Consultancy giants load up on $3.7b Defence contracts
Australia's biggest four consultancy firms raked in billions of dollars from Defence contracts, new analysis shows, sparking calls for greater transparency.
parliament
Procurement system a consultants’ ‘protection racket’
A parliamentary committee has savaged the procurement process for government contracts, saying it is an uncompetitive rort.
Nuclear waste dump King hit, Indigenous owners rejoice
Indigenous owners have welcomed the federal government dumping plans for a nuclear waste facility in regional South Australia.
Renters’ rights and housing supply on leaders’ agenda
Housing talks will be front of mind when state and territory leaders meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for national cabinet next week.
Labor urged to do more to protect women from violence
As Labor brings in domestic and family violence leave entitlements, the opposition has called for further efforts to tackle the scourge.
Andrews to shirk federal and state Comm Games inquiries
Federal and state inquiries into Victoria's decision to cancel the 2026 Commonwealth Games are set to hold public hearings without the premier giving evidence.
Man locks teen outside ‘to treat her like a dog’
A 21-year-old man who has been violent towards two partners has been told to look at turning his life around after spending more than 16 months in custody.
Boost for welfare payments as calls grow for more
Welfare recipients will get an increase in their payments after key legislation passed federal parliament.
Industry groups urge backing for ‘vital’ housing fund
Labor is trying to break a political stand-off over the government's $10 billion fund for social and affordable homes, which has industry support.
New MP Cameron Caldwell sworn in to federal parliament
Former Gold Coast councillor Cameron Caldwell has been officially sworn in as the MP for Fadden, having retained the seat for the Liberals at a by-election.
Morrison rejects robodebt royal commission findings
Ex-Liberal prime minister Scott Morrison has spoken publicly about the robodebt royal commission for the first time and rejected findings he misled cabinet.
Dutton ramps up calls to reject Indigenous voice vote
Peter Dutton has ramped up calls to reject the Indigenous voice and says the public is starved of an opportunity to contest ideas surrounding it.
Ex-NSW premier defends record after corruption finding
Ex-NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian has called in her legal team after a watchdog made findings against her but decided against referring her for prosecution.
Consultant alleges ex-MP Stuart Robert took kickbacks
A consulting company sought ex-Liberal MP Stuart Robert's help to win federal government contracts, evidence released under parliamentary privilege shows.
More pollies good for democracy, electoral experts say
Electoral experts say lifting the number of politicians would improve democracy but remain undecided on whether territories should have more senators.
‘Get on with the program’: PM’s blunt housing message
A stoush over Labor's $10 billion housing fund has boiled over in parliament, with the prime minister sending a direct message to the Greens.
Senate inquiry adds to scrutiny of Perth Mint fumbles
Perth Mint faces a Senate inquiry on top of an audit and compliance overhaul amid longstanding issues and controversies including gold bars alloyed with silver.
‘Juvenile’: PM seeks advice as housing policy stalls
The prime minister says the government is seeking advice on the triggers required for a double dissolution after the Greens delayed a key housing bill.
‘Culture of cover-up’: Lambie refers ADF brass to Hague
Senator Jacqui Lambie has referred senior leaders within the ADF to the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.
‘Tough choices’ for NSW amid per-capita recession worry
NSW families are being warned about tough decisions that must be made on government spending as inflation bites the country's largest employer.
Ex-Liberal Van loses Senate role amid misconduct claims
Former Liberal senator David Van has been stripped of a position and is not expected to attend parliament this week following sexual harassment allegations.
‘Axis of evil’: Housing bill delayed amid fiery debate
Debate on the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund has been pushed back until October in a major blow to the government.
Voice referendum cleared with fiery debate and applause
Australians will vote in a referendum later this year to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and enshrine an Indigenous voice in the constitution.
Push to stop ‘arms race’ in federal election spending
Addressing record high election spending, donor transparency and introducing donation caps are among a wishlist of reforms to improve integrity in politics.
Indigenous senators speak out as referendum takes shape
Parliament has all but passed laws setting up the Indigenous voice referendum, as senators debate the final form the public vote will take.
Former senator accuses Van of inappropriate touching
Former senator Amanda Stoker has accused Senator David Van of inappropriately touching her during a parliamentary gathering.
Voice would be nothing but window dressing: Thorpe
Independent senator Lidia Thorpe has hit out against the voice referendum, saying the body would be a powerless advisory group.
Queensland Speaker steps aside after slurred return
Queensland parliamentary Speaker Curtis Pitt will step aside for a second time amid growing concerns for his health while denying alcohol was involved.
Voice shouldn’t be treated as political issue: senator
Moderate Liberal Andrew Bragg has hit out at opponents of the voice for saying it would bring race into the constitution.
Greens hammer demands as Labor pitches housing shift
The government is proposing changes to its $10 billion housing fund but the Greens say Labor is still not moving on its two key needs.
AFP to investigate leaked Higgins messages, recordings
The attorney-general has confirmed text messages and recordings of Brittany Higgins leaked to the media have been referred to the Australian Federal Police.