Censures, coffees and a clinched deal: MPs off for Xmas
Parliamentarians are preparing to head home for the year after a far from lacklustre final day in the halls of power.
politics
Trump selects special envoy for Ukraine and Russia
Incoming US President Donald Trump has chosen one of the architects of an 'America First' policy, to serve as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia.
Trump cabinet picks ‘targeted’ with threats, swatting
The FBI says it is investigating several bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming nominees and appointees of US president-elect Donald Trump.
breaking_news
children
internet
mass media
media
parent and child
politics
telecommunication service
Social media ban ‘significant risk’ to child’s rights
A blanket social media ban for Australians under 16 has been criticised for limiting rights and not having enough privacy safeguards for all users.
Human rights commissioner slams new youth crime laws
The Queensland government has been accused of "plumbing the depths" by pushing through laws that will ensure children face harsher penalties for serious crimes.
Police arrest 1000 amid Pakistan demos over ex-PM Khan
Almost 1000 supporters of jailed former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan have been arrested following clashes in Islamabad.
Union members march against changes to work conditions
The mother of a construction worker who died of heat stress has marched alongside thousands of unionists to maintain workplace rights.
Pauline Hanson appeals court ruling she was racist
Pauline Hanson is appealing a court ruling she was racist towards Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi on the basis of alleged errors in the judicial process.
First Voice to parliament urges meaningful change
Australia's first Voice to Parliament has a "heavy burden" to prove itself but presents an opportunity to create better lives for First Nations people.
‘Made an error’: Court overturns magpie star licence
A court has ruled a couple caring for a magpie best known for his friendship with two dogs should no longer have a licence to look after the famous bird.
business (general)
computing and information technology
economy (general)
inquiry
laws
politics
politics (general)
regulatory policy and organisation
science and technology
software
technology (general)
Australia needs an AI law to stop copyright ‘pirates’
Artificial intelligence tools, including chatbots from Google, Amazon and OpenAI, need to be regulated by law in Australia, an inquiry recommends.
Fatima Payman decries racism, eligibility bid shot down
Former Labor senator Fatima Payman has faced down an attempt by Pauline Hanson to have questions raised about her eligibility to sit in the senate.
diplomacy
human rights
international relations
politics
relief and aid organisation
unrest, conflicts and war
Gaza aid demand echoes as ceasefire in Lebanon welcomed
Australians with families in the Middle East have cautiously welcomed a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon-based listed terror group Hezbollah.
All eyes on Biden as timeline ticks for Assange pardon
Campaigners for Julian Assange hope the prime minister can help push Joe Biden to formally pardon the Wikileaks founder before the end of his term.
endangered species
environmental issue
environmental politics
forestry and timber
forests
nature
politics
Fur flies over billion-dollar koala park cost claims
A billion-dollar purported price tag for a new national park has dropped jaws and raised eyebrows as loggers and environmentalists resume hostilities.
Fresh hope for those wanting to buy own home sweet home
Australians locked out of the housing market will soon have a viable option to buy their own piece of paradise with a significantly smaller deposit.
MPs on notice as key review targets ‘entrenched’ racism
Australian leaders are being urged to set an example to eliminate racism through a national plan involving sweeping legal and behavioural changes.
Christmas rate cut hopes slayed as inflation holds firm
Energy rebates have lowered Australia's headline inflation rate, but the Reserve Bank remains focused on underlying price pressures.
consumers
economy, business and finance
food - consumer goods
inquiry
politics
politics (general)
shopping
‘Better deal’ for suppliers as supermarkets face fines
Supermarkets face fines of up to $10 million if caught breaching a grocery code of conduct that will become mandatory.
Teen social media ban a step closer despite concerns
A social media ban is looming for Australians aged under 16 after the measure to force restrictions on many platforms cleared its first hurdle in parliament.
Expansive migration laws to deport, ban entry imminent
A trio of migration bills with sweeping government powers is set to be passed after the coalition backed the amendments amid mounting criticisms of overreach.
Landmark plan to address ‘systemic, structural’ racism
Australians are being challenged to confront systemic racism and the enduring impacts of colonisation in a landmark report from the Human Rights Commission.
diplomacy
international (foreign) trade
international relations
politics
restraint of trade
trade policy
Trump doesn’t have to hurt Australia-China ties: envoy
A Trump presidency doesn't have to impact how Australia and China co-operate, Beijing's ambassador says, amid a spate of hawkish cabinet picks.
Request to release premier’s business documents denied
Documents relating to claims a company was trading insolvent while a man who went on to become a state premier was at the helm will not be released.
Beefed-up hate laws won’t touch religious free pass
With social cohesion under strain, one Australian state is trumpeting tougher hate laws and penalties but will keep exceptions for "genuine" religious beliefs.
US judge dismisses federal Trump 2020 election case
The latest legal move represents a remarkable shift from the special prosecutor who obtained indictments against Donald Trump in two separate cases.
‘Surprise’ budget windfalls drying up, economists warn
Australia's budget fortunes are shifting, with Deloitte Access Economics predicting a deeper deficit than predicted in the May budget.
Historic day as MPs sworn into fresh parliament
It was a bittersweet day for Labor MPs sitting on the opposite side of the chamber as the Liberal National Party takes power for the first time in nine years.
‘Knee-jerk reaction’ social media ban set to pass
A proposal to ban children from social media is expected to become law despite experts and politicians arguing it may not make the internet safer for kids.
Door opens for first-home buyers to unlock ownership
Headway has finally been made on federal housing policy reform with laws set to pass parliament to allow home buyers to buy with a smaller deposit.
‘Whatever it takes’: child removal floated to tackle DV
Child protection practices will be examined by a government in response to a landmark inquiry into the domestic violence deaths of four women.