Lower the heat on regional tensions: Penny Wong
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has argued for Indo-Pacific nations to work towards a strategic balance as competition intensifies between the US and China.
politics
US charges two over NYC ‘secret Chinese police station’
The Chinese government has been accused of "establishing a secret police station in the middle of New York City" by a federal US prosecutor.
Albanese blast for ‘absurd’ scare campaigns on voice
The prime minister says Australians will judge the negativity from the coalition surrounding the Indigenous voice.
Shorten reboot to put NDIS back ‘on the right track’
Major reforms of the National Disability Insurance Scheme have been outlined by Bill Shorten to address spiralling costs and introduce long-term plans.
Reserve Bank minutes suggest May rate hike on the table
Fresh inflation data will set the scene for the Reserve Bank's next move, with another rate hike a live option for its board meeting in May.
Boosting Solomons ties ‘crucial’ for Pacific prosperity
Assistant Trade Minister Tim Ayres has used a speech at a business forum to outline the strengths of Australia's economic relationship with the Solomon Islands.
Budget black hole prompts line by line review
The NSW treasurer says he will be going through the budget "line by line" after departmental papers revealed a $7 billion black hole in the state's finances.
Australia needs to attract $400bn for energy investment
There are concerns the federal government's decarbonisation policies won't deliver enough to be consistent with world ambitions to limit global warming to 1.5C.
‘Our path is your path’, voice supporters tell inquiry
A parliamentary committee into the voice referendum has heard from Indigenous communities in rural NSW ahead of the national vote later in the year.
Global uncertainty casting a shadow over federal budget
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned that the upcoming federal budget is being put together against a backdrop of difficult global economic conditions.
Early-season flu spike prompts call to get vaccination
The Queensland premier and chief health officer are urging residents to get flu jabs after more than 6300 influenza cases have been recorded this year so far.
CFMEU gives Queensland hurry up over developer review
A review into Queensland property developers should be expedited to tackle the "twin crises" of unaffordable housing and building insolvencies, a union says.
Qld LNP leader will ‘take his time’ on voice position
Queensland opposition leader David Crisafulli says he will not be rushed to come to a decision about his position on the Indigenous voice referendum.
MP waits nearly a year for trial on sex assault claims
Recently returned MP Gareth Ward will face one trial in Sydney over two alleged incidents after a judge prevented another trial being held in Nowra.
‘Inhumane’ debt collection of welfare overpayments ends
Welfare recipients owing debts will no longer be pursued by third-party debt collectors, with the process to be handled by the department in charge of payments.
Don’t use Alice Springs as political football: senator
NT senator Malarndirri McCarthy has pleaded for opponents of the voice to not use issues in Alice Springs as a political football during the referendum debate.
‘Amazing strength’ in jobs market defies rate hikes
Analysts say the jobless rate holding at 50-year lows is a sign of "amazing strength", with faster population growth helping soak up strong demand for workers.
Human rights advocate says voice ‘lets our mob speak’
The joint select committee on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice referendum has held a public hearing in Canberra as part of its inquiry.
Church launches bid for right to sideline gay students
The Presbyterian Church of Australia's call for the right to exclude gay pupils from being school captain sends a message they're not welcome, advocates say.
‘Makes no sense’: Aussie musicians dudded on radio fees
Australian music is being broadcast on commercial radio and the ABC for a fraction of what it's worth, according to music industry peak bodies.
Ditch tobacco vending machines in pubs, lawmakers told
Health groups are urging Queensland politicians to take proposed smoking laws further, but the hospitality industry wants tobacco vending machines left alone.
Labor backbencher cleared after artwork investigation
A Queensland Labor MP has been cleared of wrongdoing after an investigation into allegations of misusing taxpayer funds to buy artwork.
Newspoll analysis shows falling support for coalition
A Newspoll analysis shows younger voters avoiding the coalition, with 18 to 34-year-olds for the first time backing the Greens over the Liberal-Nationals.
Japan PM evacuated unhurt after man throws ‘smoke bomb’
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has been ushered to safety after an object was thrown at him and a loud explosion was heard near where he was speaking.
France’s Macron signs contested pension bill into law
A controversial bill to raise the retirement age by two years has been signed into law by French President Emmanuel Macron despite mass protests.
Queensland backbencher faces parliamentary probe
A Queensland Labor backbencher is under parliamentary investigation over allegations of misusing taxpayer funds.
Cautious optimism as Aust-China trade dispute thaws
Australia is hopeful that resolving a trade dispute with China over barley will pave the way for the removal of trade barriers for other products such as wine.
‘Alarmist’: Burney clobbers critics of Indigenous voice
Allowing the voice to advise the public service as well as parliament would help improve outcomes for communities, the Minister for Indigenous Australians says.
Australia ‘not immune’ from global economic malaise
Despite a downbeat economic forecast, Australia should weather the worst of a weak international outlook due to low unemployment and high commodity prices.
Gas tax changes, super breaks on budget repair agenda
The treasurer has ruled out tinkering with family tax benefits when he hands down his second budget in May, but he could have gas producers in his sights.
Struggle for Qld maternity staff detailed in FOI docs
Maternity services in some Queensland towns were under stress last year due to a COVID-19 wave, documents obtained under Freedom of Information laws show.