Water alert as lifesavers try to stem record drownings
Lifesavers are calling on Victorians to be prepared and brush up on water safety before they go swimming, as they launch their summer patrol season.
national news
Nuclear waste could add billions to energy supply costs
The time needed to build nuclear reactors and the cost of safely storing radioactive waste remain big questions for Australia, an inquiry has been told.
Immigration debate looms as flashpoint in election
After a hotly-contested debate surrounding immigration in the US, Australia is being urged to discuss the issue with facts during its upcoming election.
Social media ban nearly past the post as queries remain
A social media ban for children younger than 16 is set to come into effect in 2025 after state leaders signed off on the "world-leading" measure.
Anguish over paramedic killer’s ‘tragic’ case verdict
The man who brutally stabbed paramedic Steven Tougher to death has been cleared of his murder on mental health grounds, leaving a family searching for answers.
$12m triple-zero fine over Optus outage
The nationwide Optus network outage in 2023 has cost the telco $12 million in fines for breaching triple zero rules, the industry regulator has announced.
Farmers fear being frozen out by supermarket giants
Produce growers face limited export opportunities, low bargaining power and high costs to supply Australian supermarket giants, an inquiry has heard.
Dutton warns of election distraction tactic on abortion
A federal fight on the abortion issue could cost votes in the election, the opposition leader warns coalition colleagues as parties prepare for a poll by May.
History, maths face axe as unis hit ‘world of pain’
The university sector says it is in a world of financial pain and could cut up to 14,000 jobs as it deals with a forced drop-off in international students.
Peg supplies questioned at fatal jumping castle hearing
The families of children who died after a jumping castle became airborne have watched in court as photos of the blood-stained equipment were shown.
Light rail to slow to a crawl as union ramps up demands
Sydney Commuters face frustratingly slow light-rail trips as industrial action linked to a wages dispute between drivers and a major private operator heats up.
Albanese sees sun breaking through dark economic clouds
The prime minister strikes an optimistic tone in a speech to the business crowd, saying the worst economic storms are over and the future may be much brighter.
February rate cut hopes hinge on jobs market softening
The economic outlook has been downgraded as the big four banks' predictions of a February interest rate cut narrows.
US election to have ‘profound consequence’ on world: PM
Anthony Albanese says Australia's relationship with America will be just as strong no matter who wins the US election, with results showing a close contest.
Truckie offers no leads on missing toddler’s location
A truckie has told a court about the cars he saw when William Tyrrell disappeared, but his evidence doesn't support a police theory about the child's body.
Lehrmann’s barrister hides identity to avoid ‘trolling’
Bruce Lehrmann will need to wait the better part of a year to appeal his defamation suit loss but the barrister due to represent him won't be revealed.
Australia needs to ‘step up’ critical minerals supply
Australian firms need to sharpen their focus on critical minerals to power the world's green energy transition, an international relations conference has heard.
Supply the key to fixing housing, not taxes: Treasury
The focus of the government should be on increasing housing supply rather than cutting tax concessions for property investors, the Treasury chief says.
New vehicle sales slow down as economy applies brakes
New vehicle sales have fallen in Australia for the third month in a row, with sales figures revealing private buyers were most likely to drive on by.
Trucks, trains and dozers drive Fortescue’s ‘real zero’
Iron ore billionaire Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest says he intends to silence the naysayers with profitable patented green technology to save the planet - and mining.
Boon for critical minerals, education in trade pact
Australian pacts with a Gulf state are set to open up investment from its massive sovereign wealth fund and opportunities in critical minerals and education.
Plane perks critic crash-lands over undeclared upgrades
A Nationals senator spearheading the attack against the prime minister's free flight upgrades has been forced to declare 16 of her own.
Australians glued to US vote count as Trump claims win
Australian political junkies have watched on from afar as Americans cast their votes, with Donald Trump claiming a return to the White House.
No change to RBA forecasts after Trump election
The re-election of Donald Trump as US president could have "adverse implications" for the Australian economy but it has not changed the RBA's view on inflation.
Australia to navigate choppy US waters under Trump
With US president-elect Donald Trump foreshadowing tariffs and American isolationism, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says Australia will likely need to navigate change.
Emissions innovator, gold medallist feted in awards
A climate solutions innovator and an Olympic swimming star are among Tasmanians recognised in the Australian of the Year awards.
Foster mum would have ‘owned up’ to dumping 3yo’s body
William Tyrrell's foster mum told a friend that if she disposed of the three-year-old's body, she would have come forward and taken responsibility.
‘Frustrated, sceptical’ consumers lose trust in grocers
Consumers doubt rising costs are totally to blame for higher grocery prices, as profits fall for manufacturers struggling to pass on surging costs.
Ketamine abuse hits record high
The abuse of ketamine - the drug that killed Friends actor Matthew Perry - is at record levels in Australia.
Storage facility find yields 40,000 stolen Bluey coins
A stack of limited-edition coins paying tribute to Australia's favourite cartoon blue heeler have been recovered by police.
Trauma surgeons sound grim warning on e-scooter dangers
Medical officials worry the increasing use of electric bikes and scooters could further pressure already stretched hospital emergency departments.