Nice work if you can get it: premier pockets plenty
Parliamentarians in one state have been granted a pay rise, propelling the premier to the position of Australia's second highest-paid politician.
parliament
Liberal leader open to quotas after election drubbing
The Liberal Party must endorse more women after a thumping election defeat, its leader Sussan Ley says, declaring herself a "zealot" on gender representation.
Landmark weapons search laws made permanent
Landmark laws allowing Queensland Police to search people for weapons in public places have been made permanent.
‘Parliament tower’ approval a tall order for opponents
Approval for a capital city's tallest commercial building, just metres from its heritage-listed parliament, disrespects history and heritage, opponents say.
Ex-premier tips Liberal leadership change to avoid poll
Rather than face a fourth election in seven years, a former premier believes a state Liberal party will change leaders in a bid to retain power.
Steelworks sale on track despite hit on state budget
The sale of a steelworks is tracking better than expected after a state government handed down its no frills budget.
‘Sad day’ as state faces fourth election in seven years
Ousted in a no-confidence vote, Tasmania's premier will seek re-election amid a backlash over budget debt, bungled new ferries and a contentious stadium plan.
Voters forgo sugar-hit as law and order tops budget
A pre-election budget has few sweeteners for voters as a state government focuses on boosting its law and order credentials with a $395 million package.
Liberal debt to double, state companies face sell-off
A state government is hanging its hat on potential asset sales and a public sector "efficiency unit" as means to pay down ballooning budget debt.
Coalition chiefs deny settling scores in shadow cabinet
A Liberal senator who oversaw a disastrous work-from-home policy is among the biggest losers as the reunited coalition unveiled its shadow cabinet.
Second wave ‘adult crime, adult time’ laws pass
The second wave of the controversial "adult crime, adult time" laws adding attempted murder and rape to the list of lengthy sentences have passed.
‘Underclass of Australians’: youth crime laws slammed
The United Nations has taken aim at a state government's youth crime crackdown, saying it threatens to create an "underclass of Australians".
Brittany Higgins slams anti-discrimination law pause
Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins has blasted a state's decision to pause landmark anti-discrimination law changes.
‘Forgotten children’: state care failings scrutinised
Advocates have welcomed a state's child safety investigation but fear recommendations will fall on deaf ears, ensuring some kids will remain "forgotten".
Good character references restricted in rape cases
A state has launched major reforms to its rape sentencing guidelines by restricting the way good character references for offenders is considered.
Polls close on election day as Australians await winner
Millions of Australians have cast their votes in the federal election, with polls closed in the eastern states and counting soon under way.
Singapore’s long-ruling party on track to win election
Preliminary vote counting shows the long-ruling People's Action Party has won another landslide in Singapore's general election.
Coalition look to pick up pieces after election blowout
The search is on for a new Liberal leader after Peter Dutton lost his seat, as the coalition comes to terms with its devastating whitewash at the ballot box.
Wave of case issues expected in mass DNA retesting
DNA will be kept for longer to ensure serious crimes are investigated properly as authorities prepare to check masses of forensics for serious lab failings.
‘Needs to stop’: fatal stabbing triggers hard bail laws
Another bail crackdown has been triggered by a store owner's fatal stabbing in a crime-hit territory, but critics are calling for more to be done.
Baby killer helped put prison predator behind bars
A convicted baby killer is no closer to release despite being identified as having helped jail a notorious prison guard who sexually assaulted inmates.
Credit rating outlook downgrade rests in state’s hands
A state government can fix a credit rating outlook downgrade in its first budget after an international agency identified "significant fiscal deterioration".
Date finally set for Brisbane Olympic stadium reveal
A 2032 Olympic stadium plan is set to finally be revealed, ending years of speculation over what will take centre stage as the Brisbane Games' marquee venue.
Petition to parliament pushes for four-day working week
Greater work-life balances and time with family are just some of the reasons Sunshine State residents are petitioning for a four-day work week.
Hate speech laws go to vote as anti-Semitism denounced
Hate will be stopped at its source if tougher amendments are made to proposed laws to crackdown on the rise of anti-Semitism, an advocate says.
Teals bet on hung parliament to force gambling ad ban
Independent crossbenchers will leverage their votes in a minority government to force action on banning betting advertising after Labor failed to act.
Reckoning looms as Labor, Libs look to shake off woes
A long-time state Labor government is under the pump with crucial by-elections likely to reveal the extent of voters' dissatisfaction after a turbulent summer.
‘Sense of optimism’ as PM rallies Labor, goes on attack
As politicians prepare to hit the hustings, the prime minister welcomes the start of the parliamentary year with confidence and a new attack line.
Poll still a blind date as no love lost between leaders
MPs are sharpening their pitches to the public in the lead-up to a federal election as politicians gather for the first sitting week of the year.
More women in cabinet but representation worries build
The political representation of women has received a boost after a pre-election cabinet shuffle but concerns remain over the opposition's gender imbalance.
Crossbench kingmakers could hold sway in house divided
Veteran independents say a minority government could get more done but caution crossbenchers against trying to set deals in stone with the major parties.