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.
politics
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.
Rental crisis opens door for Greens in inner-city seats
The Greens will use rental increases and housing crisis to target inner city seats after the party's vote went up at the 2022 election, leader Adam Bandt says.
Palaszczuk claims underdog status in fourth term quest
The Queensland premier says she will lead Labor in next year's election as the state opposition criticises a lack of progress on promised integrity reforms.
Staged lift to criminal responsibility age irks experts
Raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14 in Victoria will be staggered under a government plan criticised by advocates and opponents.
Sydney Opera House to host Quad leaders’ meeting
The prime minister will play host to Joe Biden, Fumio Kishida and Narendra Modi for the Quad leaders' meeting in Sydney next month.
Stadium cash tipped to pave way for Tasmanian AFL team
The federal government is expected to announce funding for a new stadium in Hobart, paving the way for the AFL to grant Tasmania entry into the competition.
breaking_news
coal
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
international (foreign) trade
natural gas
politics
Gas price caps extended as energy costs stoke inflation
Gas price controls will be extended to help households and business afford access, but the industry warns the measures won't fix supply issues.
Not a ‘he said, she said’ case: Trump rape trial begins
Former US president Donald Trump is unlikely to testify at or even attend a trial in which he is accused of historic rape against a former magazine columnist.
Cash rate call on a knife edge as inflation slows
Official inflation data shows consumer prices have started to lose momentum but the cost of living remains punishingly high for Australian households.
Medicine shortage fears a scare campaign, says minister
The government will make it cheaper for people with chronic conditions to get common medicines by allowing them to buy two months' supply with one prescription.
Capability gaps only Defence can fill, coalition warns
The coalition warns in the face of increasing natural disasters the federal government must ensure communities have the resources to respond to emergencies.
Pathway to budget balance littered with tough calls
Returning the federal budget to balance in less than a decade is possible, according to PwC modelling, but will take dogged commitment to fiscal repair.
Defence review release date ‘disgraceful’: Coalition
Releasing the defence strategic review the day before Anzac Day was "disgraceful and disrespectful", the opposition says.
Thousands attend Anzac services across Queensland
Crowds have gathered in the thousands across Queensland to mark the 108th anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli.
Australian flag lowered at home, abroad for Anzac Day
As those who died in service to the nation are remembered there are calls to improve the treatment of veterans, especially from the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Skills shortage biggest enemy of defence shake up
A major defence review has found gaps in Australia's capabilities and the need to secure the nation's energy and trade security as well as upskill workers.
Australians honour defence personnel, past and present
More than 100 years since the Gallipoli landings, thousands have gathered at dawn services across the country to remember Anzac troops.
Super tax tweak to slug top 10pct, Treasury docs reveal
A 20-year-old earning an average wage now isn't expected to be captured by government changes to super tax concessions until they reach their sixties.
Comedy festival mulls Humphries tribute amid backlash
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival says it is looking to pay tribute to Barry Humphries, but stands by the decision to change an award named after him.