Rice not on the table in Japan’s trade talks with US
Donald Trump has criticised Japan for not buying American rice as Tokyo scrambles to convince the US to scrap a 25 per cent tariff on Japanese cars.
politics
Nice work if you can get it: premier pockets plenty
Parliamentarians in one state have been granted a pay rise, propelling the premier to the position of Australia's second highest-paid politician.
PM urged to hedge bets by boosting defence spending
Australia's plan for defence spending is a "hedge" against an uncertain future as the US intensifies the call for its allies to increase the money they invest.
‘Too much crime’: top cop vows to speak truth to power
In his first day on the job, a newly minted top cop insists he won't shy away from asking "hard questions" of the state government.
Beijing deal will expedite rare earth exports, says US
US President Donald Trump says the US has signed an deal with China on trade after massive tariff hikes threatened to freeze trade between the two countries.
Top court limits judges’ powers on US-wide injunctions
Lower courts that blocked US President Donald Trump's bid to limit birthright citizenship have been told by the country's top court to reconsider their curbs.
‘No other option’: desperate plea from stranded Aussies
As Australians return home from the Middle East, a family stranded in Iran says it has no way to flee after receiving advice to cross international borders.
Australia to feel US squeeze for more defence cash
Australia is being encouraged to engage with the US on military capabilities and access as the nation resists pressure to increase its defence spend.
Trump cuts off trade talks with Canada over digital tax
US President Donald Trump says his July 9 trade deadline is not a fixed date, telling reporters that it could be sooner or later than that date.
Red tape and silver bullets: tough task for housing fix
Governments are taking aim at red tape to fix a chronic undersupply of housing in Australia but the industry warns cultural issues will be harder to fix.
More EVs, fewer V8s: changes coming for Aussie drivers
Motorists can expect more electric and hybrid vehicles to launch and some petrol and diesel vehicles to reverse after transport regulations finally take off.
US Senators divided after briefing on Iran strikes
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has rejected suggestions that US air-strikes on Iran's nuclear sites weren't as effective as claimed by President Donald Trump.
Super funds spared billions after US axes ‘revenge tax’
The Trump administration says it won't pursue a contentious tax targeting foreign investors after negotiating a withdrawal from a global minimum tax agreement.
‘Sixteen killed’ as Kenyan protesters and police clash
Activists say 16 people have been killed as Kenyan police clashed with thousands of demonstrators protesting police brutality and corruption.
‘Torn’ Aussies flee conflict as many more left waiting
Australians have started returning home from Israel after the 12-day war with Iran, but thousands more are still looking for a way out of the region.
Household wealth hit as Trump threatens super balances
Australian super balances have fallen for the first quarter since 2022, with funds warning of further risks posed by Donald Trump's "America first" agenda.
Trump struggles to control commentary on Iran strikes
President Donald Trump is still focused on assessments of the US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, as planning turns toward a new commitment from Iran.
‘Temu version’: opposition lashes visionless budget
A state opposition leader has promised to extend land tax concessions indefinitely after calling the government's budget a cheaper version of his party's ideas.
CCTV cameras in childcare amid surge in safety breaches
Allegations about careless childcare centres have triggered extensive new powers including hefty fines and CCTV cameras to monitor how children are treated.
Australia sticks to guns on defence as allies shell out
Australia is doubling down in resisting US pressure for its allies to lift defence spending, as retaliation is promised for nations refusing to comply.
Maroon Out, Blue In: Crisafulli Rebrands Queensland ‘in LNP blue’
The Queensland LNP Government has quietly changed the state’s coat of arms from maroon to blue - prompting questions about cost, motive, and priorities.
New approach needed to fulfil closing the gap promise
Governments must self-reflect and begin to work in new ways with Indigenous organisations if they want to close the gap in health, a report has found.
Funding fires starter’s gun for Brisbane 2032 Games
The countdown to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics has begun with a state government allocating almost $150 million to Games infrastructure in a milestone budget.
YouTube in frame for youth ban after safety spin claims
The online watchdog has launched its case for YouTube to be included in a "world-leading" social media ban for kids as the platform fights for its exemption.
Leaders at historic NATO summit with unity on the line
NATO members are set to support a goal of spending five per cent of their GDP on their security as they gather amid wars in the Ukraine and the Middle East.
Australia’s Iran fallout warning despite uneasy truce
Australia has been warned it might face long-term ramifications from the conflict between Israel and Iran after supporting air strikes by the US.
Alarm as LNP takes wind out of energy plan, renewables
Plans to prop up ageing coal-fired power stations by a state government have been labelled a "waste of money" amid concerns over its energy transition.
‘Boring’ budget to get finances ready for future shocks
Having sped up home approvals, a building laggard is shifting focus to getting construction going in a bid to reduce the biggest strain on family finances.
Liberal leader open to quotas after election drubbing
The Liberal Party must endorse more women after a thumping election defeat, its leader Sussan Ley says, declaring herself a "zealot" on gender representation.
Treasurer seeks trade balance in latest US tariff talks
Australia is still negotiating an exemption to tariffs imposed by Donald Trump as the deputy prime minister tries to score a meeting with the US president.
NATO commits to higher spending and collective defence
NATO leaders have agreed to a massive hike in defence spending after pressure from US President Donald Trump and restated their commitment to mutual defence.