Electric shock: hybrids, not EVs, pose pedestrian risk
They may be quieter and heavier than petrol cars but electric vehicles are not more likely to crash into a pedestrian or to cause serious injury.
national news
Cheapest path to energy and climate goals locked in
Solar and wind firmed by storage and backed by gas remains the cheapest pathway to meet Australia's growing demand for electricity while reaching climate goals
February is live: RBA warns of impending rate hike
The average mortgage-holder's repayments could soon jump an extra $90 a month, with another Reserve Bank interest rate hike on the cards as early as February.
Jumping castle inquest ‘open to different findings’
A coroners court has provided a significant update on preparations for an inquest into the deaths of six primary school children in a jumping castle accident.
Social media ban hailed a success despite workarounds
The prime minister says his under-16s social media ban belongs in the pantheon of world-leading Australian innovations like the secret ballot.
Shopping for a new car? Life360 will have your back
Family location-sharing app owner Life360 says a recent $181 million acquisition will bring it closer to its goal of targeting users where they are with ads.
UN inspectors again frozen out of Australian prisons
United Nations inspectors have been barred from a crime-troubled territory's prisons and watch houses, raising questions about what authorities have to hide.
NRL sets itself as unity force against China in PNG
With a team set to join the NRL in 2028, Papua New Guinea is walking a delicate tightrope between ties to Australia and economic opportunities abroad.
Cover-up claims as triple zero-linked death revealed
Another death linked to triple-zero failures just days after Optus' major outage was not publicly disclosed at the time, sparking accusations of a cover-up.
Minister’s public purse spending bonanza under audit
A besieged cabinet minister under fire for slugging taxpayers with the bill to fly her husband to sports events has referred herself for an independent audit.
Crackdown looms on e-bikes, scooters after more deaths
As sales surge before Christmas, states are debating how to regulate the sale and specifications of e-bikes and scooters after a series of fatal incidents.
PM eulogises corruption-tainted political playmaker
Controversial Labor powerbroker Graham Richardson has been remembered by all corners of Australia's political class after a career defined by ruthlessness.
In-app-propriate: renters quizzed on personal details
Almost half of Victorian renters are being forced to use digital platforms to apply for and maintain their accommodation despite privacy concerns.
Avo go at this: Aussie exports fuel hopes for new year
Australians are expected to eat 5kg of avocados per person in the new year, as bumper harvests and export demand boost optimism across the agricultural sector.
One Nation, Nats tussle as Joyce dodges Hanson queries
One Nation expects a sign-on surge after Barnaby Joyce joined up, although the ex-deputy PM stopped short of condoning his new leader's controversial actions.
After review, USA going all the way on AUKUS pact
Penny Wong and Richard Marles have met their US counterparts with both nations labelling the AUKUS deal as "full steam ahead".
Disunity as Aboriginal people hear ‘powerful’ apology
Indigenous leaders have hailed a state's formal apology for past injustices while lamenting persistent ploys to make the population a "political football".
Retiring renters facing disaster without intervention
Renters face an impossible challenge in retirement without more assistance and need significantly more superannuation than homeowners, a report shows.
Legal threat as social media given final doomscrolling
The final push notifications are being received and last feeds scrolled as Australian children prepared to be kicked off social media in a landmark move.
Rate rise flagged as RBA does a Grinch with no Xmas cut
More rate relief for borrowers has essentially been ruled out by the Reserve Bank governor as the central bank mulls over when to lift rates again.
computing and information technology
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
regulatory policy and organisation
research
science and technology
software
technology (general)
water
Thirsty AI technology could strain Aussie water supply
Data centres supporting artificial intelligence technology could use as much as 20 per cent of the water supply in some cities unless policies change.
‘Housemate from hell’s’ three-month tirade exposed
Victims of a three-month tirade by an evicted housemate have revealed how their lives have been permanently altered by her offending.
‘Respect’ frustrates Reynolds’ pursuit of Higgins’ cash
A judge has reserved his decision over ex-senator Linda Reynolds' application to bankrupt Brittany Higgins after she lost a bruising defamation battle.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
diesel fuel
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
road transport
transport
Aussies’ latest car choices are driving down pollution
The growing popularity of hybrid and electric cars is helping to reduce Australia's transport emissions but big, old cars are slowing progress.
Rape-accused intruder argues elderly woman attacked him
A would-be thief accused of an aged care centre rape has testified his alleged victim said "you're not getting away with this" before he was able to escape.
Aust’s biggest self-storage chain to be taken private
National Storage, which owns 290 self-storage locations in Australia and New Zealand, has agreed to be acquired by Brookfield and GIC for $4 billion.
‘Some hurt in this’: Joyce jumps ship to One Nation
Barnaby Joyce says he's looking forward to joining forces with a "fellow traveller" in Pauline Hanson after confirming he will serve under her in One Nation.
Fifth woman joins frontline of Liberal Party leadership
Australia's newest female state Liberal leader is leaning on advice from a fellow premier-hopeful and a former AFL premiership captain to guide her in the role.
Trio overturn convictions for bucks party gang rapes
Three men jailed for gang raping multiple teenagers during a bucks party weekend have had their convictions quashed on appeal.
Swastika sword seized as men charged over Nazi symbols
Three men will face court charged with the public display of Nazi symbols and possessing extremist material after a federal police investigation.
Labor digs in on entitlements as minister cops scrutiny
A senior minister has splashed thousands of dollars of taxpayer money on family travel, as the Albanese government stands behind rules allowing the spend.