Australian shares move lower ahead of Federal Budget

Local shares are trending lower ahead of the Federal Budget announcement but market analysts say it is typical for the May trading period.

Internet woes jump prompting plea for telcos to act

The number of complaints about internet services has jumped, prompting a plea for telcos to provide better customer service.

COVID tower lockdown residents offered $5m settlement

Thousands of residents suddenly locked down in Melbourne public housing towers in 2020 will be eligible for compensation as part of a class action set...

Police investigating after sudden death of baby girl

A crime scene has been declared following the sudden death of a baby girl at a home on the Gold Coast.

GST and royalties to drive NT to surplus in three years

The Northern Territory is on track to return to surplus by 2026-27 as mining royalties and a greater share of GST boosts the coffers, Treasurer Eva La...

Student missing in cave, schools evacuated in NZ storms

Another big wet in New Zealand's North Island has brought flash flooding, while a school group were trapped in a Northland cave.

Study calls for early treatment of gestational diabetes

Treating gestational diabetes earlier than the recommended 24-28 weeks gives more protection for mothers and babies during pregnancy, researchers say.

Government under pressure to raise gas producer taxes

Key crossbenchers say the government should go further with its changes to the Petroleum Rent Resource Tax to get better value for taxpayers.

The New Boy, Dark Emu bookend Sydney Film Festival

The 70th year of the Sydney Film Festival showcases a slate of new Australian features, including The New Boy and The Dark Emu Story.

The New Boy, Dark Emu feature at Sydney Film Festival

The 70th year of the Sydney Film Festival showcases a slate of new Australian features, including The New Boy and The Dark Emu Story.

Telstra call issue fixed but some must adjust settings

Telstra says it has resolved a problem affecting calls on mobile phones but some customers may still need to adjust settings to make a call.

Delays amid squabble for $50k legal fees in $105m fraud

Found guilty of one of the most serious tax crimes ever prosecuted, Adam Cranston cannot be sentenced until a dispute over $50,000 in legal fees is se...

Deaths trigger warning over illegal opioids in Qld

Queensland authorities have issued a warning about black market opioids, with police investigating potential deaths in relation to the drugs.

NCA bomber Domenic Perre dies in custody

The man jailed for the bombing of the National Crime Authority office in Adelaide in 1994 has died while serving a life sentence.

Calls for petrol ban to speed up electric swap

One in four new vehicles sold in Australia could be electric by 2025 but a group of energy experts says a ban on petrol cars would speed up the move.

Labor to force Greens' hand on $10b housing bill

The government is keen to bring its signature housing fund to a vote in the Senate but the Greens are warning against the move with negotiations ongoi...

New Zealand finances worsen, budget deficit looms

New Zealand government books are in worse shape than predicted, one week out from the 2023 budget to be delivered by Finance Minister Grant Robertson.

More than half of calls to Kids Helpline go unanswered

More than half the children who contact Kids Helpline are unable to get through to a counsellor despite an increasing demand for mental health support...

Telstra outage impacting mobile phone calls

Telstra is working to fix a problem impacting calls on mobile phones but says triple zero calls are not affected.

Housing tower COVID-19 lockdown reaches $5m settlement

Thousands of residents impacted by a sudden lockdown in Melbourne public housing towers in 2020 are eligible for $5 million after a class action settl...