Howard confronts Iraq War call as documents unearthed
Previously secret documents show concerns over a wheat scandal derailing Australia's commercial interests and plans to reshape Iraq as a free-market haven.
national news
‘Best New Year’s Eve ever’ for most, but some trouble
One of the world's first celebrations of the new year reached new heights, with most enjoying their night, but some have larger troubles than just sore heads.
Rate cuts on horizon in mixed 2025 for the economy
Borrowers can expect cashflow relief from interest rate cuts in 2025, yet a further deterioration in the jobs market will also start to be felt.
Drowning deaths claim two tourists and swimmer
Two tourists have died at a dangerous beach and a man was unable to be revived after being pulled from the water as the summer drowning toll continues to rise.
Loyalty penalty costing power customers, warns ACCC
Energy consumers are paying more than they should be and the consumer watchdog wants households to force providers to compete harder by shopping around.
Bushfire threat finally eases but warnings to last days
An emergency alert has been downgraded for a bushfire that has had communities on edge but the blaze is expected to keep burning for days.
‘Be careful’: safety plea following holiday drownings
A spate of drownings during the festive season has left authorities urging Australians to prioritise safety around the water during the summer holidays.
Drivers urged to ‘shop around’ as petrol prices surge
Australians are facing headaches at the petrol bowser and a national body has called for an investigation as costs surge in capital cities.
Accused getaway driver charged after targeted murder
A gunman remains at large after police charged his associate for not revealing his identity after he allegedly shot dead a man in his driveway.
Short trips, cheaper grub: tight budgets change travel
Australians are still travelling but patterns are changing to reflect tougher financial conditions with many taking shorter trips closer to home.
New year changes to boost payments and career options
Employers who underpay staff will be committing a criminal offence in 2025, while more than a million Australians will see changes to government payments.
Rain threatens new year party for east coast revellers
Festivities are ramping up across Australia as the nation prepares to farewell 2024 but rain may dampen the spirits of some.
Latham fights for right to repeat ‘disgusting’ MP claim
A court has been asked to permanently restrain Mark Latham from again uttering a defamatory and sexually explicit remark about a political rival.
Drug driver jailed for ‘abrupt, cruel’ killing of teen
The parents of a 16-year-old girl killed by a drugged-up drunk driver, who has been jailed for 14 years, are "furious" her life was tragically cut short.
‘A true legend’: family, stars farewell tennis great
Roger Federer has penned a letter to the widow of Australian tennis great Neale Fraser, read to his state funeral, describing him as a true legend.
‘Whitewash’: doubt cast over fixes for ‘rotten’ CFMEU
Measures may not be strong enough to weed out construction sector criminality after revelations of bikie and organised crime figures infiltrating the CFMEU.
Budget blues in the most populous state as rates weigh
Government finances are wobbling in Australia's most populous state as stubbornly high interest rates weigh on home building and consumer spending.
‘Hunting season’: soldier’s words on alleged war crime
After committing an alleged war crime by murdering an Afghan civilian, an Australian special forces trooper boasted of having a "good day" in the field.
Bank shareholders reject climate disclosure for lending
A big-four bank will not need to spell out its lending intentions for fossil fuel companies as shareholders reject a pitch to change its constitution.
Long flight to justice ends for sacked Qantas workers
The end of a protracted legal battle is being welcomed by workers illegally sacked by Qantas as they turn to rebuilding their lives after four years.
Warm season’s greetings for most Christmas revellers
Australians can expect to be of good cheer as the official forecast for Christmas Day expects settled warm and dry conditions for most of the country.
No methanol or illicits detected in cocktail, Fiji says
Forensic testing of cocktail ingredients at a Fijian resort where seven people fell ill with suspected poisoning has found no evidence of methanol.
‘Drugs are illegal’: premier’s warning over test trial
Drug takers are being warned they could still be arrested despite a state government waving through a pill-testing trial at music festivals over the summer.
More Aussies heading home after deadly Vanuatu quake
Two more RAAF planes are set to bring home Australians stranded in Vanuatu following a 7.3 magnitude earthquake, as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
Australia denounces Russia ahead of Kyiv embassy return
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has updated his Australian counterpart on Russia's invasion and asked for more aid to ensure a decisive victory.
Productivity slump worsens Australia’s deficit dilemma
Australia needs to get productivity growth back on track to pay for structural spending increases and avoid endless deficits, economists warn.
Unis split on visa go-slow to curb foreign students
International student visas for tertiary education will be prioritised for a limited number of applicants before being hit with a go-slow to tame migration.
Racism rife at universities as many fear speaking out
Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, racism against foreign students and Indigenous people feeling diminished are under the Human Rights Commission's spotlight.
Molly Ticehurst’s alleged killer faces new sex charges
The man accused of the domestic violence murder of Molly Ticehurst will be mentally assessed as he faces new charges, a court has been told.
AGL weighs appeal of ‘significant’ $25m court penalty
An energy retailer is deciding whether to appeal a record court-imposed penalty in a case brought by the regulator for overcharging customers on welfare.
Aussie dollar, shares take a hit as US rate hopes fade
A surprise fall in the Australian dollar to around 62 US cents could put a dent in travellers' pockets over Christmas after US markets got the wobbles.