Vast plant as old as pyramids found in WA
The world's largest plant has been found in Western Australia's Shark Bay, covering hundreds of square kilometres with scientists ageing it at 4500 years old.
national news
Pacific ‘front and centre’ of priorities
China's position paper on areas of co-operation with Pacific island nations has raised concerns for Australia and its allies, as well as regional leaders.
Economy grows, navigates virus and floods
The Australian economy grew by 0.8 per cent in the March quarter, propped up by household spending and resulting in an annual growth rate of 3.3 per cent.
Cabinet meets hours after swearing in
A record number of women and Australia's first Muslim ministers have been officially sworn in, with Labor's first cabinet meeting focusing on rising costs.
NSW sexual consent laws come into effect
Reforms passed by the NSW parliament to clarify, modernise and simplify consent laws have now come into force.
Teen cyclone survivor confronts bank boss
A school boy cyclone survivor has challenged a bank boss to do more on climate change, interrupting an elite business summit to call out "ridiculous" lending.
ASX finishes May down 2.8pct on the month
The Australian share market finished May on a sour note, dropping 1.0 per cent with every sector losing ground and snapping a two-day winning streak.
Another bumper winter crop: Rabobank
Grain farmers are expected to plant a record winter crop, with increases in wheat and canola as markets look to Australia for supplies amid global shortages.
ASX edges lower, down 0.3 pct at noon
Most sectors of the Australian share market were modestly lower at midday, with tech stocks the worst laggards.
‘Enough’ vaccines for free Vic flu program
Victoria will roll out a month-long free flu vaccine program in GPs and pharmacies this winter, with authorities confident there is enough stock to go around.
COVID-19 delays Chris Dawson murder trial
The crown prosecutor in the murder trial of former teacher Chris Dawson has tested positive to COVID-19, delaying proceedings for seven days.
More COVID-19 deaths across Australia
The latest figures across the nation show more than 50 people have died with COVID-19 in the most recent 24-hour reporting period.
Morrison won’t be on frontbench: Dutton
Peter Dutton is putting the final touches to his frontbench lineup but it will not include Scott Morrison who is expected to retire before 2025.
Flu prompts urgent appeal for blood donors
A flourishing flu season has led to a plummet in blood supplies across the country, with Australians being urged to roll up their sleeves and make a donation.
Joyce planned ‘transition’ from leadership
David Littleproud says taking the Nationals' top job was no reflection on his predecessor, as Barnaby Joyce revealed he had a leadership 'transition' plan.
Labor to claim Gilmore, win 77 seats
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government will take the NSW electorate of Gilmore, meaning it will govern with 77 of 151 House of Representatives seats.
Labor sets record for women in cabinet
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled the make up of his first frontbench, with a record 13 of the 30 members being women.
China shelves Pacific regional agreement
China is shelving a Pacific regional agreement, despite saying the proposal had general support from island nations.
Floods left NSW towns ‘exposed’: inquiry
A failure to plan was behind "devastation" caused by severe flooding to towns across northern NSW, an inquiry has been told.
Lyn Dawson’s disappearance ‘not unusual’
Christopher Dawson's brother has said a wife vanishing from her home without contacting her husband and children afterward was not unusual.
AGL cans split plan, leadership to quit
AGL's leadership team will quit after billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes succeeded in foiling the energy giant's planned demerger.
NSW government not listening: Paramedics
Paramedics in NSW say the state government has not listened to what is needed in their sector and their staff are suffering from "mass burnout".
Victorians set to get free flu vaccination
Victoria is expected to follow many other states in offering all residents free flu vaccinations to combat high numbers of infections over winter.
Littleproud pledges to evolve with regions
David Littleproud has become the new leader of the National Party, saying the party needs to change along with its constituents.
Dutton to return to ‘true Liberal values’
A one-time police officer, Queenslander Peter Dutton is the new leader of the federal parliamentary wing of the Liberal Party.
‘Vigilance vital’ as COVID-19 deaths rise
Australia has reported more than 360 deaths from COVID-19 in the past seven days, 88 of them at the weekend, with the country's caseload exceeding 300,000.
Labor set to form majority government
Labor is on track to win the Melbourne seat of Macnamara, giving them the 76 needed to govern in their own right.
Virus deaths again on the rise across Aust
Australia has reported almost 28,000 new COVID-19 cases and 30 virus-related deaths after recording 58 fatalities on Saturday.
Sydney Harbour island to be handed back
Some $43 million is being spent on a Sydney Harbour island before it is handed back to its traditional owners, to whom the place holds great significance.
Free flu jabs for WA, SA residents in June
Free influenza vaccines will be handed out to West Australian and South Australian residents in June.
Costly fuel makes car sharing an option
Car sharing and hiring from a provider who offers a flat rate on fuel has become a real option for suburban families struggling with petrol prices.