US in a delicate balance with allies Qatar, Israel
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Qatar's prime minister Friday before he visits Israel this weekend
politics
Ukraine attacks major Russian refinery in drone assault
Russia says it has downed more than 361 Ukrainian drones after an attack on its Kirishi oil refinery, as Kyiv says it conducted a "successful strike".
Liberals’ federal woes blamed for by-election thrashing
The NSW government picks up an extra seat following a by-election victory as the state's opposition leader deflects blame for the outcome and vows to fight on.
‘Always pulled our weight’: PM defends defence spending
Australia is spruiking its defence budget and a planned facility to support nuclear submarines deal as a major security pact remains under US review.
Accused Charlie Kirk killer awaits formal charges
A memorial for assassinated right-wing activist Charlie Kirk will be held in his home state of Arizona in a week as police prepare to charge his accused killer.
Australia and PNG prepare to sign landmark defence deal
Australia and Papua New Guinea will sign a major security deal that will allow citizens of the Pacific nation to serve in Australia's military.
Israel intensifies Gaza City bombing as Rubio arrives
Israel is pressing on with its Gaza City and West Bank plans as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives for talks following Israel's strike on Hamas in Qatar.
Minister torpedoes talk defence billions to appease US
Australia insists a $12 billion spend on a defence precinct is about boosting the nation's capabilities, but experts say the increase is not significant.
Defence pact elevates PNG to treaty level of US and NZ
Papua New Guinea will soon be seen as an Australian ally on the same level as New Zealand and the United States.
Keep electric car tax cut, remove pollution instead
A tax exemption for electric vehicles could put another 1.5 million on Australian roads if it is extended to 2035, modelling shows, and cut carbon emissions.
NZ offers blueprint for home-building productivity fix
Australia should follow New Zealand in reforming zoning rules to boost limp construction productivity and expand housing supply, leading economists say.
UK, US to announce tech, energy deals during Trump stay
The UK hopes to cement its strong bond with the US during President Donald Trump's visit, with new tech and energy deals to be announced.
Kirk shooting suspect not co-operating with authorities
Investigators continue working to establish a motive for the killing of conservative Charlie Kirk as the suspect refuses to co-operate with authorities.
‘Lot of work to do’: coalition slump to polling low
The coalition's primary vote has plummeted to its lowest level in Newspoll history, after a controversial week for the opposition on migration.
‘Extraordinary’: High Court bid over killer’s appeal
A state attorney-general has applied to the High Court to appeal a decision to reduce a juvenile's sentence over the stabbing death of a mother.
Locals plead for visitors to return to area of manhunt
Business owners in a region central to the search for an accused killer can breath a sigh of relief with travel restrictions scrapped and cash help on its way.
‘Confronting’ climate risk report goes under microscope
The prime minister describes a climate risk report as a wake-up call, as one coalition frontbencher threatens to quit or be dumped over greenhouse gas targets.
Trump begins historic state visit to UK amid protests
US President Donald Trump has arrived at Windsor Castle at the start of a two-day state visit to the UK as the guest of King Charles.
Papua New Guinea swells with pride for golden jubilee
Papua New Guineans are draping themselves in the national colours to celebrate 50 years since the country's flag was first raised to mark its independence.
Text, note show Kirk shooter planned attack: FBI
A text message and note from the suspected shooter of right wing activist Charlie Kirk detailed his plan for the attack, the FBI says.
Congress releases alleged Trump letter to Epstein
Democrats in the US have released a suggestive letter to Jeffrey Epstein purportedly signed by President Donald Trump, which he has denied.
Thailand’s Thaksin jailed for a year after court ruling
A Thai court has ordered influential former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra serve a year in jail, saying the enforcement of his penalty wasn't done properly.
Marine heatwave disaster warnings ignored for two years
The federal government ignored warnings of a marine heatwave and failed to commit funding to fight SA's devastating algal bloom, a senate inquiry has heard.
Huge legal bill for Higgins as settlement plan revealed
Former political staffer Brittany Higgins has been ordered to pay 80 per cent of former senator Linda Reynolds' legal costs after losing a defamation case.
France’s Macron seeks new PM after government’s fall
France's government has toppled in a confidence vote, a new crisis that obliges President Emmanuel Macron to search for his fifth prime minister in two years.
‘Grave disrespect’: treaty referendum call dismissed
Comparisons between a state treaty and the failed voice to federal parliament have been derided as a prominent 'no' campaigner calls for a referendum.
Pacific unity stressed at keystone regional summit
The host nation of major regional talks has urged fellow Pacific nations not to be "passive bystanders" to intensifying competition among powerful interests.
Big fines for breaches as childcare workers ‘drowning’
Fines will more than double for childcare breaches in one state, but a union says "drowning" educators are quitting due to low pay and intense pressure.
Macron names loyalist Lecornu as new French PM
French President Macron has appointed 39-year-old defence minister Sebastien Lecornu as the country's new prime minister.
Home scheme extension set to open more doors
Lifting the caps in an expanded government home-buying scheme will open the door for more first-time buyers, but it also risks fast-tracking price rises.
Trump alleged signature on Epstein note to be analysed
Donald Trump's friendship with Jeffrey Epstein continues to haunt the US president as The White House denies he penned a lewd birthday message to the pedophile.