises questions over living relief
A cash splash from the nation's richest state is targeting housing supply and health but critics say there should have been greater cost-of-living relief.
Pedal to the metal for home prices as rates fall
Sydney and Melbourne are expected to be the fastest-growing property markets in 2025/26 as mortgage rates fall, Domain forecasts shows.
Robots set to conquer the final frontiers
A camera system designed to work like a human brain could help robots go further, including machines built for space and undersea explorations.
Kebab shop shooting continues state’s ‘violent chapter’
An allegedly high-ranking organised crime figure is expected to recover from the latest attempt on his life as police hunt for those behind the brazen attack.
Sunny outlook: big solar farms given tick by neighbours
Living near a large-scale solar project is not a problem for most residents, with a study finding 82 per cent of neighbours would allow more to be built nearby.
Liberals launch high-level probe into election drubbing
A decades-low primary vote and the challenges posed by teal independents will be key elements of a review into the Liberals' crushing federal election loss.
Treasurer throws down gauntlet for ‘crucial’ tax reform
The treasurer has kicked off a journey that he hopes will result in broad agreement on changes that help solve Australia's economic challenges.
Fate of construction union hangs on High Court ruling
The embattled CFMEU will find out if its bid to overturn its construction division being forced into administration will be accepted by the High Court.
Defence slams ‘absurd’ theories in deadly mushroom case
Mushroom cook Erin Patterson's barrister has criticised the prosecution's "absurd theories" as he lays out his final arguments in her triple-murder trial.
Power customers promised tougher rules on price gouging
More downwards pressure on power bills is the goal of planned tweaks to regulated electricity pricing now on the federal government's agenda.
PM eyes another possible Trump meeting later this month
Anthony Albanese could soon get a second chance to meet with Donald Trump, after the US president abruptly cancelled their first in-person meeting.
‘Crime talk’ and fear fuel punitive views in the bush
People in rural Australia want tougher penalties for criminals, with "significant" punitive views influenced by fear and a lack of trust in the justice system.
‘Fastest way out’: Iran urged to end nuclear ambitions
Australia's foreign minister has called for Iran to come to the negotiating table in its conflict with Israel, saying the country's nuclear program should stop.
Teen’s bravery hailed after alleged gang rape ordeal
A 14-year-old boy is among a group of teens accused of gang-raping a girl in an "unimaginable" alleged crime.
‘Unacceptable’ wait in caffeine overdose death
A woman was found dead seven hours after calling triple zero, in what a coroner describes as an "acceptable" wait for an ambulance.
Indigenous-led plan sets example in caring for Country
The first Indigenous-led research strategy for Kakadu National Park is hoped to set a new standard for collaboration between Traditional Owners and scientists.
‘Committed, respected’: tributes flow for slain officer
Police have released the name of a 57-year-old experienced officer who was shot dead at a rural property while delivering a home repossession order.
Back in the limelight, Audi aims to steal the show
When things went a bit quiet in the Audi empire this time last year, most observers agreed it was a sign of things to come. And boy, has it been worth the wait.
‘You worry’: fears in Iranian community after bombing
Iranians in Australia say there is growing community fear over the safety of family members caught up in escalating violence in the Middle East.
Green tick: Australian net-zero projects to be rated
Environmental projects will be analysed and rated in Australia in a move experts say could prevent greenwashing and encourage international investments.
Mushroom cook did not have a motive for murder: defence
Accused triple killer Erin Patterson's barrister has argued his client is innocent because she never intended to serve her guests a poisoned beef Wellington.
Middle East conflict ends plan for PM’s key Trump talk
Anthony Albanese will no longer meet with Donald Trump after the US president revealed he will leave the G7 summit before their highly anticipated encounter.