Australia calls for peace after China war warning
Australia will try to avoid war with China through diplomacy but will continue to build up an arsenal for deterrence, Defence Minister Richard Marles says.
politics
PM eyes immediate response to Alice Springs crisis
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wants to act as quickly as possible on the recommendations of a report into alcohol-fuelled crime in Alice Springs.
Boost promised for ‘chronically underfunded’ NSW sports
NSW Labor is promising more money for community sport if elected, saying the sector's funding has been effectively frozen since the Sydney Olympics.
Rise in ‘dark money’ as 10 dominate political donations
Political parties' and donors' financial returns for 2021/22 have been made public, with Clive Palmer giving his United Australia Party a record $117 million.
Home values slide further but regions prove resilient
The property downturn is hitting capital cities harder than regions, suggesting higher demand has become permanent for regional markets.
Price pressures may ease but mortgage cliff looms
Inflation is likely to start easing but many mortgage holders face higher repayments once their fixed-rate terms expire, a living costs committee has been told.
Minister denies responsibility for robodebt legal check
Former human services minister Alan Tudge has denied responsibility for his department's failure to check the legality of the robodebt scheme.
Global growth outlook slightly healthier, says IMF
The outlook for the global economy has improved marginally, with inflation likely past its peak and trending down over 2023 and 2024.
Indigenous voice has migrant community backing: PM
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected claims that ethnic groups are gearing up to campaign against a narrowly focused Indigenous voice.
ClubsNSW boss sacked over ‘offensive’ Catholic jibe
The head of the powerful NSW clubs industry body has been sacked after linking Premier Dominic Perrottet's Catholic faith to gaming policy.
Nuclear submarine plan motors on as US repairs docks
Australia is charging ahead with plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines despite concerns about repair docks being taken offline in the United States.
Paid domestic violence leave set to start
Full-time, part-time and casual workers will be entitled to 10 days of paid domestic violence leave at their full-pay rate under new laws to start within days.
‘Historic’ plans to combat child abuse and neglect
Two 10-year national action plans aim to reduce the number of children needing child protection services, improve responses to abuse and help close the gap.
Debate on jets for Ukraine as Russia claims gains
New differences have emerged among Kyiv's allies over aid, with the US's Joe Biden ruling out F-16s but France's Emmanuel Macron saying "nothing is excluded".
Retail trade sinks 3.9 per cent over festive season
Budget-conscious shoppers made the most of Black Friday sales, with retail sales then falling sharply weeks out from Christmas.
Minister asked for files on robodebt whistleblowers
A media adviser to former minister Alan Tudge has told a royal commission he requested the Centrelink files of those who spoke out in the media on robodebt.
Cancer research funds rise but more needed
Investment in cancer research has tripled over the past two decades but more is needed to tackle Australia's leading cause of death, Cancer Australia says.
Australia’s AAA rating affirmed
Strong demand for Australia's energy exports and the strong labour market have kept upwards pressure on the country's sovereign credit rating.
Culture policy overhauls Australia Council
The government has unveiled its new cultural policy to revive the arts sector after the pandemic and spotlight Indigenous artists and artwork.
Dutton to meet with Indigenous voice group
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has accepted an invitation to meet with the working group behind the push to enshrine an Indigenous voice in the constitution.
Qld to deploy hundreds of junior doctors
More than 800 junior doctors will be deployed in health facilities across Queensland as part of an increase in frontline health workers.
Greens threaten to derail emissions clamp
Labor's plan to reduce the ceiling on carbon emissions for some big companies doesn't go far enough, the Greens say.
‘Stretched resources’ behind no advice
The royal commission into robodebt has heard a decision not to obtain external legal advice on the scheme was due to stretched resources in the department.
Specialised DV court system on way for NSW
NSW won't yet replicate the specialised family violence courts in Queensland or Victoria, saying it needs a study to see how it would fit into its system.
NT senator warns against ADF intervention
NT senator Malarndirri McCarthy says a federal intervention in the region by the ADF would reignite trauma for those in Aboriginal communities.
Leadership challenge on for WA Liberals
The decision by Mia Davies to step down as WA's opposition leader has prompted a challenge for the leadership of the state's Liberals.
WA Opposition leader Mia Davies resigns
Mia Davies, Western Australia's Opposition leader and Nationals leader, has announced her resignation from both positions.
Gas shortfall concerns downgraded: ACCC
Australia is not out of the woods when it comes to a domestic gas shortfall but there's enough uncontracted supply available to cover the gap.
PM lays out plans for Medicare overhaul
The prime minister is set to meet with state and territory leaders to discuss his plans to overhaul the health care system and improve primary care.
PM dismisses ‘radical’ opposition to voice
The prime minister has called out opponents to an Indigenous voice to parliament as "radicals" who are not supporting the idea because it is mainstream.
Department ignored robodebt legal advice
Senior officials in departments administering the Centrelink robodebt scheme ignored key legal advice saying the program was illegal.