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.
politics (general)
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.
Wholesale energy prices, emissions falling
Wholesale electricity prices and carbon emissions dropped in the December quarter as solar and wind became "most valuable player" in the Australian market.
Fears over complex flood gauge system
Experts and local councils are calling for better oversight of the river gauge network, while government agencies say they're working on improvements.
Voice debate turns to young Australians
Supporters and sceptics of the voice are turning to young Australians with a key coalition figure the latest to raise questions about the ambitious reform.
It’s a bumper summer for Qld tourism
Queensland tourism operators are enjoying a booming domestic holiday season, but international numbers are still below pre-pandemic levels.
Top cop apologises to LGBTIQ+ community
The Queensland Police Service has apologised and issued a statement of regret for historical mistreatment and discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people.
Qld eyes $1.3b lithium-ion battery sector
Queensland could be a world leader in mining and refining raw materials needed for batteries, making cells, assembling packs and recycling, a report says.
Doubts over Qld coal mine’s water licence
Queensland's water department erred in granting New Hope's Acland coal mine a licence and a review of its decision is needed, activists say.
agriculture
coal
environmental politics
global warming
mining
politics (general)
regulatory policy and organisation
water
water supply
Review may send Acland mine back to court
Queensland's water department is reviewing a decision to grant a licence to the controversial expansion of New Hope's Acland coal mine.
Doctor losses blamed for hospital baby ban
The Queensland government has defended doctor shortages and other issues which could prevent many women giving birth in Gladstone until mid-2023.
Hard road to birth amid maternity closures
Rural doctors are calling for urgent action to stop maternity closures and bypasses, as hundreds of families travel long distances to give birth.
Gabba funding for Olympic makeover unclear
The Queensland government says it's still working on a funding deal for Olympic infrastructure amid reports the Commonwealth no longer wants to fund the Gabba.
Qld to boost Gladstone pregnancy services
A major Queensland hospital's maternity unit will operate 24 hours a day from January 30, but the state government says full birthing services are months away.
Qld to fast-track oil refinery upgrade
The Queensland government will speed up approvals for Ampol to upgrade its oil refinery in Brisbane, which could keep it open until 2030.
Cordingley extradition nears milestone
The extradition case for a man suspected of killing Queensland woman Toyah Cordingley in India is reaching a milestone, the state's police minister says.
Qld govt defends health building blowouts
Queensland's acting premier says just like home renovators, the government is facing budget blowouts on projects due to high building material costs.
Ministers chastised for health advice snub
Anne Ruston says the government is undermining Australians' trust in medical experts by inferring advice from the chief medical officer wasn't cautious enough.
Qld remembers First Nations hero Dundalli
The Queensland government has recognised the "state significance" of First Nations hero Dundalli for the first time on the 168th anniversary of his death.
Qld cabinet didn’t discuss Mabo for months
Queensland cabinet minutes from 1992 paint a picture of a government trying to reform without "spooking the horses" at a time of momentous social change.
Rio Tinto compo bill ‘nothing like’ $450m
Taxpayers are set to fund a compensation deal for Gladstone Power Station owner Rio Tinto over the coal price cap, but it will be "nothing like" $450 million.
Electric cars coming to Australia in 2023
Electric hatchbacks, sports cars and even vans will cruise into Australia in 2023 but experts say one policy change could drive more progress.
Qld power plant set for coal cap compo
Taxpayers are set to fund a compensation deal of up to $450 million for Gladstone Power Station owner Rio Tinto over the coal price cap in Queensland.