Myanmar’s military-backed party leads election
Partial results from Myanmar's first election since 2020, show the junta-backed party winning by a wide margin as expected.
politics (general)
Zohran Mamdani sworn in as first Muslim New York mayor
Zohran Mamdani has been sworn in as mayor of New York City, becoming the first Muslim to take office in the largest city in the United States.
Taiwan vows to defend sovereignty after China’s drills
President Lai Ching-te says China's military drills around Taiwan demonstrates the need for increasing defence procurement.
China hits US with sanctions over Taiwan arms sales
China has announced economic sanctions on 20 US defence firms after Washington's announcement of $US11.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan.
Myanmar to hold its first election in five years
Myanmar will hold first general election since the 2021 military coup but the vote is widely seen as lacking credibility.
Netanyahu heads for US talks, rain floods Gaza camps
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is heading to Florida for talks with US President Donald Trump to discuss the next steps of the ceasefire.
US ‘hit’ drug boat loading facility in Venezuela: Trump
US President Donald Trump has confirmed a military attack on a facility allegedly used for drug-smuggling operations in Venezuela.
US says two killed in strike on suspected drug vessel
The US Southern Command says it has struck another boat allegedly linked to drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific.
Rockets fired as China simulates blockade of Taiwan
China is carrying out 10 hours of live-firing drills around Taiwan in a second day of war games that include rehearsing a blockade of the island.
Dismal start to holidays as national road toll soars
A grim start to the Christmas holidays on the roads continues, with Australia on track to record its worst year of fatalities in more than a decade.
Pope calls for worldwide ceasefire at Christmas
Pope Leo XIV has urged a day of peace around the world during the Christmas period.
Trump touts victories amid sinking approval ratings
US President Donald Trump has delivered a partisan speech on TV seeking to pin the blame for economic challenges on Democrats.
‘Holding the tide back’: doctor’s plea for health deal
The federal and state governments are being urged to come together to reach a funding agreement for overwhelmed public hospitals.
Savings found in budget update as blowouts add up
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has revealed billions of dollars in savings as other projects in the budget blow out amid "grave" concerns over its bottom line.
US seizes oil tanker off Venezuela coast, video posted
US President Donald Trump has announced the seizure of a "very large" oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela amid mounting tensions.
Thailand and Cambodia keep fighting before Trump calls
Clashes on the Thai-Cambodian border continue for a fourth day as the countries await calls from President Donald Trump, who says he can again end the fighting.
Seized tanker heads to US for ‘oil confiscation’
The Justice Department obtained a warrant for the seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela because it had been known for "sanctioned oil," the White House says.
Chinese carrier ‘conducting air operations’ near Japan
Aircraft aboard a Chinese carrier have conducted around 100 takeoffs and landings near the Okinawa Islands, Japan's defence force says.
‘Air-Miles Anika’: minister under fire for flight costs
A senior minister splashed thousands of taxpayer dollars on a trip where she attended a friend's birthday party, prompting accusations of improper spending.
US, Ukraine meeting ‘constructive’, further talks set
President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff held productive talks with Ukraine's senior negotiator Rustem Umerov in Miami, US officials say.
US talks on Ukraine ‘no closer to peace’: Russia
Russia and the United States did not clinch a compromise over peace in Ukraine, and peace is no closer, the Kremlin says.
Trump invites Israel PM Netanyahu to White House
Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump have discussed disarming Hamas and demilitarising Gaza.
Environment reforms to pass after Labor-Greens deal
The first major changes in decades to Australia's long-criticised environment laws aim to better protect natural sites and speed up project approvals.
US to permanently pause ‘Third World’ migration: Trump
US President Donald Trump says he plans to suspend migration from what he calls "Third World Countries".
PM and Haydon’s wedding signed, sealed, delivered
Anthony Albanese has wedded Jodie Haydon in front of a small gathering in the nation's capital, becoming the first prime minister to do so in office.
Ready or not, social media ban demands a family plan
Australia's world-first social media ban for children under 16 is imminent but the details of its rollout and enforcement remain fuzzy.
Sweeping shake-up of Defence to deliver ‘bang for buck’
The nation's defence department will be revamped in the biggest reforms in half a century to tackle project delays and cost blowouts worth billions of dollars.
Hanson defiant after Senate ban for ‘despicable’ stunt
Banned from parliament and facing condemnation after she wore a burqa in the Senate, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson claims she's been treated unfairly.
Ley tries to keep above fray amid Liberal infighting
Current and former Liberals are locked in an extraordinary spat amid accusations some party members are undermining Opposition Leader Sussan Ley
Twenty-six dead in Russian strikes on western Ukraine
A Russian attack on the city of Ternopil has killed at least 26 people and injured nearly 100 others, a Ukrainian official says.
US plan for Ukraine war would cede territory to Russia
Ukraine has received a new peace proposal from the United States that would require it to cede land controlled by Russia, according to a report.