Aged care pay hikes won’t hurt inflation, says minister
A 15 per cent pay rise for aged care workers won't lead to a further rise in inflation, the federal government says.
politics
Mainland invasion not the biggest concern: minister
Invasion of Australia is not "up there" among identified threats, the minister says as government looks to reshaping defences following a strategic review.
Indigenous legal services ‘on the brink of a crisis’
Days out from the federal budget, the chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services is calling for emergency funding.
Palaszczuk defends Queensland’s youth crime laws
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has defended the state's response to youth crime, insisting Queensland has introduced "the toughest laws in Australia".
LNP’s Rennick under pressure ahead of Qld preselection
LNP senator Gerard Rennick is facing a preselection challenge in Queensland that could leave him relegated to an unwinnable position on the Senate ticket.
Northern Territory green lights Beetaloo Basin fracking
The Northern Territory's decision to allow onshore fracking has been widely criticised despite its chief minister saying legislation has been strengthened.
Snowy Hydro finish date blows out with setbacks
It could take until nearly the end of the decade for work on Snowy Hydro 2.0 to be completed due to equipment delays and soaring costs.
NZ minister Whaitiri quits Labour for Maori Party
Customs Minister Meka Whaitiri has dropped a major bombshell, leaving the New Zealand Labour party for the opposition Maori Party.
Albanese meets King and reveals coronation oath plan
King Charles has welcomed Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Buckingham Palace ahead of the monarch's coronation.
‘Should be shocked’, workers could earn more at Maccas
A major recruitment drive will soon target workers for the childcare sector but they could be earning more money flipping burgers at Maccas.
Retail trade lifts modestly but spending starts to dip
Spending on takeaway food and cafes drove retail sales slightly higher over the month but consumers are dropping less cash on discretionary items.
Albo’s May Day call: from little things big things grow
Anthony Albanese hit the streets in support of an Indigenous voice as one of his predecessors, Tony Abbott, gave his reasons against at a parliamentary hearing.
Calls for Australia to help smooth tensions with China
Senior Australian and Singaporean ministers have met in Canberra for bilateral discussions on regional tensions and energy security.
Tobacco tax hiked to snuff out vaping and smoking
Revenue from a federal budget hike in tobacco taxes will go towards programs to reduce smoking rates and vaping.
Treasurer pledges broad cost-of-living relief
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the Albanese government's second budget will aim to help a broad range of people facing cost-of-living pressures.
Dead ducks dumped outside Victorian premier’s office
Anti-duck shooting activists have dumped dozens of dead native birds outside Victoria's government offices as an inquiry considers whether to ban the practice.
National cabinet leaders agree on economic reforms
State and territory leaders have agreed on changes to health systems, the NDIS and other areas at the latest national cabinet meeting.
coal
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
natural gas
politics
‘Bittersweet’ end of an era for coal-fired Liddell
After years of pressure from governments and investors about Liddell's future, decades of the power station's workers are gathering to farewell "the old girl".
Medicare bolstered through $2.2 billion package
Medicare will receive a $2.2 billion boost in a bid to strengthen Australia's health system, struggling under waiting time lists and emergency presentations.
Federal budget records small surplus over year to March
The federal budget recorded a surplus of just over $1 billion in the year to March, as the Labor government reaped higher than expected revenues.
Extra homes could be built through tax rate cut
Plans to cut the tax rate for build-to-rent dwellings is among a suite of measures announced to tackle Australia's housing affordability crisis.
Bleak picture of Australia’s rental crisis laid bare
Australian leaders are under pressure to do something about the national rental crisis after two reports noted a widespread lack of affordability and supply.
Emergency departments first for NSW nurse-patient ratio
NSW will become the third state to mandate a nurse-to-patient ratio in public hospitals, but the government warns the overhaul won't happen quickly.
Premier flags cost-of-living focus in Queensland budget
A rebate to offset the rising cost of energy will likely form part of the state government's plan to tackle cost of living pressures in next month's budget.
Calls mount to lift payment cut-off for single parents
The federal government is under pressure to restore eligibility of the single parenting payment until a child turns 16 rather than a lower threshold.
Crown cops $30m fine for ‘serious’ bank cheque breaches
Gambling regulators have again fined Crown after its Melbourne casino accepted uncleared bank cheques made out in gamblers' names instead of the company's.
Australia Post CEO rails against stamp and mail rules
The Australia Post boss says laws governing the floundering service must change and is urging the government to put the national interest first.
Nearly 70 Australians have safely left Sudan
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says officials were providing consular support to more than 100 citizens caught up in conflict in Sudan.
Temporary migrants win wage rise, residency in shake up
Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil says the wage threshold for temporary migrants will be increased and they will be given a path to permanent residency.
Inflation easing but workers still falling behind
Cost-of-living rises might have turned a corner, but increasing prices are still wreaking havoc on Australian households and businesses.
Defence to expand northern footprint with $3.8b boost
The federal government will put $3.8 billion towards upgrades and refurbishments at defence force bases and barracks across northern Australia.