Project blowout on North East Link to cost $26 billion
Melbourne's North East Link will cost $26 billion, more than double the original estimate of $10b, blamed on project changes and rising construction costs.
politics
Vic debt up $6 billion in 6 months, heading to $177.8b
Victoria's net debt is now expected to reach more than $177.8 billion by 2027 due to infrastructure spending, which is $6.4b more than predicted six months ago.
Savers miss out as banks exploit ‘consumer inertia’
The consumer watchdog says many bank customers are paying the loyalty tax on their savings accounts and could be earning more interest.
Gas shortfall forecast without significant demand drop
Extra costs for transporting Queensland gas south to other states are expected to hit the east coast gas market next year, adding to supply pressures.
British wind can unlock Australia’s ‘superpower’ future
Superior climate and energy policies have become a vote winner as well as an economic and security imperative, British High Commissioner Vicki Treadell says.
Australia condemns settler violence in the West Bank
Australia is one of 14 nations condemning "record high" settler violence against Palestinian people in the occupied West Bank.
‘Immoral’: crackdown vowed on inflated NDIS prices
Dodgy NDIS providers have been put on notice about inflated prices likened to "a wedding tax", with a new taskforce to crackdown on the practice.
Rationale behind RBA’s December rates call on show
The minutes from the December interest rate meeting will outline the Reserve Bank's thinking on inflation as households gear up for the festive season.
Qld Premier Miles’ new-look frontbench to be sworn in
Days after Steven Miles took over as Queensland's 40th premier, a new-look cabinet will be sworn in as Labor begins life without Annastacia Palaszczuk.
Maori language edicts strains NZ government
Taxpayers have paid for New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon's own Maori language classes, even as he criticised public servants for bonuses for its use.
Qld Premier Miles’ new-look frontbench sworn in
Days after Steven Miles took over as Queensland's 40th premier, a new-look cabinet has been sworn in as Labor begins life without Annastacia Palaszczuk.
Plea for cool heads in Australia as war rages in Gaza
The prime minister is calling on Australians to engage with each other peacefully as tensions simmer over conflict in the Middle East.
NZ PM Luxon announces Australia trip to meet Albanese
Anthony Albanese will host his New Zealand counterpart Chris Luxon for a day of talks in Sydney.
US House approves impeachment inquiry into Biden
US House Republicans have voted to approve an impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden despite their probe yet to find evidence of misconduct by the president.
Key Olympic projects, Gabba rebuild to be reviewed
Key Brisbane Olympic infrastructure projects like the controversial Gabba rebuild will be reconsidered by a new-look Queensland government.
Transport Minister steps aside for frontbench new blood
Queensland's Transport Minister Mark Bailey has announced he will step aside for new blood before incoming premier Steven Miles' cabinet reshuffle.
Promising jobs data fuels hopes of soft landing
Despite a higher-than-expected 61,000 jobs being added to the economy in November, the jobless rate lifted to 3.9 per cent.
More Australian troops to train Ukrainian soldiers
The Australian Defence Force will continue to help train Ukrainian soldiers in the UK in a bid to bolster Kyiv's ability to defend itself against Russia.
Australia mulls US request to send warship to Red Sea
A US request to send a warship to the Red Sea amid ongoing Middle East conflict and tension is being considered by Australia's government and defence forces.
Paramedics get major pay rise in ‘recognition’ of role
A major health union and the government have agreed to a significant pay rise for NSW paramedics following months of negotiations.
RBA boss hopeful for better year following hard 2023
Higher interest rates and cost of living pressures are hurting households and businesses, with the central bank governor acknowledging it's been a hard year.
Russian oligarch fighting ban ‘Putin’s personal friend’
A court has been told a Russian billionaire fighting Commonwealth sanctions banning him from Australia has close links with President Vladimir Putin.
National ban on engineered stone ‘will save lives’
Engineered stone products will be banned from sale from July over significant health risks to workers following an agreement of workplace ministers.
‘Broken’ biodiversity protections in need of overhaul
Urgent changes are needed to Australia's biodiversity offsets system, which is failing to stem the rapid destruction of the environment, experts warn.
Stubbornly high inflation will eat into real wage gains
The federal budget is looking healthy thanks to a surprise revenue boost but inflation is proving persistent and is continuing to hurt household finances.
Australia votes in favour of Gaza ceasefire at UN
A UN resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza has been adopted after receiving the support of Australia and 152 other nations.
Zelenskiy met by Republican doubts in US aid push
Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskiy has pleaded his nation's case to hesitant US Republicans as President Joe Biden warns they risk handing victory to Vladimir Putin.
Cost of living relief lightens Queensland budget update
Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick has spruiked further cost-of-living measures on the back off a balanced budget sheet in his mid-year budget update.
Move to suspend judge could be unconstitutional
Lawyers for a Supreme Court judge accused of assault and emotional abuse have argued a parliamentary move to suspend him is not constitutional.
Clear road for Miles as rival bows out of premier race
Steven Miles is set to step up as Queensland's next premier after Health Minister Shannon Fentiman opted not to stand for the Labor leadership.
Government abandons push to suspend accused judge
A push to suspend a Supreme Court judge facing charges of assault and emotional abuse has been dropped by the Tasmanian government.