National body to head clean-up of ‘forever chemicals’
Eighteen recommendations from a review of contamination from "forever chemicals" near three defence bases have been agreed to by the federal government.
politics
‘Not bringing down a premier’: new turn in track plan
A probe into a controversial proposal to turn a historic racecourse into housing has delivered the latest salvo in a divisive debate over the facility's future.
Police, spy agencies could access encrypted messages
Right-wing extremism is threatening Australia and tackling the issue could require authorities to gain access to Australians' encrypted messages.
Vanuatu instability may revive Australia security pact
Vanuatu's former prime minister Ishmael Kalsakau believes the Supreme Court will stop a snap election and force MPs back to parliament.
Israel raps Australia on knuckles for flip on UN vote
Israel's top diplomat in Australia has downplayed criticism by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office over Australia's support for a UN vote.
Worst housing affordability in almost three decades
Homeowners and renters face some of the most challenging conditions in years, with both groups spending a growing proportion of income on a place to live.
S.Korea’s Yoon must be suspended: ruling party leader
South Korea's ruling party leader wants President Yoon Suk-yeol to be removed over his attempt to impose martial law, which has plunged the country into crisis.
‘Adult time, adult crime’ endorsed by state committee
A committee has ruled a state government's crime laws should be passed, paving the way for young offenders to face life sentences on serious crimes.
Romanian top court annuls presidential election result
Romania's constitutional court has annulled the results of the first round of the country's presidential election.
Battle lines drawn on controversial youth crime laws
Child advocates say "adult crime, adult time" laws will lead to more offending but victims say they have waited too long for action against young offenders.
SKorea arrests ex-defence minister over martial law
South Korea's former defence minister has been arrested over his role in President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law that sparked a political crisis.
Donald Trump returns to world stage for Paris ceremony
US President-elect Donald Trump's trip to France for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral is being viewed as a symbolic return to the global stage.
Decorated photographer reveals rare Bali Nine frames
As Australia moves to bring home the surviving members of the Bali Nine, award-winning AAP photographer Mick Tsikas reflects on his years covering their fate.
Anti-Semitism crackdown launched after synagogue fire
Police will gain extra powers to tackle anti-Semitism after a trio of arson attacks on Jewish targets raised fears from the community.
Trump taps his defence lawyer to serve as counsellor
US President-elect Donald Trump has announced he is appointing one of his defence lawyers in the New York hush money case as counsellor to the president
PNG to turn pipeline NRL dream into bona fide reality
Papua New Guinea NRL officials will be able to begin plans for a club name and colours once NRL expansion is confirmed, along with a location for their village.
Tongan PM Sovaleni resigns ahead of no-confidence vote
Tonga's parliament must elect a new prime minister following the resignation of Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni after three years in the job.
Travel ban imposed on South Korea’s embattled president
South Korea's defence ministry says President Yoon Suk-yeol is still commander in chief despite the justice ministry banning him from travelling overseas.
China locked out of Nauru security in Australian pact
Australia needs to agree to Nauru entering a security or banking agreement with a third country after signing a treaty to prop up the Pacific nation's budget.
Insurers ‘price gouging’ with secret premium hikes
Millions of Australians are being overcharged by health insurers using a loophole to dodge the rules against raising premiums.
Family violence order ‘stopped ex-MP from filing tax’
Personal turmoil and an inability to access documents from an ex-partner's house have been blamed for a former politician's failure to submit tax returns.
Free public wi-fi ‘gamechanger’ for remote communities
More than 20 communities will have free wi-fi in public spaces through a $20 million government program to address the digital divide in remote areas.
Aussie hub to keep Pacific police ready, China at bay
The opening of a Pacific policing base and training centre in Australia comes a day after China donated boats, 4WDs and motorcycles to Vanuatu police.
New homes lead the way in energy efficiency
Canberra boasts the most energy efficient homes in Australia but cities with older stock like Sydney and Hobart are lagging.
Road blocked as Israeli adviser’s charges withdrawn
Dozens of protesters have blocked a busy city thoroughfare as a private prosecution against a former Israeli advisor was struck out in court.
Children ‘sacrificial lambs’ under harsher crime laws
Proposed legislative changes to juvenile offending laws have been heavily criticised by stakeholders at a public parliamentary hearing.
Call to boost Aussie research funds as review launches
A study of Australian research investments has been welcomed by business, academic and technology groups, but some say more urgent action is needed.
France ‘at turning point’ ahead of no-confidence vote
A French minister is warning colleagues "not to plunge the country into uncertainty" as Michel Barnier's government faces a historic collapse over the budget.
China drops final trade blocks as beef back on the menu
Two abattoirs have had Chinese import bans lifted, the final trade restriction to fall after Beijing imposed $20 billion of tariffs against Australia.
White House defends Biden pardoning son Hunter
Joe Biden's decision to go back on his word and pardon his son Hunter has been both praised and criticised as the US president prepares to leave office.
Crime-hit city businesses embrace youth justice laws
A city reeling from crime backs controversial youth justice laws, saying juvenile offences have contributed to business closures and tarnished its reputation.