Child killer's ex-friend slams parole for accomplice

Alison Anderson, who'd been a friend of a woman who murdered her child, has described the decision to parole her accomplice as "one big kick in the gu...

'Great idea': Why union boss backs four-day work week

A trial for a four-day work week at full pay for Australian workers has been spruiked as a "great idea" by the union movement.

Minns era begins in NSW with nail-biting wait on seats

Chris Minns has been sworn in as NSW premier but is tipped to lead a minority Labor government as the count continues in several close seats.

Queensland moves to slow pace of residential rent hikes

The Queensland government's move to reduce the frequency of rent increases has been welcomed by social service advocates but panned by the real estate...

Unions question Labor over AUKUS nuclear submarines

Australia's union movement has criticised plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, declaring support for a "nuclear free defence policy".

Australian shares rally on 3 big takeover deals

The local bourse has finished one per cent higher on M&A activity involving Origin Energy, United Malt Group and Liontown Resources.

Spending slows as households start to shut up shop

Spiralling living costs and rising interest rates have kept discretionary spending subdued, new retail data shows.

NSW task force appointed to slash wait for surgery

Premier Chris Minns has appointed a new task force to tackle the surgery backlog in NSW public hospitals to help the 100,000 people waiting for operat...

Housing fund hits wall as crossbench turns the screws

A $10 billion housing future fund needs the support of the Greens and crossbenchers to pass, but Labor has yet to budge on amendments.

New Zealand lengthening detention for maritime arrivals

The New Zealand immigration minister is toughening laws on detaining asylum seekers who arrive by sea, with the government introducing a "mass arrival...

Conservative shows hand for NSW Liberal leadership role

Conservative Tanya Davies has thrown her hat into the ring to become the deputy leader of the NSW Liberals, with at least three MPs eyeing off the top...

Stricken ship late to alert authorities in close call

The master of a bulk carrier which almost crashed into the NSW coast took almost an hour to notify authorities that the ship's engine had failed, a re...

Guardrails and guidelines as AI embeds itself deeper

Experts have released guidelines on using artificial intelligence with opinion divided on whether the technology will kill jobs or accelerate the econ...

Climate protesters shut out of banking summit

As executives of the big four banks spruiked their decarbonisation agendas, climate protesters rallied against their continued funding of fossil fuel...

The long and winding road to banking in rural Australia

The Senate inquiry into regional bank closures has heard from more than 150 rural Australians about the devastating effects of losing essential servic...

Renters urge Greens to push for bigger housing fund

Renters say they will be disappointed if the Greens compromise on Labor's housing fund, pointing to the deal on the government's climate bill.

Eastern Maar people recognised in native title decision

The first Victorian native title decision in a decade will recognise the land rights of the traditional owners in a region in southwest Victoria.

Decisive win for crossbench in NSW election

NSW will have a larger crossbench than the previous parliament, with up to 12 independent and Greens MPs likely to be sworn in after the state electio...

Labor's housing fund stalls as crossbench demands more

A $10 billion housing future fund needs the support of the Greens and crossbenchers to pass, but Labor has yet to budge on amendments.

New Zealand flags AUKUS interest, China raises concern

New Zealand Defence Minister Andrew Little has confirmed talks with the United States about joining the non-nuclear aspect of the AUKUS defence deal.