Port bottlenecks cost economy $600m a year
Inefficiencies in Australian ports cost the economy $600 million a year and push up prices for consumers, a new report by the Productivity Commission has found.
national news
PM surveys Kimberley flood devastation
Anthony Albanese has toured WA's flood-ravaged Kimberley and spoke of the "great spirit" among Fitzroy Crossing locals he met alongside the state's premier.
Defamed mining investor awarded $275k
A New Zealand-based social media user calling himself the Stock Swami has been ordered to pay a mining investor at least $275,000 after defaming him on Twitter.
More cost-of-living relief on the cards
Treasurer Jim Chalmers will consider cost-of-living relief measures in the May budget as long as they won't break the bank.
Carbon scheme changes to boost confidence
The federal government has pledged to make changes to improve public confidence in Australia's carbon credit scheme.
WA recovery begins as floodwaters rise
While severe weather conditions have eased in the Northern Territory, authorities say record-breaking floods continue in WA's Fitzroy River catchment.
Voice leaders ‘tired of political games’
Professor Megan Davis insists Australians won't head to the ballot box without knowing what they are voting for on the Indigenous voice to parliament.
construction and property
economy, business and finance
housing and urban planning
politics
real estate
National housing accord needs renovation
Federal laws are in the works as more Aussies slide into housing stress and homelessness, but critics are urging immediate measures as rents and mortgages rise.
Plunging home values break 40-year record
Higher interest rates, household debt and the erosion of savings since the pandemic have been blamed for the steepest plunge in home values since at least 1980.
NT flood concerns ease, ex-cyclone weakens
While severe weather conditions have eased in the Northern Territory, authorities say record-breaking floods continue in WA's Fitzroy River catchment.
Mossman Gorge search enters third day
Popular tourist attraction Mossman Gorge remains closed as the search for a missing swimmer enters a third day.
Aussie science tackling rusty plant threat
Queensland scientists have developed an environmentally friendly RNA-based spray to help combat myrtle rust, which has wiped out many Australian plants.
Repatriated wife of IS fighter given bail
Mariam Raad, 31, faced a regional NSW court on Friday after being arrested in the regional town of Young on Thursday.
Australia warmer, wetter in 2022
Australia was warmer and wetter than historical averages last year as La Nina and climate change hit the country, causing widespread flooding and heatwaves.
Google Maps revamp for electric cars only
A high-definition upgrade to Google Maps will show more road details and help self-driving cars steer but it's only coming to selected electric cars.
Futuristic electric cars steer tech expo
Innovative vehicles have been revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show, including cars that glow, those that charge from the sun and battery-powered utes.
Fire chief warning for ‘deadly’ grassfires
The NSW rural fire service commissioner says destructive and deadly grassfires could spread across parts of Australia's east coast at the end of January.
Repatriated wife of IS fighter bailed
The former NSW police minister and federal opposition have attacked the Albanese government after a so-called ISIS bride was granted bail by a regional court.
Rebound in migration figures ‘optimistic’
The Australian government expects migration numbers to bounce back but troubling economic conditions and other uncertainties could weigh on migration.
Parkes says thank you very much to Elvis
The streets of Parkes, in central west NSW, are filled with Elvis impersonators and performers as the Elvis festival celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Coal sector confidence up on China news
Australian coal exporters are becoming more confident the latest reports that China will allow coal trade to resume are more than just a rumour.
Town devastated after record WA flooding
Long-term Fitzroy Crossing resident Dwayne Ben says damage in the flood-ravaged town is extensive as major towns downstream are set to become islands.
Deaths from virus spike amid call for calm
Australia's weekly COVID-19 data shows cases falling in Victoria and NSW while deaths rise, but health experts say it's too early for major concern.
New concept car can change colour and talk
Futuristic cars that change colour, talk to you and promise world-class entertainment have been unveiled at the world's biggest tech show.
Aussies stung for millions in crypto crash
The FTX collapse wiped many crypto wallets and took out smaller exchanges, but administrators for Aussie platform Digital Surge are working on a rescue plan.
Coal giants confident China back at table
Australia's coal industry is putting credibility in reports China will allow imports of the nation's resource to begin again for the first time since 2020.
Indigenous advice about environment policy
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has made a series of appointments to an Indigenous advisory committee that provides feedback on land and sea management.
Smart traffic system could prevent crashes
Technology to warn drivers about road hazards and potential accidents is under review in Australia and experts say it could pave the way for self-driving cars.
Record flooding spreads in WA’s Kimberley
Helicopter evacuations continue from remote communities as Western Australia's worst flooding on record spreads across the vast Kimberley region.
Australia gets new missiles, rockets
The Australian Defence Force will acquire new naval strike missiles and long-range rocket systems in a bid to boost national security.
NSW Labor sues over Aldi bag donation
NSW Labor has sued its former lawyers for more than $1.6 million, alleging advice about a $100,000 donation delivered in a plastic Aldi bag was negligent.