Speed, navigation errors flagged in cruise grounding
A cruise ship became grounded on a reef after a senior crew member attempted to change course at a higher speed than intended, safety investigators say.
national news
Big four banks predict three consecutive RBA rate hikes
The Middle East conflict could prompt the Aussie dollar to plummet and the Reserve Bank to hike interest rates to 15-year highs in 2026, analysts say.
‘Child sex victim’ had links to footy champ, trial told
A woman who accused former football champion Barry Cable of historical child sexual abuse stayed with his family in the 1970s, a court has been told.
World faces largest-ever oil disruption on Mideast war
A global energy watchdog has released a record emergency release of crude as it warns the US-Israeli war on Iran is causing the biggest oil shock in history.
‘Broken and unfair’: states urge change to GST carve-up
The cost to Australian taxpayers of a contentious GST carve-up will rise by another $6.6 billion in 2026/27, sparking fresh anger from critics of the deal.
Australia orders staff to leave Israel and UAE
The federal government has told non-essential officials to get out of Israel and the UAE "due to the deteriorating security situation" in the Middle East.
Families shocked as ex-spy chief quits Bondi inquiry
Grieving families of those killed in the Bondi terror attack are dismayed by a respected official's sudden exit from the royal commission into anti-Semitism.
Servos under the pump over quickfire fuel price hikes
Petrol and diesel prices were hiked dramatically almost straight after war broke out in the Middle East, the consumer watchdog has found.
Qantas customers claim $105m compo over COVID credits
A $105 million pot could be shared among hundreds of thousands of Qantas customers after the carrier settled a class action over COVID-19 flight credits.
Women judges hold the line against gender justice gap
A small Pacific nation is leading others when it comes to female judiciary representation but disparities around the world affect how justice is delivered.
Australian businessman a Chinese spy asset, jury finds
An Australian business owner has walked from court after being found guilty of recklessly helping Chinese intelligence for more than 15 months.
Blues fans see red as organisers pull plug on festival
A popular Australian festival has been abruptly cancelled three weeks before it was due to begin, blaming poor ticket sales and rising production costs.
Weeks until child sex-accused footy champ learns fate
A former football champion might have to wait more than a month to learn if he is convicted of child sex abuse charges.
Fuel stockpile topped up as minister says supply secure
Australia has stockpiled more than a month's supply of fuel and is as "prepared as possible" as the war in the Middle East continues to impact global supply,
Frederik and Mary visit Australia’s best known landmark
Traditional owners have welcomed Queen Mary and King Frederik to Uluru as the royals start a visit aimed at bolstering trade between Australia and Denmark.
‘Real hero’: mourners honour slain security guard
Flowers and heartfelt messages honouring an off-duty security guard were laid during a candlelight vigil held near the spot where he was allegedly murdered.
Postcode where more drivers plug into electric car cuts
More than 100,000 Australians have taken advantage of the federal government's tax exemption for electric vehicles but households in one location are most keen.
Snow gum dieback raises fears for largest river system
The snow gum forests of Australia's high country are dying, and it could have profound consequences for the nation's largest river system.
State finally launches ticketless travel – with a catch
Train passengers in one state will finally be able to pay fares with bank cards or iPhones, but the system will only be available to some commuters.
Guard of honour for King, Queen ahead of state dinner
The Danish royals have been officially welcomed to Government House by the governor-general and prime minister as part of a state tour Down Under.
Interest rate hike ‘no slam dunk’ amid Iran uncertainty
Traders and economists widely expect the Reserve Bank to lift interest rates but uncertainty over the Iran war could convince the board to keep them on hold.
Motoring group puts brakes on city fuel ration push
As concerns rise over the cost to the economy of rising fuel prices, a key motoring body warns against a proposal to quarantine petrol and diesels for regions.
Dodgy tobacco stores in sights but no ‘silver bullet’
Inspectors and police will be able to shut down stores selling illegal tobacco, as another state tries to tame the thriving black market in dodgy durries.
Oscars up for grabs as unease hangs over Hollywood
Conan O'Brien returns to host the Academy Awards for a second time amid tight security following an Iranian threat warning.
Family kidnap claims as Iranian soccer players return
As only two members of the Iranian women's soccer team remain in Australia, the local diaspora says families of those seeking asylum are being targeted.
Oil shock further reason for tax reform, spending cuts
An economic downturn might be needed to bring inflation back to target, economists warn, but the government can help with spending cuts and productivity reform.
Emergency global stockpile oil coming soon, IEA says
Emergency oil reserves from Asia and Oceania will be available immediately, the International Energy Agency says as it details the release of stockpiles.
One Battle After Another scoops Oscars with six awards
One Battle After Another has won a close contest with Sinners to be crowned best picture at the Oscars in a disappointing night for Australia's nominees.
‘Hand in hand’: Danish royals talk up Australia ties
Anthony Albanese has hailed Australia's "great affection" for the Danish royal couple while hosting them ahead of Queen Mary's return to her home town.
Fuel tax cut urged to avoid fruit ‘rotting on trees’
As some country towns face major petrol shortages, pressure is mounting on the federal government to intervene to bring down fuel prices.
Mum sobs as Chinese spy asset loses bid to stay on bail
A man groomed by two suspected members of Chinese intelligence has been jailed before sentencing as sheriffs tried to console his distraught mother.