Halfway there: Australia on track for renewable goal
If current momentum gained in the six months is sustained then Australia can reach its 2030 renewable energy target, think tank research suggests.
politics (general)
Anti-Islam hate spikes with shocking details revealed
There is a surge in reports of Muslims facing abuse and hateful vitriol and anti-Islam graffiti is commonplace, comprehensive data reveals.
Treasurer bows out, leaves state debt pile behind
Outgoing Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas has been hailed for his response to the COVID-19 pandemic despite leaving the state facing "enormous debt".
Time magazine crowns Donald Trump ‘Person of the Year’
Donald Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange after being recognised for the second time by Time magazine as its Person of the Year.
Biden announces largest single-day act of clemency
The US president has pardoned 39 people and commuted the sentences of nearly 1500 others, a sweeping move that comes after pressure from justice advocates.
Macron taps veteran centrist for French prime minister
Emmanuel Macron's pick as France's new prime minister will likely face the same existential difficulties as his predecessor in steering the nation's budget.
Push to spark up EV policy to drive net zero ambitions
Misinformation and an early end to state subsidies has slowed electric car adoption and may mean Australia misses its climate goals, a study has found.
UN General Assembly demands immediate Gaza ceasefire
The UN General Assembly has approved resolutions demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and backing the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees.
Trump invites China’s Xi to attend inauguration: report
Donald Trump has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration in January, multiple sources told CBS News.
Drivers hit the brakes on car buys as economy slows
New vehicle sales continue to slow down in Australia, in what industry experts say is a 'disturbing trend' and a sign the cost of living is biting.
An AI cop could help keep tech in check, inquiry hears
The government should appoint an artificial intelligence commissioner to oversee the technology, an inquiry has heard, amid concerns over unfair uses.
Environment agency heads deny blame for chemical spread
The NSW authority responsible for water pollution has been grilled about the spread of cancer-linked chemicals throughout water supplies in a fiery exchange.
PM’s wicked blitz of the west as Libs enjoy good spell
Anthony Albanese has tried to fight the tide of public opinion by spruiking funding in marginal west coast seats as his opponent takes to the east.
Voters urged to be vigilant about AI disinformation
Experts say artificial intelligence-enabled political disinformation is a growing risk for Australian voters but vigilance is still the best defence.
‘History’ hailed as navy test fires 2500km missile
Australia has become the third nation in the world to successfully fire a long-range Tomahawk missile, in a move being hailed for its speed.
Call to boost Aussie research funds as review launches
A study of Australian research investments has been welcomed by business, academic and technology groups, but some say more urgent action is needed.
Urgent action needed to stamp out battery fire risks
Companies who import electronic goods to Australia should be forced to register and recycle their batteries, an expert says, to address growing fire risks.
Bali Nine have served ‘more than enough time’: advocate
A supporter of one of the Bali Nine drug smugglers says returning the group to Australia to be with loved ones will make a difference in their rehabilitation.
Request to release premier’s business documents denied
Documents relating to claims a company was trading insolvent while a man who went on to become a state premier was at the helm will not be released.
Troubled New Caledonia at ‘turning point’: New Zealand
Veteran Kiwi foreign minister Winston Peters has travelled to Paris to deliver a speech urging France to consider new constitutional futures for New Caledonia.
‘Better deal’ for suppliers as supermarkets face fines
Supermarkets face fines of up to $10 million if caught breaching a grocery code of conduct that will become mandatory.
Power plants warning as mass blackout scare loses heat
Public servants, big businesses and everyday folk have saved the day by turning off non-essential electricity during a major heatwave.
Australia needs an AI law to stop copyright ‘pirates’
Artificial intelligence tools, including chatbots from Google, Amazon and OpenAI, need to be regulated by law in Australia, an inquiry recommends.
‘Line in the sand’: Lidia Thorpe barred from parliament
Lidia Thorpe has been suspended from parliament after the senator she threw pieces of paper at Pauline Hanson, in a move described a "line in the sand".
Human rights commissioner slams new youth crime laws
The Queensland government has been accused of "plumbing the depths" by pushing through laws that will ensure children face harsher penalties for serious crimes.
Hold the phone calls: digital services may save time
Australians could spend less time on the phone and the government could save money with a greater investment in digital services, a report says.
Australia urged to follow Middle East on nuclear power
Australia could have nuclear power reactors operating within 12 years, an inquiry has heard, if the nation follows the Middle East rather than Europe.
Veteran Liberal senator retires to seek ‘new direction’
Simon Birmingham has made a heartfelt speech to colleagues as the Liberal called time on his 17-year Senate career to pursue a "commercially oriented" future.
‘Cruel, inhuman’: justice laws to violate human rights
New youth justice laws will likely increase the number of children in detention and put pressure on packed facilities, a state government admits.
Taiwan backs expansion of AUKUS, strait ship transits
Australia should send more warships to the Taiwan Strait, Taipei says, after its vessels and others from Japan an New Zealand conducted patrols in September.
Joe Biden pardons son Hunter despite saying he wouldn’t
President Joe Biden has pardoned his son, Hunter, sparing him a possible prison sentence and reversing his promises not to use the power to benefit his family.