Housing bubble warning as deposit scheme fast-tracked
House prices could surge and mortgage defaults rise when a government scheme to help first home buyers begins ahead of schedule, experts warn.
politics
‘Bizarre’ push to drop net zero sets up coalition clash
An effort to repeal the net zero emissions target has highlighted internal opposition divisions over climate change as Labor is urged to do more.
Youngest senator describes battle with depression
Australia's youngest senator celebrated her 21st birthday on election night, and has laid bare her journey to the nation's federal parliament.
‘Pains me to the heart’: MP fears NDIS autism changes
Anxious parents of autistic children are urging for adequate supports to be in place as proposed changes to the disability scheme take communities off-guard.
Death of journalists in latest Mideast attack condemned
Press freedom organisations and the United Nations have condemned the deaths of five journalists in Gaza following the Israeli strikes.
‘Broken’ nature laws fast-tracked but details up in air
Tougher nature protections are promised as the government tries to steer long-stalled law reforms into the fast lane, but it's not clear how they will pass.
Mail mess as Australia Post stamps out US deliveries
Businesses are counting the cost of Australia Post suddenly suspending many deliveries to the US and Puerto Rico because of import tariff rules changes.
MP jailed for misleading kickback probe, then bailed
The former partner of pandemic-era premier Gladys Berejiklian has walked from court soon after being sentenced to 10 months in prison for misleading ICAC.
Pacific nations make passionate plea amid climate fears
Countries on the climate crisis' frontline have called for investment and partnerships to build resilient infrastructure in a heartfelt plea for help.
Lost trust prompts swift overhaul for childcare checks
A state premier has promised to overhaul childcare safeguards after admitting parents' trust has been shattered by "horrific" allegations of abuse.
Labor axes leader after horror election, power-grab bid
A state Labor opposition leader has been replaced after an election defeat and a limp attempt to take minority power.
State squeezes feds on national CCTV trial in childcare
A national trial of CCTV in childcare centres is expected to be discussed at a meeting of federal, state and territory ministers after a damning safety review.
‘Forever tarnished’: Netanyahu spews more vitriol on PM
Israel's prime minister has launched another verbal salvo against Anthony Albanese over his handling of the situation in the Middle East as calls grow for calm.
‘Holy grail’: treasurer hails quick wins as summit ends
After 29 hours, 327 contributions and one major blow-up, Jim Chalmers' economic roundtable has served up a slew of reform ideas and a few unanswered questions.
US judge rules Epstein jury records to remain sealed
A judge in New York who presided over the sex trafficking case against Jeffrey Epstein has rejected a government request to unseal grand jury transcripts.
Funds for vulnerable kids spent on senior execs’ homes
Public money destined for vulnerable children was used to pay above-market rents for homes owned by a care provider's staff, MPs have been told.
Crisis-driven response to family violence ‘must end’
There is a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to fix the crisis-driven, siloed approach to domestic, family and sexual violence, a royal commissioner says.
Australia to probe $1b Chinese company deal with Nauru
The Albanese government has confirmed it is seeking confirmation whether Nauru's deal with a Chinese corporation has breached a security treaty with Australia.
The wrong fit: children with autism moved off NDIS
A plan to divert children with autism and development delays from the NDIS is crucial to ensure the scheme remains sustainable, the disability minister says.
Red tape on chopping block in bid to build homes faster
Slashing regulations so houses can be built quicker has won universal approval at a government-led economic roundtable, but the finer details are up for debate.
Albanese shrugs off swipe from angry Israeli leader
The prime minister says he will still engage with Benjamin Netanyahu diplomatically, despite the Israeli leader calling him 'weak'.
Major parties on same page on peacekeepers in Ukraine
The opposition under Sussan Ley appears to have changed tack on the possibility of Australia sending peacekeepers to Ukraine, if peace talks are successful.
Police seek court order to quash Palestine bridge march
Police will seek a court order to prevent demonstrators from marching across a major bridge as part of nationwide protests over the war in Gaza.
Israel retaliates after Australia blocks politician
Israel's foreign affairs minister says he has revoked the visas of Australia's representatives to the Palestinian Authority.
US security guarantees for Ukraine ‘major step forward’
Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he's ready to hold talks with Vladimir Putin and has hailed a US security guarantee for Ukraine as "a major step forward'.
Hamas accepts proposed deal for ceasefire with Israel
Hamas says it has accepted a new proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, as the world awaits Israel's response.
‘Weak’ PM condemned by Israeli leader amid visa stoush
Israel's prime minister has labelled Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese a "weak politician'" as a diplomatic stoush escalates between the two nations.
Cross bench lashes Labor as minority Libs retain power
The Greens and independents have criticised a state Labor party for failing to provide a viable governing option, leaving minority Liberals in power.
Trade and skills under spotlight in ‘promising’ talks
The treasurer has sung the praises of the government's long-awaited roundtable after hours of discussions on productivity, trade and technology.
‘Standard practice’: summiteers play down Treasury leak
Experts believe there's still hope for reform at an upcoming productivity roundtable after Treasury recommendations arising from the summit were leaked.
Indigenous communities plug in to power their future
Renewable energy projects must be developed alongside Indigenous people, and community-led initiatives need more investment, a symposium has been told.