Good character references restricted in rape cases
A state has launched major reforms to its rape sentencing guidelines by restricting the way good character references for offenders is considered.
politics
‘Wafer-thin’ budget surplus won’t fix debt problem
One unforeseen event would likely erode a state's long-awaited return to surplus, as its treasurer attempts to tame mounting debt in her first budget.
Tight race between teal and Liberal set for recount
A recount will be held in the Sydney electorate of Bradfield where teal independent Nicolette Boele leads a Liberal candidate by just 40 votes.
UK poised to reset trade and defence ties with Europe
Trade and defence ties between Britain and the European Union appear set to improve significantly with a breakthrough in talks ahead of their leaders meeting.
Russia, Ukraine starting talks on ceasefire: Trump
US President Donald Trump says Russia and Ukraine will "immediately" begin truce talks after what he described as an "excellent" call with Vladimir Putin.
Debt piles up as public service faces $3b budget cut
Taxpayers are set to foot the bill as interest on debt eats a $29-million-a-day hole in a state budget, despite public service job cuts and higher tax revenue.
Albanese ends whirlwind international tour in Singapore
Anthony Albanese will end his first trip abroad after his re-election with a stopover in Singapore during the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Call for adult wages for youth in retail, fast food
A union is demanding the federal government implement adult wages for young workers in retail, fast food and pharmacy jobs.
Eviction rules and pet rights change in rental shake-up
Significant changes have come into effect for millions of renters, with new rules on evictions and tenant rights regarding pet ownership now in place.
Search for signs of Trump trade slowdown as RBA meets
Uncertainty, both known and unknown, surrounding Donald Trump's tariffs and their economic impact could spur the Reserve Bank to cut interest rates on Tuesday.
Anti-Semitism panel told inquiry risks isolating Jews
After an increase in anti-Semitic incidents across NSW, a parliamentary inquiry has been urged not just to focus on one form of racism.
Support for ‘fighter’ Joe Biden after cancer diagnosis
Joe Biden and wife Jill have thanked supporters for "lifting us up with love and support" after the former US president revealed a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Hope Pope’s blessing foreshadows end to EU food fight
Australia is offering to drop a luxury car tax in exchange for better meat access to European markets following trade talks in the Vatican City.
Firework row ignites as seizure threatens cracker night
A large shipment of fireworks bound for a region's famed cracker night celebrations has been seized, potentially putting a dampener on a 47-year tradition.
Hits keep coming for Liberals as party seeks revival
A hefty legal costs bill is just one headache state and federal Liberals have been left grappling with after a bruising few weeks for the party.
US to send letters within weeks on trade: Trump
US letters on trade will be sent to other countries over the next two to three weeks, US President Donald Trump says.
Interest rate cut tipped despite Trump tariff backdown
The Reserve Bank is widely expected to deliver a second interest rate cut as global trade uncertainty threatens to rain on Australia's economy.
Failures of ‘broken’ child safety system sparks inquiry
Almost half of children experienced physical abuse before entering out-of-home care in one state, prompting a landmark inquiry into the "broken" system.
Green light for party to stand strong on social issues
New Greens leader Larissa Waters says the party will continue to focus on climate action and social justice, despite losing seats in the lower house.
‘Missed opportunity’ as sacred sites legislation passes
An authority which safeguards sacred sites has expressed disappointment over the passing of legislation it says it was not properly consulted on.
‘Sustainable’: push to keep low-paid from falling back
Almost three million Australian workers are being backed to receive higher pay, but the federal government says it must be economically sustainable.
Bridge closure may cost $1 billion, shut for months
A council fears if the state and federal government don't help pay for a major bridge restoration in one capital city, then drivers will be slugged the cost.
‘Regardless of postcode’: abortion access laws debated
A bill to improve access to abortions in regional areas has triggered passionate reactions from conservative politicians and is expected to split major parties.
‘Might be a bit lonely’: sole Greens MP claims victory
Elizabeth Watson-Brown will be the only Greens member in federal parliament's lower house after she claimed victory in the Brisbane seat of Ryan.
Saudi crown prince meets Trump at start of Mideast tour
US President Donald Trump has met Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler as he opens his tour of the Gulf, where he's expected to hold talks and announce deals.
Albanese to strengthen regional ties on Indonesia visit
Anthony Albanese will fly out for his first overseas visit in his second term to meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto for one-on-one talks.
Liberal women reject ‘sexist’ criticism of party leader
Suggestions that Sussan Ley might have been handed a poisoned chalice after her historic elevation to federal Liberal leader are being shot down.
Rainbow Warrior in NZ return, 40 years after bombing
Greenpeace Aotearoa say they will use the return of the Rainbow Warrior to campaign against the New Zealand government's "war on nature".
Family fury at ‘dangerous’ youth hormone therapy ban
Rebecca's son knew he was transgender at age 12, but his long and difficult journey to transitioning was abruptly halted when a state government intervened.
Would you drive 30km/h to reduce road deaths?
The success of reduced speed limits in some areas has road safety advocates urging nationwide changes to protect children, parents and the elderly.
Trump urges Syrian leader to establish ties with Israel
US President Donald Trump has met Syria's interim president during a visit to Saudi Arabia and called for Damascus to upgrade its relations with Israel.