Santos wins approval for 116 gas wells in western Qld
The federal government has given Santos approval to drill 116 new coal seam gas wells in Queensland's Surat Basin with an operational life of 30 years.
politics (general)
BHP urged to support coal communities as they exit
BHP's decision to sell two Queensland coal mines has riled unions and renewed calls from the resource industry for a review of the state's royalty rates.
Qld to decriminalise possession of most illicit drugs
Queensland will move to decriminalise drug possession with police to refer people caught with illicit substances or utensils to diversion programs.
Qld youth crime laws criticised as ‘knee-jerk reaction’
The Queensland government will make it a criminal offence for a child to breach a bail condition after a number of high-profile crimes involving teenagers.
Qld govt’s gas well approvals slammed by activists
The Queensland government's decision to approve dozens of new coal seam gas wells on the Darling Downs has been slammed by environmental activists.
Breach of bail to return for young Queensland offenders
Queensland's government has pledged to restore breach of bail as a standalone offence despite cabinet ministers previously rejecting the measure as ineffective.
Qld to make it easier to end community title schemes
Queensland wants to allow community title schemes to be wound up with the nod of 75 per cent of owners, and to let bodies corporate ban smoking, but not pets.
Complete Gabba rebuild in $7b Brisbane Olympics deal
A complete rebuild of Brisbane's Gabba stadium and a new 17,000 seat arena in the city will form the cornerstone's of Queensland's Olympic infrastructure.
Teal MP in ‘robust’ negotiations with chief of staff
An unfair dismissal claim brought against teal MP Monique Ryan will go back into mediation after "robust" discussions failed to resolve the case.
Qld govt approves 55 gas wells near contaminated site
Queensland's environmental watchdog says there are "strict conditions" on its approval for Arrow Energy to drill 55 gas wells near a contaminated site.
Electric vehicle tax hearing recharges political row
A battle between state and federal governments over how electric vehicle owners will be charged for using roads continues inside and outside the courtroom.
Silent ‘life and death’ risk lurking in electric cars
Electric cars are too quiet to be safe, according to lobby groups and researchers, who say urgent policy changes are needed in Australia to protect pedestrians.
Petrol car ban will force Aussie drivers to go electric
Australians drivers may not be able to buy a new petrol or diesel car in 2035 after restrictions on their sale was approved in Europe.
Axe falls on Australia’s last white paper manufacturer
Dwindling timber supplies have been blamed for Australia's last white paper manufacturer shutting its eastern Victorian plant, with 200 jobs to go.
Treaty vision includes new truth and healing inquiry
Queensland will set up a First Nations Treaty Institute and Truth Telling and Healing Inquiry under legislation to be introduced next week.
Farmers, truckies, councils want $5.5b rural road fix
A new alliance of farmers, livestock carriers and local councils are calling on the federal government to provide $5.5 billion in emergency funding for roads.
Signing off: Job losses as Australia’s last white paper plant closes
Dwindling timber supplies have been blamed for Australia's last white paper manufacturer shutting its eastern Victorian plant.
Queensland learner drivers to pay less for L plates
L-platers in Queensland will pay less for their learner driver permits after the state government lowered the price following months of pressure.
Crucial court battle to set road tax for electric cars
How much electric vehicle drivers will pay to use Australian roads, and who will charge them, could be determined during an upcoming high-profile court case.
Housing advocates call for Queensland rent hike limits
Queensland housing advocates are calling for the state government to limit the number and size of rent rises allowed each year to protect tenants.
Australia may return Norfolk Island to self-governance
Almost 2200 people living on Norfolk Island could have self-rule returned more than seven years after the federal government took over the remote island.
Qld looks to market for affordable housing fix
The Queensland government is calling for more private and social sector proposals for affordable homes with the offer of grants from a $130 million pool.
Councils take reins on holiday rental regulation
A Victorian council has introduced an annual fee for short-term rental operators and says the sector is not a priority for state and federal government.
Speed limits, old cars and road injuries face scrutiny
Australia will overhaul the way it reports road accident statistics as part of a national safety plan that will also investigate speed limits and car features.
Downer EDI chosen to make 65 trains in regional Qld
Downer EDI is the preferred supplier of 65 new Queensland trains at a new hub in the city of Maryborough with a contract to be signed next month.
Renowned playwright skewers refugee treatment
David Williamson's Family Values has premiered at Queensland Theatre, with an updated version that looks at refugee treatment under the new government.
Teal MP to mediate with chief of staff over dismissal
Teal MP Monique Ryan and the Commonwealth of Australia have agreed to keep political staffer Sally Rugg employed for two weeks while they enter mediation.
Electric vehicle policy sparks debate over car bans
Questions about how the government should encourage drivers to swap petrol for electric cars has sparked a debate over incentives and bans.
Electric and hybrid vehicles win new on-road discounts
Drivers who register electric or hybrid vehicles in the ACT will save hundreds of dollars each year in a scheme experts say should set the example.
Grants to turbo charge electric car fleets
Funding for more than 1000 new electric vehicles has been announced in NSW, with ride-share and rental services set to upgrade their fleets.
NSW rail body at risk: Auditor-General
The NSW Auditor-General says a beleaguered body set up to manage the state's rail assets is "at risk" and imposes a financial burden on future governments.