Talking and tinkering townsfolk make for more wellbeing
Small communities are the key to a good life, according to a national survey that shows Australians are reporting greater overall wellbeing.
social issue
Puberty blocker battle sparks landmark legal challenge
The mother of a transgender teen unable to access hormone therapy after a state ban has launched a legal challenge, sparking protests outside court.
Sense of belonging falls among young Aussies
Despite younger generations feeling less connected, research shows Australians are maintaining strong social cohesion despite financial and global pressures.
Prince Andrew gives up his Duke of York title
Prince Andrew has stopped using his remaining titles and honours and will no longer be known as the Duke of York, completing his banishment from royal life.
Billions in unworn clothes hanging in Aussie wardrobes
The hidden fashion fortune hiding in wardrobes across Australia is estimated to be worth tens of billions of dollars.
Better powers urged to help protect Indigenous children
Each state and territory needs an independent commissioner dedicated to Indigenous children, advocates say, urging governments to "be bold".
Rural mums forced to travel 500km for miscarriage care
Women in remote areas are 1.6 times more likely to suffer perinatal loss, prompting calls for national standards in care to overcome the tyranny of distance.
No voice, no change: two years on from referendum
Australia voted no to a national voice to parliament on October 14 2023, but two years on, its advocates say they remain steadfast in their mission for change.
Betting spike in footy finals driven by casual punts
Australians are more likely to punt during major sports events but while small wagers are linked to casual gambling, there are concerns about long-term impacts.
UK police may have shot victim in synagogue attack
One of the two men killed in a terrorist attack on a synagogue in Manchester may have accidentally been killed by British police trying to stop the onslaught.
Why you’ll find Andrew atop a clock tower on Sunday
While most of the country sleeps, one man and his crew of clock watchers do the important job of making our oldest clocks keep pace with our phones.
Class action aims to expose controversial work scheme
Indigenous people in remote areas had to work more hours to receive the same pay as someone on work for the dole payments in the city, a class action claims.
Banned by AI bots: fresh call for social media referee
Artificial intelligence software is incorrectly banning social media accounts but without an ombudsman, many struggle to reclaim their profiles.
Child protection systems ‘failing’ Indigenous children
More Indigenous children placed in out-of-home care should be reunited with family to improve their outcomes, says a peak body urging governments to step up.
‘Decades of neglect’: ‘dire’ state housing picture
Two years on from the inception of a target to build 800,000 homes in a decade, data illustrates the "dire" housing picture continuing to confront one state.
Can’t believe your eyes? When fakes flood the internet
From burning icons to fabricated crowds, viral AI images and videos are spreading fast and showing how easily reality can be distorted in the digital age.
Competing rallies cripple capitals as crowds pour in
Another busy weekend of thousands taking to the streets across capitals in rival demonstrations is testing the limits of freedom of speech and police resources.
Kids to lose social media access but others will be OK
Social media companies will have to detect and eject under-16s from their platforms, but this does not mean all users will have their ages checked.
‘Grave disrespect’: treaty referendum call dismissed
Comparisons between a state treaty and the failed voice to federal parliament have been derided as a prominent 'no' campaigner calls for a referendum.
Waves and winds slow determined transpacific rowers
It has been a choppy ride for three Scottish rowing brothers closing in on Australia's east coast after raising $1.5 million for clean water projects.
Social media ban no ‘watertight’ fix for child safety
A social media ban is unlikely to completely protect kids from online harms as questions remain over age-assurance technology.
Property owners busted living in social housing
Property owners and high-income earners have been caught out living in public housing in a government review of tenancies.
Thousands flood cities demanding action on Palestine
Hundreds of thousands of protesters across Australia have called for greater sanctions against Israel and an end to its bombardment and occupation of Palestine.
‘Sick and tired’: Gaza protests ramp up pressure on PM
Anthony Albanese has downplayed Canberra's ability to influence Israel after hundreds of thousands of Australians rallied for peace in Palestine.
‘Gut-wrenching’: kids shut out from homeless support
Thousands of children flee violent or abusive homes across Australia each year, only to be sent back or left to the streets by ailing, ill-equipped services.
Ending greyhound racing could save taxpayers $450m
A state will fork out almost half a billion dollars in subsidies for the greyhound racing industry over the next decade, budget office analysis shows.
Rwanda agrees to take deportees from the US
Rwanda has agreed to accept up to 250 deportees from the United States under the Trump administration's third-country deportation program.
Watchdog says tech giants still failing on child abuse
Justice advocates say tech giants had three years to better protect children but still have not implemented resources to stop crimes against kids.
Shadows of robodebt as welfare unlawfully cancelled
A powerful watchdog has lashed two government agencies overseeing a welfare scheme, after it wrongly cancelled income support payments via automated means.
Another greyhound racing ban could see dishlickers done
It's a dog day afternoon for the greyhound racing industry as another government announces plans to stop punters spending a night at the dishlickers.
‘Perilous’: largest-ever Gaza protest packs bridge
A slew of famous faces including Julian Assange, Bob Carr, Anthony Mundine and Craig Foster joined 90,000 in a march for Gaza across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.