Treasurer courts business with productivity promises
Helping businesses leverage clean energy and AI will transform Australia to its "fourth economy" and improve productivity growth, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says.
national news
Alleged synagogue arsonists targeted by fellow inmates
Two men with extensive criminal histories have been denied bail over an attack on a synagogue which police allege was motivated by hate.
Coalition senator takes aim at $840 million pledge
An $840 million pledge will not amount to self-determination, the coalition says, as peak organisations welcome the 'genuine, meaningful' funding agreement.
Economic uncertainty clouds business investment outlook
The value of planned investment projects, such as road and rail infrastructure, has fallen as businesses cut costs in response to rising economic uncertainty.
‘Not for sale’: Aussies rally against Trump’s Gaza plan
The prime minister has come under fire from Australian protesters for not denouncing a plan by US President Donald Trump for America to take over Gaza.
Grandma met with ‘aggressive brutality’ by killer cop
A police officer who used a Taser on a 95-year-old woman has heard the impact her death had on her family as a judge considers whether to send him to jail.
World clocks warmest January on record despite La Nina
Despite an emerging La Nina bringing cooler conditions to the tropical Pacific, last month has been deemed the warmest January on record.
ABC’s integrity on the line in Gaza advocate case: boss
The ABC's integrity will be affected by the outcome of a lawsuit by a radio host dismissed over a post on the Gaza conflict, the broadcaster's boss has said.
Accused criminals left to own devices in ‘bail fail’
A state will stop using private firms to track accused criminals on bail after dozens were left unmonitored when a provider suddenly collapsed.
Witches, pop star’s memoir drive up News Corp revenue
News Corp shares have hit an all-time high after posting five per cent revenue and 20 per cent earnings growth in the second quarter.
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.
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.