Labor plots budget housing boost to fend off One Nation
Jim Chalmers hopes slashing red tape and winding back investor tax breaks will convince voters the dream of home ownership is still alive.
national news
One Nation claims historic win in litmus test poll
Hoots and cheers have rung out at One Nation headquarters as the party won its first lower house seat at a by-election.
Enz forever? Kiwi legends tease new album ahead of tour
Always one step ahead, new wave innovators Split Enz are back for their first tour in 17 years. They're not done yet - and their hair is bigger than ever.
Australian Jews detail ‘unfair’ backlash linked to Gaza
The chance to share their experiences of bullying, harassment and fear in the face of anti-Semitism has been years in the making for many Jewish Australians.
Grandfather of Inland Rail won’t let project die
The so‑called grandfather of Inland Rail says the half‑built 'train to nowhere' can still be saved, pitching a private plan to finish the route.
‘No more tests’: One Nation basks in by-election bliss
A historic by-election win for One Nation has sent shock waves through Australian politics, legitimising the party as a right-wing force.
Budget builds up to shift for ‘broken’ housing market
An extra $2 billion will be pledged in the budget to build sewerage and roads for new homes as the treasurer frames housing policy as a remedy to populism.
Misconceptions cloud palliative care as population ages
Australians have been urged to start conversations about end-of-life care as the nation's ageing population puts palliative care in the spotlight.
Australia’s data centre dilemma: energy boom or bust?
Tech giants are spending billions of dollars to make Australia an artificial intelligence destination but its impact on the nation is up for debate.
From Slow Horse to smash hit, author heads Down Under
Despite the bestselling Slough House novels and Slow Horses television series, author Mick Herron is pleasantly surprised to have an audience in Australia.
Federal budget to dominate the economic agenda
The government will do well to resist spending a "tantalising" budget windfall, as boosting demand while supply is constrained could result in more rate hikes.
Delta Goodrem aims to Eclipse favourites at Eurovision
Delta Goodrem has unveiled the staging for her Eurovision entry Eclipse, as betting markets put Australia in contention but outside the top favourites.
Big state fuel buffer to protect against foreign shocks
South Australia could stockpile up to 20 million litres of diesel, touting a bigger fuel buffer than larger jurisdictions, as states rush to lock in supplies.
‘Need to do more’: Labor to lift lid on housing reform
Australians are under financial pressure and the government cannot "just sit back", the prime minister says, as his treasurer prepares to hand down the budget.
Freedom bid delay for ‘ISIS brides’ on slavery charges
An Islamic State-linked duo, charged with crimes against humanity after returning to Australia, will remain locked up after postponing their bid for bail.
Assault charges against media boss detailed in court
Antony Catalano's full assault charges have been made public after the media boss was excused from attending court in person because of mental health concerns.
Coalition rejects rival camp after losing swag of votes
The Nationals leader is optimistic the Farrer by-election will be an anomaly and is his setting sights on the federal election to regain ground on One Nation.
Trump says Iran’s response to US proposal unacceptable
Oil prices have surged higher after Donald Trump labelled Iran's response to a US proposal aimed at ending the war as "totally unacceptable".
‘No apology’: quarantine for Aussies on virus-hit ship
To prevent the spread of a deadly virus, four citizens and a permanent resident returning from a plagued cruise will be placed in an official isolation centre.
‘Finally home’: jailed croc wrangler misses son’s birth
Reality TV star Matt Wright has walked from jail after serving five months for attempting to pervert the course of justice after a fatal helicopter crash.
‘Extremely difficult’: principal speaks after stabbing
A school principal has praised the courage of staff who rushed to his aid after being stabbed, as the teacher who attacked him was handed a jail sentence.
Fears for girl’s safety as kidnap suspect eludes search
People know the location of a man who allegedly abducted a five-year-old girl, say police who have found a child's underwear during the massive search.
‘Elephant on back’ but no croc sightings in record swim
An ultramarathon athlete did not spot a crocodile in a record swim in a river teeming with the reptiles and is not sure whether to be relieved or disappointed.
Husband betrayed by ‘cruel’ wife who faked son’s cancer
A mother who faked her six-year-old son's cancer diagnosis to raise thousands of dollars has been jailed for more than four years.
Dire warning of violent fallout from unchecked racism
Rising racism, anti-Semitism and other challenges are undermining Australians' basic dignity, the Australian Human Rights Commission president warns.
‘Exhausted’: housing supply hit as affordability dips
Low-income earners are locked out of the private rental market, with JobSeeker recipients only able to afford one listing in Australia, a leading charity warns.
Treasurer downplays property tax windfall from budget
Jim Chalmers is talking down the amount of extra revenue that changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount will add to the budget.
Premier pledges tough response to anti-Semitism probe
Public safety tweaks in the wake of the Bondi massacre will continue, a state premier says, as he signals he doesn't care if they upset people.
Batteries undercutting gas, keeping lid on power bills
Batteries are now the primary tool for managing evening spikes in electricity demand, a job previously falling to gas and hydro at greater expense.
Competition puts Australia’s green iron edge at risk
Australia's renewable energy and rich iron ore deposits make it a potential leader in green iron and steel but other nations may be closing the gap.
Australia’s co-working boom moves from city to suburbs
Flexible workspaces are no longer a peripheral solution and are becoming firmly embedded within Australia's evolving office ecosystem, a report has found.