Earth’s doppelganger: scientists make $15m digital twin
From stress-testing crops to simulating disease outbreaks, researchers plan to create a virtual copy of Australia's agricultural landscape to test scenarios.
national news
Regions beckon as young Aussies rethink city life
Almost half of Australians aged 18 to 29 are considering leaving cities for the regions, driven by the cost of living, work opportunities and lifestyle factors.
Australia ‘failing’ on childcare quality issues
Industry, parents and policy experts will front a Senate inquiry probing Australia's scandal-plagued early childhood education sector.
‘Too high’: risk to economy forces RBA’s hand on rates
Minutes from the Reserve Bank's latest meeting reveal the thinking behind its call to lift interest rates for the first in more than two years.
Liberal leader’s unity call as allies rule front bench
Prominent conservatives will return to the front bench as Opposition Leader Angus Taylor unveils his first shadow cabinet.
‘Goliath won’: Santos fends off greenwashing lawsuit
The defeat of a climate suit against Santos has disappointed activists but opened the public's eyes to how the resources giant developed its net-zero targets.
‘I had to’: killer’s curse claim before nurse stabbed
A man who raved about witchcraft during a heated dispute about designer bags is claiming he killed his childhood friend's partner during a psychotic episode.
Kidnappers of elderly widower told they have wrong man
An 85-year-old grandfather taken captive several days ago needs urgent medical attention, police say as they issue a rare plea to his mistaken kidnappers.
Tough new laws to crack down on illegal tobacco ‘thugs’
Businesses caught selling illegal tobacco could have their shops shut down for up to 90 days under planned state laws.
Coles points finger at suppliers for price changes
Australia's consumer watchdog has accused Coles of artificially increasing prices to create discounts, while the supermarket giant blames supplier cost hikes.
Aussies splash cash on tech but prices tipped to rise
Consumers are spending big on smartphones and games consoles despite a tight economy, JB Hi-Fi says, but the cost of some gadgets could rise.
Bondi shooter speaks as ‘onerous conditions’ outlined
The surviving gunman from the Bondi Beach terror attack has faced court for the first time on 15 murder charges, uttering his first public words.
One tax still off the table as treasurer weighs reform
The International Monetary Fund report is calling for a hike in the GST and other tax changes, while praising the handling of Australia's economy.
Steelmaker pledges dividend bonanza, but shares drop
Weeks after rejecting a takeover bid, BlueScope Steel is promising to return more of its profit to shareholders after delivering a rise in first half earnings.
‘Shut the door’: Liberal leader mulls migration change
Newly minted Opposition Leader Angus Taylor is mulling over the make-up of his front bench ahead of the likely release of the Liberals' migration policy.
Premier blames ‘ungodly’ driving for pursuit deaths
A recommendation to lift the threshold of severity before police start a chase has been quashed by a state premier after two women died following a pursuit.
RBA offers more rates call insight before jobs data
Critical unemployment figures will give Australia's central bank a clearer picture on whether it will deliver a second interest rate hike in as many months.
Charges over spate of beach sex attacks in late 1990s
An elderly man has been charged with a string of sexual assaults on young girls and women almost 30 years ago.
Liberal leaders hit with gender blow as tax fight looms
Angus Taylor is promising the new-look Liberal leadership will focus on cutting taxes and weeding out those who "reject our way of life".
Work never ends for used car giant after $120m sale
A used car startup has netted its founder a nine-figure payday after selling his business to Toyota but it won't put the handbrake on his drive.
Star Americana duo return with music for hard times
After sell-out performances at the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne's Hamer Hall last year, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings are taking their show on the road.
Cafes urged to close on Anzac Day long weekend holiday
There will be a statewide public holiday to compensate for Anzac Day falling on a weekend over the next two years, but not everyone is punching the air.
Fears for tears as lion dancers gird for Lunar New Year
Kicks, leaps and the ability to tear up a lettuce with your bare hands: a Chinese lion dancer reveals what it takes to ring in the Lunar New Year.
Digging it: the dopamine hit hiding beneath our feet
Soil influences what we eat, what we wear and maybe even what we feel, with one Australian scientist on a mission to help us all dig a little deeper.
Electric car sales may stall if tax policy changes gear
Australia's biggest electric vehicle incentive is under review and both traditional car makers and the EV industry warns change could lead to a crash.
Leaders’ love-in amid differences over police actions
The prime minister has praised NSW Premier Chris Minns as his friend, hours after their differing views over police conduct at a city protest were aired.
Midnight Oil co-founder tours after ‘brutal bisection’
Jim Moginie is on tour with a new band, determined to "let Dr Music have his way" after the death of his close friend and former bandmate Rob Hirst in January.
Liberals pin hopes on housing to turn fortunes around
Angus Taylor has put housing front and centre of his priorities as the newest leader of the federal Liberal Party.
‘Right the ship’: polluters tax could be vote spinner
An ex-Labor strategist turned pollster says there are votes in taxing Australia's biggest polluters through reframing the debate and evolving demographics.
Battle over Virginia Giuffre’s estate inches forward
A court is yet to decide whether more family members of deceased Jeffrey Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre can join a legal battle over her estate.
‘Predatory’ children’s author used fame to groom kids
A bestselling children's author who preyed on girls as young as 11 after visiting their schools to talk about his books has been jailed.