Red tape on chopping block in bid to build homes faster
Slashing regulations so houses can be built quicker has won universal approval at a government-led economic roundtable, but the finer details are up for debate.
national news
Lehrmann called ‘national joke’ on return to lion’s den
Already ridiculed over a failed lawsuit, Australia's "national joke" Bruce Lehrmann is challenging findings he likely raped colleague Brittany Higgins
Aussie workers sceptical of AI coming for their jobs
A slim majority of workers believe the government can be trusted to regulate artificial intelligence and most think it will augment rather than replace jobs.
Call to screw the cap on $11 billion diesel subsidy
More mining giants may clean up their operations if the government capped generous credits on diesel fuel and incentivised green projects, a report finds.
Access all areas for Headliners at outback music bash
All roads are leading to Mundi Mundi as some 15,000 people of all ages and abilities converge in the outback to enjoy three days of live music under the stars.
Albanese shrugs off swipe from angry Israeli leader
The prime minister says he will still engage with Benjamin Netanyahu diplomatically, despite the Israeli leader calling him 'weak'.
Flood warnings in place amid heavy rainfall forecasts
Residents across one state are being warned to prepare for flooding as a weather system bears down from the coast to inland suburbs.
Major parties on same page on peacekeepers in Ukraine
The opposition under Sussan Ley appears to have changed tack on the possibility of Australia sending peacekeepers to Ukraine, if peace talks are successful.
Police seek court order to quash Palestine bridge march
Police will seek a court order to prevent demonstrators from marching across a major bridge as part of nationwide protests over the war in Gaza.
Israel retaliates after Australia blocks politician
Israel's foreign affairs minister says he has revoked the visas of Australia's representatives to the Palestinian Authority.
‘Weak’ PM condemned by Israeli leader amid visa stoush
Israel's prime minister has labelled Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese a "weak politician'" as a diplomatic stoush escalates between the two nations.
Cross bench lashes Labor as minority Libs retain power
The Greens and independents have criticised a state Labor party for failing to provide a viable governing option, leaving minority Liberals in power.
Trade and skills under spotlight in ‘promising’ talks
The treasurer has sung the praises of the government's long-awaited roundtable after hours of discussions on productivity, trade and technology.
Qantas sackings ‘betrayed Spirit of Australia’ values
Qantas is being warned it risks losing its place in the national psyche after its latest indiscretion: a $90 million fine for the illegal sacking of workers.
‘Standard practice’: summiteers play down Treasury leak
Experts believe there's still hope for reform at an upcoming productivity roundtable after Treasury recommendations arising from the summit were leaked.
Crash pilot denies flying high and failing to fuel up
A former pilot, now a paraplegic after a crash, has vigorously denied failing to fuel up one of reality TV star Matt Wright's helicopters.
Judge sprays lawyers for filing error-riddled AI papers
Lawyers acting for a boy accused of murder used artificial intelligence to prepare their case and did not check before filing documents littered with mistakes.
Climate adaptation secrets hidden in reptilian genes
Nature is declining at an unprecedented rate and a vast library of reptiles, birds and other specimens could help researchers better understand pressure points.
Ex-Qantas boss returns to defends his troubled legacy
Controversial former Qantas boss Alan Joyce has used a rare public appearance to ask industry figures to consider their "social licence" in future plans.
Paul Kelly farewells Joe in How to Make Gravy sequel
One of Australia's most celebrated artists has released a sequel to Christmas anthem How to Make Gravy, almost three decades after its release.
Lessons ‘not learnt’ 80 years on from World War II
Australians have paused to reflect on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, with many thankful for the sacrifices made to ensure peace in Australia.
Cutting ‘nightmarish’ red tape may awaken productivity
Fixing Australia's regulations could help businesses and shoppers save and reinvigorate Australia's languishing productivity base.
War on drugs a ‘costly failure’ amid record consumption
An analysis of Australia's sewers shows record consumption of meth, cocaine and heroin, triggering a call to abandon the "failing" war on drugs.
Footy fans help consumer spending roar into growth
A British and Irish Lions rugby tour and the State of Origin league decider helped push household spending up in July, the latest CommBank data shows.
PM defends Palestine recognition after US ‘disgust’
Australia's decision to recognise Palestine was made in the interest of its citizens, the prime minister has said, after a US official decried the move.
Tougher national working with kids scheme by year’s end
Australia will fast-track the rollout of reforms for working with children checks after the existing system was slammed by the prime minister as "hopeless".
Aussie shares in record close, break $2.9 trillion mark
Australia's top 500 publicly traded companies are now worth more than $2.9 trillion, as major benchmark indexes closed at their highest ever levels.
Matt Wright blew up at pilots who went to the pub
After learning his pilots had called off an egg-collecting mission to go to the pub, Matt Wright sent angry texts, before apologising the next day.
Man’s ‘bizarre’ comments after airport gunshot fracas
A man at the centre of an airport arrest boasted he would be bailed again when re-arrested for several assaults in a major train station, a court has been told.
Accused killer walks from court in successful bail bid
Accused murderer Steven Johnson has been released on bail after a Supreme Court judge ruled he had exceptional circumstances.
Portrait of hidden faces declared a hands-down winner
The First Nations girls in an award-winning photo hid their faces as a statement of resistance, with the shot taking out a prestigious national portrait prize.