Reactions to NSW state budget and its surprise surplus
The NSW Labor government has delivered its first state budget since 2010, revealing a surprise surplus and promising to funnel spending into essential services.
politics
Inflation cooling to plan but fuel on RBA’s watchlist
The Reserve Bank of Australia appears comfortable with the inflation outlook but there are concerns about petrol prices and a weakening Chinese economy.
Man faces court over uni stabbings, frying pan assaults
A man has faced court charged over the stabbing of two university students and assaults on two other people at the Australian National University.
Libyans protest against authorities in flood-hit Derna
Hundreds of people have gathered in Libya's flood-hit city of Derna protesting against the local council and demanding unification of the war-torn country.
NSW budget readies for rainy day with surplus surprise
A surplus will bring little comfort to many people who are not eligible for cost-of-living relief as the NSW government insists on prudent principles.
More homes put up for sale as property rebound sets in
The spring selling season looks to have started early, with national listings surging more than 20 per cent in the last month of winter.
Extra Qatar flights would have cut fares, grown tourism
Qantas is an "exceptionally aggressive competitor", a parliamentary hearing into Qatar Airways' failed bid for extra flights into Australia has been told.
US prisoners freed from Iran make emotional return home
Five Americans who were imprisoned in Iran have been welcomed back onto US soil after a prisoner swap deal.
US prisoners fly out of Iran in swap deal
The US has denied paying a ransom for five Americans who have been released in a prisoner exchange with Iran after Washington unfroze Iranian funds.
Palaszczuk about-face over complaints clearing house
A one-stop shop for government complaints will go ahead in Queensland to tackle corruption concerns.
Petrol price surge further stretches household budgets
Motorists have been hit in the hip pocket by petrol price rises and the latest spike may put a dent in the Reserve Bank's fight against inflation.
Tasered woman’s family slam ‘disturbing’ police actions
NSW Police are under fire after the family of a woman who was tasered and died in hospital described officers' actions as heartbreaking and disturbing.
Dating apps told to take action to protect users
The federal government has told online dating platforms to create a voluntary code to better protect Australians or face the consequences.
Concerns over voice misinformation as voter roll closes
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged Australians to cut through misinformation, as the voting roll is set to close ahead of the referendum.
Kim heads home after final stop in Russia’s Vladivostok
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is on his way back home after a six-day trip to Russia.
NSW budget targets pre-school ‘drought’ in funding lift
Spending on public pre-schools, increased sexual assault services and major transport projects will be unveiled in the NSW budget.
Energy debate explodes over nuclear transition costs
Energy Minister Chris Bowen has seized on modelling to attack the coalition's commitment to nuclear energy, saying it'd cost hundreds of billions of dollars.
New cybersecurity standards to keep Aussies safe online
A set of standards for businesses and developers to ensure digital products have built-in cyber protections will be developed by the federal government.
‘Yes’ side rallies with calls to cut through falsehoods
Tens of thousands of people have marched around Australia in support of an Indigenous voice in the constitution as the referendum date looms.
Thousands rally on anniversary of Iranian crackdown
A year since a young woman was killed in custody in Iran, female activists, journalists, lawyers, and students are still being targeted by the regime.
Chinese defence minister ‘under investigation’: sources
A Chinese defence minister not seen in public for weeks is under investigation for corrupt procurement of military equipment, multiple sources claim.
Call to improve family violence support payments
People escaping family violence are receiving financial support quicker but a report into the program has highlighted opportunities for improvement.
‘Yes’ campaign to remain positive in face of negativity
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says maintaining a positive campaign focused on the opportunities associated with the voice will lead to its referendum success.
‘Won’t be fixed overnight’: NSW Labor’s budget warning
NSW residents will soon be handed the first Labor state budget in more than a decade, with promises of short-term relief and long-term reforms.
North Korea’s Kim inspects fighter jet plants in Russia
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has toured Russian fighter jet plants operated by United Aircraft Corporation, sanctioned by the West over the war in Ukraine.
Regions benefit with budget boosts to health, education
The NSW government will redirect education funding to pay for higher teacher salaries as it pledges extra schools and campus upgrades in regional areas.
Cathy Freeman stand unveiled at site of famous victory
The stadium at Sydney Olympic Park will get a renamed Cathy Freeman Stand in honour of the Indigenous athlete, whose gold medal race there stopped the nation.
Airbnb reforms in spotlight as housing fight rages on
People are struggling to find rental accommodation because a lot of housing stock is being listed on sites such as Airbnb, Greens leader Adam Bandt says
Minister blocks release of Qatar flight decision papers
A senior minister has refused to release documents about rejecting more Qatar Airways flights but the deputy prime minister insists "there's nothing to hide".
Decorated soldier to lead Repatriation Commission
The federal government has appointed retired Australian Defence Force officer Kahlil Fegan to a key role in overseeing military veteran support.
PM urges renewables shift or risk being left behind
The prime minister has told industry leaders they must move towards renewables or watch as the world passes Australia by.