‘Stretched resources’ behind no advice
The royal commission into robodebt has heard a decision not to obtain external legal advice on the scheme was due to stretched resources in the department.
politics
Greens threaten to derail emissions clamp
Labor's plan to reduce the ceiling on carbon emissions for some big companies doesn't go far enough, the Greens say.
Qld to deploy hundreds of junior doctors
More than 800 junior doctors will be deployed in health facilities across Queensland as part of an increase in frontline health workers.
Leadership challenge on for WA Liberals
The decision by Mia Davies to step down as WA's opposition leader has prompted a challenge for the leadership of the state's Liberals.
Hipkins takes office as NZ prime minister
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has told journalists it "feels pretty real now" after taking his office in a ceremony at Wellington's Government House.
NSW rail body at risk: Auditor-General
The NSW Auditor-General says a beleaguered body set up to manage the state's rail assets is "at risk" and imposes a financial burden on future governments.
Molan remembered as ‘one of the greatest’
Family, friends and colleagues of the late senator and retired soldier Jim Molan gathered at the Royal Military College in Canberra to pay their final respects.
Qld bottom of per-capita housing spend
The Queensland government has been accused of failing to plan for a growing population as its social housing spend per person is the lowest in the country.
Petrol set to soar before public holiday
Petrol prices are edging up in many parts of Australia before the January 26 public holiday.
Adopted Aussie mixes agriculture, politics
An animal nutritionist and treasurer of the Nationals has been recognised for her services to agriculture and politics in the 2023 Australia Day Honours List.
Pioneer, mainstay among political honours
Former NSW MP Pru Goward and ex-senator Margaret Reynolds are among those recognised for their service to politics in the Australia Day Honours List.
Local heroes centre stage on Australia Day
The Australia Day Honours List has been released, with many community leaders recognised alongside iconic Australians including the late singer Archie Roach.
Protests and ceremonies mark Australia Day
Australia Day events have been held across the nation while Indigenous protesters have called for a renewed focus on treaty.
Dating apps told to put safety over swipes
Dating app companies could be subject to a legally enforceable industry code of conduct if they do not take concrete steps to improve the safety of users.
Hefty pay rises required to beat inflation
The soaring cost of living is leaving wages for dust, with workers needing generous pay rises to outpace inflation.
PM poses one question on Indigenous voice
The prime minister has asked one question of opponents of an Indigenous voice to parliament as Australians look toward a referendum.
Landmark shines amid celebrations, rallies
Sydneysiders are celebrating a sunny Australia Day but thousands have also rallied for Indigenous causes amid calls for the abolition of the national holiday.
PM dismisses ‘radical’ opposition to voice
The prime minister has called out opponents to an Indigenous voice to parliament as "radicals" who are not supporting the idea because it is mainstream.
Department ignored robodebt legal advice
Senior officials in departments administering the Centrelink robodebt scheme ignored key legal advice saying the program was illegal.
PM lays out plans for Medicare overhaul
The prime minister is set to meet with state and territory leaders to discuss his plans to overhaul the health care system and improve primary care.
Gas shortfall concerns downgraded: ACCC
Australia is not out of the woods when it comes to a domestic gas shortfall but there's enough uncontracted supply available to cover the gap.
WA Opposition leader Mia Davies resigns
Mia Davies, Western Australia's Opposition leader and Nationals leader, has announced her resignation from both positions.
Lawyer ignored tribunal’s robodebt finding
A government lawyer told staff they could keep using an unlawful debt collection method as long as they'd tried other ways first, a royal commission has heard.
Dating apps put on notice over violence
Police and government representatives have met with dating app companies to considers ways of stamping out sexual violence facilitated by technology.
Inflation figures seal case for rate rise
Official inflation figures show inflation lifting higher than expected and setting the stage for further interest rate hikes in 2023.
Hundreds pack parliament to see off Ardern
Jacinda Ardern's partner Clarke Gayford has penned an emotional tribute to the outgoing New Zealand Prime Minister as she finishes up her tenure.
Recession fears if interest rates hiked
Deloitte Access Economics warns Australia could fall into a recession if the central bank lifts interest rates again, with households already hurting.
Qld focuses on youth justice, hate crimes
Laws designed to tackle youth crime in Queensland will be ready for the return of parliament as the state government outlines it's most pressing priorities.
‘Flawed assumptions’ underpinned robodebt
A Human Services department official admits the legal framework behind the robodebt scheme contained "flawed assumptions".
Economy slows as inflation pressures ease
The economy is starting to lose momentum as businesses report easing price pressures and gloomier conditions.
Dating apps being weaponised by criminals
Industry and government are coming together to crack down on serial offenders who harass and abuse women using dating apps.