Second Sydney synagogue vandalised with swastikas
Another Sydney synagogue has been targeted by "hate-filled" vandals who spray-painted swastikas across its front wall overnight.
social issue
Parents shell out billions as back-to-school costs rise
Technology is a major factor in rising back-to-school costs as Australian teachers notice an increase in students without the essentials.
Calls for permanent pill testing after festival success
The first festival pill-testing trial in Victoria has been hailed a success after 40 per cent of patrons indicated they would use smaller doses of their drugs.
Booze and bad attitudes a recipe for holiday violence
Drinking cultures and alcohol regulations are in the sights of anti-violence campaigners amid data showing domestic violence spikes during the festive season.
Ex-husband jailed for 20 years in French mass rape case
A court in France has jailed the ex-husband of Gisele Pelicot for 20 years over her drugging and mass rape and imprisoned dozens of others in a landmark trial.
Chatbot therapy: can generative AI treat loneliness?
Researchers are creating artificially intelligent companions to help people get through challenges but that does not necessarily cut humans out of the picture.
Brushes with death in the bush as digital gap persists
Towns have been left without power and mobile service during major disasters, with an independent review urging the government to bolster rural connectivity.
‘Sense of urgency’: extra social homes fast-tracked
Funding an extra 5000 social properties through a partnership with the community housing sector will help get more people into homes sooner, advocates say.
Flowers, reflection for 10th anniversary of Lindt siege
A hostage and a rescuer of the Lindt Cafe siege have opened up about their struggles in the decade since as leaders lay flowers to mark the anniversary.
Australia-wide study ordered into school bullying
Bullying in Australian schools will be put under a microscope as the federal government looks to tackle the behaviour in the real world.
Labor notches win as time runs out on political year
Labor has chalked up a last-minute legislative victory, with the Greens backing its housing scheme, as several MPs bid Canberra farewell.
Health regulators take stand in fight to end violence
Regulators have come together for the first time to condemn family violence and remind health practitioners of their critical role in the battle to end it.
Young people’s anxiety soars over cost of living
The percentage of young Australians worrying about the cost of living has more than doubled in two years and it is now their biggest concern, a survey suggests.
Tech giant concern as social media ban passes
The parent company for Facebook has hit out at a looming ban on under 16s for social media, labelling the process as rushed.
Mind check: should schools track kids’ mental health?
Australian schools will have access to a government-funded digital tool to support students' mental health but some question whether it will be effective.
Social cohesion holds despite inflation, high migration
Australians are able to disentangle how they feel about higher migration levels from their appreciation of diversity and multiculturalism, research suggests.
Social media ban passes the test for school principals
Banning under 16s from social media would be critical for the wellbeing of young people, a peak body for school principals says.
Get off the internet: more dates, chats to go offline
It is not just governments considering social media bans: a study shows more Australians plan to disconnect and spend less time online.
Social media ban ‘unenforceable’, experts say
Keeping Australian children under 16 off social media will be unenforceable and tech giants should not be tasked with age verification, experts say.
Baby Shark won’t bite: YouTube entertainers issue plea
Prominent Australian children's entertainers are urging the federal government to pardon YouTube from its proposed social media ban to save an industry.
Oliver pulls book over Indigenous Australians offence
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation has described Jamie Oliver's book Billy and the Epic Escape as disrespectful.
Social media ban nearly past the post as queries remain
A social media ban for children younger than 16 is set to come into effect in 2025 after state leaders signed off on the "world-leading" measure.
US election to have ‘profound consequence’ on world: PM
Anthony Albanese says Australia's relationship with America will be just as strong no matter who wins the US election, with results showing a close contest.
Youth advocates poke holes in teen social media curbs
A lack of detail about proposed social media curbs is causing teens anxiety, young online safety and mental health representatives have told an inquiry.
Drug stigma laid bare in frank talk behind closed doors
Frank discussions about drugs have taken place behind closed doors with advocates telling police and politicians a different response is urgently needed.
Greens MP ‘never welcome back’ after staffer affair
A state Greens leader has expressed frustration at having to deal with more poor behaviour from men after one of her MPs resigned over an affair with a staffer.
Another parliament steeped in scandal as MP quits party
A Victorian Greens MP is the latest member of the political party to be embroiled in controversy after resigning from the party over an affair with a staffer.
Men think sexual harrasment is improving, women don’t
Stark survey findings have highlighted a gender divide in Australia when it comes to confidence sexual harassment cases will be reported and addressed.
Plea for action over death of six kids in protection
Six children connected to Victoria's child protection system have died in the last three months, sparking a plea for more action to protect vulnerable kids.
Corruption watchdog under scrutiny over robodebt call
The national anti-corruption commissioner has been found to have engaged in officer misconduct by failing to recuse himself from a conflict of interest.
Off the scale: intruder crashes campaign crime pitch
Accused of being a policy chameleon, Queensland's opposition leader has stared down a scaly interloper while talking tough on crime on the campaign trail.