Premier’s brother ‘relaxed’ in Fiji to dodge inquiry
The brother of a state premier was told to "relax, read a book, gym, beers" while laying low in Fiji to avoid being summoned to answer corruption allegations.
national news
Top spies given power to secretly probe universities
ASIO will be handed new powers to investigate international connections at Australian universities under changes being debated in federal parliament.
Neglect charges dropped over malnourished woman’s death
Years after a woman with cerebral palsy was found dead in squalid conditions, a former director of an NDIS provider has pleaded guilty to reckless conduct.
Power debts rise as end of bill relief hits home
Electricity and gas supplier AGL accepts the end of federal government bill relief and cost-of-living pressures are hitting some of its customers.
Poultry industry warned of devastating bird flu losses
Australia's poultry farmers face likely devastating losses as bird flu entrenches itself in the nation, similar to the impact endured by the American industry.
‘Melongate’ row rolls on as police urged to investigate
The prime minister has repeatedly dodged calls to apologise over comments made about a gift of melons from his Japanese counterpart.
Pirates Ahoy! Opera returns with new chiefs at the helm
Opera Australia's 2027 season features the company's first new production of Tannhäuser in three decades, the Pirates of Penzance, and a steampunk Magic Flute.
Hundreds of witnesses come forward in Bondi terror case
The huge volume of evidence in the case against Bondi Beach shooter Naveed Akram now includes statements from a suite of protected witnesses.
Stormy year causes big insurer’s profit to nosedive
Hailstones the size of melons were part of the reason Australia's largest insurer lost almost half of its bottom-line net profit in the year to June 30.
Big polluters make small cuts under climate scheme
Australia's biggest polluters have reduced emissions by less than one per cent in two years and an environmental group is calling for reforms.
Biggest bank bullish on home loans despite budget hit
Commonwealth Bank home loan applications plunged after controversial changes to negative gearing and capital gains taxes, but it's hopeful of a recovery.
Treasurer tips housing growth despite investor slump
A collapse in property investor lending since the federal budget is good for the economy in the long term, the boss of the nation's biggest bank says.
‘We’re coming’: police launch illegal tobacco crackdown
Federal agencies have launched a nationwide crackdown on the sale and supply of illegal tobacco, as more than 100 service stations are raided.
‘Motherhood statements’: fear gag order vow falls short
A state government is pledging to stop convicted rapists using suppression orders following the high-profile cases of Tom Silvagni and Ralph Carr.
Contentious work-from-home laws pushed beyond election
A newly-minted premier has delayed the start of work-from-home laws and declared "sensible" changes are in the offing as the Victorian election nears.
Lobbyist for developer defends digging up dirt on MP
A corruption inquiry has been told details of a dirt file created about a former state minister which was intended to discredit the MP.
Mental health defence bid in beheading murder case
A reality TV contestant will seek to mount a mental health defence after pleading not guilty to the beheading murder of her partner.
Jones accuser had ‘seen a ghost’ after alleged groping
An athlete couldn't meet his girlfriend's eye after returning from an overnight stay with radio giant Alan Jones. Then came the allegations of assault.
Aussie media titan soldiers on during brutal ad drought
More aggressively monetising customers' data is on the table as part of a media empire's vicious cost-cutting and revenue-raising mechanisms after a tepid year.
New boss named to lead union movement after turbulence
Australia's new top trades union leader has been announced, following a surprise resignation several weeks ago.
Bird flu ‘tsunami’ set to cause Aussie wildlife carnage
A "doom list" classes one in five Australian mammal and bird species as facing extreme risk from the deadly H5N1 virus as authorities race to vaccinate animals.
Activists faced ‘hellish fury’ over violent game ban
Gamers unleashed a torrent of online abuse against five female activists to silence them after they stopped the sale of rape, incest and torture games.
Coral returns to Great Barrier Reef but risks remain
The world's largest coral reef system is showing positive signs of recovery but experts warn severe climate challenges lay ahead.
Data collection fever as households sign into census
More than five million Australians have completed their census forms, as a government website tries to avoid a repeat of an infamous 2016 crash.
‘Hawkish’ RBA open to more hikes after holding rates
Borrowers are on notice with the Reserve Bank signalling it won't shy away from raising interest rates if inflation comes in higher than forecast.
Gambling reform deal edges closer as division remains
Labor is confident of securing a deal for controversial gambling reforms, despite concerns the measures do not go far enough to reduce harm.
Control tactics, abuse ‘rife’ at church private school
Former students and church members have detailed disturbing claims of financial, psychological and social control at a religious private school.
‘Put people first’: landmark AI probe to set guardrails
The opportunities of artificial intelligence and the risks it poses to humanity will be considered by a royal commission that "puts people first".
Labor budget’s big bank blow as loan applications drop
Federal Labor policy changes for capital gains tax concessions and negative gearing appear to have prompted a decline in mortgage applications.
Western Europe sets June and July temperature record
Western Europe has recorded its hottest June and July with average temperatures of 21.6C, the EU's Copernicus climate agency says.
‘We die’: disabled voices warn against NDIS cuts
A major overhaul of Australia's national disability program has secured bipartisan support but advocates have warned the changes could have deadly consequences.