Trade surplus hits record $16 billion
Payroll jobs rose have risen, while booming coal and natural gas exports drove an increase in the trade surplus in May.
national news
15m bees dead in NSW as varroa spreads
More than 15 million bees have been euthanised across NSW as authorities remain optimistic they can contain the varroa mite.
Call for rental reform to address crisis
Anglicare wants all levels of government to address Australia's housing affordability crisis, as low-income earners are barred from the rental market.
Qld hospitals may halt elective surgeries
Elective surgeries may be suspended again in Queensland as the number of active COVID-19 cases in the state nears 40,000.
COVID-19 health toll exposed in new report
A biennial report into Australia's overall health has laid bare the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on death rates, mental health and vulnerable communities.
Rain moves north as Sydney begins clean-up
People have been warned to watch for contamination and other risks as they return to flood-affected properties.
Millions gain access to fourth COVID shot
More people have become eligible for a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose, with all Australians over the age of 30 now in line for a second booster injection.
WA health workers threaten strike over pay
Public sector workers in Western Australia could walk off the job next month as the state government faces pushback over its wages policy.
Biosecurity beefed up for foot and mouth
Australian authorities have beefed up biosecurity measures after the discovery of foot and mouth disease in Bali.
SA set to ban jumps racing
South Australia is set to ban jumps racing with the state Labor government to support a Greens bill before parliament.
Daniel Johns avoids jail for drunk crash
Former Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns has been spared jail time after he was three times over the legal limit when he crashed his car in the Hunter region.
COVID boosters a matter of urgency: PM
State and territory health experts are considering whether to expand the availability of fourth vaccine doses as concerns rise over COVID-19 subvariants.
Confidence in Aust energy system plummets
New data shows a "stunning collapse of confidence and trust" in the energy system, Energy Consumers Australia says.
Dawson argues murder case ‘nonsensical’
Chris Dawson's barrister has attacked murder allegations brought against him as nonsensical and extraordinary as she argues his innocence.
Big four banks pass on full rate rise
All four of Australia's largest lenders have increased variable home loan rates by 0.5 per cent following the RBA's decision to lift interest rates further.
NSW flood and storm risk shifts north
Some 85,000 people face evacuation as major flooding begins in the Hunter region and the weather system drenching the state heads north.
Fisheries face risk from climate change
A study on the impact of climate change in five countries has found fisheries are more at risk than agriculture or farming.
Signs firm for soggy winter, spring: BoM
Much of Australia appears set for a wetter than average winter and spring, in unwelcome news for flood-affected communities.
NSW north braces for floods amid warnings
Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate again as floods hit NSW, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to join the premier on a tour of affected areas.
Rare cockatoo spotted in northern NSW
A pair of spectacular glossy black-cockatoos have been spotted in northern NSW after a three-month hunt for the threatened birds by conservationists.
Reserve Bank hikes cash rate to 1.35 pct
The Reserve Bank of Australia has announced a 50 basis point rise to the cash rate, taking it to 1.35 per cent.
NSW warned third COVID-19 peak on its way
NSW Health expects COVID-19 cases will peak in late July and early August at levels similar to January, when Omicron cases were surging.
Liberals grapple with winning back women
Senior Liberals have advocated for gender quotas as a way to win back support for the party in the electorate following their defeat.
Crown outlines Chris Dawson murder plot
Crown prosecutors have laid out the alleged dominoes put in place by Chris Dawson that led to the murder of his wife in January 1982.
Experts consider fourth COVID-19 vaccine
States and territories are considering reintroducing face mask mandates as experts eye expanding eligibility for a fourth dose COVID vaccination.
Weather wait for stricken ship return
The Portland Bay bulk carrier is undergoing repairs after losing power in heavy seas, as authorities wait for improved weather to return the vessel to shore.
Australia removes tariffs on Ukraine goods
Taxes on Ukrainian goods have been removed under the assistance package for Ukraine. Anthony Albanese will also meet with his New Zealand counterpart this week.
Further rate rise to hit family budgets
The Reserve Bank of Australia board lifted the official cash rate to 1.35 per cent, adding to cost pressures on households.
Strong outlook for Australian agriculture
Flooding in parts of Queensland and NSW has slowed agricultural output but it's still been a strong start to the year according to Rural Bank's latest report.
Camden residents push on amid NSW floods
Residents of Camden in southwestern Sydney have once again seen floods submerge and ruin key community facilities.
BoQ tech boost for fully digital bank
Bank of Queensland plans to roll out a new banking platform for customers and has expanded its partnership with Europe-based tech provider Temenos.