Wong returns to Australia after Middle East trip
Foreign Minister Penny Wong returns from a trip to the Middle East as an Australian live export ship is diverted from the Red Sea due to Houthi attacks.
politics
Cabinet meet to discuss rising cost-of-living pressures
The federal cabinet has been called back to Canberra before parliament resumes as the Albanese government looks to ease cost-of-living pressures.
Biden speaks with Netanyahu on Gaza, Palestinian state
US President Joe Biden discussed his vision for peace in the Middle East and a two state-solution in a phone call with Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House said.
Debate simmers as Wong returns from Middle East mission
Foreign Minister Penny Wong returns from the Middle East to criticism of the government's designation of the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel.
Framework a ‘crucial tool’ to cut gender-based violence
The federal government has unveiled a new framework to be used to provide consistent messaging about consent to stop gender-based violence.
Labor MPs to discuss rising cost-of-living pressures
Labor MPs have been called back to Canberra to meet before parliament resumes as the Albanese government looks to ease cost-of-living pressures.
Ron DeSantis ends 2024 White House run
Presidential contender Ron DeSantis, who was once viewed as Republicans' best shot at moving past Donald Trump, has dropped out of the primary race.
Cost of living pressures mount on first cabinet meeting
Anthony Albanese's cabinet is meeting in Canberra more than a week before parliament resumes as living costs raise pressure on households and government.
Ron DeSantis ends struggling 2024 White House run
Presidential contender Ron DeSantis has suspended his fading campaign for the Republican nomination and endorsed bitter rival Donald Trump.
DP World warns of more port strikes due to bargaining
Executives for DP World say new multi-employer bargaining laws would lead to further port strikes across Australia as its own pay dispute continues.
Women trying to flee DV held back by income management
Indigenous, legal and community advocates have told a Senate inquiry that compulsory income management doesn't work and can have dire unintended consequences.
Salaries on the rise, outstripping inflation
New data shows advertised salaries are rising faster than inflation, as the government comes under pressure to ditch stage three tax cuts.
War of words over foreign minister’s Middle East trip
Jewish groups are calling for the foreign minister to visit the site of a massacre while Palestinians want Penny Wong to take a stronger stance against Israel.
Water trigger ‘too vague’ to stop onshore gas expansion
Tweaked environmental laws remain too loose to safeguard water supplies and tackle threats to food growers and country from onshore gas wells, research shows.
Woolworths store graffitied after boycott call
After Woolworths announced it would not stock Australia Day merchandise, one of its Brisbane stores has been targeted by vandals.
Doors open to housing fund as renters fall behind
A landmark government housing fund has opened its doors to developers as new data shows rental prices grew faster than home values for a second year running.
Taiwan loses ally Nauru to China in post-election ploy
The Pacific island nation of Nauru is switching diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, a move Tapei has slammed as a "a blatant attack on democracy".
Humanitarian aid boost for Middle East unveiled
Penny Wong has pledged a further $21.5 million in humanitarian aid for the Middle East, following the first stop on her trip to the region.
MPs blamed for stoking culture war over Australia Day
Politicians are leading the public conversation on Australia Day even when their views don't always reflect their communities, an expert says.
Dallas Hayden dies months after Labor leader spouse
The wife of former governor-general Bill Hayden has died at age 87, three months after her Labor leader husband.
Pill testing might have stopped festival deaths: study
The rollout of pill-testing services has been thrown back into the spotlight after research highlighted a series of potentially preventable deaths at festivals.
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
politics
Energy upgrades to ease hard decisions for renters
Amid "horror stories" from low-income households battling rising living costs, $206m will be spent to cut energy bills and open the door to solar power.
Trump cements frontrunner status with record Iowa win
Former US president Donald Trump has posted a record win in the Republican presidential contest in Iowa as Florida governor Ron DeSantis ended a distant second.
‘Trust and transparency’ critical for growing AI sector
The federal government is considering mandatory safeguards for the use of artificial intelligence in high-risk settings.
Early lead for Taiwan ruling party’s Lai in poll count
China has vowed to smash any plots for independence in Taiwan as the ruling party's candidate Lai Ching-te takes an early lead in the presidential poll count.
Taiwan voters give ruling party third presidential term
Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Ching-te has been elected president but the party has lost its control of parliament.
Desperate boat rescue as monsoon drenches north Qld
Already saturated communities in north Queensland are expecting further heavy rain as a monsoon trough moves over the Cape York Peninsula.
PNG asks Australia for helicopter after deadly unrest
Australia's government remains in constant communication with Papua New Guinea and has received requests for assistance after deadly rioting and civil unrest.
Aldi joins Woolies in dumping Australia Day merchandise
Another supermarket chain has joined Woolworths in choosing not to sell Australia Day merchandise in a move that sparked opposition calls for a boycott.
Already soaked, Queensland braces for more wild weather
Far north Queensland is preparing for another drenching while still reeling from ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper's aftermath, with relief crews on standby.
Trump, judge tangle as NY civil fraud trial nears end
Donald Trump's lawyer has made the defence's closing arguments in a trial over allegations the ex-US president exaggerated his wealth on financial statements.