‘Absolutely essential’: premier backs swift protest ban
Rushed laws that allow police to ban protest marches following terror attacks could prove to be divisive rather than calming, a senior legal figure warns.
social issue
Vow to quash terrorism after Sydney ‘changed forever’
After pushing through emergency legislation to curb gun ownership and protests, a state premier is vowing not to let a terrorist attack divide Australians.
Premier denies ‘overreach’ as states mull Bondi changes
States are mulling NSW's crackdown on hateful symbols and slogans as anti-immigration rallies draw criticism on Australia's national day of reflection.
Early warnings not heeded in deadly triple-zero outage
A host of mistakes were made during an Optus triple-zero outage linked to two deaths, including a failure to escalate initial concerns up the chain.
‘Obscene’ rates of Indigenous child removals persist
Indigenous children continue to be removed from family at 'obscene' rates, as advocates urge an overhaul of how child protection is approached.
‘Classic glass cliff’: women leaders mark Liberal first
The majority of Liberal leaders across Australia are now women - but are they political saviours or placeholders until a male colleague takes over?
Swastika sword seized as men charged over Nazi symbols
Three men will face court charged with the public display of Nazi symbols and possessing extremist material after a federal police investigation.
Positive male roles highlighted in push to end violence
Men have important and influential roles in promoting healthy attitudes towards women to help prevent violence against them, AFL captains and male leaders say.
YouTube ‘outright weird’ for saying platform isn’t safe
YouTube needs to fix its safety after the tech giant criticised Australia's world-leading laws protecting kids, the communications minister says.
Court challenge delay clears path for social media ban
Australia's social media age restrictions will kick in as planned, with a High Court challenge to the ban pushed into the new year.
More care for utes than health: rural men’s harsh truth
Long distances are not the only thing stopping young rural men seeing their doctor, with social stigma and loneliness also hindering care.
Ready or not, social media ban demands a family plan
Australia's world-first social media ban for children under 16 is imminent but the details of its rollout and enforcement remain fuzzy.
Roblox reforms over ‘playground for pedophiles’ concern
Australian authorities demanded changes from a major US gaming platform over concerns it was being used to groom and exploit children.
Force of nature: tributes flow for Labor giant ‘Richo’
Graham "Richo" Richardson has died at 76, leaving behind a powerful legacy as a Labor powerbroker and environmental advocate.
Relief as victims of anti-gay laws are compensated
Equality advocates are rejoicing after nation-leading laws allowing men convicted of homosexuality under former laws passed a state parliament.
Australian-first treaty opens path to truth and trust
A significant chapter begins for Aboriginal communities as historic treaty laws clear parliament in one state, sparking optimism for other parts of the nation.
Historic treaty a ‘new era’ but remains a long journey
A state's landmark treaty legislation shows other jurisdictions what is possible and charts a path forward on reconciliation, Indigenous leaders say.
Prepaid electricity leaving vulnerable people powerless
Families forced to prepay for power are experiencing a high number of electricity disconnections, exposing them to dangerous temperatures, a report has found.
Roblox escapes under-16s social media ban for now
The list of sites captured under Australia's social media ban for under-16s has been expanded, but a popular gaming platform remains exempt.
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.
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.