A federal inquiry examines the worsening financial state of Australian local governments, with Hunter councils highlighting unsustainable costs from climate change, tourism, and state mandates. Will it lead to real change?
The ACT Government is pushing ahead with a new $150 million aquatic centre in Woden, despite facing criticism over costs and transparency. Discover the details and the political debate.
The Albanese government faces criticism over claims its tobacco tax will fund health measures. Experts call it a misleading 'puff piece' that ignores the true cost of smoking. Read the full analysis.
A fast-moving fire has destroyed multiple properties in the Adelaide Hills. Emergency services are on scene. Stay informed with the latest updates and safety advice.
A major police operation is underway in Mullewa, WA, after a shooting. Kenneth John Giles is on the run, with the TRG and air support involved in the search. Follow for live updates.
A fast-moving grass fire near Geelong Ring Road caused significant traffic delays and prompted a multi-agency emergency response. Stay informed on the latest updates.
Firefighters have contained a grass fire in St Leonards, Geelong, at a location targeted by arsonists last year. Authorities are investigating the cause. Read the latest.
Europe's weak response to Trump's threats against Greenland and US actions in Venezuela risks NATO's collapse and emboldens Russia. Analysis by Australian academics.
A major fire at a popular swimming pool on Victoria's Surf Coast led to a large-scale evacuation. Emergency services rushed to the scene. Read the latest on the incident and response.
Four remote bushfires in Canberra's Namadgi National Park are now under control after a complex firefighting operation involving helicopters and specialist crews. Read the latest.
WA's first Local Government Inspector, Tony Brown, now has full powers to oversee councils, issue fines up to $24,000, and recommend suspensions. The reforms aim to stamp out poor conduct.
Experts warn Australia's economy is now governed by subsidy, not reform, with $100bn in off-budget vehicles hiding the true cost. Discover the risks to taxpayers.
Emergency services rushed to a fierce house fire on Wilsons Rd, Whittington. Police are treating the blaze as suspicious and urge witnesses to come forward.
Analysis reveals Australia's freedom of information system has become more expensive and secretive, with costs doubling to $97.9 million while full releases halve. Read the full investigation.
Declassified 2005 cabinet papers expose Australia's secret terror response plan after the London attacks, with themes still relevant today. Read the full story.
Millions of Australians will save on prescription costs as PBS co-payments drop to $31.60 from New Year's Day. Find out how the federal government's policy affects you.
A man has died in severe Gulf Country flooding, with major roads cut and towns isolated. Premier David Crisafulli calls it a 'deep tragedy' as emergency services respond.
A massive fire involving 100 tonnes of chicken manure sparked a major emergency response in Waurn Ponds, Geelong. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours. Read the full story.
A tornado ripped through the Beyond the Valley music festival in Lardner, causing chaos and injuring two. Read the full report on the severe weather event and emergency response.
Western Australia deploys Tactical Response Group officers to Jewish places of worship and major events as a visible deterrent. See the new security measures in place.
Heavily armed police swarmed a Canberra street, ordering residents indoors. One person is in custody after reports of a firearm. Read the latest updates on the incident.
Amid growing public outcry, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces demands to establish a federal royal commission into the Bondi Beach massacre and the surge in anti-Semitism. Critics accuse the government of inaction.
Readers share powerful tributes and perspectives on climate action, the Bondi tragedy, and societal divisions. Explore the community's voice in the Newcastle Herald.
A two-vehicle collision on the Princes Highway at Mount Moriac brought traffic to a standstill. Emergency services responded, with two people taken to Geelong Hospital. Read the latest.
A 48-year-old man allegedly pulled a knife at a family carols event in Launceston. Police made a swift arrest, with no injuries reported. Read the latest on the incident and national security measures.
Victoria Police will deploy officers with semi-automatic rifles around the MCG for the cricket match, citing the current threat environment. Fans urged to be aware.
WA's Labor government spent $46.4m on external consultants in just 10 months, with the opposition slamming the 'alarming' outsourcing rate. Read the full breakdown.
Perth councils secure increased police patrols at iconic beaches like Cottesloe this weekend following Sydney's Bondi terror attack. Community leaders call for reassurance.
A 61-year-old Central Coast man has been sentenced to four years in prison for defrauding the Australian government through a scam involving visa applications and business grants. Read the full details of the case.
Emergency crews rushed to a Geelong pier after a suspicious drum washed ashore, sparking a major hazmat response. Authorities are investigating the contents.