Vacancy tax pitch for Qld housing crisis
The Queensland Greens hope the threat of tens of thousands of dollars in tax will encourage investors with vacant homes to return them to the rental market.
politics
Labor’s new plan to slash consultancy bill
The finance minister has outlined a new plan to cut back on consultancy fees while the treasurer has promised to leave controversial stage three tax cuts alone.
Ex-minister to front Lehrmann’s rape trial
Former defence industry minister Linda Reynolds will give evidence at the criminal trial of Bruce Lehrmann, who is accused of raping Brittany Higgins.
Manufacturers turn ideas into jobs: report
A bed that watches vital signs and 3D-printed racing bikes are among the projects helped over the line by an industry-led advanced manufacturing centre.
Australia’s anger at Bali bombings event
A senior Australian minister has expressed distress and disappointment after vision of the Bali bombings was played at a commemorative event in Indonesia.
Bruce Lehrmann trial way ahead of schedule
Brittany Higgins is expected to return to court for continued cross-examination this week in the trial of her accused rapist Bruce Lehrmann.
Watchdog seeks Vic election spending cap
In the shadow of the state election, Victoria's integrity watchdog has called for campaign spending to be capped as part of proposed reforms.
Flood alerts failed Brisbane residents
The report on the preparations for and response to the southeast Queensland floods has found the emergency alert system failed to warn some Brisbane residents.
Neutral cash rate ‘guide’ for Reserve Bank
Getting the cash rate back to neutral is more about the journey than the destination and the central bank will be guided by changing economic conditions.
Another resignation at north Qld hospital
Another staff member has resigned at the Mackay Hospital and Health Service after a report into the facility's failures.
Australia could address Europe gas crisis
Australia could support Europe through the energy crisis by increasing exports of gas to the continent as it faces winter without Russian pipeline supply.
Renewed calls to close border with Indonesia over foot and mouth threat
Livestock transporters have told a senate hearing the border with Indonesia should be closed until foot and mouth is contained, but producers warn against it.
Neutral cash rate a guide, says RBA
Getting the cash rate back to neutral is more about the journey than the destination and will be guided by changing economic conditions.
Coalition ‘pet projects’ on chopping block
The upcoming budget is expected to be an exercise in trimming waste and tightening spending across portfolios as taxpayers can expect modest savings.
Bali bombing victims mourned 20 years on
The nation is remembering the 202 people, including 88 Australians, killed in the Bali bombings two decades ago.
Multiple inquiries into Optus data breach
Several investigations are under way following the massive Optus data breach, including one by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
Household energy bills soar by 25 per cent
Household and small business energy bills are soaring and the consumer watchdog is monitoring the industry for signs of price-gouging.
Lehrmann’s trial continues without Higgins
Former Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins is unavailable to give evidence in court as a trial continues for the man she accuses of rape.
CSIRO’s $90m mission towards net zero
CSIRO will spend $90 million to ensure local communities - including farmers, miners and steelmakers - aren't left behind in the quest for net-zero emissions.
Russia warns West over Ukraine
Russia has warned the West about its growing involvement in the Ukraine conflict after Russian missile attacks killed 19 Ukrainians.
Paralympic swimmer details abuse in public
A Paralympic gold medallist has told a royal commission about being verbally abused by strangers in public, including at sports fixtures and shopping centres.
States plot grid for faster energy change
State energy ministers agree the scale of energy investment required is 'mind-boggling' but necessary to overhaul Australia's economy and cut carbon emissions.
‘Complete mess’ on major defence projects
Defence Minister Richard Marles has promised more oversight after identifying billions of dollars in budget blowouts and major delays in military projects.
PM insists ‘no change’ on income tax cuts
Senior ministers insist they're sticking to their election promise of keeping significant income tax cuts as the Greens warn the policy will restrict spending.
Brittany Higgins ‘unavailable’ for trial
Brittany Higgins was due to face further cross-examination but the jury was told she was unavailable to give evidence.
breaking_news
economy, business and finance
energy
environmental politics
finance (general)
industrial production
politics
Carbon credits key to industrial emissions
The federal government is playing "policy whack-a-mole" as it prepares to roll out energy and climate tools, including new credits for big emitters.
Putin marks 70th as Ukraine pressures rise
Celebrations have been low-key for Vladimir Putin's 70th birthday as the Russian leader faces setbacks in his invasion of Ukraine and unprecedented dissent.
Sick environment puts population in focus
Some say there's a relatively quick fix for Australia's ailing environment - a mature debate that leads to intelligent policies to shrink, not grow, Australia.
Brittany Higgins defends her side of story
Brittany Higgins has been questioned as the first witness in the trial of the man she accuses of raping her inside a ministerial office in Parliament House.
Aus dismayed as UN rejects China debate
The Australian government has expressed concern after the United Nations could not agree to hold a debate over China's alleged human rights abuses.
Risk Optus breach can weaken banks: RBA
The Reserve Bank of Australia is warning that large-scale data breaches and cyberattacks could destabilise financial institutions.