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.
politics
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.
Sharma picked for ex-foreign minister’s Senate seat
Liberal Party members in NSW have selected Dave Sharma to replace former foreign minister Marise Payne in the Senate, pipping favourite Andrew Constance.
Election probe calls for more politicians in Canberra
The number of senators in the ACT and Northern Territory should be doubled and voting enrolment extended, a review into the 2022 federal election has found.
Teachers face wrath over Palestine action in schools
Education union members have been condemned by the Victorian government for calling on teachers and staff to invite Palestine advocates to speak at schools.
Terrorist slur on young boy amid rising Islamophobia
The use of a terrorist slur against a year six student in Sydney amid a rise in Islamophobia is a major concern, NSW Premier Chris Minns says.
Palestine supporters target US consulate and Pine Gap
The United States consulate has been splattered with paint as Palestine supporters staged a protest in Melbourne and near the Pine Gap defence facility.
Post-election inquiry urges more federal politicians
A review into the 2022 federal election has urged a boost in the number of senators for the ACT and NT, taking their numbers from two to four each.
ALP tied at 50-50 with coalition as support slips: poll
Newspoll suggests support for the Labor government has taken a hit and it is tied with the coalition on a two-party-preferred basis.
Terrorist slur on young boy among rising Islamophobia
A terrorist slur against a Palestinian Christian child in Sydney is among hundreds of instances of Islamophobia as the subject of school prayers raises concern.
Push to limit immigration detention, ban detaining kids
Independent MP Kylea Tink is moving to stop the government from detaining people indefinitely and putting children in immigration detention.
Sharma picked to take ex-foreign minister’s Senate seat
NSW Liberal Party members have selected Dave Sharma to take Marise Payne's Senate seat, pipping favourite Andrew Constance.
Truckies rally and call for transport reform
Truck drivers and unionists have staged rallies across the nation, calling on the Senate to pass workplace reforms in full.
Opposition backs age verification for pornography
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has backed calls to implement age verification for viewing pornographic material online.
Plan to ease ambulance ramping unveiled after deaths
Queensland Health has revealed a five-point, $20 million plan to ease ambulance ramping following crisis talks with emergency department bosses.
Embattled casino operator Star earns ban reprieve
Embattled casino operator Star Entertainment has earned a reprieve after the Queensland government threatened to suspend its state licences.
New Zealand PM Luxon to have a job-share deputy
After six weeks of post-election negotiations, New Zealanders have learned the make-up and the policy agenda of their next government.
Wilders seeks to form Dutch govt after election win
Far-right populist Geert Wilders is looking for coalition partners after a shock election victory that's bound to send shock waves through Europe.
Insurance Council warns higher prices ‘baked in’
The Insurance Council of Australia chief says households and businesses are feeling the squeeze, with more people forced to forego or reduce insurance coverage.
SA puts deadline on silicosis-causing engineered stone
Engineered stone could soon be ditched in South Australia if a national ban is not enforced, with state and territory leaders set for further talks.
Consistency call for early uni offers, assault handling
Education ministers are looking at national standards covering how universities offer early placements and handle sexual assault complaints.
Feds ‘supercharge’ clean energy build to keep lights on
Clean energy sources will take over from ageing coal power stations under a supercharged federal scheme, but critics say household bills will rise without gas.