News

Queensland's ecotourism plans 'poorly defined': report

A report by Queensland's auditor-general has found the state's ecotourism plan to be lacking coherent policy and poorly defined.

Business groups call out missed chance to boost growth

The federal budget has been broadly welcomed by the business community but some worry it doesn't go far enough to boost productivity and investment.

Call for energy rules, not cheap loans, for landlords

Greedy property investors are the biggest barrier to energy upgrades that could save renters on bills, casting doubt on new low-cost finance to power...

Farmers warn budget will not curb rising food prices

The national farmers federation says the budget will do nothing to address food price inflation and falls short for farmers, but others were more posi...

'No other choice', nannas take NSW government to court

Self-described "knitting nannas" Helen Kvelde and Dominique Jacobs are challenging the NSW government's anti-protest laws in the Supreme Court.

Frigate failure as $45b warships 'lack value for money'

An audit of the Hunter class frigate program found the defence department didn't conduct value-for-money assessments and oversaw cost blowouts and del...

Push for long-term rental reform to help housing crisis

An increase to rental assistance has been welcomed by the nation's peak housing bodies, but they warn the measure doesn't go far enough to manage the...

Institute sorry over findings of professor's misconduct

A Brisbane medical institute has apologised for failings that made it slow to act to serious research misconduct by a prominent cancer researcher.

Passengers launch class action over "cruise from hell"

Cruise passengers are suing for damages and a refund after their vessel got caught in cyclonic weather, claiming they had no option to cancel their ho...

U12 sport abuse to spark A-League bans in new crackdown

Facial recognition could be deployed in NSW stadiums to enforce bans against violent spectators as the government explores ways to protect community r...

NSW premier refuses immediate answers for charged MP

NSW Premier Chris Minns has been criticised for refusing to answer an MP's questions on the floor of parliament while the MP awaits criminal trial.

Health regulator to issue warnings about dodgy doctors

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency will have the power to issue public statements about practitioners who are a danger to public saf...

Police 'had a passion' for Lehrmann prosecution to fail

The ACT's top prosecutor says he faced unprecedented pressure from police not to proceed with a retrial of the man accused of raping Brittany Higgins.

Elderly hairdresser with 'active sex life' denies rape

A Sydney hairdresser claiming he had an active sex life with models has denied allegations he raped three teenage female clients from the 1970s to 90s...

Fight against breast cancer scores $12m research boost

The National Breast Cancer Foundation has announced it will invest $12 million to 16 research projects around the country.

WA premier says youth detention centre riot 'terrorism'

Most inmates involved in a major disturbance at Perth's Banksia Hill Juvenile Detention Centre have surrendered, authorities say.

'Brazen, predatory' upskirting teacher may be autistic

A teacher who has pleaded guilty to filming the private parts of schoolgirls in his classroom has had his sentencing delayed for a doctor's report.

Rural residents feel forgotten in federal budget: Nats

Nationals leader David Littleproud has hit out against the federal budget, claiming regional and rural areas have been left behind.

Actor Vince Colosimo in court over $65k unpaid fines

Underbelly star Vince Colosimo has faced a Melbourne court over his failure to pay more than $65,000 in fines.

Man arrested after housemate found stabbed to death

Police have launched a murder investigation and arrested a man after his housemate was found dead with multiple stab wounds at a home in Cairns.