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.
politics
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.
Cairns hosts Qld sittings of regional parliament
Queensland MPs are in Cairns for the sittings of regional parliament, with cost of living, youth crime and the Path to Treaty laws set to dominate debate.
Free GP consults at the centre of cost-of-living budget
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has delivered a small surplus, while trying to balance cost-of-living relief with inflation reduction measures.
NSW coalition front bench resolved at eleventh hour
Former premier Dominic Perrottet has declined an invitation to join the NSW opposition leader's front bench, which was settled hours before the new parliament.
Brawling NSW Nationals elect Dubbo MP as leader
The NSW Nationals have elected Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders as the new party leader after a feud broke out one day before the return of parliament.
South Australia woos backers for green hydrogen, steel
The world needs South Australian-made green hydrogen, ammonia and steel to meet net-zero emission targets, Premier Peter Malinauskas will tell investors.
Budget cost shifting not about ‘slash and cut and burn’
The federal government assures its almost $18 billion in re-prioritised spending is sensible and won't drain programs of money they need.
Review details benefits of exclusive Sam Smith concert
The South Australian government has revealed the full benefits of an exclusive Sam Smith concert which drew heavy criticism.
Housing, jobs on federal parliament agenda
It may be budget week in federal parliament but there are a number of other priorities for the Albanese government, including housing and job security.
Police warn vigilantes angered by youth crime wave
Police and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk have called for community calm after a vigilante mob frustrated by youth crime surrounded homes in central Queensland.
budgets and budgeting
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
politics
One-off energy relief welcome but plug in more solar
Permanent energy bill relief through access to rooftop solar is a priority most households want to see in the budget, including those who don't own a roof.
Fadden by-election to be next big test for Liberals
While Fadden is seen as a safe seat for the coalition, the upcoming by-election in the Gold Coast electorate will bring new challenges for Peter Dutton.
Victoria to launch digital driver’s licences by 2024
Victoria will trial digital driver's licences in a regional city for six months before launching the technology across the state next year.
Millions on track for budget energy bill relief
Households and small businesses could receive hundreds of dollars in energy bill support through deals brokered between federal and state governments.
Budget tipped to go back in black, debts reduced
The federal budget is forecasting a near $4 billion surplus for this financial year and smaller deficits over the forward estimates.