News

Staged lift to criminal responsibility age irks experts

Raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14 in Victoria will be staggered under a government plan criticised by advocates and opponents.

NSW cashless cards to be pokies reform 'game changer'

As politicians debate reforming NSW's gaming industry, new figures show poker machines pull in a collective $23 million statewide each day.

Aged care commissioner dismisses closure concerns

It would be surprising if new around-the-clock nursing requirements led to forced closure of facilities, the aged care commissioner says.

Iconic national parks to get $262 million budget boost

A funding boost in the upcoming budget will go towards upgrading national park facilities as well as boosting conservation and cultural heritage manag...

Nap time as Neil the seal returns to Tassie foreshore

Tasmania's resident elephant seal has delighted locals with a visit to Hobart where wildlife authorities advise keeping their distance from the wild m...

Australian lab urges global co-operation on malaria jab

A lack of funding for malaria research means urgent global collaboration is needed to deliver a successful vaccine, the head of an Australian lab says...

Rental crisis opens door for Greens in inner-city seats

The Greens will use rental increases and housing crisis to target inner city seats after the party's vote went up at the 2022 election, leader Adam Ba...

Call to cut red tape to benefit household solar owners

Independent modelling urges regulators to plan for widespread rooftop energy systems and millions of batteries on wheels, or risk consumers being over...

Indigenous knowledge can help address climate change

Incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems and science is an effective way of addressing the impacts of climate change, and it's urgent in the Torres...

'Cruel': Asylum seeker scolds temporary visa work rules

Refugee advocates have criticised Australia's migration system as being cruel to asylum seekers, restricting their ability to work despite a skills sh...

Cash rate call on a knife edge as inflation slows

Official inflation data shows consumer prices have started to lose momentum but the cost of living remains punishingly high for Australian households....

Fight over affordable housing puts renters in focus

Greens leader Adam Bandt is calling for a rent freeze and more investment in affordable housing but the prime minister says his proposed fund goes far...

Guided weapons to be game changer for Australia: Marles

The federal government has committed more than $4 billion for long-range and precision missiles after a major review evaluated Australia's defence pla...

Manslaughter charges follow probe into SA child neglect

Three people have been charged with manslaughter over the deaths of three children in separate cases of alleged neglect following task force investiga...

Budget should recognise potential of rural Australia

The federal government needs to take an aspirational approach to the future of regional Australia as it hands down its first comprehensive federal bud...

Artists in limbo as insurer QBE does policy backflip

Insurer QBE has reversed some carve-outs from a policy held by thousands of artists, but other changes mean many people could still lose their insuran...

WA teacher accused of indecently photographing students

A Perth Catholic school teacher has been charged with four counts of indecently recording four female students in his class.

Woman killed while preparing to leave violent partner

Bekkie-Rae Curren-Trinca had a plan to leave her violent relationship to protect herself and her daughter, but Paul McDonough killed her first.

Palaszczuk claims underdog status in fourth term quest

The Queensland premier says she will lead Labor in next year's election as the state opposition criticises a lack of progress on promised integrity re...

Medicine shortage fears a scare campaign, says minister

The government will make it cheaper for people with chronic conditions to get common medicines by allowing them to buy two months' supply with one pre...