RBNZ gives ‘shock treatment’ for lagging Kiwi economy
The NZ dollar has fallen after central bank cut rates to 2.5 per cent, with hopes it will revive the Kiwi economy and the government's political fortunes.
national news
Owners dipping into pockets with business finance tight
Tight lending conditions force proprietors to keep their businesses afloat with personal funds, according to a survey showing optimism for the year ahead.
Accused body-in-fridge killer pushes for dropped charge
A man accused of murdering 19-year-old Isla Bell and stowing her body in a fridge is fighting to have his murder charge thrown out.
Head monk allegedly abused children as young as four
Multiple young children were allegedly sexually abused by a head monk at a Buddhist temple, including at Sunday school and in prayer rooms.
No future made in Australia without gas: Bluescope boss
Australian industrial gas users are subsidising the cost of gas going to competitors overseas dues to a broken pricing system, Bluescope Steel's boss says
Toll road giant exploring $10b pipeline of new projects
With new roads in western Sydney and western Melbourne set to open soon, a major toll road group is exploring other opportunities, including in Brisbane.
Cops foil alleged daycare murder plot in gangland feud
Police have intercepted alleged hitmen they say were on their way to kill a man picking up a child from a daycare centre, as a city's gangland war escalates.
Stadium pitch ramped up as do-or-die vote nears
A state faces "severe reputational damage" if a proposed $1.1 billion stadium isn't built as part of a deal for AFL and AFLW teams.
Hearings reveal Optus bungled triple-zero outage email
Federal authorities only found out about a catastrophic Optus triple-zero outage a day after it was resolved because the telco notified the wrong email address.
Why Google wants you to ask long, complicated questions
More web queries will be answered by artificial intelligence when Google expands technology tested in the US to its Australian users.
‘Back them’: PM’s blunt message after smelter bailout
Mining giant Glencore has been urged to invest in a struggling community after a $600 million taxpayer-funded bailout to secure hundreds of jobs at a smelter.
Next-generation solar technology inches closer to roofs
More efficient solar cells are getting closer to commercial launch thanks to a breakthrough involving a new design and more durable chemicals.
Soaring rents push people further from jobs, community
Australian renters are paying on average an extra $204 per week to keep a roof over their heads compared to five years ago, a nearly 44 per cent increase.
Defence, trade hot topics for Australia-Singapore talks
Top-level talks marking 60 years of ties are likely to include Australia seeking stronger trade and defence ties with an important Asian neighbour.
Aussie aid activists bound for home after prison ordeal
Seven Australian activists detained by Israel for trying to break a blockade to deliver aid are headed home as the government defends its quiet diplomacy.
TV star, podcaster under fire for Israel genocide post
A former close friend of Abbie Chatfield has sued the television personality claiming he was publicly vilified over his views on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Gold shines, equities lose lustre in tired trading day
Only Australia's raw materials sector has managed to close higher as the local bourse faded in a sluggish trading session.
Climate trigger ruled out of nature law reforms
The government won't consider the impacts of projects on climate change via a trigger mechanism under nature law reforms overseen by the environment minister.
Fugitive’s no-frills hideout during kickbacks probe
A former bureaucrat and key suspect in an $11 million fraud says he was planning on turning himself in before police came knocking.
Heat dialled up on minister over triple-zero outages
Communications Minister Anika Wells has been questioned about her handling of a triple-zero outage, as reforms to the emergency network are introduced.
‘Lower the aggro’: lawyers clash over accused shooter
As a man faced court on a raft of charges, including shooting with intent to murder, a battle broke out between two lawyers trying to represent him.
Day of pain: Jewish anguish still raw on attack date
The Jewish community continues to experience horrors in Australia and abroad two years after the events of October 7, leaders say.
Defiant pro-Palestine vigils call for urgent ceasefire
A pro-Palestine protest planned for the Sydney Opera House is headed to court while other vigils were staged on October 7 to mourn Gaza's war dead.
Remanding prisoners in custody risks future offending
Prisoner numbers in one state have risen by almost two-thirds in 20 years, with analysis linking the rise directly to people increasingly being held on remand.
Alleged gunman charged after street shooting spree
A man will face court on a raft of charges including shooting with intent to murder after allegedly spraying a busy Sydney shopping strip with bullets.
‘Fight Labor’: Libs urge unity after Hastie resignation
Liberals are being warned from within that they could lose seats if internal rifts aren't put to bed following the front bench resignation of Andrew Hastie.
October 7 survivor speaks out on massacre’s anniversary
Two years on from the October 7 attacks, a senior Labor Jewish MP wants fewer pro-Palestinian protests so the Jewish community can feel safer in Australia.
Australian shares edge lower in subdued start to week
Strong commodity prices have counterbalanced other losses in a sluggish start to the week, which is set to be a quiet one for macroeconomic events and data.
Young woman’s body compacted after alleged murder
A man accused of murdering a young woman and hiding her body in a fridge has listened as grisly details about the condition of her corpse were disclosed.
Japanese stocks soar four per cent, gold hits record
Japan's Nikkei index has soared past the 47,000 level for the first time and gold climbed to a record peak above $US3,900.
Australian shares nudge record before edging lower
Gold and Bitcoin have reset their record highs and Australia's share market could do the same this week as investors position for a bullish fourth quarter.