Devastated city’s river to peak at 12m
Wilsons River will peak at 12 metres at Lismore, the devastated epicentre of the relentless NSW floods, after its levees were breached.
national news
Industry sectors fear waning COVID support
The federal budget provided funding to prepare the health system for an expected COVID surge in winter but industries are concerned the ball could be dropped.
Government prepares for winter COVID spike
The federal budget, released on Tuesday night, provides funding to prepare the health system for an expected COVID-19 and flu spike in winter.
Concerns budget spend will fuel inflation
Global credit rating agencies have given a nod of approval to the federal budget, but economists see pre-election handouts further fuelling inflation.
Budget a measure for tough times: Morrison
The prime minister says the budget is about more than getting re-elected after Treasurer Josh Frydenberg unveiled a number of short-term sweeteners.
Morrison brushes off Lib senator’s swipe
Scott Morrison has dismissed an attack by NSW senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells labelling him unfit to be leader, saying being criticised is part of the job.
SAS witness excused from ‘murder’ evidence
An SAS witness has not been compelled to confess to an alleged murder Ben Roberts-Smith is accused of ordering in the defamation trial launched by the war hero.
Consent disputed at Sailor’s rape trial
A woman who alleges she was raped by ex-NRL player Tristan Sailor was not substantially intoxicated and just forgot she consented to sex, his lawyer has argued.
Record spend to ‘turbocharge’ regions
The federal government says its budget spending on regional Australia sets a new record, with funding for roads, rail, energy, health and connectivity.
Exports and innovation in $600m ag spend
The government's agriculture budget aims to make it easier for farmers to export their products, with hopes the sector will be worth $100 billion by 2030.
Billions set aside for COVID winter fight
Out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions will be reduced for millions of people, while Medicare funding will increase over the next five years.
breaking_news
conservation
environmental politics
oceans
waste
waste management and pollution control
Budget blasted for ‘ignoring’ climate
The 2022/23 federal budget has confirmed $1 billion for the Great Barrier Reef over the next decade, but the environmental spend has also attracted criticism.
Regulator to review carbon credit claims
The Clean Energy Regulator will review claims made by an academic that the carbon credit system it runs is a sham, but assures that the scheme can be trusted.
Dutton’s Qld flood appeal raises questions
Questions have been raised about a group chosen by Defence Minister Peter Dutton as the beneficiary of almost $28,000 he raised for flood victims.
PM defends government response to floods
The prime minister says the federal government is continuing to respond to the ongoing flood crisis in Queensland and NSW with relevant support measures.
More tickets for Warne memorial available
More tickets are now available for Shane Warne's state memorial service with Eddie McGuire saying it will be a fitting tribute to the late cricketing great.
Ukrainian president to address parliament
Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskiy will address federal parliament on Thursday, just hours before the opposition leader will deliver his budget reply.
Bennett, ex-girlfriend vouch for Sailor
NRL coach Wayne Bennett has vouched for the character of Tristan Sailor, who is accused of raping a woman while she was unconscious or too drunk to consent.
Teen COVID boosters being considered
Case numbers of COVID-19 have been increasing across the country in recent days due to infections linked to an Omicron sub-variant.
Singapore Air’s Top End flights take off
The first Singapore Airlines passenger flight into the Top End for more than two decades is set to land in Darwin as tourists begin returning to Australia.
NSW towns evacuate as flooding hits again
Dangerous flooding has again forced families out of their homes as rising waters reach parts of NSW for the second time in weeks.
SAS witness may be forced to talk ‘murder’
A new SAS witness may be compelled by the Federal Court to speak about an alleged murder in Afghanistan Ben Roberts-Smith is accused of ordering.
Smaller deficits even as Frydenberg spends
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has banked some of the windfall from strong economic growth, low unemployment and a spike in commodity prices.
Pre-poll budget offers cash, cheaper fuel
Australians will get one-off cash handouts and tax breaks and pay less for fuel under new budget measures, but a lack of permanent relief has been criticised.
One in four children now fully vaccinated
The drive to vaccinate Australian kids against COVID-19 has reached a milestone as new survey results show greater confidence in the healthcare system.
MP Laming in court over Facebook posts
The Australian Electoral Commission has taken MP Andrew Laming to court alleging he failed to authorise Facebook posts leading up to the 2019 federal election.
Many struggle to meet health costs: survey
Many financially disadvantaged Australians and those with chronic conditions face difficulty meeting healthcare costs, a survey of 5000 adults shows.
Gig work ‘exacerbates’ gender inequalities
A new study has found the national gig economy can "reproduce and exacerbate" existing gender inequalities.
COVID-hit Vic premier to miss Warne salute
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has returned a positive test for COVID-19, forcing him to miss Shane Warne's state memorial at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Qld govt demands flood-proofing in budget
Queensland's treasurer says flood-proofing the state needs to be an urgent priority in Tuesday's federal budget ahead of long-term infrastructure projects.
Australia ‘alienates’ Pacific: Albanese
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese says Australia must improve action on climate change to keep its relationship with Pacific nations friendly.