Australian, China trade ministers hold ‘candid’ talks
Trade Minister Don Farrell has been hosted by his Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao in Beijing as the two seek to pave a path towards ending punitive tariffs.
politics
Federal opposition calls for boost in welfare threshold
The opposition have called for the limit to how on how much welfare recipients can work before their payments are reduced by the government.
PNG foreign minister stands aside over coronation trip
The fallout over the cost of travel to the King's coronation for a delegation from PNG has prompted Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko to stand aside.
Hundreds of nurses join NSW public health system
More than 500 nursing and midwifery graduates are joining the NSW health system as the government works towards its goal of hiring more than 1000 new nurses.
Truth-telling inquiry confirmed as Qld treaty laws pass
There was concern about the government's record on closing the gap and criticism about consultation among broad support for the laws mapping a path to treaty.
Green hydrogen proponents pumped on vote of confidence
Plans for renewable hydrogen produced with Australian-made electrolysers are closer to commercial reality after the federal budget chipped in $2 billion.
US congressman George Santos pleads not guilty to fraud
US Republican congressman George Santos says he looks forward to clearing his name after being accused of making false statements about his assets.
Pakistan arrests Imran Khan party leaders, deploys army
Pakistan's army says it has shown restraint amid violent protests but any further assaults on the military or property "will be met with severe retaliation".
WA budget billions to fund cost-of-living measures
The WA government has unveiled a $4.2b budget surplus on the back of solid economic growth, with cost-of-living relief and health key budget priorities.
Dutton urges betting ad ban in family-focused reply
Peter Dutton has used his budget reply speech to call for a crackdown on sports betting ads, while saying the government is fuelling cost of living pressures.
Labor promises persistence on China trade reopening
Trade Minister Don Farrell has arrived in Beijing in a bid to end a long-running dispute blocking Australian businesses accessing lucrative Chinese markets.
Emotional plea to pass social, affordable housing fund
Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie was on the verge of tears as she implored her colleagues to vote for a housing fund to tackle affordability.
Queensland commits to two new youth detention centres
Two new youth detention centres are slated in Cairns and Brisbane by the Queensland government as the state continues to grapple with youth crime.
Premier flags return of Indigenous artefacts held in UK
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is willing to go to the UK herself to help bring back Indigenous artefacts held in the basement of the British Museum.
New nature watchdog short-changed in budget: Wilkie
A new watchdog for Australia's natural environment has been given just one-third of the cash it needs in the federal budget, an independent MP says.
High rate of Aboriginal babies taken from mothers
Many pregnant Aboriginal mums fear being reported to authorities before giving birth, with stark figures showing many babies were then removed within months.
Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan appears in court
Police have banned gatherings in Pakistan's capital Islamabad as former prime minister Imran Khan returns to court after his arrest was ruled "unlawful".
Secret report on terrorist assessment reveals problems
Methods of assessing a terrorist's risk to the community if released from prison have been found lacking in a secret report for the home affairs department.
Dutton urges migration rethink to ease cost pressures
In the wake of his budget reply speech, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is stepping up criticism of Labor over the pressures of higher migration levels.
Lehrmann prosecutor grilled on advice to Lisa Wilkinson
The ACT's top prosecutor believes he warned Lisa Wilkinson against giving a Logies speech about Brittany Higgins, but conceded he should have been clearer.
Liberal leader lawyers up for stoush with expelled MP
The leader of the Victorian Liberals John Pesutto is preparing for a legal fight with Moira Deeming after the party room voted to expel the controversial MP.
Government chose foreigners over farmers: Nationals
David Littleproud has accused the government of not understanding regional Australia as he calls for a levy on importers to pay for biosecurity measures.
Leading bank says budget won’t add to inflation
The federal government's latest budget is not expected to drive up inflation with the biggest bank saying the direction for rates is likely to be downward.
Nats accuse Labor of choosing foreigners over farmers
David Littleproud says the government does not understand regional Australia as he calls for a levy on importers to pay for biosecurity measures.
Inquiry backs unamended laws on Indigenous voice
A parliamentary committee has recommended laws to set up a referendum to enshrine an Indigenous voice in the constitution be passed without amendment.
Country set to ‘change course’: minister spruiks budget
Energy Minister Chris Bowen says the country is set for a "change of course" as he defends the Albanese government's cost of living package.
Imran Khan can be held for eight days: Pakistani judge
A court has ruled former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan can be held for questioning for eight days.
Chalmers defends budget criticism of not enough support
Jim Chalmers says his budget provided targeted cost of living relief to the most vulnerable, fending off attacks that not enough was done for middle Australia.
Treasurer seeks to soothe budget relief inflation worry
Jim Chalmers says his budget will not fan inflation or lead to more interest rate rises but some leading economic experts are not convinced.
Up to $70,000 in payments to lure doctors to rural Qld
A day after announcing up to $20,000 in incentives to attract police to Queensland, the state government has made a similar pledge for health workers.
Money will come, Vic premier says after Games snub
The federal budget contained no money for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, but Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews insists his state will get financial help.