‘Unfair’: $50k arts degrees lumping students with debt
Australian students being forced to pay $50,000 for arts degrees are being left in a financial hole after they graduate, a vice-chancellor warns
national news
Interest rate cuts might have less impact than thought
Mortgage holders were smashed by the fastest interest rate hiking cycle in decades post-pandemic, but a study has found it did little to dampen spending.
Japanese courtyard Queenslander leads design winners
A Queenslander cottage extended around a Japanese-inspired courtyard garden is among the winning designs at the National Architecture Awards.
Tobacco tax cut ‘no fix’ to $4b smugglers’ paradise
Public health experts are urging authorities not to get the jitters on tobacco taxes as the economic cost of Australia's black market trade explodes.
Loan defaults bad for business as NAB profit takes hit
Business lending is growing for NAB but so is the level of bad debt from that customer segment, pumping the brakes on profits at the big four bank.
Underworld kingpin Mokbel avoids a return to prison
Drug kingpin Tony Mokbel has been sentenced to time already served after losing a bid to have one of his trafficking convictions quashed.
Relief as victims of anti-gay laws are compensated
Equality advocates are rejoicing after nation-leading laws allowing men convicted of homosexuality under former laws passed a state parliament.
Manslaughter query if camper killer faces fresh trial
A conviction for the murder of camper Russell Hill will not be sought by prosecutors, but appeal judges have queried if a manslaughter retrial will be pursued.
RBA drops rates hint as Australia maintains AAA status
Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock has responded to a surprise jump in unemployment as a credit agency gives Australia's finance a tick of approval.
Sheep and beef behind rise in farmer sentiment
Tasmanian farmers are the most confident in the nation, while Western Australian primary producers are the most worried, according to a new survey.
Skies the limit for Aussie hydrogen-powered space drone
An Australian aerospace company is building the world's first reusable, hydrogen-powered hypersonic unmanned aircraft for military and aerospace missions.
Accused murderer’s ‘self-serving’ lies after ex’s death
A builder accused of murdering his ex-partner during a rage-filled argument tried to cover up his heinous crime through a series of lies, a jury has heard.
‘Farewell old friend’: Irishman killed in mine disaster
A close-knit outback town is in mourning as experts begin their investigations into the cause of an underground mining explosion that killed two people.
Rapist ex-MP’s sentence delayed by 11th-hour legal bid
A disgraced former families minister will have to wait days longer to learn if he has to stay behind bars for sexually assaulting two men.
Pre-Christmas rate relief dashed after inflation spike
All four major banks predict mortgage holders will have to wait until 2026 for rate relief after a larger-than expected inflation rise.
Blind date initially blamed for Easey Street murders
Defence lawyers have questioned a former murder suspect's movements as they claim their client has mistakenly been accused of killing two women in their home.
Nation must ‘choose courage’ as it enters treaty era
Australians are being urged to put aside politics and "choose courage", as one state prepares to enter into treaty with its First Nations people.
Heatwaves, climate extremes ‘normal’ for oceans by 2040
Even if the Paris Agreement is met, Australia's marine life will still be under pressure to adapt or move in response to climate pressures, and fast.
From chaos to code: why AI is boosting developer ranks
Artificial intelligence tools are inspiring more people to create their own software and could help to address Australia's skills gap.
‘We need energy’: leader touts gas to save smelter jobs
The fate of 1000 workers hangs in the balance as leaders debate the best way to save Australia's biggest aluminium smelter from closure.
Demands for review of BOM site after mass complaints
Federal politicians are calling for a review of the Bureau of Meteorology's revamped website after it was labelled difficult to navigate and missing key tools.
Top cop eyes ‘crime-influencers’ amid social media ban
Parents are encouraged to have hard conversations with children about online safety even as a world-first social media ban for Australian kids is set to begin.
Record loss of outdoor work hours due to heat: report
Heat exposure, drought and natural disasters are causing deaths and economic havoc in Australia and around the world, according to a major global report.
Alleged saboteur faces court after man dies at hospital
A man died in hospital an hour after a woman allegedly snuck into two facilities and cut their utilities, prompting a major investigation and security audit.
Abuse claims surge against childcare, pre-school staff
Allegations of abuse and misconduct involving childcare workers and early educators are on the rise, a watchdog warns.
Gambling lobby floats ad limit as uncertainty lingers
Betting companies are searching for a middle ground on gambling advertising reform as the communications minister weighs up a response to a landmark inquiry.
Alleged murderer claims ‘true love’ for ex casts doubt
A man's texts to his ex-partner before her death raise doubts about whether he intended to seriously harm or kill her, his lawyer has told a court.
Nature’s recovery, not decline, promise of major reform
Long-awaited reforms to environmental protections are finally before parliament but the battle to enshrine them into law is only getting started.
‘You killed those two girls’: Easey St interview aired
Audio from a detective grilling a suspect over the Easey St double murders nearly 50 years ago has been aired as a different man stands accused of the killings.
Treasurer hits back as opposition slaps panic button
The coalition has sought to link a recent rise in inflation and unemployment to the 1970s economic malaise, but analysts say there is no need to panic.
Don’t forget gas: industry calls for renewable support
More than 50 companies are calling on the Australian government to extend support for renewable gas projects.