Worries autism plan may overlook children who need help
Australia has launched its first national autism strategy and action plan but some say it doesn't go far enough to improve inclusion and engagement.
politics
PM energised as Nats use nuclear to hunt coal-rich seat
Labor and the coalition are sharpening their political attacks as party leaders heat up the energy debate during visits to key electorates.
Upgraded NBN could compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink
Australia must expand its network if it wants to compete with Elon Musk's offering and provide affordable, reliable internet to the regions, an expert says.
South Korean president a no-show for impeachment trial
The impeachment trial of South Korea's president over declaring martial law has been adjourned after the nation's leader failed to attend its opening session.
US prosecutor says Trump ‘would have been convicted’
A report by the departing US Special Counsel Jack Smith says Donald Trump would have been found guilty, if his indictments against him had proceeded.
Bill Shorten to quit politics early, sparking reshuffle
Retiring Labor minister Bill Shorten will leave politics earlier than expected, giving his party the opportunity for a refresh before the federal election.
Ceasefire spurs hope but war’s social division lingers
Australia's Palestinian and Jewish communities have expressed hope at what a ceasefire in Gaza could mean but aren't optimistic about the spread of hate.
No magical save for Star as govt focuses on workers
As the shares of embattled casino operator Star Entertainment fall to an all-time low, a state government has ruled out giving it a financial lifeline.
Court won’t halt Trump sentencing in hush money case
US President-elect Donald Trump will be sentenced for his conviction on criminal charges stemming from hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels.
PM finishes three-state blitz with key message
Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have launched a soft test of their pitches to voters ahead of the federal election after a week of unofficial campaigning.
Odour inquiry doesn’t clear the air for some residents
After years of enduring fetid odours in their backyard, residents of a Queensland city fear a new inquiry into health effects will only deliver a "half job".
Yoon’s security chief quits, warns against ‘bloodshed’
The arrest of ex-leader Yoon Suk-yeol mustn't be violent, South Korea's presidential security boss has urged as he resigned over a stand-off with investigators.
Trump spared jail, fines over hush money, rules judge
Donald Trump's hush money sentencing marks the culmination of the first-ever criminal case brought against a US president, past or present.
Venezuela’s Maduro sworn in for third term
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro hopes his new term will be "a period of peace, of prosperity, of equality and the new democracy".
Govt throwing mental health patients ‘under the bus’
Mental health patients in Australia's most populous state are being neglected by their government which is failing to retain psychiatrists, a union says.
Dutton makes personal pitch at coalition campaign rally
Peter Dutton has talked up his working-class origins at a campaign rally as he seeks to connect with voters ahead of the federal election.
Sudan’s military retakes a strategic city from rebels
Sudanese officials say the military and its allies have taken back the strategic city of Wad Medani more than a year after the Rapid Support Forces seized it.
Denmark sent Trump team private messages on Greenland
Denmark has reportedly told US President-elect Donald Trump's team that it is willing to discuss boosting security in Greenland without an American takeover.
‘Perfect’ Mary clocks up Queeniversary in Denmark
Australian-born Danish Queen Mary has notched a flawless run in the first year since her husband Frederik ascended the throne, royal watchers say.
Australia’s bullet-proof jobs market put to the test
Even with restrictive interest rate settings and inflation battering the economy, Australia's labour market has proved surprisingly resilient.
Israeli, Hamas delegations receive ‘draft peace deal’
Qatar has given Israel and Hamas a final draft of a Gaza truce deal after a midnight talks "breakthrough", an official says.
Meta shelves US fact checking in major policy reversal
Meta is ending its fact-checking program with third parties in the United States, saying fact checkers have their own biases.
‘Too late to leave’: Tourist warning as bushfire burns
A warning has gone out to tourists and locals in a popular holiday region that they are in danger and it's too late to leave as a bushfire burns out of control.
Australians warned: Meta to stop muzzling false claims
Australians are likely to see more false content and abuse on their Facebook, Instagram and Threads feeds when Meta ditches fact-checking problematic posts.
Support grows to ditch shark nets along popular beaches
Shark nets are being likened to a "hanky floating in the ocean" and more coastal communities want to ditch the barriers, which can kill other marine life.
Black Friday spurs spending but full figures fall short
Consumer spending is past its weakest point but still subdued, despite a spike in activity from annual promotions in November.
Cost of living in mind as Labor clutches purse strings
Voters are crying out for more measures to combat the rising cost of living with a federal election looming as Labor preaches responsible economic management.
‘Alarming’ move by Meta raises misinformation fears
Meta's decision to end its third-party fact checks could put Australian democracy at risk amid an explosion of misinformation and disinformation, leaders warn.
Doubt cast over ‘crude’ plan to ban CFMEU from project
Members of the troubled CFMEU could be banned from working on a multi-billion-dollar project under a coalition plan to fix one of Australia's longest roads.
Phew! Residents to finally get their say on waste odour
A public inquiry will be held into the health impacts of noxious odours from waste facilities - which can mimic raw sewage - on suburban householders.
Lebanon’s army chief elected president by MPs
Hezbollah MPs have backed Lebanese army chief Joseph Aoun to become the country's president in a second round of voting.