Musk-like efficiency role ‘strange’ call for Australia
Australia must cut red tape and reform its tax system to boost productivity and safeguard against a looming trade war, the Business Council says.
politics
Under-pressure government slammed for bail laws review
Another overhaul of bail laws is on the cards, as a state government is accused of buckling to scare-mongering amid rising youth crime.
States warned to tighten spending or pay more to borrow
States' "lax financial discipline" has earned a rebuke from a credit ratings giant, which says they are at risk of paying higher interest bills to service debt.
Hate speech laws go to vote as anti-Semitism denounced
Hate will be stopped at its source if tougher amendments are made to proposed laws to crackdown on the rise of anti-Semitism, an advocate says.
Senator pushes for gambling industry influence inquiry
David Pocock is critical of the government for not acting on a landmark report recommending banning gambling ads, linking it to industry lobbying efforts.
Clean up starts for some but flood threat remains
The clean up has begun for some residents in rain-hit northern Australia but the flood threat is not over for others, with more showers and storms forecast.
Call for ‘data diplomacy’ with China after DeepSeek ban
Chinese AI platform DeepSeek has been banned from government use over security concerns, but experts say more must be done to protect Australians' information.
Teals bet on hung parliament to force gambling ad ban
Independent crossbenchers will leverage their votes in a minority government to force action on banning betting advertising after Labor failed to act.
House prices expected to rise amid supply challenge
Housing will remain a key policy battlefield at the election with prices expected to continue increasing and efforts to boost supply lagging behind targets.
Ukraine vows to negotiate exchange for captured Aussie
Ukraine has promised to help secure the release of Australian Oscar Jenkins, reiterating its gratitude to Australia for aiding its fight against Russia.
Review to put derailed 2032 Games plans back on track
A multi-billion-dollar transport problem will be tackled by an Olympic infrastructure review as cost blowouts threaten to derail major 2032 rail projects.
Russia could seek to exchange Australian war prisoner
Moscow might keep Australian war prisoner Oscar Jenkins for a future high-profile swap with Russians held in jail in the West, an expert says.
Trump threatens 25 per cent tariffs on Canada, Mexico
US President Donald Trump says his 25 per cent tariffs on Canada and Mexico could come as soon as the weekend, although a final decision has yet to be made.
Wider economy would be hurt from Star collapse: union
As the future of Star Entertainment hangs in the balance, a prominent union says it isn't just casino workers who would be hit by its collapse.
By-election cost a factor in MP’s sentencing process
A judge has agreed to hear sentencing submissions on a state MP convicted of theft but may revisit his decision if given details on by-election costings.
Inquest after church group found guilty of killing girl
A coroner will inquire into the death of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs after her medicine was withheld by religious group members who included her parents.
Dump fuel fees and tax all cars, motoring groups urge
The government should overhaul vehicle taxes in its upcoming budget, according to early submissions that say electric, hybrid and petrol drivers should pay.
Puberty blockers and trans kids’ care to be reviewed
The health treatment of transgender children will be reviewed by Australia's peak health body as one state pauses gender-affirming care for new child patients.
Nothing can delay Canada, Mexico, China tariffs: Trump
Asked if there is any opportunity for the three top US trading partners to win a delay, on his tariffs, Donald Trump says: "No, no. Not right now, no."
Students get more power over sexual assault complaints
An independent office designed to help university students escalate concerns about sexual misconduct is expected to handle about 15,000 complaints a year.
Unlikely alliance spells danger for Labor in key seats
A federal candidate backed by The Muslim Vote is in negotiations with the Liberals, Greens and other independents to preference Labor last in a must-win seat.
Reckoning looms as Labor, Libs look to shake off woes
A long-time state Labor government is under the pump with crucial by-elections likely to reveal the extent of voters' dissatisfaction after a turbulent summer.
Canada, Mexico retaliate with hefty tariffs on US goods
Canada and Mexico have swiftly retaliated after Donald Trump imposed stiff tariffs on his neighbours' imports to the US, amid fears of a widespread trade war.
Eggs thrown, more graffiti in new anti-Semitic attacks
Australia's iconic Bondi Beach has become the scene of the nation's latest anti-Semitic attack with eggs and verbal abuse hurled at young women.
March goes on as LGBTQI movement stares down MAGA hate
LGBTQI members and advocates have bared their skin and souls in sweltering heat at an annual pride march as the community warns it is under renewed threat.
Extremist groups tipped to sidestep terror sanctions
Extremist groups will continue evolving to evade counter-terrorism sanctions slapped on them in a bid to curb escalating anti-Semitism, experts warn.
‘Sense of optimism’ as PM rallies Labor, goes on attack
As politicians prepare to hit the hustings, the prime minister welcomes the start of the parliamentary year with confidence and a new attack line.
US could feel ‘pain’ in China, Mexico trade war: Trump
US President Donald Trump has defended his decision to impose sweeping tariffs on products from Mexico, China and Canada as financial markets react.
Jobs on a string in major energy grid expansion project
A transmission project in one of the most rugged parts of the world is a "litmus test" for whether a state government can stop jobs going offshore, an MP says.
Mystery money for MPs shines light on ‘dark’ donations
Independents want greater transparency into who is bankrolling political parties, with the origins of almost half of donations a mystery.
Major parties rake in over $140m in political donations
Almost half of all donations to Labor, the coalition and the Greens don't have associated donors due to electoral rules, leading to calls for reform.