Tried and true names most popular for babies in 2024
Australian parents-to-be are sticking with tried and true names, with Oliver, Noah, Isla and Charlotte topping the baby name charts again.
national news
Sex and the city: Indigenous play ready to wow festival
After a successful Melbourne season, the play Jacky - which portrays the reality of city life for Indigenous people - is heading to the Sydney Festival.
‘Bury me in the pines’: harrowing serial killing claims
A judge is considering his verdict after a marathon trial in South Australia's first alleged serial killing case in more than 20 years.
Countdown to election day as aftershocks rattle Vanuatu
Still reeling from aftershocks, campaigning has begun for a very challenging election in Vanuatu after many polling booths were hit in December's deadly quake.
Australian conservator joins Antarctic odyssey
A young Australian conservator is about to head off on an Antarctic expedition, restoring artefacts and retracing the steps of legendary explorers.
Firefighters battle fresh blazes amid total fire bans
Total fire bans are in place amid extreme danger from heatwave conditions as firefighters work to control freshly sparked bushfires.
Arson? Forty Winks mattress store goes up in smoke
An early morning blaze at a mattress store has been brought under control as police and arson detectives begin investigating the suspicious fire.
Nursing support for all, no matter the cancer type
Cancer patients will find it easier to get specialised support after the government committed millions during one of the nation's biggest fundraising events.
Search for man taken by shark ends without finding body
Authorities have concluded the search for a surfer who was seen taken by a shark but have not located his body.
Heavens open, bringing relief from heat and fires
Wet and cooler conditions across much of southeastern Australia have provided relief from the heat and a bushfire burning for three weeks.
Search resumes for missing bushwalker amid heat, fire
The search for a bushwalker missing for 11 days resumes after specialist crews have joined the efforts amid soaring temperatures and nearby fires.
PM hits the road to an election with multi-state blitz
The election year has begun with the prime minister making his first major promise as he embarks on a whirlwind cross-country crusade.
Hope for end to wage theft as laws come into force
Criminal penalties for employers who deliberately underpay workers have come into effect, with hopes they will deter bosses from engaging in the practice.
Iraq War documents ignite debate over Australia’s role
Newly released Iraq War documents reveal flawed decision-making by Australia, sparking calls for transparency and accountability in military commitments
Weak start, stronger finish tipped for property in 2025
Australia's property market is entering 2025 in a downturn and while interest rate cuts should boost demand, any home price growth rebound is tipped to be mild.
Fiji ‘tarnished’ after alleged assault on flight crew
As a probe continues into the alleged theft and sexual assault of two Virgin Australia crew, a Fijian MP says such incidents damage the nation's reputation.
Australian shares begin new year trade with gains
The ASX200 has closed half a per cent higher as trading resumes following the New Year's Day holiday.
Man released without charge after woman falls to death
A man is free to return home after being arrested in connection to the death of a woman who fell from his balcony.
Water source the key to missing hiker’s survival
Finding scarce water on one of Australia's most challenging bush trails is key to a missing hiker being found alive after more than a week missing.
More to do on Medicare and bulk-billing, Labor says
The federal government has unfinished business with Medicare, signalling its ambitions to further bolster the GP workforce and boost bulk-billing.
Home destroyed, emergency declared in fire-hit state
Firefighters are continuing to battle a blaze that has destroyed a home and is threatening other properties as another emergency looms in a fire-hit state.
Investigation as child’s body found after caravan fire
An investigation is under way after the body of a child was found following a caravan fire.
Police still hold hope after nine-day search for hiker
Rescuers are being winched into dense bushland in a desperate bid to find missing hiker Hadi Nazari as a major search operation continues.
‘We are safe’: worry after air crew allegedly attacked
Alleged attacks on two Australian flight crews in Fiji has left locals worried about the impact the news would have on tourism for the Pacific nation.
Aussie dollar rebounds after dropping to 26-month low
The Australian dollar has moved back above 62 US cents after falling below that level for the first time in more than two years against a surging greenback.
Stadium build continues despite $1 billion cost blowout
An independent expert has highlighted major concerns about the cost and location of a new AFL stadium but key decision-makers are maintaining their support.
Man denied bail on warrant for woman’s suspected murder
Police are seeking the extradition of a man who allegedly evaded a murder warrant for almost 18 months before finally facing court.
Rental affordability still stretched, but worst is over
Vacancy rates are edging higher and growth in advertised rents is stalling in welcome news for the nation's renters.
Brothers wanted for murder after woman chased, shot
Two brothers accused of murdering a woman on a suburban street were questioned and released without charge before they fled interstate, police say.
Second man arrested after police car shot in pursuit
A second man has been arrested at an airport over an alleged shooting during a police pursuit following an attempted home invasion.
Youth crime ‘revolving door’ as dozens of kids arrested
A debate over youth crime has fired up again after dozens of young people were arrested over armed robberies, car thefts and burglaries over the new year break.