Bank’s bungled cash fee a sign of anti-branch shift
Australia's biggest bank has backed down on a threat to charge some customers to access their own money after a 24-hour pile-on.
politics
Potential credit rating drop keeps government dangling
Project cost blowouts and extra government spending could put too much pressure on a state's budget for it to retain its longstanding AA+ credit rating.
coal
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
environmental politics
inquiry
nuclear power
politics
Work on ‘safe’ nuclear reactors from day one of victory
A warning it will take "decades" to make coal sites safe for nuclear reactors has been dismissed as polling shows staunch opposition from women voters.
Pro-Palestine shift borne from frustration, peace push
Frustration at a lack of progress on a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine and the need for momentum toward peace drove an Australian policy shift.
Hunter Biden case dismissed after president’s pardon
A gun case against US President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden has been formally dismissed by a federal judge.
breaking_news
economic policy
economy (general)
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
politics
Economy yet to shake malaise as growth misses forecasts
The Australian economy is growing slowly with government support, with energy rebates effectively transferring household spending to the public purse.
Drug decriminalisation push nipped in the bud, for now
A broad consensus for treating drug use and possession outside the justice system in a government-run drug summit butts up against current policies.
Opposition move to oust S.Korea’s Yoon over martial law
South Korean opposition parties will vote on whether to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol over his short-lived martial law that sparked a major political crisis.
Cbus-CFMEU bond ‘may not be in members’ best interest’
A review has cleared the board of a major superannuation fund but suggested substantial improvements after intense scrutiny of CFMEU-linked appointments.
‘Significant step’ in push to repatriate Bali Nine
Five Australians serving life sentences in Indonesia for their role in attempting to smuggle heroin as part of the Bali Nine are a step closer to coming home.
Police in Georgia move again to disperse protests
Protesters have been hit with tear gas and water cannons for another night in Georgia as police crack down on thousands of anti-government demonstrators.
Thirty licences to open a cafe: state red tape ranked
Australian business must work through a patchwork of regulations wherever they operate, but requirements in some states are more onerous than in others.
Crime-hit city businesses embrace youth justice laws
A city reeling from crime backs controversial youth justice laws, saying juvenile offences have contributed to business closures and tarnished its reputation.
White House defends Biden pardoning son Hunter
Joe Biden's decision to go back on his word and pardon his son Hunter has been both praised and criticised as the US president prepares to leave office.
China drops final trade blocks as beef back on the menu
Two abattoirs have had Chinese import bans lifted, the final trade restriction to fall after Beijing imposed $20 billion of tariffs against Australia.
France ‘at turning point’ ahead of no-confidence vote
A French minister is warning colleagues "not to plunge the country into uncertainty" as Michel Barnier's government faces a historic collapse over the budget.
Call to boost Aussie research funds as review launches
A study of Australian research investments has been welcomed by business, academic and technology groups, but some say more urgent action is needed.
Children ‘sacrificial lambs’ under harsher crime laws
Proposed legislative changes to juvenile offending laws have been heavily criticised by stakeholders at a public parliamentary hearing.
Defiant Georgian president seeks Europe’s support
As protesters continue to clash with police in Georgia, the president is appealing to Europe to confront her own government and alleged Russian interference.
Social media ban won’t stop online risks, experts warn
Banning children from traditional social media platforms might not be as straightforward as Australian parents are being led to believe.
Building data nailed but future framework doubts linger
Home building approvals have broken a two-year ceiling but industry groups warn it's not enough to meet a target of 1.2 million homes by 2029.
Hint of consumer recovery to keep RBA focused on prices
Australia's retail sales enjoyed a boost from an early start to Black Friday discounting and recovering bank balances following tax cuts.
Georgian protesters block road to port: reports
Protesters opposed to the Georgian government's suspension of talks to join the European Union have reportedly blocked access to a major commercial port.
diplomacy
environmental issue
environmental politics
global warming
international court or tribunal
international law
international organisation
international relations
politics
Australia to present argument in landmark climate case
Pacific island nations are pushing for more action on climate change as they face the existential threat of rising tides and a lack of access to finance.
Georgia protesters in third night of demonstrations
Police in Georgia have used heavy force to crack down on people protesting the government's decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union.
Donald Trump taps loyalist Kash Patel as FBI head
Donald Trump has named loyalist Kash Patel as FBI head, turning to a fierce loyalist to upend the top US law enforcement agency.
Mass deportations ruled out under immigration powers
The immigration minister is defending a suite of powers making it easier to deport people without valid visas following criticism from human rights groups.
Cheaper fares across trains, buses, ferries makes cents
Queenslanders will continue enjoying the cheapest public transport in the nation, amid calls for other states to follow.
FBI probes bomb threats to lawmakers, Trump nominees
The US government and FBI are looking into a series of hoax threats aimed at Democratic politicians and some of Donald Trump's cabinet picks.
Leader of an Irish party gives birth on election day
Voters across Ireland have headed to the polls in a parliamentary election to decide the next government, with the leader of an opposition party giving birth.
Hurdles remain for Labor despite year-ending wins
Despite notching up several wins to round out 2024, the federal government still has more issues to deal with after the summer break.