Lexus launches compact electric option
Look past the chiselled and unique styling of the Lexus UX300E to find the car's most interesting element - its electric drive train.
national news
Permit system to curb bee mite’s impact
Victoria's almond pollination season will go ahead as permits open to South Australian and Queensland beekeepers.
Biosecurity boost to halt foot and mouth
The federal government will spend $14 million to help prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease in Australia.
Pressure mounts over COVID-19 payments
The federal government is under fire for not extending pandemic leave payments for those needing to isolate, as COVID-19 case numbers continue to climb.
National cabinet to meet on virus response
National cabinet will meet next week for a briefing from health officials on the latest COVID-19 surge across Australia.
ASX moves higher on mining, energy
Australian shares have risen 0.4 per cent, with gains by iron ore miners, and coalminers outweighing losses for the big banks and property trusts.
Unemployment rate hit 48-year low in June
The unemployment rate plummeted to 3.5 per cent in June, from 3.9 per cent in May, and was much better than economists were expecting.
ASX edges higher on mining, energy
Australian shares have risen 0.3 per cent, with gains by energy and mining companies and losses for property trusts.
NSW shifts aged-care COVID vaccine rules
Visitors to aged-care homes in NSW won't have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 under changes approved by Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant.
PM, leaders to meet over COVID-19 surge
National Cabinet is expected to meet next week for a briefing on the latest medical advice and pandemic response as COVID-19 cases surge across the country.
Father of ex-choirboy sues Pell, Church
Cardinal George Pell and the Catholic Church are being sued in Victoria's Supreme Court by the father of a deceased former choirboy, for psychological harm.
COVID-19 providing ‘real challenges’: PM
The prime minister says he will work closely alongside states and territories to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 during the winter surge.
Rent surges amid cost of living crisis
House and unit rents have set records in the country's capitals, according to Domain, as cost of living pressures prompt calls for more affordable housing.
Aust bolster Comm Games COVID-19 measures
Australia's Commonwealth Games athletes won't be permitted to attend other venues to watch their teammates among measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Treasurer defends end of free RAT scheme
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the federal government can't continue to give free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests for concession card holders indefinitely.
Accused baby killer ‘lied to protect mum’
A man accused of murdering a six-month old baby has said he lied to protect the child's mother despite their casual relationship mainly involving drugs and sex.
Albanese vows respect, energy in Pacific
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been meeting Pacific island leaders after landing in Fiji for a regional forum.
Alarm bells ring on foot and mouth disease
As tourists return to Bali, there are calls for compulsory disinfectant footbaths at airports to prevent the disease infiltrating Australia.
Record high 240k homes being built in Q1
A record 240,065 dwellings were under construction in March, although work commencements on new homes fell as the housing boom lost momentum.
Albanese RAT call, COVID ship hits Sydney
As a cruise ship with more than 100 COVID-19 cases docks in Sydney, Anthony Albanese has urged concession card holders to get free RATs while they still can.
NDIS less help in remote WA, inquiry told
A royal commission has been told there is less support for disabled people in a remote WA town under the NDIS compared with the old state-based system.
GPs, pharmacists urge free test extension
Medical experts want the government to extend the free rapid test program for concession card holders, saying scrapping it sends the wrong public message.
Vic govt knocks back mask mandate advice
Official advice to reintroduce COVID-19 mask mandates has been rejected in Victoria, as the state government puts the onus on employers.
Barilaro staffers called to public inquiry
Two staffers of former NSW deputy premier John Barilaro have been asked to give evidence at an inquiry into how he was appointed to a trade role in the US.
NSW govt sues nurses union over strikes
The NSW government is seeking court-ordered penalties over allegedly unauthorised strikes by health staff in February and March this year.
PM defends end to pandemic leave payments
Anthony Albanese has ruled out reintroducing pandemic leave payments, saying the federal government needs to be fiscally responsible.
COVID ship docks in NSW as crew isolates
A cruise ship experiencing an outbreak of the virus among staff has arrived at Eden on the south coast.
PIF leaders lament loss of Pacific unity
At least four Pacific Islands Forum members will be absent from this week's leaders' summit; Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Cook Islands and Nauru.
Marles urges greater Indo-Pacific step up
Defence Minister Richard Marles delivered a speech in Washington focused on security in the Asia-Pacific, during his four-day trip to the US.
Consumer confidence falls as rates rise
Consumer confidence has dropped 19.7 per cent since December, a plunge comparable to what happened at the start of the pandemic and the global financial crisis.
Australia, NZ sign up for ICJ climate case
Campaigners have persuaded Australia and New Zealand to back Vanuatu's bid to have climate change commitments underscored by international law.