US-Venezuela tensions rise following tanker seizure
The US military presence in the Caribbean has grown as Donald Trump in recent weeks has discussed potential military intervention in Venezuela.
politics
Modified e-bikes cop another rail ban over safety risks
Converted e-bikes will no longer be allowed on a major rail network, with one state government blaming "after-market add-ons" for causing fires.
Belarus frees 123 prisoners, including Nobel laureate
Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and leading opposition figure Maria Kalesnikava are among 123 prisoners released by Belarus after talks with the US.
Price gouging ban will drive up costs: supermarkets
Lower grocery bills are being promised with a price gouging ban but supermarket giants and retailers say shoppers will be the ones to bear the brunt of costs.
Rule-breaking AG to repay taxpayers for family holiday
Australia's top law officer will reimburse taxpayers after a family holiday was ruled outside guidelines, but Treasurer Jim Chalmers says she should not resign.
Budget update to reveal Australia’s fiscal fortunes
The federal treasurer says he's booked another $20 billion in savings in the budget update, but is keeping mum on whether that means a smaller deficit.
PM seeks advice on perks as furore builds over claims
Anthony Albanese has asked the parliamentary expenses watchdog for advice on travel entitlements as the opposition ramps up calls for a minister to resign.
Smelter’s future secured but cost to taxpayers unclear
Australia's largest aluminium smelter has been handed a government lifeline to ensure it keeps running beyond 2028 amid spiralling energy costs.
‘Not a victory’: Brittany Higgins bankrupted by ex-boss
Ex-senator Linda Reynolds' bid to have Brittany Higgins bankrupted has succeeded, but the former politician says it's not a victory.
Mine site emissions new battlefield in coal climate war
Coalminers and environmentalists are clashing over a climate report on the sector finding net-zero emissions targets are unlikely to be hit at the current pace.
Trump ‘truce’ but Thailand won’t stop Cambodia fight
President Donald Trump claims Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire, but Bangkok is adamant is won't stop fighting until it no longer feels under threat.
Trump features in newly released Epstein photos
President Donald Trump is featured in three of 19 photos shared by the Democrats, who say they are reviewing 95,000 images from Jeffrey Epstein's estate.
Social media ban hailed a success despite workarounds
The prime minister says his under-16s social media ban belongs in the pantheon of world-leading Australian innovations like the secret ballot.
‘Classic glass cliff’: women leaders mark Liberal first
The majority of Liberal leaders across Australia are now women - but are they political saviours or placeholders until a male colleague takes over?
US judge allows release of Epstein grand jury docs
Documents presented to the court in the trial against disgraced late financier Jeffrey Epstein and his friend Ghislaine Maxwell are to be made public.
Nvidia chip sales to China sparks US security concerns
Critics fear Donald Trump's decision to upend US policy by allowing Nvidia to sell its advanced AI chips to China will boost Beijing's military capabilities.
‘Claim back our waterways’: calls for crocodile culls
Claims of an "infestation" of crocodiles is prompting calls for a cull as part of a management plan of the apex predators and to protect regional communities.
PM won’t sack minister as travel expenses saga grows
Federal minister Anika Wells will keep her job in Anthony Albanese's government as more incidents of her travel at taxpayers' expense attract scrutiny.
Residents come to terms with devastation of bushfire
As a community takes stock after a blazing inferno that destroyed 16 homes, legal advocates say being prepared for the worst case scenario is crucial.
Democracies must fight for freedom, Nobel laureate says
"If we want democracy, we must be prepared to fight for freedom," Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado's daughter has told an audience in Oslo.
Weeks wait for social media ban data to come online
Australians will have to wait a little longer to learn how effective a contentious social media ban has been for the nation's children.
Mixed employment report won’t make RBA’s job any easier
Unemployment and jobs growth figures for November tell differing stories about the strength of the labour market, providing little clarity for the Reserve Bank.
Faster coal decline risks catching Australia off-guard
Demand for Australian coal exports might dry up faster than first thought, underscoring the need for rapid action to help mining communities prepare.
Machado vows to bring Nobel back to Venezuela
Maria Corina Machado defied at travel ban to pick up her Nobel Peace Prize, and the opposition leader is vowing to eventually take the award back to Venezuela.
Businesses spared rising costs as peace deal struck
Christmas has come early for businesses with a months-long impasse on workers compensation resolved, ensuring insurance premiums do not surge.
Senator charges public for travel timed with legal case
Thousands of dollars worth of flights and travel allowance have been claimed by a senator during trips that coincided with developments in a private legal case.
Travel expenses saga takes flight as PM defends rules
A senator's taxpayer-funded travel to a netball match is among the latest travel expenses of federal politicians to go under the microscope.
Social media ban slugged with second legal challenge
A High Court challenge filed against Australia's social media ban by a leading platform has been dismissed by a government minister as a "complete crock".
Funding deal rejected as elderly languish in hospital
State and territory health ministers have rejected a Commonwealth public hospital funding offer, as an ageing population stretches the system beyond capacity.
‘They know where I live’: CFMEU harassment laid bare
A rival union boss has detailed alleged threats and harassment from shadowy CFMEU figures as an inquiry probes the rogue operation.
Call for independent body to review minister’s spending
The coalition wants a review of the communications minister's spending as she comes under renewed fire for the cost of taxpayer-funded trips.