Hefty fine threat as sale of knives to youths faces ban
New laws that ban the sale of knives, certain gel blasters, tomahawks and machetes to juveniles in Queensland also carry hefty fines for offending retailers.
politics
Talks on Queensland infrastructure funds keep trucking
Queensland has made the case for more federal funding for roads and rail after the Commonwealth slashed infrastructure funding for projects around the country.
Govt faces class action over First Nations claims
The Queensland government faces a major class action by First Nations children and parents for their "systemic failure" to reunite families.
Jaber rejects report UAE sought COP28 hydrocarbon deals
The president-designate for the upcoming COP28 climate talks has denied a report alleging the UAE planned to use the summit to strike oil and gas deals.
Back in the red, no second surplus in budget update
The mid-year budget update will reveal a substantial improvement to the bottom line, but not a surplus, the federal treasurer says.
Freed detainee adapts to curfews, ankle bracelet life
A newly released stateless refugee is slowly rebuilding his life but with an ankle monitor and curfews, he feels held back from fully adjusting.
Australia set to face heat at COP28 climate summit
World leaders will convene for major climate talks with Australia under pressure to show it is doing everything it can to lower emissions.
‘Immense, urgent’: Australia falling short on climate
Australia is not on track to meet its emissions reductions, a report from the Climate Change Authority has found, leading to calls for greater action.
Climate information integrity threat ahead of summit
The climate crisis is being made worse by an information crisis, with some Australian outlets accused of peddling fake news and adding to confusion and delay.
Chalmers open to talks with states on GST
Ahead of a treasurers' meeting, Jim Chalmers says he will work with the states to ensure they get a fair share of goods and services tax revenue.
Businesses slam workplace changes as bill clears House
Industry groups say the government's rushed workplace reforms risk damaging the economy, as a heavily amended bill passes the lower house.
Navy clash, detained Aussie raised with Chinese envoy
A Chinese delegation, including a top diplomat, has held meetings with Australian parliamentary leaders after a public stoush over a naval incident.
PM issues ‘overdue’ apology to thalidomide survivors
The prime minister has delivered a formal apology on behalf of the government to the survivors and families affected by the drug thalidomide.
Easing inflation takes heat off interest rate rises
Cooling inflation figures have improved the chances of the Reserve Bank keeping interest rates on hold.
Apology for ‘shameful’ theft of Indigenous worker wages
The West Australian premier has formally apologised to Indigenous workers who received little to no pay for almost 40 years.
Judges unanimous in controversial detainee ruling
A High Court ruling that led to the release of more than 140 detainees was unanimous among judges who found their indefinite detention was unlawful.
‘Not respectful’: police officers to strike over pay
Victorian police and protective service officers will take industrial action over protracted pay negotiations, including slowing drivers near speed cameras.
Harmful and costly prisons ‘failing to reduce crime’
South Australia's incarceration rate jumped by almost a third in the past decade, leading advocates to call for a rethink on the role of prisons in society.
Indigenous leader and Labor luminary Pat Dodson retires
Labor senator Pat Dodson is quitting politics after being diagnosed with cancer, with his resignation to take effect on January 26.
Hefty fines for dodgy builders as ‘loophole’ closes
Builders who don't take out insurance on behalf of paid-up customers will face new offences under a legislative crackdown by the Victorian government.
$60m boost needed to stop greenhouse gas ‘guessing’
Former ACCC chairman Rod Sims says Australia is not accurately tracking greenhouse gas emissions and needs new technology to meet international standards.
Nazi salute to be outlawed to stop ‘glorifying hatred’
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus says there's no place for glorifying hatred in Australia as he moves to ban the Nazi salute.
Bacterial outbreak at hospitals sparks safety warning
Contaminated saline products used at hospitals are being recalled after the Therapeutic Goods Administration issued an alert following a bacterial outbreak.
States push back on cuts to infrastructure spending
Queensland is spending more on infrastructure than the federal government is "in the whole of Australia", the state's premier says.
Retail sales dip as shoppers hold off for Black Friday
Consumers hit the pause button on spending in the lead up to the Black Friday sales period, official retail trade data suggests.
Terrorist slur on young boy amid rising Islamophobia
The use of a terrorist slur against a year six student in Sydney amid a rise in Islamophobia is a major concern, NSW Premier Chris Minns says.
Teachers face wrath over Palestine action in schools
Education union members have been condemned by the Victorian government for calling on teachers and staff to invite Palestine advocates to speak at schools.
Election probe calls for more politicians in Canberra
The number of senators in the ACT and Northern Territory should be doubled and voting enrolment extended, a review into the 2022 federal election has found.
Sharma picked for ex-foreign minister’s Senate seat
Liberal Party members in NSW have selected Dave Sharma to replace former foreign minister Marise Payne in the Senate, pipping favourite Andrew Constance.
Home affairs boss Pezzullo sacked after leaked texts
Powerful public servant Mike Pezzullo has been sacked after the publication of leaked texts containing gossip and criticism of ministers.
Labor’s poll slump linked to cost of living pressures
Newspoll suggests support for the Labor government has taken a hit and it is tied with the coalition on a two-party preferred basis.