Mandatory jail for terror risks ‘serious injustice’
Australians from vulnerable communities could be disproportionately harmed by laws that introduce mandatory jail time for some terror offences, experts warn.
national news
Dutton supporting ‘erasure’ of Palestinians: advocates
Palestinians have lashed Peter Dutton for "legitimising" Donald Trump's plan for a US take over of Gaza which would erase them as a people, advocates say.
Telcos talk up 3G shut down amid ‘dire’ safety fears
Rural Australians have reported poor mobile service and new black spots after the 3G network closure, but the telcos say their coverage is steady or better.
Hate crime laws to make anti-Semites ‘think twice’
Jewish leaders have backed controversial changes aimed at ending "an ongoing campaign of domestic terrorism" resulting in a litany of anti-Semitic attacks.
Brazil drug cartel’s corridor from Sao Paulo to Sydney
The Pacific Ocean is a favoured pipeline for a Brazilian drug cartel that's expanded globally by targeting countries like Australia where users pay top dollar.
‘Golden age of gas’: households, manufacturers miss out
Households and manufacturers have been left worse off by the east coast gas bonanza, and exporters face new competition from cheaper sources, a report warns.
Australia tops index as virtual power plants take shape
Australia is poised for virtual power plants that connect households and slash bills but an expert warns nuclear reactors could force users off rooftop solar.
Co-accused flies free as alleged ‘Pam’ vandal caged
Accused of trying to make sure everybody heard about "Pam the Bird", alleged vandal Jack Gibson-Burrell has lost his bid for bail.
Stretched hospitals get $1 billion in ‘landmark’ deal
In a bid to bolster an under-pressure health system, the federal government has committed $1.7 billion in extra funding for public hospitals and services.
Disastrous dumped bail offences back ‘on the table’
All reforms are on the table as part of a so-called bail law review, including re-establishing offences found to disproportionately target Aboriginal people.
University heads grilled over anti-Semitism inaction
Vice-chancellors have defended action taken against anti-Semitism on university campuses amid concerns that Jewish students feel unsafe.
Electric vehicle sales brake as car market slows again
Australians bought fewer new cars in January, with electric car sales more than halving despite growing price competition and new limits on vehicle emissions.
Musk-like efficiency role ‘strange’ call for Australia
Australia must cut red tape and reform its tax system to boost productivity and safeguard against a looming trade war, the Business Council says.
Australian shares give up gains as Trump tariffs start
The ASX200 had been up by as much as 0.8 per cent in early trading but closed slightly lower as US President Donald Trump's levies begin on China.
Under-pressure government slammed for bail laws review
Another overhaul of bail laws is on the cards, as a state government is accused of buckling to scare-mongering amid rising youth crime.
States warned to tighten spending or pay more to borrow
States' "lax financial discipline" has earned a rebuke from a credit ratings giant, which says they are at risk of paying higher interest bills to service debt.
Hate speech laws go to vote as anti-Semitism denounced
Hate will be stopped at its source if tougher amendments are made to proposed laws to crackdown on the rise of anti-Semitism, an advocate says.
AI angst – workers fear bosses will prioritise profit
Australian workers are reluctant to embrace artificial intelligence, with fewer than one in three believing it will have a positive impact.
Body found after boy swept away in fast-flowing river
Drones, sniffer dogs and boats have been used to find the body of a 16-year-old boy, who disappeared after getting washed away while swimming with friends.
Call for ‘data diplomacy’ with China after DeepSeek ban
Chinese AI platform DeepSeek has been banned from government use over security concerns, but experts say more must be done to protect Australians' information.
‘Australia is a racist country’ is impartial: ABC boss
An ABC boss has been asked why a radio host was removed for sharing a post on Gaza but high-profile news figures remained despite their polarising views.
Teals bet on hung parliament to force gambling ad ban
Independent crossbenchers will leverage their votes in a minority government to force action on banning betting advertising after Labor failed to act.
House prices expected to rise amid supply challenge
Housing will remain a key policy battlefield at the election with prices expected to continue increasing and efforts to boost supply lagging behind targets.
Ukraine vows to negotiate exchange for captured Aussie
Ukraine has promised to help secure the release of Australian Oscar Jenkins, reiterating its gratitude to Australia for aiding its fight against Russia.
Weather on firefighters’ side in race to control blazes
Concerns have been raised about how health services deal with fire threats, as a cool change offered fire crews a chance to contain raging blazes.
Plot fuels federal stoush over anti-Semitism response
The discovery of a caravan packed with explosives has renewed a parliamentary push for tougher action against those convicted of terrorist offences.
Accused grandma rapist walks from court after bail bid
A man accused of raping an elderly woman has been released on bail after a magistrate found he did not pose an unacceptable risk to the community.
AFL legend’s son jailed over ‘troubling’ $140,000 fraud
The son of an AFL great will spend nine months behind bars for fraudulently stealing $140,000 from a family-owned golf business to fund his gambling addiction.
Footy legend denies drunken assault, intimidation
NRL and rugby great Wendell Sailor has denied drunkenly assaulting two people and refusing to leave a city-centre bar during a late-night incident.
Richmond star to be sentenced over border assault
Richmond defender Noah Balta has admitted an assault after a man was sent to hospital with a head injury just before the end of the year.
Aussie shares hit record high as rate-cut hopes grow
The ASX200 has hit a new high in intraday trading and finished just under its all-time closing record amid optimism the RBA will cut rates at its next meeting.