Streets behind: every state lagging on housing targets
Australia is targeting 1.2 million new homes by 2029, but a major construction body says only significant reform can overcome a huge shortfall.
politics (general)
Social media ban poses barrier to mental health support
Mental health services and youth advocacy groups say they will find it harder to connect with young people if the government goes ahead with a social media ban.
Labor toasts vote that reshaped parliament for 30 years
Three decades ago women welcomed a historic vote at the Labor National Conference, which Anthony Albanese and his federal caucus team celebrate to this day.
Privacy law calls as Meta admits farming Aussie photos
Experts are calling for changes to privacy laws after Meta revealed Australian photos from Facebook and Instagram were being used to train AI tools.
Aussie companies should not be shy but careful about AI
Businesses need to monitor for bias, copyright infractions and ethical issues when using AI, a group has warned, but should not ignore the technology.
Social media misinformation to be policed by watchdog
The communications watchdog will be given new powers to crack down on misinformation on digital platforms under proposed federal laws.
‘It has touched us all’: report into ADF suicides looms
After years of testimony, the chair of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has shared what he hopes will happen once the final report is out.
Census to include sexual orientation, gender topics
The 2026 census will include questions on sexual orientation and gender identity, following backlash against the federal government by the LGBTIQ+ community.
Social media giants face big fines in plan to ban kids
South Australia's planned laws banning children under 14 from social media should be overseen by a federal regulator and implemented nationally, a report says.
‘Kill switch’ considered to tackle high-risk AI
Artificial intelligence has been met with both concern and hype but government guidelines could help regulate its use in high-risk situations.
Feds step in to take over embattled state Liberals
Two Victorians are among three ex-politicians who will take command of the NSW Liberal Party after factional rifts and admin failures beset the division.
Ex-MP pipes up, stokes more Liberal takeover chaos
The Liberal Party has been plunged into more turmoil in NSW after a would-be administrator rejected being part of a federal rescue of the embattled division.
Surprise state shines brightest in solar energy ranking
Victoria may have better coffee, NSW a more iconic bridge, but Queensland is winning the race for solar energy in a report card from the Climate Council.
End of the road for Qld’s electric car rebate scheme
In a move advocates say is premature Australia's most generous electric vehicle rebate scheme will end almost one year early.
ASIO boss argues comments on Gaza visas ‘distorted’
The ASIO director-general says his comments on the vetting process for people fleeing Gaza have been distorted, triggering a fresh round of political fighting.
Premier talks up Peter Dutton despite non-attendance
Tasmania's Liberal premier has declared a "blue wave" at upcoming state and federal elections following the recent ending of Labor rule in the NT.
Star unsuitable for casino after damning second probe
Star Entertainment is battling financial woes and uncertainty over the future of its Sydney licence after a fresh inquiry highlighted a litany of failures.
2032 seems miles away as Olympics plans hit an election
The Queensland premier's plan to upgrade an ageing athletics stadium for the 2032 Games may not come to fruition if Labor loses at the October election.
UN Secretary-General Guterres to start Pacific swing
The leader of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, kicks off a two-week Pacific mission this week when he touches down in Samoa.
Calls for family violence funding to be election issue
A report card on Australia's progress in ending gender-based violence concludes more funding is needed, especially in crisis areas.
Women are terrorised but ministers avoid the T word
Youth Minister Anne Aly came the closest among federal ministers to compare treating family violence offenders like terrorism suspects.
Punted Lambies critical of ‘disrespectful’ senator
Two former Jacqui Lambie Network MPs kicked out of the party by the senator say she is difficult to work with and disrespectful.
More than 70 dead after militant attacks in Pakistan
Separatist militants in Pakistan have killed more 70 people in attacks on various sites including police stations, railway lines and highways.
Truckies, food riders and couriers fight for rights
Truck drivers, food delivery riders and parcel couriers are seeking fairer work conditions, which could pave the way for global reforms.
Thai king endorses Paetongtarn Shinawatra as PM
Thailand's king has approved Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, as the country's new prime minister.
Not ‘realistic’ Libs didn’t know deadline: commissioner
The NSW Liberals have threatened legal action after the state's electoral commission refused to extend a deadline for local government candidate nominations.
PM launches Gaza visa attack on ‘hypocritical’ Dutton
Anthony Albanese has defended the government's approach to issuing visas to Palestinians, accusing the opposition of confecting outrage on the issue.
Rate-cut hopes hit brick wall as RBA cements stance
Borrowers are being warned to not bank on any short-term relief on their mortgages as the RBA talks down hopes of an interest rate cut in 2024.
Blood, sweat and fears: laws may not protect workers
Changes to Australian privacy laws may not stop employers from requesting invasive medical tests with little explanation, a report has found.
Flights guaranteed for regional Rex Airlines customers
The federal government has guaranteed bookings on Rex Airlines as it goes through the administration process, as sacked workers call for their entitlements.
Amazon tests AI for audiobooks but new rules are coming
Amazon is testing AI-generated voices for audiobooks in the absence of guidance, its executives say, as government officials reveal AI rules are in the works.