States warned to tighten spending or pay more to borrow
States' "lax financial discipline" has earned a rebuke from a credit ratings giant, which says they are at risk of paying higher interest bills to service debt.
politics
Under-pressure government slammed for bail laws review
Another overhaul of bail laws is on the cards, as a state government is accused of buckling to scare-mongering amid rising youth crime.
Musk-like efficiency role ‘strange’ call for Australia
Australia must cut red tape and reform its tax system to boost productivity and safeguard against a looming trade war, the Business Council says.
Trump says new US sovereign wealth fund may buy TikTok
An executive order signed by US President Donald Trump is set to create a sovereign wealth fund for the United States.
Probe sparks fears for trans patient’s mental health
A Queensland mum says she would have lost her daughter if she couldn't have accessed gender-affirming care as the state government hits pause on the service.
Poll still a blind date as no love lost between leaders
MPs are sharpening their pitches to the public in the lead-up to a federal election as politicians gather for the first sitting week of the year.
China’s new tariffs seen as ‘measured response’ to US
China has retaliated swiftly with tariffs on US goods after President Donald Trump reignited the trade war between the two superpowers.
diplomacy
international (foreign) trade
international relations
politics
restraint of trade
trade dispute
trade policy
Aussie households forecast to weather Trump tariffs
Australia might see some fallout from Donald Trump's tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports, but local households are expected to be spared too much pain.
Major parties rake in over $140m in political donations
Almost half of all donations to Labor, the coalition and the Greens don't have associated donors due to electoral rules, leading to calls for reform.
Mystery money for MPs shines light on ‘dark’ donations
Independents want greater transparency into who is bankrolling political parties, with the origins of almost half of donations a mystery.
Jobs on a string in major energy grid expansion project
A transmission project in one of the most rugged parts of the world is a "litmus test" for whether a state government can stop jobs going offshore, an MP says.
US could feel ‘pain’ in China, Mexico trade war: Trump
US President Donald Trump has defended his decision to impose sweeping tariffs on products from Mexico, China and Canada as financial markets react.
Extremist groups tipped to sidestep terror sanctions
Extremist groups will continue evolving to evade counter-terrorism sanctions slapped on them in a bid to curb escalating anti-Semitism, experts warn.
‘Sense of optimism’ as PM rallies Labor, goes on attack
As politicians prepare to hit the hustings, the prime minister welcomes the start of the parliamentary year with confidence and a new attack line.
March goes on as LGBTQI movement stares down MAGA hate
LGBTQI members and advocates have bared their skin and souls in sweltering heat at an annual pride march as the community warns it is under renewed threat.
Eggs thrown, more graffiti in new anti-Semitic attacks
Australia's iconic Bondi Beach has become the scene of the nation's latest anti-Semitic attack with eggs and verbal abuse hurled at young women.
Canada, Mexico retaliate with hefty tariffs on US goods
Canada and Mexico have swiftly retaliated after Donald Trump imposed stiff tariffs on his neighbours' imports to the US, amid fears of a widespread trade war.
Reckoning looms as Labor, Libs look to shake off woes
A long-time state Labor government is under the pump with crucial by-elections likely to reveal the extent of voters' dissatisfaction after a turbulent summer.
Unlikely alliance spells danger for Labor in key seats
A federal candidate backed by The Muslim Vote is in negotiations with the Liberals, Greens and other independents to preference Labor last in a must-win seat.
Students get more power over sexual assault complaints
An independent office designed to help university students escalate concerns about sexual misconduct is expected to handle about 15,000 complaints a year.
Nothing can delay Canada, Mexico, China tariffs: Trump
Asked if there is any opportunity for the three top US trading partners to win a delay, on his tariffs, Donald Trump says: "No, no. Not right now, no."
Puberty blockers and trans kids’ care to be reviewed
The health treatment of transgender children will be reviewed by Australia's peak health body as one state pauses gender-affirming care for new child patients.
Dump fuel fees and tax all cars, motoring groups urge
The government should overhaul vehicle taxes in its upcoming budget, according to early submissions that say electric, hybrid and petrol drivers should pay.
Inquest after church group found guilty of killing girl
A coroner will inquire into the death of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs after her medicine was withheld by religious group members who included her parents.
By-election cost a factor in MP’s sentencing process
A judge has agreed to hear sentencing submissions on a state MP convicted of theft but may revisit his decision if given details on by-election costings.
Wider economy would be hurt from Star collapse: union
As the future of Star Entertainment hangs in the balance, a prominent union says it isn't just casino workers who would be hit by its collapse.
Trump threatens 25 per cent tariffs on Canada, Mexico
US President Donald Trump says his 25 per cent tariffs on Canada and Mexico could come as soon as the weekend, although a final decision has yet to be made.
Russia could seek to exchange Australian war prisoner
Moscow might keep Australian war prisoner Oscar Jenkins for a future high-profile swap with Russians held in jail in the West, an expert says.
Review to put derailed 2032 Games plans back on track
A multi-billion-dollar transport problem will be tackled by an Olympic infrastructure review as cost blowouts threaten to derail major 2032 rail projects.
Trump prepares Guantanamo for 30,000 illegal immigrants
The detention facility at Guantanamo Bay will be prepared for an influx of up to 30,000 immigrants living illegally in the US, Donald Trump has announced.
Welfare concern for Australian war prisoner in Russia
Australia is calling for the just treatment and release of Oscar Jenkins who Russia confirmed is being held as a prisoner of war after fighting for Ukraine.