Identity protection to go for sexual offences in Qld
Identity protections for those charged with serious sexual offences in Queensland will be scrapped by the government through a bill tabled in parliament.
politics
Economic momentum starting to ebb across all states
All states and territories are experiencing worsening economic performance led by a slowdown in consumption and home building activity.
Australia calls out China for cyber espionage
The home affairs minister says the federal government will not hesitate to out the parties behind cyber attacks, amid warnings China is beefing up its offence.
Illegal tobacco crackdown in tough Qld smoking reforms
A licensing scheme, the expansion of smoke-free areas and tougher restrictions are all part of legislative reforms passed by Queensland parliament.
DNA boss formally sacked after months on suspension
The scientist in charge of Queensland's embattled state-run forensic laboratory has been sacked after months on suspension.
US Navy to commission new warship in Australia
The US is celebrating the first warship commissioned in an allied country, as Australia's trade minister visits America to boost investment and collaboration.
PwC staff involved in tax leak cut from public work
Troubled consultancy firm PwC has promised to keep any staff involved with the tax leak scandal away from Commonwealth contracts.
PM makes plea to opponents to back Indigenous voice
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged coalition MPs to back the Indigenous voice to parliament, saying the body would provide meaningful action.
Power bills to surge for thousands under new price cap
Customers on the default electricity market offer will be slugged with price rises of up to 25 per cent because of high wholesale energy costs.
DeSantis enters presidential race, Trump showdown looms
Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis has officially entered the 2024 presidential race.
Qld gov defends putting patients up at Sea World Resort
Queensland's opposition has attacked the Palaszczuk government for moving stable patients to hotels to ease capacity on overstretched hospitals.
All signs point to lower economic growth than usual
The national economy is tracking toward a contraction in activity, with the patchy performance expected to continue into next year.
Albanese, Modi seek to score runs on migration, energy
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian counterpart Narendra Modi have agreed to work together on people-to-people links and clean energy.
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.
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.