Bad news for drinkers as tax on spirits set to rise
Australia's tax on spirits is set for another hike next month, meaning drinkers can expect to pay more for a rum and coke.
politics
Federal cash for Gold Coast Games lifeline ‘unlikely’
The federal government has all but dashed hopes of stumping up the cash for Gold Coast to come to the rescue of the hostless 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Inflation debate makes RBA rates call a coin toss
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the latest jobs figures are a good surprise, despite fears the unemployment rate could lead to more pain for mortgage holders.
Chinese ships set to monitor military drills off coast
As Talisman Sabre exercises are held off the Australian coast, Chinese ships are expected to be monitoring the multinational military drills.
Indigenous youth ambassadors gather for ‘yes’ push
A group of more than 30 young First Nations leaders are meeting in Brisbane in the hopes of furthering an Indigenous voice to parliament.
Bubble bursts on Gold Coast Commonwealth Games lifeline
Hopes the Gold Coast could rescue the 2026 Commonwealth Games, after a successful 2018 event, have been dashed by the federal and Queensland governments.
Chinese spy ships eye naval drills off Australian coast
As Talisman Sabre exercises are held off Australia's coastline, Chinese ships will monitor the multinational military drill.
Doubts cast on defence commitment to families
A royal commissioner says she's not optimistic about the Australian Defence Force's efforts to reduce the stresses and impact of military service on families.
Nationwide rallies decry decade-long offshore detention
Australians opposed to offshore detention are demonstrating around the country, urging the government to end the punitive policy after 10 years in operation
Australia’s consent laws to be put under the microscope
Sexual assault experts, survivor advocates and support services will appear before a senate committee examining reforms to improve consent laws and education.
Thousands of Israeli troops threaten to quit on reforms
Tens of thousands of Israelis opposed to a judicial overhaul sought by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have taken part in protests across the country.
Inflation results key to Reserve Bank rates decision
The latest inflation data will be crucial to where the Reserve Bank takes interest rates at its board meeting in August.
Tasmanian premier reveals health, stadia ministers
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has revealed who'll take on the health and stadia and events portfolios as he dons different ministerial hats in a reshuffle.
Young Indigenous Australians kick off ‘yes’ campaign
The Uluru Youth Dialogue has selected more than 30 young Indigenous Australians from around the nation to lead conversations in support for the voice.
Trump Jr cancels Australian tour, blaming late visa
A speaking tour of Australia by Donald Trump Jr has been cancelled due to the late issuing of a visa, organisers say.
Renters at risk of stepping off ‘affordability cliff’
Tenants still face sharp price increases but easing vacancy rates suggest rental growth may be losing steam.
Robodebt victims urge action on royal commission report
The final report of the royal commission into the controversial robodebt scheme is due to be released on Friday.
Lawyer warns against ‘misuse’ of Liberal Party status
The Liberal Party ignored serious complaints of misconduct because its legal status was a "shield" against it being sued, a former ministerial staffer has said.
Laws to stop ‘idiotic hooning’ on menacing petrol bikes
Petrol-powered bicycles are likely to be banned in Tasmania with serious injuries behind a government push to outlaw hoons on wheels.
Liberal senator makes legal threat to Brittany Higgins
Brittany Higgins says she is considering her legal options after a defamation threat from Senator Linda Reynolds, who is already suing Ms Higgins' partner.
Robodebt prosecutions loom after ‘gross betrayal’
A royal commission into the unlawful robodebt scheme has recommended senior figures behind it be prosecuted over their roles in the troubled program.
Renegade Liberal MP loses spot on senate ticket
A first-term Liberal senator known for his far-right views has lost his place on the party's ticket for the next election.
Labor rejects Dutton call on small nuclear reactors
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is due to make a speech on Friday and will reportedly say the government is "mesmerised" by alternative energy sources.
Teacher training overhaul as educators quit classroom
There are hopes improvements in training new teachers for the modern classroom will reverse a rise in the number of educators leaving the profession.
Crash course for parents on school mobile phone ban
An education plan will be rolled out for parents before Queensland institutes an all-day ban on mobile phones and smartwatches in public schools.
Health workers’ pay offer won’t cost taxpayers extra
Aged care workers, hospital staff and allied health professionals in NSW are being offered an extra $67 a week after a public stoush with the state government.
Ministers taken to task for unlawful robodebt scheme
The report of the royal commission into the robodebt scheme has found a series of failures by ministers, but the consequences for them are unclear.
Robodebt report evidence now in hands of crime fighters
Evidence is being considered by federal police and the anti-corruption watchdog following a damning report on the robodebt scheme.
Claims govt milked political advantage from Robodebt
Peter Dutton has accused Anthony Albanese of milking political advantage following the release of a damning report into the Robodebt scheme.
Albanese heads to Europe for talks on Ukraine, economy
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is heading to Germany and Lithuania as European leaders seek Indo-Pacific views on global security and Ukraine.
Dutch government collapses over immigration policy
The Dutch government led by conservative Prime Minister Mark Rutte has collapsed over disagreement about asylum policies.