Youth placed in spit hood, isolated in Victorian prison
The use of spit hoods on children in Victorian adult prisons will be banned after one was placed on a youth despite him never spitting at staff.
politics
IMF urges higher interest rates to control inflation
An independent assessment of Australia's economy says interest rates will need to lift higher and government effort will be required to bring inflation down.
Widespread floods exposed insurance industry failings
A review of the response by insurers into the widespread and catastrophic flooding on the nation's east coast has found multiple weaknesses in the industry.
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
manufacturing and engineering
mining
politics
High-purity silicon from Townsville to power the world
Silicon for solar panels and batteries will be part of a green precinct for high-tech manufacturing to kickstart new supply chains and end China's dominance.
Higher labour hire pay threatens viability: Qantas, BHP
Unions and major companies are going head to head over proposed labour hire laws, with the latter arguing higher pay rates will threaten business viability.
Lobbying regime to be beefed up after corruption probe
The Victorian government has committed to updating lobbying rules and codes of conduct in response to a $1.2 million contract scandal.
RBA warns of looming financial stability risks
Australia faces a number of emerging risks to financial stability that look quite different to those of recent decades, RBA assistant governor Brad Jones says.
Vic election body at its limit, push for new laws
New laws over postal vote applications and behaviour at polling booths are among key changes on the Victorian Electoral Commission's wishlist.
Law reforms rob serial killer of any hope of freedom
Victoria has backflipped on its opposition to naming serial killer Paul Denyer in sweeping parole law reforms to be introduced to parliament.
Queensland’s opposition ramps up pledge on ambulances
LNP leader David Crisafulli has signalled an early election commitment to reduce ambulance ramping in Queensland as hospitals struggle.
Albanese, Netanyahu talk, refugee air strike condemned
Anthony Albanese has spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time since the Middle Eastern conflict intensified.
Housing rebound eyes new mark but rates threat looms
National home prices are about to hit a fresh peak in October, though the pace of growth is starting to slow.
Mining giant says workplace reform threatens diversity
The federal government has been accused of putting workplace diversity at risk through its labour loophole laws, but unions beg to differ.
MP calls victim rally a ‘rent a crowd’, apologises
Queensland Labor MP Aaron Harper has accused the LNP of hijacking a victims of crime rally after losing his cool and calling them a "rent-a-crowd".
Voice result a ‘judgment’ on Indigenous people: Grant
Prominent broadcaster Stan Grant has broken his silence over the voice referendum defeat, saying it was a cold-hearted 'no' from Australians.
Chilling Hamas attack footage aired in Australia
Shocking footage of the Hamas attack on Israel has been shown for the first time in Australia, as the government urges respect for civilian life.
Review damns delivery of Murray-Darling Basin plan
A report into the delivery of the Murray-Darling Basin says the federal government must take a renewed approach to water recovery, with little progress made.
PM talks up trade breakthrough ahead of China trip
With removing trade blockages high on the agenda, Anthony Albanese says he won't avoid the difficult questions when he meets with China's president.
‘Dirty’ donations deal could hurt Greens, independents
Greens leader Adam Bandt has addressed his party's national conference, warning of a deal designed to try and keep major parties in power.
Six former prime ministers urge end to religious hatred
Former Australian prime ministers from both sides of the political divide are calling for the community to unite behind Israelis and Palestinians.
Industry backs patience on high-quality EU trade deal
Talks on a landmark free trade agreement between the European Union and Australia have collapsed following the latest round of negotiations.
Optimism China might lift more export trade bans
There is growing optimism China could lift further tariffs on Australian products as Anthony Albanese prepares to visit the country.
Wine and spirit bottle refunds offered in Aussie first
Queenslanders will now be paid 10 cents for empty wine and pure spirit glass containers at the state's recycling stations, as the scheme expands.
Palaszczuk firm on her record as election gun fires
The starter's gun has fired for the 2024 Queensland election and Annastacia Palaszczuk is adamant her government's record can earn a fourth term.
Albanese prepares for China following US talks
Having returned from an official visit to the United States, Anthony Albanese is gearing up for top-level talks in China.
Defiance and demands as thousands rally over Gaza war
The streets of Sydney and Melbourne have been flooded with protesters as Australian communities remain divided over the conflict in the Middle East.
Former VP Pence ends campaign for the White House
Struggling to gain traction in the race to the US top job, former vice president Mike Pence is dropping his bid for the Republican presidential nomination.
Sobering up centre won’t open before drunkenness change
Construction delays will prevent Victoria's only dedicated sobering-up centre from being up and running when the state decriminalises public drunkenness.
Fresh insights into retail sector, housing market
Consumers have been reining in their spending in response to high interest rates and new data may signal a continuation of this trend.
Coal fires up Queensland’s budget surplus
Net debt has shrunk and the budget surplus has boomed, a report into the Queensland government's finances has revealed.
‘Not credible’: minister in dark on Comm Games axing
Senior Victorian government minister Harriet Shing has claimed she only learned the 2026 Commonwealth Games could be axed a week after lawyers were hired.