Labor notches win as time runs out on political year
Labor has chalked up a last-minute legislative victory, with the Greens backing its housing scheme, as several MPs bid Canberra farewell.
politics
Rush to pass social media ban angers experts, MPs
As parliament prepares to stop people younger than 16 using social media, the government has been accused of trying to ram through the laws without scrutiny.
Kat in the hat scores half-century as a politician
A stalwart of federal parliament and one of its most well-known figures, Bob Katter has marked a half-century in public office.
Tense stand-off at synagogue despite cancelled protest
Police have separated pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups after a planned protest outside a synagogue was cancelled at the last minute.
Aged care revamp to shake up Australians’ golden years
Older Australians will be able to live at home for longer and receive better protections in aged care after a sector overhaul passed parliament.
Development halted causing ‘distress, financial strain’
A major development has been paused after a local council raised significant concerns about the distress and financial strain placed on buyers.
Blackout risks downgraded amid heatwave warnings
People in eastern Australia in danger of experiencing electricity outages have been given a small reprieve as the operator scrambles to ensure lights stay on.
Housing policies at lock-up stage with Greens support
Labor has had a breakthrough on its stalled housing agenda after securing Greens support for a federal shared-equity scheme and build-to-rent policies.
Hard-right populist shocks Romanian presidential vote
A little-known, far-right NATO critic has taken a surprise lead in Romania's presidential election and is set to face a centrist opposition leader in a run-off.
‘Whatever it takes’: child removal floated to tackle DV
Child protection practices will be examined by a government in response to a landmark inquiry into the domestic violence deaths of four women.
Door opens for first-home buyers to unlock ownership
Headway has finally been made on federal housing policy reform with laws set to pass parliament to allow home buyers to buy with a smaller deposit.
‘Knee-jerk reaction’ social media ban set to pass
A proposal to ban children from social media is expected to become law despite experts and politicians arguing it may not make the internet safer for kids.
Historic day as MPs sworn into fresh parliament
It was a bittersweet day for Labor MPs sitting on the opposite side of the chamber as the Liberal National Party takes power for the first time in nine years.
‘Surprise’ budget windfalls drying up, economists warn
Australia's budget fortunes are shifting, with Deloitte Access Economics predicting a deeper deficit than predicted in the May budget.
US judge dismisses federal Trump 2020 election case
The latest legal move represents a remarkable shift from the special prosecutor who obtained indictments against Donald Trump in two separate cases.
Beefed-up hate laws won’t touch religious free pass
With social cohesion under strain, one Australian state is trumpeting tougher hate laws and penalties but will keep exceptions for "genuine" religious beliefs.
Request to release premier’s business documents denied
Documents relating to claims a company was trading insolvent while a man who went on to become a state premier was at the helm will not be released.
Trump doesn’t have to hurt Australia-China ties: envoy
A Trump presidency doesn't have to impact how Australia and China co-operate, Beijing's ambassador says, amid a spate of hawkish cabinet picks.
Landmark plan to address ‘systemic, structural’ racism
Australians are being challenged to confront systemic racism and the enduring impacts of colonisation in a landmark report from the Human Rights Commission.
Expansive migration laws to deport, ban entry imminent
A trio of migration bills with sweeping government powers is set to be passed after the coalition backed the amendments amid mounting criticisms of overreach.
Teen social media ban a step closer despite concerns
A social media ban is looming for Australians aged under 16 after the measure to force restrictions on many platforms cleared its first hurdle in parliament.
‘Better deal’ for suppliers as supermarkets face fines
Supermarkets face fines of up to $10 million if caught breaching a grocery code of conduct that will become mandatory.
Christmas rate cut hopes slayed as inflation holds firm
Energy rebates have lowered Australia's headline inflation rate, but the Reserve Bank remains focused on underlying price pressures.
MPs on notice as key review targets ‘entrenched’ racism
Australian leaders are being urged to set an example to eliminate racism through a national plan involving sweeping legal and behavioural changes.
Fresh hope for those wanting to buy own home sweet home
Australians locked out of the housing market will soon have a viable option to buy their own piece of paradise with a significantly smaller deposit.
Fur flies over billion-dollar koala park cost claims
A billion-dollar purported price tag for a new national park has dropped jaws and raised eyebrows as loggers and environmentalists resume hostilities.
All eyes on Biden as timeline ticks for Assange pardon
Campaigners for Julian Assange hope the prime minister can help push Joe Biden to formally pardon the Wikileaks founder before the end of his term.
Gaza aid demand echoes as ceasefire in Lebanon welcomed
Australians with families in the Middle East have cautiously welcomed a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon-based listed terror group Hezbollah.
Fatima Payman decries racism, eligibility bid shot down
Former Labor senator Fatima Payman has faced down an attempt by Pauline Hanson to have questions raised about her eligibility to sit in the senate.
Australia needs an AI law to stop copyright ‘pirates’
Artificial intelligence tools, including chatbots from Google, Amazon and OpenAI, need to be regulated by law in Australia, an inquiry recommends.
‘Made an error’: Court overturns magpie star licence
A court has ruled a couple caring for a magpie best known for his friendship with two dogs should no longer have a licence to look after the famous bird.