Tobacco tax cut lit up as black market trade ‘solution’
A state government minister has conceded tobacco tax is fuelling rampant illegal trade as his federal Labor counterpart denies a cut would be a silver bullet.
politics
‘Not concerned’: minister under fire over child report
A state minister has become embroiled in a major inquiry's report that exposed years of systemic failure in child protection, sparking urgent reforms
Liberals mull Greens alliance to kill off tax changes
An unlikely political alliance could put the government's contentious changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount in jeopardy.
Corruption watchdog probes police funding fiasco
A review has uncovered a $400 million hole in a state police budget with funds meant for frontline diverted elsewhere, triggering a corruption watchdog probe.
‘Fig leaf’ tariffs blasted as US fires fresh tax salvo
A new round of US tariffs has generated a rare moment of political unity in Australia, with the government and opposition pushing back on the proposed changes.
breaking_news
budgets and budgeting
economic policy
economy, business and finance
politics
state budget and tax
Budget relief for families but debt burden soars
South Australians will share in a $500 million package to ease the cost of living as the government insists a $53 billion debt won't spiral out of control.
Officials bank on economic slump helping tame inflation
Australia is not experiencing stagflation but higher interest rates will help cool the economy and inflation, the nation's top bank official says.
Lebanon truce raises hopes of progress for Iran deal
As Israel and Lebanon agree to implement a new ceasefire, President Donald Trump has suggested progress on a broader deal to halt the Iran war could come soon.
Children under five to be removed from residential care
The shocking findings of a "broken" child protection system has prompted a state government to remove kids under five from its residential care.
New data lights up enormity of tobacco black market
New wastewater analysis of nicotine consumption in Australia shows black market tobacco makes up a much larger share of sales than previously thought.
High Court threat hangs over revamped donation laws
Revised political donation laws are poised to attract a fresh legal challenge before Victorian voters head to the polls.
Defence boss torpedoes ‘trash’ second-hand subs jibes
Changes to the controversial AUKUS deal continue to draw fire, with a senator telling a parliamentary hearing Australia will be left with "trash" submarines.
Tardy approvals leaving clean energy dollars in limbo
Australia's most populous state and biggest energy user still ranks among the slowest approval times for renewables, suggesting further reform is needed.
Deadly protest in Kenya against Ebola quarantine centre
Kenya's president has defended a planned US Ebola quarantine centre that's been delayed by a court and faced angry protests that left two people dead.
business (general)
computing and information technology
it/computer sciences
litigation and regulation
politics
politics (general)
regulatory policy and organisation
safety of citizens
software
technology (general)
AI on a budget: Aussie watchdog trails global peers
The body charged with assessing artificial intelligence risks in Australia will operate on a small budget compared to its global counterparts.
Caucus gets raucous over AUKUS as doubt cast on subs
A group of current and ex-Labor figures including Peter Garrett are raising concerns about Australia's commitment to the AUKUS agreement with the US and UK.
‘Nation leading’ e-bike laws wound back after outcry
A state government has softened its e-mobility laws, sparing teens from a ban while giving police new powers to breath test riders and seize illegal devices.
construction and property
demonstration
environmental politics
indigenous people
ioc
politics
summer olympics
Protesters shift Olympic park fight beyond fences
Campaigners say their fight to protect Brisbane's Victoria Park is moving from the parklands to the courts and Canberra as work starts on the 2032 stadium.
Minimum wage tops $1000 a week, stoking inflation fears
Millions of workers on industry awards will get an annual pay rise and minimum wage earners even more, but economists warn the raises could fuel inflation.
Poll topper Hanson wants to lead Aussies who assimilate
Pauline Hanson has sidestepped questions about her standing in migrant communities as a poll puts her populist party ahead of the federal government.
construction and property
house building
housing and urban planning
land price
mortgages
politics
prices
Home price falls may signal end of housing super cycle
Rising interest rates, poor affordability, budget tax changes and a political shift towards lower migration could spell the end of a 30-year housing upswing.
‘Likely he’s lying’: treasurer points finger at rival
Future generations will be left with a "multibillion-dollar debt bomb" if the coalition repeals proposed tax changes, the treasurer warns.
construction and property
demonstration
environmental politics
heavy construction
indigenous people
ioc
police
politics
summer olympics
Elder’s grief as Olympics stadium replaces healing site
The race to complete the 2032 stadium has begun at a city park despite protests, triggering fears a First Nations place of healing will be "gone forever".
‘Explosive’ new evidence extends CFMEU corruption probe
The volume of evidence against a scandal-plagued construction union has pushed back a long-running inquiry by 18 months.
construction and property
economic policy
economy, business and finance
house building
housing and urban planning
politics
real estate
Labor shrugs off claim tax shift will sink house prices
The government is selling controversial investment tax changes as an attempt to rebalance the playing field between young and old Australians.
Men asked to step up for equality at global summit
Australian voices have contributed to a global festival of creativity and activism promoting caring manhood and how men can help further equality in the world.
‘Won’t knock the job’: Hanson declares she can be PM
Pauline Hanson has proposed a ban on immigration from certain countries and defended ties to Gina Rinehart, while stating she's open to becoming prime minister.
Burnham mulls snap election if he becomes UK PM: report
A media report says Andy Burnham is considering a snap general election if he were to win a by-election and take over from Keir Starmer as UK prime minister.
Angus Taylor draws ‘battle lines’ in key party address
Liberals leader Angus Taylor has declared his party the only one capable of replacing the Labor government during a key federal council meeting address.
‘Spiritual malaise’: Tony Abbott’s Liberal rallying cry
Tony Abbott has returned to the political spotlight in a senior Liberal Party role, claiming the nation is drifting backwards amid a "spiritual malaise".
Hungry data centres could break energy records by 2040
Australia needs to regulate data centres urgently amid predictions the artificial intelligence hubs will strain the nation's electricity grid.