Ex-soldier denies bid to avoid murder rap
A former SAS soldier has denied concocting a story with friend Ben Roberts-Smith to hide an alleged murder of an Afghan prisoner they are both accused of.
national news
Party leaders battle over wage rises
Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese have traded barbs over wage growth and cost of living pressures in their third leaders' debate.
Consumers brace for sharp rise in rates
The Westpac-Melbourne Institute monthly consumer survey showed a sharp drop in confidence as Australians brace for more interest rate increases.
Australian spies helped Afghanistan exit
Australian Secret Intelligence Service director-general Paul Symon has delivered an address to mark the 70th anniversary of the agency.
Dead diver found near cocaine at NSW port
A diver, identified as a foreign national, has died after being found unconscious near cocaine worth $20 million at the Port of Newcastle.
Reef report diagnoses coral bleach cause
A "marine heatwave" on the Great Barrier Reef has been linked to summer's coral bleaching.
Roberts-Smith witness backs cornfield shot
A former SAS soldier has supported Ben Roberts-Smith's testimony that an insurgent was lawfully shot in a cornfield and was not a prisoner who was murdered.
McLachlan trial played musical ‘bed scene’
Craig McLachlan has told a court there were physical displays of affection backstage on The Rocky Horror Show including "smacks on the bottom" and "wedgies".
Gunner steps down as NT chief minister
Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner has resigned, saying he knew it was time to go when he held his new baby son in his arms.
Stagnant wages are ‘untenable’: Albanese
The opposition leader has backed a rise in the minimum wage of 5.1 per cent, as the Fair Work Commission weighs up the evidence for a hike.
ASX down 2.5 per cent in early trade
Roundup of ASX and finance activity. There will be a noon update, another at the close of the ASX and then a final wrap by 1730 (AEST).
PM continues to back outspoken Deves
Prime Minister Scott Morrison continues to back his controversial pick for Warringah, Katherine Deves, saying more women are needed in parliament.
New SA clinics to tackle long COVID
South Australia has established three special clinics to help people suffering from so-called long COVID as cases continue to rise.
Aged care workers strike in Qld and WA
Aged care workers in Queensland and Western Australia have launched industrial action as part of a union push to improve pay and staffing in aged care homes.
Parties joust over federal integrity body
Anthony Albanese says a federal integrity body would be one of his first priorities, while Scott Morrison defended his rejection of state models.
‘Double-pronged attack’ on Craig McLachlan
Craig McLachlan's defamation trial has started against Fairfax Media, the ABC and Christie Whelan Browne over claims of misconduct during the Rocky Horror Show.
Labor vows protection for LGBTQIA students
As debate returns on religious discrimination laws, Labor has promised to protect LGBTQIA school students if elected.
Proposed grid reforms energise investors
Moves to redesign Australia's electricity grid to better support renewable energy projects have been welcomed by institutional investors in the sector.
Petrol prices up again despite tax support
Petrol prices are continuing to climb across Australia, with some cities paying more than 180 cents a litre as global factors undermine the cut in fuel excise.
Sergeants wanted war hero’s VC rescinded
Ben Roberts-Smith's defamation trial has been told a group of sergeants expressed reservations about the SAS soldier's receipt of the Victoria Cross.
Farmers fear resurgent mouse plague
Farmers are being urged to check paddocks for signs of mice amid reports of increased numbers of the rodents in the wake of extensive damage last year.
Tas premier tests positive after NBL game
Tasmania's Premier Jeremy Rockliff has tested positive for COVID-19 after attending an NBL final series game but says he is "feeling well".
COVID-19 and flu pose double danger
As Australia heads into winter with COVID-19 still circulating authorities are underlining the importance of vaccination against the flu as well as coronavirus.
Cost cuts limit Westpac H1 profit drop
Competition and higher provisions have weighed on Westpac's first half results, with cash profit declining 12 per cent to $3.1 billion.
Morrison defends feisty debate performance
After a shouty contest with Labor leader Anthony Albanese, the prime minister has defended his performance in the second leaders' debate.
WA boosts COVID-19 funding in budget
The West Australian government will allocate more cash to its COVID-19 response in this week's state budget as SA launches a vaccine advertising blitz.
‘Busy’ LNP candidate faces police probe
The Australian Electoral Commission has referred a federal election candidate to police after concerns were raised over his enrolment and nomination.
Lib MP ‘unchanged’ on LGBT student stance
Victorian Liberal MP Katie Allen has indicated she will always protect gay and transgender students, as debate on religious discrimination laws resurfaced.
Morrison, Albanese in fierce TV debate
Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese have clashed in Sunday's election debate with the leaders grilled on national security, the pandemic and living costs.
Swipe-free smartphone for the ages
Australian seniors who struggle with technology could benefit from a simplified smartphone, designed to prevent scam calls and messages.
Olympics president returns to Brisbane
IOC president Thomas Bach returned to Brisbane from a Pacific tour and says the Olympic spirit is alive and well across the region.