More tradies on the tools a key election promise
A state premier on track for a thumping election victory is determined to focus on housing policies, promising incentives for building apprentices.
politics
Andrew ‘had taxpayers fund his massages and travel’
Former prince Andrew charged British taxpayers for massages and excessive travel costs while working as trade envoy, retired civil servants have told the BBC.
Canada’s PM to travel to Australia to boost trade ties
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to address the federal parliament during an upcoming visit to Canberra.
Bondi attack inquiry to map plan to curb religious hate
Focusing on anti-Semitism is a necessary first step to improving social cohesion, says the head of the royal commission launched after the Bondi terror attack.
Legal doubts emerge over travel home ban for ISIS bride
Policies designed to deal with families linked to Islamic terrorists could breach the constitution, as politicians clash over how to deal with the issue.
‘Horrified’: childcare giant’s abuse scandal response
Australia's largest for-profit childcare operator began overhauling hiring even before a former worker was charged with sexual abuse, an inquiry has been told.
Funding all aboard ensuring fast rail leaves station
A two-year development phase will lay the groundwork for a final decision on federal funding for high-speed rail from Newcastle to Sydney.
Trump warns against ‘playing games’ with US trade deals
Donald Trump is threatening to hit any countries prevaricating over recently-negotiated US trade deals with much higher duties under different trade laws.
One tax still off the table as treasurer weighs reform
The International Monetary Fund report is calling for a hike in the GST and other tax changes, while praising the handling of Australia's economy.
Ex-minister urges probe of Andrew’s UK trade envoy role
A former UK business secretary says police or prosecutors should check whether criminal corruption took place during Andrew's stint as trade envoy.
Coffee catch-up decides top cop after shock retirement
Former Australian Federal Police deputy commissioner Brett Pointing has been hand-picked as Queensland's top cop after Steve Gollschewski's shock retirement.
Tough new laws to crack down on illegal tobacco ‘thugs’
Businesses caught selling illegal tobacco could have their shops shut down for up to 90 days under planned state laws.
Child safety system no place for kids: abuse survivor
A female survivor removed from an abusive home has told a child safety inquiry that she only experienced further abuse while in state care.
Australia says IS fighters’ families not welcome back
The Australian government says it will not repatriate 34 nationals released by Syrian Kurdish forces from a camp holding families of suspected IS militants.
Liberal leader’s unity call as allies rule front bench
Prominent conservatives will return to the front bench as Opposition Leader Angus Taylor unveils his first shadow cabinet.
‘Too high’: risk to economy forces RBA’s hand on rates
Minutes from the Reserve Bank's latest meeting reveal the thinking behind its call to lift interest rates for the first in more than two years.
Epstein files may be crimes against humanity: UN
The United Nations says the crimes revealed in the Epstein files reveal abuses against women so grave they could amount to "crimes against humanity".
Students, staff live in fear as racism rampant at unis
Universities are being criticised for failing to tackle rampant racism, with a landmark report revealing how pervasive discrimination is on campus.
Illegal ciggies tipped to soon stub out retail sales
One of Australia's biggest retailers has warned nine in 10 cigarettes will be bought illegally by the end of the decade unless the tobacco excise is cut.
Trump says he will be involved indirectly in Iran talks
Tensions are soaring ahead of talks in Geneva over Tehran's nuclear program, with the US deploying a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East.
Benched MP flew with Palmer during coalition split
Billionaire Clive Palmer flew a senior Nationals senator on his private jet to discuss electoral support when the regional party had split from the Liberals.
Please explain: Hanson lashed for anti-Islamic vitriol
Muslim leaders have challenged Pauline Hanson to explain exactly what policy changes she would like to see after an incendiary rant on late-night television.
US and Iran hold nuclear talks as threat of war looms
The US and Iran are holding talks about Iran's nuclear program as the US ramps up its military presence in the Middle East and Iran holds maritime drills.
US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson dies at 84
Reverend Jesse Jackson, a US civil rights leader who became close with Martin Luther King Jr and who twice ran for president, has died at age 84.
No quick fix for overhauled Liberal immigration plan
The coalition's plan to curb Australia's migrant intake will be formally costed before its public release, delaying the exact details of its immigration policy.
Iran FM says progress made in nuclear talks with US
Iran says it has been able to "reach a general agreement on some guiding principles" with the US at nuclear talks in Geneva.
US strikes three more alleged drug boats kill 11 people
The US military has killed 11 people during strikes on three boats it says were caught smuggling drugs in notorious routes in Latin American waters.
‘This has to stop’: mayor calls on Hanson to visit area
The mayor of a suburb labelled unsafe by Pauline Hanson because of its Muslim population is calling on the controversial senator to visit the area.
Israel’s expansion plans for the West Bank condemned
Israel's controversial plan to pave the way for future settlements in the West Bank has drawn widespread condemnation from around the globe.
Private health insurance hike another blow for budgets
Under-pressure households will likely downgrade rather than ditch their private insurance after the health minister approved a big fee hike.
‘ISIS bride’ member barred from return to Australia
One of the 34 partners and children of ISIS fighters in Syria has been barred from returning to Australia for up to two years.