Dutton urges betting ad ban in family-focused reply
Peter Dutton has used his budget reply speech to call for a crackdown on sports betting ads, while saying the government is fuelling cost of living pressures.
politics
Labor promises persistence on China trade reopening
Trade Minister Don Farrell has arrived in Beijing in a bid to end a long-running dispute blocking Australian businesses accessing lucrative Chinese markets.
Emotional plea to pass social, affordable housing fund
Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie was on the verge of tears as she implored her colleagues to vote for a housing fund to tackle affordability.
Queensland commits to two new youth detention centres
Two new youth detention centres are slated in Cairns and Brisbane by the Queensland government as the state continues to grapple with youth crime.
Premier flags return of Indigenous artefacts held in UK
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is willing to go to the UK herself to help bring back Indigenous artefacts held in the basement of the British Museum.
New nature watchdog short-changed in budget: Wilkie
A new watchdog for Australia's natural environment has been given just one-third of the cash it needs in the federal budget, an independent MP says.
High rate of Aboriginal babies taken from mothers
Many pregnant Aboriginal mums fear being reported to authorities before giving birth, with stark figures showing many babies were then removed within months.
Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan appears in court
Police have banned gatherings in Pakistan's capital Islamabad as former prime minister Imran Khan returns to court after his arrest was ruled "unlawful".
Secret report on terrorist assessment reveals problems
Methods of assessing a terrorist's risk to the community if released from prison have been found lacking in a secret report for the home affairs department.
Dutton urges migration rethink to ease cost pressures
In the wake of his budget reply speech, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is stepping up criticism of Labor over the pressures of higher migration levels.
Lehrmann prosecutor grilled on advice to Lisa Wilkinson
The ACT's top prosecutor believes he warned Lisa Wilkinson against giving a Logies speech about Brittany Higgins, but conceded he should have been clearer.
Liberal leader lawyers up for stoush with expelled MP
The leader of the Victorian Liberals John Pesutto is preparing for a legal fight with Moira Deeming after the party room voted to expel the controversial MP.
Government chose foreigners over farmers: Nationals
David Littleproud has accused the government of not understanding regional Australia as he calls for a levy on importers to pay for biosecurity measures.
Leading bank says budget won’t add to inflation
The federal government's latest budget is not expected to drive up inflation with the biggest bank saying the direction for rates is likely to be downward.
Nats accuse Labor of choosing foreigners over farmers
David Littleproud says the government does not understand regional Australia as he calls for a levy on importers to pay for biosecurity measures.
Inquiry backs unamended laws on Indigenous voice
A parliamentary committee has recommended laws to set up a referendum to enshrine an Indigenous voice in the constitution be passed without amendment.
Country set to ‘change course’: minister spruiks budget
Energy Minister Chris Bowen says the country is set for a "change of course" as he defends the Albanese government's cost of living package.
Imran Khan can be held for eight days: Pakistani judge
A court has ruled former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan can be held for questioning for eight days.
Chalmers defends budget criticism of not enough support
Jim Chalmers says his budget provided targeted cost of living relief to the most vulnerable, fending off attacks that not enough was done for middle Australia.
Treasurer seeks to soothe budget relief inflation worry
Jim Chalmers says his budget will not fan inflation or lead to more interest rate rises but some leading economic experts are not convinced.
Up to $70,000 in payments to lure doctors to rural Qld
A day after announcing up to $20,000 in incentives to attract police to Queensland, the state government has made a similar pledge for health workers.
Money will come, Vic premier says after Games snub
The federal budget contained no money for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, but Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews insists his state will get financial help.
Environment groups blast ‘timid’ biodiversity funding
Australia's shocking loss of nature will not be fixed under a federal budget like the one delivered on Tuesday, conservation groups say.
Renegade MP and Minns’ mate wins vote in new NSW parly
NSW Labor has improved its chances of passing government legislation, with Nationals MP Ben Franklin and an independent elected to oversee parliament's houses.
Police recruits offered $20,000 lure to boost Qld force
The enticements for interstate and overseas police officers and certain university students come as Queensland defends it's youth justice response.
New trade office aims to open doors for SA in Germany
A new trade office for South Australia will be set up in Germany, the state's eighth largest trading partner.
Stories to be told as Queensland ponders path to treaty
Broad support has been expressed for legislation to shape future agreements between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the state of Queensland.
Critical minerals in demand but gas remains ‘important’
Mines and gas fields will continue to power national prosperity even as the federal budget accelerates Australia towards net-zero emissions.
Clean energy budget stakes $2b on renewable hydrogen
Australia's energy future will include green hydrogen as the federal budget bets $2 billion on the hero fuel and helps homes and businesses save on power bills.
Big bulk billing boost the centrepiece of health budget
Changes to bulk billing incentives will give more than 11 million Australians access to general practitioner services with no out-of-pocket costs.
Workers on track for fastest wage growth in decades
Fierce competition for workers and government wage polices are expected to underpin strong wage growth in 2024, the federal budget papers confirm.