Fiscal restraint to define federal budget as costs rise
Health, defence and welfare commitments are among fiscal pressures weighing on the federal budget as Treasurer Jim Chalmers vows to put a lid on spending.
politics (general)
US withdrawing 5000 troops from Germany: Pentagon
The Pentagon says the United States will withdraw about 5000 troops from Germany in the next six to 12 months.
Aussie families attempt repatriation from Syrian camp
A group of Australian women and children have left a Syrian refugee camp in a bid to return home.
‘Manosphere’ rise requires new gender equality approach
Gender equality activists have gathered for a landmark conference aimed at charting a new way forward as anti-rights movements gain traction.
Coalition fuel fix misfires over start-up funding doubt
Confusion reigns over who would pay for a coalition plan to add one billion litres to Australia's emergency fuel stocks - and if the supply figures add up.
Tech ‘perfect storm’ needs ambitious online safety plan
Online safety advocates say a global push from governments is required to ensure tech companies design their products with the safety of citizens in mind.
Calls to drop charges as anti-protest laws struck down
Prosecutors could be forced to withdraw charges against protesters brutalised by police after a court ruled limits imposed on attendees were unconstitutional.
Inquiry launched as governments spar over oil project
A state government has launched an inquiry into new environmental laws as it calls for a national interest exemption for an oil exploration project.
Premier, colleagues shocked after MP found dead
A state MP has been found dead at his home, prompting condolences to his family from all sides of politics.
Electric vehicle fee could throttle record adoption
A road user charge for electric vehicle drivers could stall record-breaking sales, a study has found, with households in outer suburbs the hardest hit.
Fuel fears drive more Aussie buyers to electric cars
Fuel shortages and price rises are providing a "tipping point" for electric vehicles in Australia, with one brand selling out of its local stock.
Discount loans to rev up Aussie electric vehicle market
A $100 million scheme designed to cut the cost of buying an electric vehicle will launch during a period of record demand.
Australia and Germany step up defence, industrial ties
Germany is considering adding an Australian-made drone to its arsenal as the two nations look to step up their defence cooperation amid global shocks.
Australia to be ‘overprepared’ for ongoing fuel woes
Australians are being urged to use common sense instead of stockpiling petrol and diesel as the government proposes new powers to secure supplies.
Electric or bust: truck industry demands urgent U-turn
Skyrocketing diesel prices are adding cost and uncertainty to heavy transport and operators are calling for help to change the industry's direction.
Shock at the petrol pump sparks electric vehicle surge
Enquiries about new and second-hand electric cars are setting records as motorists look for ways to avoid the rising price of petrol and diesel.
Global group backs cuts, rate rises to curb inflation
Australia's inflation rate will peak higher than previously forecast, as surging oil costs cause consumer prices to increase, a Paris-based policy body says.
National eyes on election where there is a second prize
Intense political interest is focused on which party can secure second place in a state election in which almost half of voters have already cast their ballots.
Iran denies talks with US after Trump postpones strikes
Iranian officials have denied that Iran held talks with the US, just hours after President Donald Trump claimed "very good and productive conversations".
Diesel standards eased as fuel shortages deepen
Measures to help more diesel flow into the domestic market have been announced as hundreds of service stations across Australia run dry.
Fuel ration push parked as crisis talks target pricing
Ministers say they're focused on getting more petrol into the market in response to the Iran war, rather than limiting how much motorists can buy.
Australian military base damaged by Iranian missile
Australian troops at a military base in the Middle East are safe after a strike from an Iranian missile that caused buildings at the facility to catch fire.
Coalition promises ‘beautiful’ unity after messy splits
New Nationals leader Matt Canavan has promised to work closely with his Liberal counterpart in a reunited coalition, despite possible policy disagreements.
Fuel supply boosted as oil price threatens record highs
The government has temporarily lowered Australia's fuel quality standards to boost supplies as the war in the Middle East disrupts global markets.
Families shocked as ex-spy chief quits Bondi inquiry
Grieving families of those killed in the Bondi terror attack are dismayed by a respected official's sudden exit from the royal commission into anti-Semitism.
Fuel stockpile topped up as minister says supply secure
Australia has stockpiled more than a month's supply of fuel and is as "prepared as possible" as the war in the Middle East continues to impact global supply,
Motoring group puts brakes on city fuel ration push
As concerns rise over the cost to the economy of rising fuel prices, a key motoring body warns against a proposal to quarantine petrol and diesels for regions.
Oil shock further reason for tax reform, spending cuts
An economic downturn might be needed to bring inflation back to target, economists warn, but the government can help with spending cuts and productivity reform.
Fuel tax cut urged to avoid fruit ‘rotting on trees’
As some country towns face major petrol shortages, pressure is mounting on the federal government to intervene to bring down fuel prices.
Bold reforms urged to boost flagging Aussie innovation
Tax changes, more grants, and targeted training are among the recommendations of a sweeping review of Australia's research and development industry.
Double whammy: food prices warning over war fuel shock
Panic buying has forced some regional service stations to impose fuel restrictions as farmers warn shoppers to brace for grocery price hikes.