Albanese takes fight to Dutton in his own backyard
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken the election fight to Peter Dutton's home turf, kicking off his campaign in the opposition leader's electorate.
politics
Turkey releases lawyer of jailed Istanbul mayor
Turkish authorities have accused detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's lawyer of "laundering assets derived from a criminal act".
Dutton shrugs off Labor ‘sledging’, spruiks gas reserve
The opposition leader says attacks by the prime minister are a sign Labor has nothing positive to offer, setting up a campaign on the cost of living and energy.
Greens warn major parties as minority government looms
Minority government is coming and the major parties ought to prepare, Greens leader Adam Bandt says as more voters turn to crossbenchers.
‘Arrogance’: Indigenous ire at sacred sites amendments
Amendments to sacred site legislation have attracted the ire of traditional owners, who have expressed frustration and alarm with the 'fast-tracked' process.
Australians to cast federal election vote on May 3
Australians will cast their ballot on May 3, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ending months of speculation about the timing of the next federal election.
Leaders eyeball each other as campaign kicks off
The election campaign is finally official - and Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton are wasting no time telling voters why they should vote for their parties.
Dire stat demands ‘urgent reform’ from election winner
Whoever forms government after the election will need to deliver substantive reform to fix Australia's long-term productivity challenge, economists say.
Doubts coalition gas plan a quick fix for lower prices
Domestic gas will be prioritised and supply fast-tracked under a coalition government but experts doubt it will slash prices as quickly as promised.
Coalition energises race for votes with gas and petrol
The coalition have pledged gas investment to bring down power prices as they position themselves as stronger leaders for the nation ahead of the election.
Casino licence suspension delay a lucky break for Star
A 90-day suspension of Star Entertainment Group's Gold Coast casino licence has been deferred for six months, but the company has been put on notice.
Police forcibly break up protests at Turkish university
Police have used pepper spray, rubber bullets and water cannons on anti-government protesters in Turkey's capital, potentially reigniting tensions.
Hospital partnership ban a legacy of toddler’s death
Private operators will be banned from getting involved in acute care in one state after a toddler's tragic death at a controversial hospital.
Labor gets tick on tax cut, Liberal fuel plan sputters
Labor's election tax cuts will provide a "meaningful" boost to the economy, while the coalition's fuel excise cuts have been labelled economically "silly".
Former state Liberal leader admits supplying drugs
Former South Australian Liberal leader David Speirs has admitted supplying drugs to two people, pleading guilty to charges in court.
Election call coming with Labor to distract from Dutton
The prime minister will set the election date "pretty imminently" as parliament wraps up for the last time before voters cast their ballots.
Hegseth texted time of planned Houthi killing: magazine
US President Donald Trump has distanced himself from the Signal chat group scandal, saying it "doesn't bother me".
Trump ratchets up trade war with 25 per cent car tariff
Markets are reacting to President Donald Trump's announcement of new import taxes of 25 per cent on cars and car parts coming into the US.
UN warning as South Sudan opposition leader arrested
South Sudan's main opposition party says its leader, Vice President Riek Machar, has been arrested as the United Nations warns of a renewed civil war.
breaking_news
budgets and budgeting
economic policy
economy (general)
election
political campaigns
politics
state budget and tax
Cheaper power bills pledge as Dutton spurs gas supply
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's budget reply has outlined an alternative vision to drive down energy costs and ease pressure on household budgets.
Up in smoke: billions wiped off tobacco tax forecast
A booming tobacco black market has created a taxation deficit and forced a belated national crackdown on dodgy retailers and criminal gangs.
Shadow of doubt: cricket appeal for stadium roof review
Cricket's national body is unsure whether the sport can be played at a planned new stadium because of shadows caused by the design of its roof.
EU trade chief meets with Trump officials over tariffs
US President Donald Trump has said he may give "a lot of countries" breaks on tariffs, but has provided no further details on which ones are included.
Indigenous groups cautiously optimistic about budget
Indigenous peak organisations have welcomed spending on early childhood care, mental health and domestic violence but are disappointed in some budget omissions.
Games drawcard ‘overlooked’ in Brisbane venue plan
One of Brisbane 2032's biggest drawcards claims it has been overlooked and left with no legacy in a long-awaited venue plan.
First homebuyers, renters centrepiece of housing pledge
First homebuyers and renters struggling to find a home are being offered some hope in a budget that bakes in $33 billion in measures to improve affordability.
Battle lines drawn over tax cuts as election looms
Universal $5 a week tax cuts are being raced through parliament as debate around cost of living intensifies ahead of the federal election.
Zelenskiy calls on US to sanction Russia after strikes
Russia is clearly not pursuing a "real peace' and the US must apply more sanctions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says after a fresh wave of attacks.
Turkey’s opposition leader visits jailed Istanbul mayor
Opposition CHP leader Ozgur Ozel has announced the party's final rally against the jailing of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.
Budget fundamentals smashed as storms cloud outlook
Australia's federal budget is forecast to eclipse $1 trillion in debt for the first time in 2025/26, as global challenges threaten the nation's coffers.
Taxpayers to get $10 a week cut in pre-election budget
All taxpayers will get two rounds of cuts but only starting from July 2026, as Treasurer Jim Chalmers makes the case for a second Labor term.