Libs Battin down the hatches as leader outlines vision
Brad Battin has vowed to tackle the cost of living, crime, budget repair and regional roads after ousting John Pesutto as Victoria's Liberal party leader.
national news
Tragedy strikes twice in Sydney-Hobart as sailors die
Crews desperately tried to save the lives of two sailors who died in separate incidents in the Sydney to Hobart in challenging weather conditions, police say.
Body of boy found after swept off rocks to sea
Rescuers have found the body of Luca Bennett, his family says, after dolphins were seen circling near where the teen was swept off rocks at a popular beach.
Calmer waters for remaining Sydney-Hobart fleet
A sailor aboard the winning boat in this year's Sydney to Hobart yacht race has described the conditions as the worst of his 11 Sydney to Hobart races.
Liberal leader promises party unity after messy battle
Brad Battin has paid his respects to former leader John Pesutto after taking his place at the helm of the Victorian Liberals.
The chef championing native foods from island backyards
Food is part of culture, connection and community for this Torres Strait Islander chef, who has returned home to showcase the flavours of her childhood.
Bushfire destroys homes as calmer conditions on horizon
Stable conditions and cooler weather are giving firefighters welcome relief as initial damage assessments reveal at least three homes have been lost to fire.
Crocodile count raises concerns about swimming holes
Fifty years after almost being wiped out in the Top End, the number of crocodiles is raising alarms about new places the apex predator is lurking.
Australia set to go off with a colourful bang on NYE
Preparations are under way for a fireworks extravaganza across the nation with Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne all set to sparkle with skyline light shows.
Financial help on its way as bushfires hit livelihoods
Farmers, tourism operators and others suffering income loss following a huge bushfire will be eligible for financial support.
All ahead AI: fresh risk, different rules, new features
Generative AI tools have already changed the way Australians work, communicate and study. Experts say more changes are coming in 2025.
Laws to rev up electric car race at starting line
Australia's automotive industry will look different in 2025 after a change in laws inspires a long list of electric and plug-in hybrid challengers.
Youth pastor killed by shark while fishing with family
A man has died after being attacked by a shark while on a fishing trip with his family in the Keppel Bay Islands National Park.
Bushwalker deaths and rescue prompts safety warning
Police are warning bushwalkers to be prepared before they set out on their treks after two men died in separate incidents and another pair needed to be rescued.
‘Scariest moment’: Vanuatu earthquake relief on the way
An estimated 23,000 vulnerable people including those with a disability and children are in urgent need of help after a deadly earthquake rocked Vanuatu.
Flesh-eating ulcer becomes ‘endemic’ in another state
Researchers picking apart a marsupial's faeces have warned a bacterium causing a flesh-eating ulcer is present "beyond doubt" in a popular coastal town.
No release for youngest murderer pending psych reports
Australia's youngest convicted murderer will remain behind bars after a court ordered he undergo mental health evaluations before it considers his release.
CFMEU corruption case stalls after High Court challenge
A criminal case against an ex-CFMEU state secretary and his son has been held up after the union's High Court attack on its government-imposed administration.
Halfway there: Australia on track for renewable goal
If current momentum gained in the six months is sustained then Australia can reach its 2030 renewable energy target, think tank research suggests.
Australian destroyers to join UK show of force
Two Australian navy destroyers will take part in exercises with a British carrier strike group that will be deployed to the Indo-Pacific in 2025.
Second body in the bushes, police suspect double murder
A second body has been found near a woman's decomposing remains, with the latest discovery likely to be her husband, police say.
Last hope for family to find cabbie’s cold case killer
More than 30 years after a beloved taxi driver was gunned down in his cab, a reward is being offered in the hope of solving the cold case.
Anti-Islam hate spikes with shocking details revealed
There is a surge in reports of Muslims facing abuse and hateful vitriol and anti-Islam graffiti is commonplace, comprehensive data reveals.
Sky-high $120m compensation bill for Qantas workers
Qantas has struck a deal to compensate more than 1800 workers to the tune of $120 million after the Federal Court found they were illegally sacked.
Homeowners making hundreds a week even without tenants
People who own property might be able to make more than $30,000 a year, if the market is good, simply by holding onto their asset for about nine years.
Deficits dig deeper holes as cracks appear in budget
Australia is on track for a soft economic landing despite budget deficits set to widen as spending grows and tax receipts fall, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says.
Defiant Alan Jones welcomes jury test for abuse claims
Former talkback king Alan Jones has faced court for the first time and taken aim at police as investigators levelled more indecent assault charges against him.
Do the Heelers eat popcorn? TV hit Bluey becomes a film
Forget Bluey's Dance Mode - the beloved children's TV series is in Film Mode, with a feature in the works for release in cinemas worldwide.
Granny-taser cop fights dismissal from police force
A former police officer convicted over the fatal tasering of a 95-year-old great-grandmother is fighting to get his job back.
Indonesian president courts West with Bali Nine release
The release of five Australians serving life sentences in Indonesia for drug smuggling is viewed as an act of political goodwill by President Prabowo Subianto.
From Pondi to Bondi: frying Sydneysiders hit the beach
Thousands of people have flocked to beaches as heatwave conditions persevere in Sydney and parts of NSW and Queensland.