Kat in the hat scores half-century as a politician
A stalwart of federal parliament and one of its most well-known figures, Bob Katter has marked a half-century in public office.
national news
Tense stand-off at synagogue despite cancelled protest
Police have separated pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups after a planned protest outside a synagogue was cancelled at the last minute.
‘National shame’: Landmark inquest shines light on DV
Findings on the deaths of four Aboriginal women at the hands of their partners have been handed down by a coroner.
Police in ‘joint criminal enterprise’ to get Mokbel
A judge has accused police of operating a "joint criminal enterprise" to take down drug kingpin Tony Mokbel by using his lawyer Nicola Gobbo as an informer.
Youth detainees abused in care to share $75m settlement
More than 100 former detainees at a notoriously troubled youth detention centre have had a $75 million payout approved for alleged abuses over 63 years.
Blackout risks downgraded amid heatwave warnings
People in eastern Australia in danger of experiencing electricity outages have been given a small reprieve as the operator scrambles to ensure lights stay on.
Aussie shares notch another record with more on cards
The ASX200 rose 0.3 per cent to close above 8,400 for the first time while setting an intraday record of 8,462.1.
‘Greedy’ smuggler reveals why coke import turned deadly
A superyacht tour operator who described himself as the "linchpin" of a fatal 84kg cocaine importation explained to police how the operation went so wrong.
‘Emergency measures’ needed to suppress fire ant sting
A race is on to stop the potential nationwide spread of devastating fire ants as fears increase ahead of summer.
‘Whatever it takes’: child removal floated to tackle DV
Child protection practices will be examined by a government in response to a landmark inquiry into the domestic violence deaths of four women.
Door opens for first-home buyers to unlock ownership
Headway has finally been made on federal housing policy reform with laws set to pass parliament to allow home buyers to buy with a smaller deposit.
‘Knee-jerk reaction’ social media ban set to pass
A proposal to ban children from social media is expected to become law despite experts and politicians arguing it may not make the internet safer for kids.
Drive with care: Uber launches service for extra help
A rideshare service trialled in the United States will be launched in Australia, letting caregivers book rides for the people they help.
‘Surprise’ budget windfalls drying up, economists warn
Australia's budget fortunes are shifting, with Deloitte Access Economics predicting a deeper deficit than predicted in the May budget.
Sky’s the limit: Australia urged to boost green fuel
Australia has the potential to lead the world in sustainable aviation fuel but a report warns that other countries are making progress faster.
New routes to secure internet for Australia, Pacific
New cables will entrench Australia's role as a state-of-the-art connection point for large volumes of data in a global digital ecosystem, project partners say.
East coast swelters through hottest day in years
Australians are sweating through a major heatwave, while the energy regulator scrambles to keep the lights on.
Baby dies amid unprecedented whooping cough outbreak
A newborn baby is dead and infections are surging as health authorities scramble to contain a worsening national whooping cough epidemic.
Beefed-up hate laws won’t touch religious free pass
With social cohesion under strain, one Australian state is trumpeting tougher hate laws and penalties but will keep exceptions for "genuine" religious beliefs.
Workers are using AI but worry it makes them look lazy
More Australian white collar workers are using artificial intelligence tools to do their jobs but research shows many feel guilty about telling the boss.
Chronic conditions on the rise among Indigenous people
The number of Indigenous people smoking daily has dropped, while mental health conditions have risen, the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows.
Trump doesn’t have to hurt Australia-China ties: envoy
A Trump presidency doesn't have to impact how Australia and China co-operate, Beijing's ambassador says, amid a spate of hawkish cabinet picks.
Workplace protections from sex offenders needed: report
A report has called for law changes to provide better protection from sex offenders for children working alongside adults across the nation.
Failed cocaine and people smuggler cops hefty sentence
A superyacht operator has been jailed for more than 11 years for his role in a failed drug-smuggling operation that led to the death of a Brazilian diver.
Expansive migration laws to deport, ban entry imminent
A trio of migration bills with sweeping government powers is set to be passed after the coalition backed the amendments amid mounting criticisms of overreach.
Teen social media ban a step closer despite concerns
A social media ban is looming for Australians aged under 16 after the measure to force restrictions on many platforms cleared its first hurdle in parliament.
‘Tell the truth’: Indigenous family’s plea for justice
Kumanjayi Walker's family members have called for truth as the long-running inquest into his death draws to a close.
‘Better deal’ for suppliers as supermarkets face fines
Supermarkets face fines of up to $10 million if caught breaching a grocery code of conduct that will become mandatory.
Christmas rate cut hopes slayed as inflation holds firm
Energy rebates have lowered Australia's headline inflation rate, but the Reserve Bank remains focused on underlying price pressures.
MPs on notice as key review targets ‘entrenched’ racism
Australian leaders are being urged to set an example to eliminate racism through a national plan involving sweeping legal and behavioural changes.
Fresh hope for those wanting to buy own home sweet home
Australians locked out of the housing market will soon have a viable option to buy their own piece of paradise with a significantly smaller deposit.