Liberals pledge business tax breaks in campaign promise
Small businesses would be able to claim tax deductions on food and entertainment expenses for up to $20,000 under a coalition policy.
politics
Cabinet gender parity as election fight intensifies
The prime minister has lauded the fact the cabinet has gender parity for the first time as political leaders tussle with an election on the horizon.
TikTok says it ‘is back’ in the United States
President-elect Donald Trump says he plans to issue an executive order extending the period of time that TikTok can remain accessible in the United States.
Australia in a ‘good position’ as AUKUS powers ahead
The AUKUS partnership has "strong support" across the American political spectrum and is likely to be backed by incoming president Donald Trump, experts say.
Trump makes flurry of promises on inauguration eve
On the eve of his inauguration Donald Trump has promised a raucous rally swift action to ensure "the curtain closes on four long years of American decline".
Women return to coalition as Labor hits gender parity
Despite female voters deserting the coalition at the last election, polling suggests more women back the opposition than the Labor government.
Fears minimum jail terms for terror, hate may backfire
Tougher laws for terrorism and hate crime offences have been promised by the coalition if it wins office, but not everyone in the legal fraternity is on board.
Tax breaks for clean aluminium to foil carbon emissions
Australia's aluminium industry is set to share in billions of dollars of tax credits to help emissions-intensive smelters convert to cleaner sources of energy.
Jews celebrate freed hostages, Gaza rallies to march on
The prime minister has welcomed the first hostages being released by Hamas under a ceasefire deal as he called for a cooling of community tensions in Australia.
Biden issues pre-emptive pardons for family, officials
US President Joe Biden has used his power to pardon in the broadest and most untested way possible: to forgive those who have not even been investigated yet.
‘Welcome home’: Biden invites Trump for tea
Donald Trump, who is set to be sworn in as the 47th US president, has met with President Joe Biden at the White House.
PM walks diplomatic tightrope as Trump takes office
Australia's most senior official in the US during the first Trump presidency has weighed in on how the Albanese government will navigate his return to power.
Trump pledges to save America from ‘decline’
President Donald Trump has outlined a series of bold executive orders to expand US territory, curb immigration and boost fossil fuel production.
Paid criminals, youths probed over anti-Semitic attacks
A national database of anti-Semitic incidents is being created as authorities examine the possible influence of foreign actors on a rising number of attacks.
South Korean police arrest impeached President Yoon
South Korea's Yoon Suk-yeol is refusing to talk, investigators say, after the impeached leader was arrested for questioning over his declaration of martial law.
‘Political exercise’: dismay over youth crime laws
A rapid decision to alter youth justice laws following a supermarket stabbing could tempt other jurisdictions into similar crackdowns, an expert has warned.
Doctors warned ‘aggressive’ tactic will impact families
Families of people with poor mental health will bear the brunt of chaos caused by psychiatrists resigning as experts warn the public system is failing patients.
S Korean investigators question arrested President Yoon
Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has been questioned for hours by investigators after he turned himself in.
More women in cabinet but representation worries build
The political representation of women has received a boost after a pre-election cabinet shuffle but concerns remain over the opposition's gender imbalance.
Crossbench kingmakers could hold sway in house divided
Veteran independents say a minority government could get more done but caution crossbenchers against trying to set deals in stone with the major parties.
Strong jobs growth data deflates February rate cut hope
A very healthy jobs market is not adding to the case for a February interest rate cut, with all eyes turning to inflation data due in coming weeks.
Vanuatu in Australian aid request in earthquake rebuild
Port Vila's CBD and city waterfront remains off-limits a month after a deadly earthquake, prompting frustration and anger from business owners.
Pain lingers for Jews, Palestinians despite ceasefire
Hostages still captive by Hamas and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza where infants are dying are exacerbating community pain despite a ceasefire being heralded.
Biden’s farewell message warns of a US ‘oligarchy’
President Joe Biden has used his farewell address to the nation to warn of an "oligarchy" of the ultra-wealthy taking root in the country.
Israel set to approve ceasefire: Netanyahu’s office
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office says the country's cabinet will meet shortly to give final approval for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Fresh pay offer tabled as trains get back on track
Rail unions that caused major disruptions to the nation's busiest network have made a fresh offer after having to halt work bans.
Minority report tips a return to ‘ruthless’ opposition
History could be repeated as the possibility of a minority government looms but veteran politicians say this could resurrect a ruthless opposition force.
Hard times turn voters off Labor in election lead-up
Labor is trailing the opposition just months before Australians head to the polls, but the prime minister says his government can give voters what they want.
Escalation fears after latest anti-Semitic vandalism
There are fears anti-Semitic incidents in Australia are worsening after an attack on a home that previously belonged to a prominent Jewish community leader.
NBN rollout to be bolstered with $3b network upgrade
High-speed internet will be rolled out to a further 620,000 homes in the 'final piece of the puzzle' for NBN upgrades.
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.