Talks on Queensland infrastructure funds keep trucking
Queensland has made the case for more federal funding for roads and rail after the Commonwealth slashed infrastructure funding for projects around the country.
politics
Hefty fine threat as sale of knives to youths faces ban
New laws that ban the sale of knives, certain gel blasters, tomahawks and machetes to juveniles in Queensland also carry hefty fines for offending retailers.
Grieving mum’s maternity care improvements adopted
Queensland's health minister will introduce maternity care improvements suggested by a mother grieving her baby girl's death at a hospital north of Brisbane.
Protesters take stand against fracking in outback
A joint rally outside Queensland parliament has called on an end to oil and gas exploration in the remote Channel Country rivers by the end of the year.
National engineered stone ban closer with WA backing
Western Australia has joined other states in expressing support for a national ban on the future use of deadly disease-causing engineered stone.
Double jeopardy laws to take in more offences
The test for double jeopardy in Queensland will be reformed to include another 10 offences after proposed laws were tabled to parliament.
Reserve Bank board shake up outlined in new laws
The federal treasurer has introduced legislation that will underpin the biggest set of reforms at the Reserve Bank in decades.
Carnival Australia shuns big city port over fee hike
Popular Carnival Australia lines Princess Cruises and Cunard will no longer sail from Melbourne in 2025-26 because of a jump in port fees and charges.
Judges unanimous in controversial detainee ruling
A High Court ruling that led to the release of more than 140 detainees was unanimous among judges who found their indefinite detention was unlawful.
Apology for ‘shameful’ theft of Indigenous worker wages
The West Australian premier has formally apologised to Indigenous workers who received little to no pay for almost 40 years.
PM issues ‘overdue’ apology to thalidomide survivors
The prime minister has delivered a formal apology on behalf of the government to the survivors and families affected by the drug thalidomide.
Easing inflation takes heat off interest rate rises
Cooling inflation figures have improved the chances of the Reserve Bank keeping interest rates on hold.
Navy clash, detained Aussie raised with Chinese envoy
A Chinese delegation, including a top diplomat, has held meetings with Australian parliamentary leaders after a public stoush over a naval incident.
Businesses slam workplace changes as bill clears House
Industry groups say the government's rushed workplace reforms risk damaging the economy, as a heavily amended bill passes the lower house.
Harmful and costly prisons ‘failing to reduce crime’
South Australia's incarceration rate jumped by almost a third in the past decade, leading advocates to call for a rethink on the role of prisons in society.
‘Not respectful’: police officers to strike over pay
Victorian police and protective service officers will take industrial action over protracted pay negotiations, including slowing drivers near speed cameras.
States push back on cuts to infrastructure spending
Queensland is spending more on infrastructure than the federal government is "in the whole of Australia", the state's premier says.
Bacterial outbreak at hospitals sparks safety warning
Contaminated saline products used at hospitals are being recalled after the Therapeutic Goods Administration issued an alert following a bacterial outbreak.
Nazi salute to be outlawed to stop ‘glorifying hatred’
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus says there's no place for glorifying hatred in Australia as he moves to ban the Nazi salute.
$60m boost needed to stop greenhouse gas ‘guessing’
Former ACCC chairman Rod Sims says Australia is not accurately tracking greenhouse gas emissions and needs new technology to meet international standards.
Hefty fines for dodgy builders as ‘loophole’ closes
Builders who don't take out insurance on behalf of paid-up customers will face new offences under a legislative crackdown by the Victorian government.
Indigenous leader and Labor luminary Pat Dodson retires
Labor senator Pat Dodson is quitting politics after being diagnosed with cancer, with his resignation to take effect on January 26.
Retail sales dip as shoppers hold off for Black Friday
Consumers hit the pause button on spending in the lead up to the Black Friday sales period, official retail trade data suggests.
Cultural stigma holds workplaces back as pay gap falls
An increase in the number of women in leadership roles has helped reduce the gender pay gap but cultural change is needed to eliminate it entirely, data shows.
Double jeopardy bill tops Queensland parliament sitting
Bills that broaden the scope for double jeopardy and allow DNA samples to be retained longer form part of a busy final week of Queensland parliament.
‘This country failed them’: calls for detention inquiry
Refugees, politicians and asylum seeker advocates are urging the Albanese government to establish a royal commission into immigration detention.
‘Scapegoating’ of soldiers motivation for McBride leaks
The reasons David McBride leaked information revealing alleged war crimes have been questioned, but a secret document has shone a light on his decision.
Financial hardship creeping into higher income brackets
More Australians are struggling to meet financial obligations such as paying for food and basic goods, mortgage repayments, or funding an emergency.
UK central banker nabbed to take over as RBA deputy
Bank of England's Andrew Hauser will be the next deputy governor of Australia's central bank, bringing a "fresh, global perspective" to the key institution.
Labor’s poll slump linked to cost of living pressures
Newspoll suggests support for the Labor government has taken a hit and it is tied with the coalition on a two-party preferred basis.
Home affairs boss Pezzullo sacked after leaked texts
Powerful public servant Mike Pezzullo has been sacked after the publication of leaked texts containing gossip and criticism of ministers.