More than 40,000 modern slaves trapped in Australia
At least 50 million people are trapped as modern slaves in exploitative work or marriage conditions across the world, with about 40,000 in Australia alone.
politics
Indigenous voice an ‘unknown risk’: ex-PM Morrison
Former prime minister Scott Morrison has spoken out against the Indigenous voice in federal parliament, calling it an unknown risk.
Treasurer flags rent cap amid ‘tough’ Vic budget sell
Treasurer Tim Pallas has faced the business community to sell his "tough" Victorian budget amid concerns a land tax levy will further inflame the rental crisis.
Queensland floats universal ‘free kindy’ before budget
The Queensland government has floated making kindergarten free for all children as a cost-of-living-busting measure ahead of the upcoming state budget.
Australia determined to boost defence, clean power
Australia will work with its Quadrilateral Security Dialogue partners to strengthen security and shore up clean energy supply chains, the prime minister says.
Voters to head to polls in July for Fadden by-election
The date for the Fadden by-election has been set for July 15, following the resignation of former Liberal frontbencher Stuart Robert.
Clampdown on buy now, pay later following abuse claims
The federal government will regulate buy now, pay later services in a bid to protect Australians against financial abuse and hardship.
Government eyes tougher response to PwC scandal
The federal government remains under pressure to ban contracts with consultancy giant PwC after the firm leaked confidential government information to clients.
Dutton labels referendum a ‘reckless roll of the dice’
The proposed Indigenous voice to parliament would be an "overcorrection", the opposition leader told parliament during a debate ahead of this year's referendum.
Human rights abuses in spotlight during Indian PM visit
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is being urged to raise human rights abuses in India when he hosts his counterpart Narendra Modi.
Vow to spare Victorian families COVID debt budget bill
Victorians are bracing for bad news as the state government prepares to hand down its 2023/24 budget, which is expected to tackle record debt.
budgets and budgeting
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
politics
Power bills to surge despite budget tipping modest rise
The energy regulator has confirmed double-digit power price rises will continue from July 1 despite the May budget's claims of curbing cost of living pressures.
Q: How do you stop hate culture? A: Meet it with love
Stan Grant says he will respond to hate speech with love, but Australia's deputy prime minister is troubled by comments targeting the Indigenous journalist.
Businesses, landlords slugged to claw back Vic debt
A tax will be levied on big business and landlords under a $31.5 billion state budget plan but there are fears it will flow through to ordinary Victorians.
Farming export success linked to sustainability
Australian producers are increasingly being asked to prove their sustainability with export sales dependent on growers being able to back up their claims.
PM announces Australia-India centre at Modi rally
Thousands of people at Sydney's Olympic Park have given the Australian and Indian prime ministers a rapturous welcome ahead of further talks between the pair.
Dutton accused of ‘using race’ to score votes on voice
The Greens have the federal opposition leader in the firing line as debate continues on the Indigenous voice in federal parliament.
Queensland parliament resumes with new-look ministry
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palasczuk's new-look ministry faces its first parliamentary sitting since the surprise reshuffling of portfolios.
Qld cross bench unites in call to cap Olympics spending
Queensland crossbenchers have signed a joint statement calling on the government to cap Olympic Games spending at no more than the allocated $7 billion.
Trade minister clears the air after China snub claims
Trade Minister Don Farrell says Australia will deal with Britain's application to a Pacific trade agreement before turning to China as Beijing pushes for entry.
Queensland awards $1.17 billion for hospital expansions
The new hospital expansions in Brisbane and Ipswich will see hundreds of new beds and greater capacity for elective surgery.
PM Albanese expands roles for assistant ministers
The prime minister has made multiple changes to his ministries to ease the growing workload for some cabinet ministers.
Albanese’s new way of politics takes shape one year on
A year after the Albanese government swept to power, a cohort of parliamentary newcomers are determined to make their mark on a fresh brand of politics.
Pakistan police discuss conditions for Khan home search
Pakistani government officials and police have entered the home of former prime minister Imran Khan in Lahore.
Australia leads Quad partners meet on sidelines of G7
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is meeting with his Quad counterparts on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Japan.
Quad spruiks ‘force for good’ on sidelines of G7 summit
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has met the leaders of Japan, India and the United States in a rescheduled Quad summit in Hiroshima.
Leaders at G7 summit offer Ukraine long-term support
The G7 summit was electrified by the arrival of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, with US President Joe Biden announcing a new package of military aid.
PM calls out China coercion after trade ban movement
Australia has supported a statement by G7 nations expressing concerns over China's use of economic coercion and militarisation of the South China Sea.
Libs, Labor see govt with different glasses a year on
Labor is hailing cost-of-living relief as the basis of a successful first year in government but the opposition says it's been marred by broken promises.
Chinese envoy slams Quad, G7 as Canberra backs Biden
Beijing has hit out at the G7 and Quad forums for stoking anti-China sentiment as Australian ministers work to allay concerns over Washington's reliability.
Health workers to ramp up strikes in pay rise fight
Health care workers will continue to hold stoppages across NSW and in every hospital as they push the Minns government to hurry up with a wage rise.