Fur flies over billion-dollar koala park cost claims
A billion-dollar purported price tag for a new national park has dropped jaws and raised eyebrows as loggers and environmentalists resume hostilities.
national news
All eyes on Biden as timeline ticks for Assange pardon
Campaigners for Julian Assange hope the prime minister can help push Joe Biden to formally pardon the Wikileaks founder before the end of his term.
Mining hubs lead regional property price rise
Affordability and lifestyle choices continue to drive up property prices in regional Australia, but there are signs the heat is coming out of the market.
‘Incredible’ return of carved tree inspires community
The return of a carved tree to Gamilaraay people will reconnect them to their ancestors, cultural practices, lores and inspire future generations, elders say.
Sad homecoming as teenage backpackers’ bodies returned
The heartbroken parents of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles have brought their bodies back to Australia after their deaths from methanol poisoning in Laos.
Gaza aid demand echoes as ceasefire in Lebanon welcomed
Australians with families in the Middle East have cautiously welcomed a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon-based listed terror group Hezbollah.
Rising rate of jailed Indigenous women rings alarm bell
Domestic and family violence, and insecure housing are among the issues driving up the numbers of Indigenous women in Australia's prison system, advocates say.
Fatima Payman decries racism, eligibility bid shot down
Former Labor senator Fatima Payman has faced down an attempt by Pauline Hanson to have questions raised about her eligibility to sit in the senate.
‘Don’t blame you for hating me’: speeding driver jailed
A speeding driver who killed two people in a collision while on his way to a casino says he doesn't blame the families of the victims for hating him.
Power plants warning as mass blackout scare loses heat
Public servants, big businesses and everyday folk have saved the day by turning off non-essential electricity during a major heatwave.
Cop who tasered 95yo in ‘terrible tragedy’ faces jail
A serving police officer who fatally tasered a 95-year-old woman is facing jail after being found guilty of manslaughter but will keep his job for now.
Australia needs an AI law to stop copyright ‘pirates’
Artificial intelligence tools, including chatbots from Google, Amazon and OpenAI, need to be regulated by law in Australia, an inquiry recommends.
Driver locked up after facing families of five killed
A dangerous driver who killed five people after ignoring police and warning signs is in jail after facing the families of his victims.
First Voice to parliament urges meaningful change
Australia's first Voice to Parliament has a "heavy burden" to prove itself but presents an opportunity to create better lives for First Nations people.
Pauline Hanson appeals court ruling she was racist
Pauline Hanson is appealing a court ruling she was racist towards Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi on the basis of alleged errors in the judicial process.
‘Line in the sand’: Lidia Thorpe barred from parliament
Lidia Thorpe has been suspended from parliament after the senator she threw pieces of paper at Pauline Hanson, in a move described a "line in the sand".
‘Undeniable’: police label ex-cop a racist at inquest
The police officer who shot Kumanjayi Walker in a botched arrest has been labelled a racist by his former employer at an inquest into the death.
Half of nation vie for $100m Powerball jackpot prize
One lucky Australian may become $100 million richer with the sixth-largest jackpot in lottery history up for grabs in the latest Powerball draw.
Social media ban ‘significant risk’ to child’s rights
A blanket social media ban for Australians under 16 has been criticised for limiting rights and not having enough privacy safeguards for all users.
Prison isolation looms for cop after fatal Taser shot
An officer who fatally tasered an aged-care resident is waiting to learn if he will be put into isolation in custody after his manslaughter verdict.
Young people’s anxiety soars over cost of living
The percentage of young Australians worrying about the cost of living has more than doubled in two years and it is now their biggest concern, a survey suggests.
Hold the phone calls: digital services may save time
Australians could spend less time on the phone and the government could save money with a greater investment in digital services, a report says.
Censures, coffees and a clinched deal: MPs off for Xmas
Parliamentarians are preparing to head home for the year after a far from lacklustre final day in the halls of power.
Funding shortfall denies 400,000 of key legal service
Hundreds of thousands of Australians are being turned away from community legal centres, as the sector battles chronic underfunding.
Suspension, censure ‘badges of honour’: Lidia Thorpe
Independent senator Lidia Thorpe has refused to back down, capping off her parliamentary year by staring down her suspension and taunting the Senate.
Ex-footy star faces court over alleged drunken rampage
A former rugby league and union great is looking to have at least one assault charge dropped following an alleged rampage at a bar.
Govt apologises for suffering caused by stolen wages
The suffering and injustice caused to Indigenous people who worked for little or no wages under discriminatory laws has been acknowledged by the government.
Aussie shares gain again, set for another record high
The ASX200 was up 0.5 per cent at midday, and on track to break Monday's record for its highest closing level ever.
Australia urged to follow Middle East on nuclear power
Australia could have nuclear power reactors operating within 12 years, an inquiry has heard, if the nation follows the Middle East rather than Europe.
Map reveals Australian hotspots at risk of bushfire
Cyclones, floods, heatwaves and bushfires - authorities are warning large parts of Australia are at increased risk this summer and people need to be prepared.
Body-in-bags victim allegedly had ‘fiance’ overseas
A woman allegedly killed and dismembered her husband with a drop-saw before disposing of the pieces of his body in neighbourhood bins.