Housing crisis to ‘get worse before it gets better’
Tax reform, building more public housing, and lifting social support payments have all been floated as pieces of the housing affordability puzzle.
politics
Cheaper renewable energy driving electricity costs down
Renewable energy generation is lifting its overall share of a growing national electricity market and pushing wholesale prices down, according to official data.
Drop in GST revenue to cost NSW ‘more than COVID’
NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey says his state will lose $12 billion in the latest GST carve-up, jeopardising major federal school and hospital funding agreements.
Australia unites against Musk to take down terror posts
Politicians of all stripes have chastised social media giant X and billionaire owner Elon Musk for fighting an order to remove graphic content after a stabbing.
Crime report indicates tough job ahead for new top cop
A crime report has indicated a tough challenge lies ahead for Steve Gollschewski who has been endorsed as Queensland's next police commissioner.
Global tensions, China slowdown casts budget shadow
The threat of escalating conflict in the Middle East has cast further uncertainty over Australia's pre-budget economic outlook, the treasurer has warned.
Troubled forensic lab’s DNA backlog blows out to 41,000
A backlog of cases at a Queensland DNA lab has increased as the state opposition calls on the government to release a full strategy to address its issues.
Dutton backs misinformation crackdown after stabbing
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has joined a bipartisan push for stronger misinformation laws for social media companies following stabbing attacks.
South Australia tops economic leaderboard again
South Australia is the top-performing state economy for the second quarter running although Western Australia could overtake it in coming months.
Consumer price data to set scene for May rates call
The cost of living pressures plaguing households have been subsiding and fresh data released this week will hopefully reveal further softening.
Govt sowing the seeds of fairer prices for farmers
Agriculture Minister Murray Watt is confident inquiries into supermarket prices will result in better deals for primary producers.
More cost of living relief on cards in federal budget
Ahead of the May federal budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has flagged more cost of living relief that will need to take pressure off inflation, not add to it.
‘Unacceptable’: Surgery wait list hits record high
Patients are now waiting almost twice as long as they were 20 years ago for elective surgery, a damning report card on public hospitals has revealed.
Voting starts in India election, Modi seeks third term
Officials have reported a substantial voter turnout during the first phase of India's massive election as Prime Minister Narendra Modi vies for a third term.
Push for tough vaping laws amid ‘prohibition’ concerns
The Greens have raised "prohibition" concerns about tough new vaping laws but health ministers from around the country want the legislation to be fast-tracked.
Australia sounds alarm over war in the Middle East
Australia is "extremely concerned" after Israel hit back at Iran on Friday stoking fears the security situation in the Middle East could escalate.
Man dies after setting self on fire outside Trump court
A man has died after setting himself on fire outside the New York court as jury selection for former president Donald Trump's hush money trial was finalised.
‘Immensely grateful’: MP back in parliament after crash
Two months after being seriously injured in a car crash, Queensland Greens MP Amy MacMahon has made an emotional return to state parliament.
Parents fear kids sent back to asbestos-riddled rooms
Children may have been exposed to asbestos for months or years after the hazardous material was detected at a primary school, parents say.
Budget clouded by global wars and weak economic growth
Treasurer Jim Chalmers will use talks in Washington to take the temperature of the global economy as he puts the finishing touches on his third federal budget.
Family of accused teen flee home after church stabbing
The family of a boy arrested over a stabbing at a Sydney church say they saw no signs of radicalisation as police pledge to bolster resources in the region.
Polls close in closely watched Solomon Islands election
International allies, old and new, are keenly watching as the Solomon Islands' pro-Beijing prime minister tries to hold on to power in the Pacific nation.
Critical minerals loan will help export sector grow: PM
Anthony Albanese says a $400 million loan to the critical minerals sector will help expand exports into nearby southeast Asia.
US tells UK court Assange would not face death penalty
The United States government has provided an assurance regarding the treatment of Julian Assange if he is extradited.
Indefinite detention ‘not punitive’: government lawyer
Government authorities have tried to deport a bisexual man to Iran every six months since 2018 but they failed because he resisted, as he feared for his life.
First seven jurors chosen in Trump hush money trial
The first seven jurors have been selected to serve on Donald Trump's hush money criminal trial as the selection process continues to choose a 12-member panel.
Cattle country conserved after anonymous $21m gift
An outback cattle property will be turned into a national park thanks to an anonymous benefactor who donated $21 million to help buy the station.
Help for farmers to get best price amid ‘dirty’ tactics
A trial designed to help farmers negotiate better deals with Australia's supermarket giants will be rolled out across Queensland amid claims of "dirty" tactics.
Aussie mining ‘under assault’ from China: US ambassador
Ambassador Caroline Kennedy has taken aim at China's "unchecked exploitation" of Indonesia and other nations that risks destroying the supply of clean minerals.
Treasurer admits ‘difficult’ budget ahead for Qld
The Queensland government will maintain its commitment to cost-of-living relief for households despite the treasurer warning of a difficult budget ahead.
Defence scores $50b funding boost as jets plan grounded
Australia will increase defence spending over the next decade to meet new threats but some programmes have been torpedoed.