Surplus in sight but few sweeteners in ‘careful’ budget
A nation-first approach to back up housing projects headlines Australia's largest state budget as critics attack surplus projections and support for services.
politics
Orderly, coherent or flat-footed: PM rejects criticism
Anthony Albanese has dismissed suggestions he was "flat-footed" after US bombing raids on Iran, as he called for a ceasefire to hold between Iran and Israel.
Debt forecast has alarm bells ringing for Olympic hosts
A state government's debt is set to reach record heights as it plans an Olympics, with the threat of higher borrowing costs for major infrastructure projects.
Health levy a bitter pill to mend sick territory budget
Ratepayers will cop a $250 levy to help plug a health funding shortfall in the ACT budget, which also included investment in housing and cost-of-living relief.
Zelenskiy visits UK, Ukraine minister faces graft probe
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has visited the United Kingdom as authorities in Kyiv probed a deputy prime minister over alleged embezzlement.
Australia urges de-escalation as US strikes Iran
The US president's decision to enter the conflict in the Middle East has sparked calls for de-escalation from Australian politicians.
Major boost for tradie students to solve housing crisis
Tradies will be able to complete their apprenticeships for free as a state government tries to ease the housing crisis.
PM breaks silence to back US military strikes on Iran
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has backed the US in its attack on three Iranian nuclear sites, while again calling for "dialogue and diplomacy" not war.
ACT budget on life support amid health funding woes
As he readies his first budget, ACT Treasurer Chris Steel warns the territory's finances are unsustainable without a health funding boost from the Commonwealth.
Latest technology for police amid crime crackdown
A state government will maintain its crime crackdown in a milestone budget, with police to get the latest technology including tasers and body worn cameras.
Call for laws to stop harm to consumers, firms online
Australian consumers and businesses are being harmed by the behaviour of tech giants in ways that cannot be addressed with current laws, a report has found.
Belarus opposition leader, 13 others freed from jail
Fourteen dissidents including Belarus opposition leader Syarhei Tsikhanouski have been released from prison, media reports and relatives say.
Vulnerable pregnant women among adrift migrant workers
Pregnant migrants are increasingly seeking help in rural areas, while other temporary workers are in hiding after escaping modern slavery conditions.
Defiant CFMEU launches protests over court decision
Defiant CFMEU workers have launched protests in a capital city CBD, taking to the streets after a legal challenge by the embattled organisation was rejected.
Protester confident in fight against new police powers
A prominent activist says he is "very confident" after taking a state government to court over controversial anti-protest laws which expanded police powers.
Cost-of-living crisis blamed for soaring crime rates
Youth offending is at a record high in one state, latest figures reveal, as police attribute cost-of-living pressures to a jump in property crimes.
Thai PM under pressure to quit after phone call leak
The Thai prime minister's coalition is near collapse after the leak of a phone call with Cambodia's former leader shattered her already low support.
Legal bill bailout to spare ex-Liberal boss bankruptcy
Ousted state Liberal leader John Pesutto will avoid bankruptcy after his party agreed to a loan to settle his $2.3 million debt to a defamed colleague.
Liberal leader’s unity call after $1.5m party bailout
Victorian Liberal leader Brad Battin denies he has sided against defamed MP Moira Deeming after supporting a $1.5 million party loan to his predecessor.
Budget billions helps cashed-up state lead debt battle
A seventh surplus budget for the nation's richest state sets it apart from other jurisdictions as it enjoys the lowest debt levels in the country.
Empty chairs spark bid to arrest premier’s senior staff
A state's most senior ministerial staff face being dragged to an inquiry by force after their no-show to answer questions about an explosive-laden caravan.
Secret’s out: premier’s ex-partner misled watchdog
Former NSW Liberal premier Gladys Berejiklian's ex-partner has failed to hide a finding he misled a corruption probe over a $48 million property development.
Lab boss suspended in latest DNA contamination scandal
The director of a forensic testing lab has been suspended following the emergence of contamination issues, with more than 30,000 samples still to be reviewed.
British MPs vote in favour or legalising assisted dying
MPs have voted in favour of a bill to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill people, a move that would be Britain's biggest social reform in decades.
Friends united by concern for family in Iran and Israel
Saina Salemi and her colleague Oscar are bound by fear for their respective families in Iran and Israel as efforts continue to repatriate stranded Australians.
Clock ticking on state-run lab boss over DNA debacle
A premier has defended his government intervening to "clean up" a state-run forensic testing lab after the emergence of contamination issues.
Energy price rule changes to limit unfair bill hikes
Vulnerable energy customers will be afforded extra protections from price gouging by electricity retailers in rule changes set to come into effect in 2026.
Storied bridge on starting block for pre-Olympic refit
Australia's biggest council has backed the restoration of an iconic bridge before the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, pledging almost $20 million in its budget.
Australians flee Israel borders as evacuations ramp up
Australians making their way out of Israel under the peril of Iranian missile strikes face long delays as others vow to remain, despite the danger.
Labour market stays tight despite surprise drop in jobs
The economy lost some jobs in May, confounding expectations, but the Reserve Bank will likely view it as noise not signs of a weakening labour market.
Big-spending budget raises questions over living relief
A cash splash from the nation's richest state is targeting housing supply and health but critics say there should have been greater cost-of-living relief.