Power disparity worries parliament staff
A review into employment law governing parliamentarians and their staff has made 15 recommendations to address concerns about the power disparity.
politics
Brittany Higgins reveals new book details
Former political staffer Brittany Higgins has revealed at her rape accused's trial details about a book deal she secured worth more than $320,000.
Budget will balance inflation, rates: PM
The federal government has not changed its position on tax cuts legislated for 2024, the prime minister says as pressure mounts to rule out scrapping them.
UN body rejects China rights debate motion
The United Nations human rights council has rejected a bid to debate alleged rights abuses in China's Xinjiang region, with many Muslim countries opposed.
Inland Rail probed for budget blowout
A government review into the $14.5 billion Inland Rail project will examine the line's route, as well as its schedule and cost.
Qld premier backs cops as DV inquiry ends
The Queensland premier admits the police force has "deep-seated" cultural issues with misogyny, sexism and racism, but those exist throughout society.
Palaszczuk Government overhauls sex education to focus on consent
Specialist advisers and professional development time for teachers are part of efforts to improve education about healthy relationships in Queensland.
Sydney man arrested over Optus breach scam
A Sydney man charged with trying to blackmail Optus customers caught in a major data breach could face up to 10 years behind bars.
Optus engaging lawyers ‘not a good look’
Optus is being dragged over the coals after promising to "vigorously defend" any class actions launched by Australian customers over a major security breach.
Trump, Saudis on menu in Liveris address
Andrew Liveris has reflected on his relationship with Donald Trump and defended his place on a Saudi-backed board in an address to the Queensland Media Club.
Qld police boss recounts sexual harassment
Queensland's police commissioner has told an inquiry she was subjected to sexual harassment early in her career.
Higgins ‘not ashamed’ of speaking to media
A jury has heard Brittany Higgins felt pressure not to proceed with a police complaint against her alleged rapist because it could impact the Liberal Party.
Skill shortage areas double in one year
Skills Minister Brendan O'Connor says the federal government is working with businesses and state counterparts to address critical worker shortages.
Treasurer rules out Medicare levy hike
Lifting the Medicare levy to funnel more funds into the strained public healthcare system is not on the Albanese government's agenda.
Future tax cuts stalk pre-budget debate
Tax cuts due in mid-2024 have become a flashpoint for the upcoming budget as Australia faces economic headwinds.
Warragamba Dam wall rise now ‘critical’
The NSW government's commitment to raising Sydney's Warragamba Dam wall has attracted criticism from political opponents and environmental advocates.
Economy woes cloud tax cut ahead of budget
Pressure is mounting to change or scrap costly tax cuts baked in by the former government as Labor prepares to hand down its budget in less than three weeks.
Call to Queensland businesses to make renewable energy parts during coming boom
The Queensland government is planning to set up a new manufacturing sector to make parts and components needed for its renewable energy transition.
‘Disgusting’ Qld police conduct condemned
Queensland's police commissioner admits there's a "deep fear" in the force about speaking out about sexual assault, harassment and bullying by senior officers.
Lehrmann ‘made a pass’ before alleged rape
Former Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins has described the moment she was allegedly raped by a colleague inside a minister's office at Parliament House.
Petrol prices already tracking upwards
Petrol prices have already started inching upwards following the reintroduction of the fuel excise tax last week.
Melbourne COVID-19 quarantine hub to close
A purpose-built quarantine facility in Melbourne is closing nine months after opening to international travellers as a COVID-19 precaution.
Syria plan heads to national security body
The Australian government is weighting up whether to move ahead with plans to repatriate 16 women and 42 children from a Syrian refugee camp.
Nationals angle for regional voter support
The Nationals are embarking on a regional listening tour to understand how to win back voter support after the dismal coalition federal election result.
UK abandons plan to cut taxes for wealthy
British chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has made an astonishing U-turn, reversing plans to scrap the top rate of income tax for the highest earners after a backlash.
RBA lifts cash rate by 25 basis points
The Reserve Bank of Australia has finally taken its foot off the accelerator and slowed the pace of tightening after a series of jumbo rate hikes.
Open minds urged in Bruce Lehrmann’s trial
Brittany Higgins said "no" half a dozen times after waking up to find accused rapist Bruce Lehrmann having sex with her, his sexual assault trial has been told.
Noah’s arks plan too narrow for ecologists
Conservationists and ecologists have welcomed a government plan to prevent the loss of any more species but say it's too narrow and won't be enough on its own.
Monash hospital to undergo $560m expansion
The Victorian government will spend up to $560 million to upgrade Monash Medical Centre in Melbourne's southeast as the healthcare system struggles with demand.
Optus hack response ‘not going to cut it’
The federal government is waiting for a response from Optus after calling on the telco to work with it in protecting Australians caught up in the data breach.
Citizen scientists spot elusive platypuses
From the Australian tropics down to Kangaroo Island, citizen scientists are looking for platypuses in suburban creeks, farm dams, and bush waterways.