CCTV cameras in childcare amid surge in safety breaches
Allegations about careless childcare centres have triggered extensive new powers including hefty fines and CCTV cameras to monitor how children are treated.
politics
Australia sticks to guns on defence as allies shell out
Australia is doubling down in resisting US pressure for its allies to lift defence spending, as retaliation is promised for nations refusing to comply.
Maroon Out, Blue In: Crisafulli Rebrands Queensland ‘in LNP blue’
The Queensland LNP Government has quietly changed the state’s coat of arms from maroon to blue - prompting questions about cost, motive, and priorities.
New approach needed to fulfil closing the gap promise
Governments must self-reflect and begin to work in new ways with Indigenous organisations if they want to close the gap in health, a report has found.
Funding fires starter’s gun for Brisbane 2032 Games
The countdown to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics has begun with a state government allocating almost $150 million to Games infrastructure in a milestone budget.
YouTube in frame for youth ban after safety spin claims
The online watchdog has launched its case for YouTube to be included in a "world-leading" social media ban for kids as the platform fights for its exemption.
Leaders at historic NATO summit with unity on the line
NATO members are set to support a goal of spending five per cent of their GDP on their security as they gather amid wars in the Ukraine and the Middle East.
Australia’s Iran fallout warning despite uneasy truce
Australia has been warned it might face long-term ramifications from the conflict between Israel and Iran after supporting air strikes by the US.
Alarm as LNP takes wind out of energy plan, renewables
Plans to prop up ageing coal-fired power stations by a state government have been labelled a "waste of money" amid concerns over its energy transition.
‘Boring’ budget to get finances ready for future shocks
Having sped up home approvals, a building laggard is shifting focus to getting construction going in a bid to reduce the biggest strain on family finances.
Liberal leader open to quotas after election drubbing
The Liberal Party must endorse more women after a thumping election defeat, its leader Sussan Ley says, declaring herself a "zealot" on gender representation.
Treasurer seeks trade balance in latest US tariff talks
Australia is still negotiating an exemption to tariffs imposed by Donald Trump as the deputy prime minister tries to score a meeting with the US president.
NATO commits to higher spending and collective defence
NATO leaders have agreed to a massive hike in defence spending after pressure from US President Donald Trump and restated their commitment to mutual defence.
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.
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.