Tough penalties under laws to tame tobacco turf war
Victoria will become the last Australian state to make businesses have a licence to sell tobacco, but the police boss says laws won't end a turf war overnight.
politics
‘It’s a lifeline’: relief as government hands Rex $80m
The federal government will provide up to $80 million to keep Rex regional routes operating, a relief for rural communities fearing for their future prosperity.
PM jets for trade talks in Peru as Trump tariffs loom
Australia will join leaders and officials from 20 global economies at a major trade summit as it works to diversify its economic relationships into Asia.
New Queensland govt given short shrift on Games blowout
The Queensland government has been urged to scrap a 100-day Olympic infrastructure review and "get on with it" amid complaints over 2032 project cost blowouts.
Dozens of ‘forever chemicals’ yet to be assessed
A parliamentary inquiry into PFAS substances has heard almost 20 per cent of the chemicals in the regulator's inventory have not been fully assessed.
Social media ban passes the test for school principals
Banning under 16s from social media would be critical for the wellbeing of young people, a peak body for school principals says.
Pay growth running faster than price rises
Workers have logged another quarter of real wage growth that, thankfully, is not strong enough to push back interest rate cuts.
Old tactics to be used in trade negotiations with Trump
Australia will use a tried tactic to stop the US under a second Trump presidency from imposing tariffs on imports, as it looks to expand its role in disputes.
Trump rewards Elon Musk with top job slashing spending
Elon Musk and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy have been hand-picked by Donald Trump to head a new US government 'efficiency' department.
Qld regions remain in the dark about nuclear power plan
A federal inquiry has heard strong support for a nuclear industry in regional Queensland even though local councillors say they were not consulted.
Trump, Biden pledge orderly transition of power
US President Joe Biden has welcomed President-elect Donald Trump to the White House for an Oval Office visit.
Social media duty of care to users ‘a game changer’
Social media giants will need to take proactive steps to protect users and improve safety features under a digital duty of care introduced by the government.
Jobless rate holds at 4.1 per cent for the third month
Roughly 15,900 jobs were added to the economy last month, falling short of expectations, as the jobless rate remained steady at 4.1 per cent.
Climate change fuelling insurance cost-of-living crunch
More than two-thirds of parents are worried about rising insurance costs pushed higher by climate change.
IGA talks shop over cheaper prices at supermarket probe
Bosses of the company supplying independent grocers say prices are consistently coming down, benefiting customers and their stores.
‘Deserted’: police begin first strikes in over 20 years
Police have walked off the job for the first time in two decades to protest the Victorian government's "disrespect" in a long-running impasse over a pay deal.
Fight brews over state treaty as key talks loom
Negotiations on Australia's first treaty with Aboriginal people will begin within days as the state opposition demands the public has a say.
Regions speak out over carrying ‘forced’ energy burden
Australians in regional towns worry they will be forced to accept nuclear power plants even if they object to them, an inquiry has heard.
Jobs still bright spot despite softer employment growth
There may be cracks appearing in the labour market but it's still strong compared to pre-pandemic norms and taking a long time to unwind.
Trade talks start as world leaders look for trump card
Donald Trump isn't even at the APEC economic summit where his comments on trade tariffs are worrying leaders, but one envoy says speculation isn't helpful.
Union ‘sweetheart deal’ suspended in state crackdown
Members have hit out at a state government after CFMEU "perks" were put on ice as a campaign against the beleaguered union heats up.
ABC chair worried about rise of fact-less AI news
The threat to editorial guardrails due to the rise of AI and what it means for truth and democracy is worrying, according to ABC chair Kim Williams.
Crackdown efforts start on dodgy business practices
Dynamic pricing and subscription service traps are in the sights of the federal government, as consultation starts on efforts to ban them.
Court approves travel for ex-Lib leader on drug charges
Former South Australian opposition leader David Speirs, who quit parliament after being charged with supplying drugs, has faced court for the first time.
PM spruiks trade as Trump talk dominates regional forum
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is meeting with world leaders for a major economic summit in Peru with maintaining open trade ties a key topic of discussion.
Ankle bracelet, curfew bypass ‘vulnerable to attack’
The immigration minister has swiftly imposed freedom restrictions on former detainees but there are concerns about whether they'll withstand a court challenge.
Lions, Queensland cricket plea for new Brisbane stadium
Queensland Cricket and AFL club Brisbane hope to speak with the premier after sending a letter asking to back a new stadium ahead of the 2032 Olympics.
Social media ban ‘unenforceable’, experts say
Keeping Australian children under 16 off social media will be unenforceable and tech giants should not be tasked with age verification, experts say.
Electric cars could keep lights on in Australian homes
The batteries inside electric cars could be used to power households in Australia before the end of the year after the release of technological standards.
Trump re-election won’t stop Aussies travelling to US
Donald Trump's re-election as president is unlikely to deter Australians heading to the US - and might even boost business travel.
Baby Shark won’t bite: YouTube entertainers issue plea
Prominent Australian children's entertainers are urging the federal government to pardon YouTube from its proposed social media ban to save an industry.