‘Ghost colleges’ closed in tertiary sector overhaul
The federal government has moved to close almost 150 tertiary institutions that offered no training but continued to operate.
politics
Start date questions heat up over $30b solar mega-farm
Approval of a huge renewable-energy project could establish Australia as a leader in the field, but there's no start date in sight for the solar farm.
Underfunding public schools ‘entrenches inequality’
Teachers, students and state and territory education ministers are urging the federal government to increase its funding for public schools
MPs face sanctions under new standards commission
The federal government will introduce laws to establish an Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission to police the behaviour of MPs and staff.
Ex-parole boss ‘romantically linked to Labor staffer’
A whistleblower has claimed an ex-parole board boss, who has been referred to the corruption watchdog, was romantically linked to a government staffer.
MPs behaving badly face fines under code of conduct
Federal MPs have been urged to lift behavioural standards, as laws are introduced to enforce a code of conduct for elected officials.
Opportunity knocks for winner of women in country award
Indigenous advocate and creator of the Remote OpShop Project, Tanya Egerton, has been named the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award National Winner
‘Blood on his hands’: advocates slam NDIS reforms
Access and funding levels are set to change for people on disability support services after the government struck a controversial deal to revamp the NDIS.
Deepfake porn laws to target sharing of sexual images
Federal parliament is cracking down on the sharing of fake or digitally altered pornographic images without consent.
Governments urged to ‘be honest’ on youth justice
Indigenous children's organisations are urging governments to 'be honest' about Australia's youth justice system, and invest in community-led solutions.
‘I was toxic’, Higgins said about Reynolds relationship
A journalist who broke the story about Brittany Higgins' alleged rape has testified in a defamation trial pitting Senator Linda Reynolds against her ex-staffer.
Harris VP pick Tim Walz rallies Democratic convention
Former coach Tim Walz has thanked Democrats for "bringing the joy" and given them a pep talk as he accepted the nomination to be Kamala Harris's running mate.
Trump blames Harris and Biden for ‘world on fire’
Donald Trump is holding his first outdoor rally since narrowly surviving an attempted assassination last month.
Frothy and a polly, final leaders’ debate hits the pub
Chief Minister Eva Lawler and Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro have faced off in a final debate before the Northern Territory election.
Gen X, older millennials ride housing boom to the bank
Older millennials and generation X are among the biggest winners from Australia's real estate boom as profits from sales hit their highest level in 10 years.
Super on parental leave to reduce ‘motherhood penalty’
Parents will get an extra $3000 in their super balance while on government-funded paid parental leave under laws introduced to federal parliament.
Older and youngest workers vulnerable if hiring stalls
A weaker labour market is felt unevenly by different industries and demographics, with older workers and those new to the workforce most at risk.
Robert Kennedy Jr to drop out of race and endorse Trump
Robert F Kennedy Jr plans to hang up his hat as an independent US presidential candidate, according to media reports.
‘Kept my child secret’: gay teacher calls for change
A Catholic school teacher who felt forced to quit because of a same-sex relationship is sharing her experience to try and secure stronger legal protections.
Faster compo for sick firies as Qld widens cancer list
Firefighters in Queensland will be able to access compensation for a wider range of cancers and not have to prove they were caused by the job.
Blocked goldminer ‘shattered’ by rising sovereign risk
Regis Resources will fight a federal block on a $1 billion gold project it says has cost almost 1000 jobs and sours Australia's reputation as a place to invest.
Knife search powers widened, new rules for youth crime
Police will be able to search for knives in shopping centres, sports stadiums and public transport under expanded laws.
Higgins’ police report detailed to defamation trial
A police report detailing Brittany Higgins' night out with friends before she was allegedly raped in Parliament House have been read at a defamation trial.
Offenders sent DV victim data in police system blunder
Victims including some involved in domestic violence matters have had their addresses forwarded to offenders after a police data glitch.
‘Investment in disabled lives’: NDIS costs curb pledge
Changes aimed at reining in costs of the NDIS are being criticised by advocates but people on the disability scheme are being assured their needs will be met.
Plenty of pots left to stir for this retiring pollie
Labor MP Graham Perrett is retiring from politics but the firebrand Queenslander has not finished stirring the pot in parliament.
Australia, Taiwan unite to target China’s ‘deceit’
Labor and Liberal senators have criticised China's attempt to claim sovereignty over Taiwan and accused Beijing of misrepresenting Australia's stance.
Economic lifeline for energy workers as plants close
Workers at coal and gas-fired power plants that are set for closure will be offered a raft of support including paid retraining and redeployment under new laws.
Harris takes on Gaza war, tyranny in convention finale
Kamala Harris has summoned Americans to fight tyranny and chart a "new way forward" as she accepted the Democratic party's nomination for president.
Indonesia halts plan to revise election law amid unrest
Indonesian MPs have cancelled plans to ratify revisions to election laws after protesters rallied in front of the parliament building and clashed with police.
Stacks of prison punishments ‘unlawful, unjust’
Tina was awaiting trial when she asked for help with her drug problem. A damning report has found she was instead charged with failing a drug test.