Russia, US hold talks: Putin says contacts inspire hope
The US and Russia have held talks focused on conditions for each other's diplomats, providing an early test of their ability to reset wider relations.
politics
The legends making a ‘loud and proud’ Mardi Gras debut
Representing the La Perouse LGBTQI community, their allies and Elders, the LaPa Legends will make their debut at Mardi Gras 2025.
Queer warriors bare all on LGBTQI night of nights
Thousands of rainbow-clad paraders have tapped to choreographed numbers or moved in euphoric bliss in the 47th annual Sydney Mardi Gras.
Coalition matches Labor pledge to keep beer tax on ice
A promise to pause the draught beer excise for two years under a re-elected Labor government has been followed by a matching pledge from the opposition.
Record high house prices as rate cut buoys sentiment
House prices have rebounded to record highs after the Reserve Bank's rate cut boosted sentiment and improved Australians' borrowing power.
Trump, Zelenskiy clash in extraordinary White House row
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine won't enter peace talks with Russia until it has security guarantees against another offensive.
PM backs Ukraine following Trump Oval Office clash
Australia's prime minister has joined other world leaders in reaffirming support for Ukraine following a showdown between its leader and the US president.
AUKUS deal safe despite Trump’s acronym stumble: PM
Anthony Albanese has downplayed suggestions the AUKUS alliance was under threat after Donald Trump appeared to not know what it was.
US officials tells workers they can ignore Musk’s email
Elon Musk's has doubled down on demands US federal employees explain their recent accomplishments or risk getting fired.
Senators warned don’t ‘badger or harass’ witnesses
A complaint has been made about how a government official has been treated at a Senate estimates hearing after a fiery session.
Duty of care floated for betting ads accountability
A draft proposal to make gambling companies more accountable for harm through a duty of care is being considered by a federal minister.
Former PM ‘sceptical’ about nuclear, keen on hydropower
Australia needs more hydropower projects to store and supply cheap, renewable energy, a former leader says, while hosing down hopes for a nuclear future.
UK to up army spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP, cut aid
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says spending on the military will be increased while funds for foreign aid will be cut.
Underlying inflation up but good news on housing, rents
Fresh inflation figures should help convince the Reserve Bank to cut rates again in May, despite a slight uptick in underlying price growth, economists say.
South Korea’s Yoon defends martial law as ‘warning’
President Yoon Suk-yeol has defended his martial law decree as a warning of the South Korean opposition Democratic Party's abuse of its parliamentary majority.
Social media, travel ban for nurse in anti-Israel video
A nurse at the centre of a widely condemned anti-Israel video has been bailed on charges of making violent threats amid a "very complex" investigation.
Australia warned not to hit back at US with tariffs
The treasurer has pushed for Australia to be exempt from US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, with a decision due soon from Donald Trump.
Dutton accuses PM of peddling ‘dirt’ on share purchases
Attempts to use Peter Dutton's decades-old financial records against him reflect poorly on the federal government, the opposition leader says.
Airport rail link back on track as PM throws lifeline
Rail links between one of Australia's busiest airports and the city centre are mobile again after a funding lifeline from the state and federal governments.
Coalition, Labor miss the mark on $347b spending claim
The opposition's claim Labor has added $350 billion in spending omits the impact of inflation, while Labor's response misconstrues the coalition's planned cuts.
Coalition, Labor miss the mark on $347b spending claim
The opposition's claim Labor has added $350 billion in spending omits the impact of inflation, while Labor's response misconstrues the coalition's planned cuts.
Global uncertainty played a role in rate cut: RBA
Slowing inflation helped convince the Reserve Bank to cut rates at its last meeting but uncertainty over tariffs was also a factor, the deputy governor says.
China has agreed to consider concerns about drills: NZ
New Zealand's foreign minister says he has raised concerns over China's live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea during meetings with Chinese leaders.
Lower costs, better value as airlines deal takes flight
A deal between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia could strengthen competition and improve flight capacity in a '"major win" for passengers.
Australian companies invited to invest in Ukraine
Ukraine is calling on Australian companies to boost investment alongside the US after President Donald Trump pushed for a mineral extraction deal to recoup aid.
Experts fear nuclear plants would become war targets
If Australia builds nuclear capabilities, the reactors could be vulnerable to missile strikes and sabotage in the event of a war, say former defence chiefs.
Industry bailout steels Labor but poll pain persists
Labor still trails the coalition in exclusive latest YouGov polling as a federal election draws closer, despite voters backing a huge industry rescue package.
Trump dodges UK plea for Ukraine security guarantee
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says there can be no long-term peace in Ukraine without firm US security guarantees, an argument Donald Trump has dismissed.
Taiwan reaches out as China shrugs at Tasman navy drill
China employs grey-zone tactics to push the boundaries and create a new normal, says a Taiwanese envoy as the major power downplays its naval presence.
Israel postpones prisoner release over Hamas ceremonies
Israel is delaying the release of 620 Palestinians until it is assured Hamas will hand over hostages in Gaza "without humiliating ceremonies".
Trump revels in mass federal firings and jeers at Biden
Donald Trump says "nobody has ever seen anything" like his administration's sweeping effort to fire thousands of federal employees and shrink the US government.