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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PM Anthony Albanese faces fierce criticism for dismissing calls for a royal commission into antisemitism as 'bulls***' following the Bondi attack. Read the full political fallout.
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.
A Perth man has been hit with four additional terrorism charges as part of an ongoing investigation. Read the latest on the case and the police response.
Former MCo Beauty CFO Stuart Sher has settled his Federal Court case against founders Shelley Sullivan and Dennis Bastas. Get the full details on the confidential agreement.
Shire of Murray CEO Dean Unsworth has been awarded the 2025 Local Government Leader of the Year title at the IPAA WA Achievement Awards. Discover his collaborative leadership and key achievements.
The Albanese government is investigating a surge in psychological injury claims among public servants, driving a workers' compensation bill to $7.9bn this year. Read the full analysis.
More than 1800 Qantas workers will receive part of a $40 million payout after a Federal Court found their pandemic sacking was illegal. Justice Michael Lee ordered the payment, marking the end of a five-year legal battle.
Mining and energy groups warn a Federal Court decision creates a 'two-tiered' workplace class, expanding union delegate powers beyond Fair Work Commission limits. Read the full story.
A Federal Court ruling paves the way for 13 former staff to sue the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Canberra for unfair dismissal, rejecting claims of sovereign immunity. Read the full legal analysis.
A former director of the troubled 3 Property Group is taking legal action in the Federal Court, alleging he was coerced into a directorship and is owed over $669,000. Read the full details of the case.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers will unveil a slightly improved deficit of $36.8bn in the mid-year budget update, crediting savings and spending restraint. Read the full details.
Former PM John Howard condemns the current government's handling of gun law debates and its failure to tackle rising anti-semitism. Read his full critique.
Offensive messages targeting Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles were found scrawled across Geelong's city centre. Police are investigating the incident as a targeted attack.
Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has defected to One Nation, becoming its sole lower house MP. He calls it a 'considered decision' after election campaign restrictions. Read the full story.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ends 2025 on a high after a crushing election win and Coalition chaos. But political analyst Mark Kenny warns of looming dangers from hubris and secrecy that could undo Labor's success. Read the full analysis.
Paul Murray argues the WA and Federal Labor governments must curb spending to ease the cost of living crisis. Read his analysis on fiscal policy impacts.
East Fremantle councillors have unanimously voted to receive superannuation payments, backdated to the October elections. The move aligns the Town with larger councils.
Trainer Nacim Dilmi is confident How Much Better can break through for a win at Newcastle, with perfect conditions to suit. Get the full preview and expert analysis here.
Trainer Nacim Dilmi is confident How Much Better can win at Newcastle with ideal conditions. He also fancies Federal Reserve's chances in a maiden. Full preview inside.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch expresses frustration as alleged drug trafficker Arash Ebrahimi-Far remains in Iran, delaying justice for six years. Read the latest on the stalled extradition case.
Hunter-based Lifestyle Solutions hit with a landmark $2.5 million penalty for failing NDIS participants in a Central Coast group home. Read the shocking details of abuse and neglect uncovered by the court.