Labor vowed to end ‘jobs for mates’ but ignored review
A minister who promised to end a "jobs for mates" culture for political appointments has snubbed recommendations for a more robust, independent process.
national news
Ag bosses told of land clearing reforms at last minute
Farmers are unsure how to continue work under fast-tracked changes to land clearing laws, which have been hailed as a milestone for conservation.
Ex-AFL agent guilty of selling fake footy memorabilia
After facing AFL premiership players in court, a former player agent has been fined $4500 for selling fraudulent memorabilia from the 2021 grand final.
Nerves jangling ahead of do or die stadium vote
The future of a contentious stadium and an AFL licence will be decided during a parliamentary debate that could stretch over days.
One Nation senator slapped down over sharia law rant
A senator has been accused of driving Islamophobia by spreading false information about sharia law during a hearing probing efforts to tackle anti-Muslim hate.
State moves to ban unnecessary intersex child surgery
Unnecessary procedures on intersex children will be prohibited under laws to be introduced by one Australian state in a move hailed by advocates.
National AI plan must move fast to protect Australians
A national AI road map "uses all the right language", but experts are questioning when the Albanese government's plan will be followed by concrete action.
Fresh alert for potentially lethal mosquito-borne virus
Japanese encephalitis, a potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus, has been detected in regional Victoria, sparking a health warning.
Fresh charges for bikie over Iran-linked arson attacks
A bikie accused of directing two others to firebomb a Jewish deli amidst a spate of anti-Semitic attacks has had further charges brought against him.
Australian economy builds as investment roars back
Australia's economic growth rate came in below market expectations, but a strong domestic pulse shows the economy is in good shape.
Emotions high as divisive AFL stadium gets green light
A divisive stadium which paves the way for Tasmania's AFL and AFLW teams has secured parliamentary approval, with one MP in tears as she confirmed her support.
Lehrmann’s multimillion-dollar bill after second loss
Ex-political staffer Bruce Lehrmann has been left with a seven-figure legal bill after losing two high-profile battles against findings he is probably a rapist.
Cop searched for DV bashing victim from patrol car
Nearly an hour after an emergency call was made, an officer searching for a woman being bashed never left his car and checked the address where her body laid.
YouTube ‘outright weird’ for saying platform isn’t safe
YouTube needs to fix its safety after the tech giant criticised Australia's world-leading laws protecting kids, the communications minister says.
From footy to fatigue: battle to live full life with MS
Living with sensory issues and constant fatigue is difficult, but one man wants support to keep other with his incurable disease working to be front of mind.
Scramble to play down fears of aged care worker crisis
Department officials have defended not telling the aged care minister about potentially massive worker shortages because their model couldn't be verified.
Remote communities still lagging in digital world
While digital participation is increasing in remote communities, significant barriers remain for Indigenous people to get online, a study has found.
Action urged as ‘bad systems’ violate children’s rights
'Tough on crime' measures are pushing problems down the road, advocates say as a report into youth justice reveals children's rights are being violated.
Extent of illegal cigarette sales in Australia revealed
Australia's illicit tobacco black market is in rude health, with estimates for the market share of illegally sold cigarettes ranging from 25 to 65 per cent.
‘Double catastrophe’: builder collapse pain compounded
A probe into a taxpayer-funded housing insurance scheme has found owners with complex claims suffered serious personal and financial hardship.
Chinese economic slowdown at top of RBA’s mind
Slowing Chinese economic growth and persistently high inflation are "top of mind" for the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Motorists pooh pooh petrol for low-emission options
Hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles are closing the gap on their petrol rivals with sales figures showing a change in consumer sentiment.
Teacher accused of stabbing school principal ‘snapped’
A teacher who allegedly stabbed his school principal after his contract was not renewed has been refused bail due to his "extreme" risk to the community.
Bruce Lehrmann dodges conviction over drunken joyride
After failing to overturn a damaging defamation judgment, Bruce Lehrmann has dodged serious consequences on a car charge in a magistrates court.
‘More than rhetoric’: $95m boost to support Ukraine
Australia's "unwavering" support of Ukraine has been reinforced with a $95 million support package to help the nation defend itself against Russia's invasion.
Divisive AFL stadium gets the official parliament tick
Tasmania's parliament has voted to approve a new waterfront stadium, which paves the way for the Devils to join the AFL and AFLW competitions in 2028.
Splurging shoppers push economy over speed limit
The sharpest rise in household spending in 21 months suggests the economy is continuing to grow in strength, heightening Reserve Bank fears about inflation.
Court challenge delay clears path for social media ban
Australia's social media age restrictions will kick in as planned, with a High Court challenge to the ban pushed into the new year.
Road tests show electric vehicles keep pulling up short
Battery-powered cars have been found using more energy than promised in independent tests, just like their petrol and diesel peers.
Cyclone-hit coastal town blows away house value gains
The housing market strongly rebounded in 2025 as interest rate cuts, easing inflation and limited supply fired up competition, the latest property data shows.
Push to ramp-up fire ant battle as new nest found
Fire ants are hampering agriculture, tourism and even kids' sport, with calls for more federal funding to control the spread of one of the world's worst pests.